Jaded watch guys invariably yearn for the mythical days of yore, back when leading watch companies would outfit intrepid explorers with the latest horological tech. Back then, there were still a few blank spots on the world map, and the romanticism of this era — and its associated wristwear, now grown classic — tends to capture the modern imagination. (Think Rolex and the first ascent of Everest, or the plumbing of the ocean’s depths.) Alas, the blank spots on the map have all but been filled in, and for the most part, companies are no longer providing wristwatches for exploratory expeditions, such as they are. After all, the mechanical wristwatch is, itself, largely outdated tech.
However, we would be remiss if we dealt in grand, sweeping generalizations without making note of certain exceptions: Vacheron Constantin, one of the “Big Three” famed Swiss watchmaking houses (along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet), developed a special dual-time model within its Overseas Collection and provided the prototype to American adventurer and photographer Cory Richards in 2019 for his attempt to summit Mt. Everest. Though functionally identical to the standard, steel model Overseas Dual Time, this very special watch was produced in lightweight titanium with tantalum reinforcement — a rarity for conservative Vacheron — and outfitted with both a titanium bracelet and a Ventile cotton strap. (It was also fitted with a unique grey-blue dial and oversized markers.)
The immediate question upon this watch’s release in 2019 was: When will a production model be available to the larger watch-buying public? To which the answer at the time was: Probably never. However, all good things come to those who wait — or more, accurately, perhaps, to those who become swept up in a global pandemic and are no longer waiting on anything in particular except for the end of said pandemic — and good news has been delivered by the Watch Gods at long last: Production models have arrived.
“Exploration extracts us from the barrage of daily life. It strips the noise away and reduces us to something more basic.” -Cory Richards
I say “models” because this release actually includes two watches: a production run of the Overseas Dual Time Everest model that Richards wore on Everest, as well as a special version of the Overseas Chronograph (called the “Overseas Chronograph Everest”) that makes use of similar materials and livery. Each is limited to 150 pieces and features dual titanium-and-steel construction: While the bezel ring is rendered in stainless steel, the case itself, as well as the crown, pushers, pusher guards and bezel are titanium. Both feature cool grey-blue Cordura straps with orange stitching that match the watches’ dials (which feature orange accents), as well as grey rubber straps that make use of a quick-change system. (Sorry, but those of you hoping for a fully titanium bracelet are SOL. Try to be happy with what you’ve got, here.) Let’s take a brief look at each watch:
