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Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding 4500V

Specifications

Case size
41mm, 11mm thick
Case material
Stainless steel (a pink gold version also exists)
Bezel
Raised bezel shaped like the Maltese cross
Dial
Silver, blue or brown (steel versions), with a sunburst center, a velvet flange, applied white gold baton indexes and the date at 3 o'clock
Movement
Vacheron Constantin calibre 5100, automatic, Hallmark of Geneva
Power reserve
About 60 hours, from twin barrels
Water resistance
150 meters
Crystal
Sapphire, front and screwed-down caseback
Bracelet
Interchangeable steel bracelet. Rubber and leather straps with a steel folding buckle came with the watch

The story

Vacheron Constantin introduced the 222 in 1977 to mark the brand's 222nd anniversary. Monochrome Watches calls it Vacheron's take on the luxury sports watch and the spiritual grandfather of the Overseas, and says the first Overseas collection appeared in 1996.

At SIHH 2016 the brand launched the third generation of the Overseas, and the 4500V was its time-only automatic. Monochrome says it replaced the earlier time-only Overseas and kept the same DNA with a redesigned case: 41mm against 42mm before, a more rounded tonneau shape and a more pronounced bezel in the shape of the Maltese cross. The dial lost its Arabic numerals for applied white gold baton indexes, the date moved from 4:30 to 3 o'clock, and the movement was an all-new calibre 5100 developed and made by Vacheron Constantin.

The collection was built around interchangeability. Three types of metal bracelet, plus leather and rubber straps, change without tools through a system that Vacheron says is as robust as a fixed bracelet. The steel watches were announced with silver and blue dials, and a brown dial was offered too. In November 2022 Fratello wrote an open letter asking the brand to bring back the brown dial.

What to check before you buy

The 4500V shipped with more than the watch. At launch the steel versions came with a steel bracelet, two additional straps and an additional folding clasp, so a complete example should have its straps and clasp. Check that the tool-free release works on each one.

The watch is available in several dials and metals, so confirm which one you have on the paperwork: silver, blue or brown in steel, plus pink gold and two-tone silver and gold versions. Monochrome Watches notes the date is almost invisible on the silver dial. Through the caseback you should see the calibre 5100 with its 22k gold oscillating weight decorated with a compass rose. The case carries a soft iron ring that protects the movement against magnetic fields of up to 25,000 A/m.

Buying or selling a 4500V?

Moda is always buying. Text photos to (605) 521-2821 for a fast offer, or start on the Moda Watches page. For any deal with a stranger, Moda's middleman service inspects the watch before money changes hands.

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Common questions

What movement is in the Overseas 4500V?

The calibre 5100, developed and made by Vacheron Constantin. It has 172 parts, beats at 28,800 vibrations an hour, carries the Hallmark of Geneva and has a power reserve of about 60 hours from twin barrels.

How big and how water resistant is the 4500V?

The case is 41mm across and 11mm thick, with a screwed-down crown and caseback that give 150 meters of water resistance.

What dial colors does the 4500V come in?

In steel, silver and blue were announced at SIHH 2016, and a brown dial was offered as well. Pink gold and two-tone silver and gold versions with silver dials were also made.

Can you swap the bracelet on an Overseas?

Yes. The Overseas has an interchangeability system for bracelets, straps, and the folding clasp or buckle that works without tools, according to Monochrome Watches.

Where does the Overseas name come from?

Monochrome Watches traces it to the 222 of 1977, which it calls the spiritual grandfather of the Overseas, and says the first Overseas collection appeared in 1996.

Related references

Sources

The facts on this page come from the brand and from established watch publications.

Specifications summarized from the manufacturer's published information and the watch press. Moda is an independent community and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Vacheron Constantin. Trademarks belong to their owners. Spot an error? Tell us through the contact form and we will fix it.