A Closer Look at the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton 18k Watch

In 2019, Vacheron Constantin debuted its latest generation of ultra-thin perpetual calendar watches. The company then launched a skeletonized version of the watch in 2021. Finally, in 2022, the watchmaker debuted the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton 18k Rose Gold Watch. The watch has a deep blue-accented skeletonized dial with an 18k rose gold case. Ultra-thin watchmaking is a skill that few watchmakers possess. That is because you must rearrange and scale the components to millimeters. Vacheron Constantin could do so with this watch, which is 41.5mm wide and a wafer-thin 8.1mm high. However, the watch is yet to beat records for being ultra-thin. According to Monochrome Watches, the world’s thinnest watch is the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar, at 5.8mm. Having described the watch, it is time we considered its technical details. Below are other features of this watch.

Movement

The watch is controlled by the Constantin caliber 1120 QPSQ/1 automatic movement. Though the movement is purely functional, it manages to deliver on aesthetics. It comprises 275 parts and operates at a power lean of 2.75Hz. The movement has a small mainspring barrel that offers 40 hours of power reserve. To get the most in terms of accuracy, you will need to adjust its timing frequently. That is because the 2.75Hz frequency is highly irregular, so you will have to try your best to reprogram it to the 19,800 beats-per-hour rates. However, most people buying this watch will likely want to admire the movement’s design. The movement is skeletonized and has been able to cram in many components within a small space. This is the watch to get if you value aesthetics and are not so keen on accuracy.

Strap Material

Thanks to this watch’s interchangeable strap system, you can opt for an 18K 5N pink gold bracelet, calfskin leather, or rubber strap. Since the watch is primarily golden, it would make sense to wear the gold bracelet to match the look. An advantage of a gold strap is that gold can retain its brightness for a long time without any maintenance. So, it will look as new as it did on the first day you got it. If you opt for the calfskin leather strap, you will admire its comfort. The material is soft, so it will not feel too tight on your wrist. Another aspect of comfort has to do with its breathability. Since the material can absorb humidity and precipitation, your wrist will not feel wet beneath the watch. Lastly, a rubber strap is suitable for people who value durability. Rubber can withstand all forms of pressure on it without getting damaged. For instance, it is water-resistant, resistant to temperature changes, and can be bent without snapping.

Case Material

Its case is polished and brushed with sapphire crystal, front and back. Sapphire is the preferred material for cases due to its hardness. According to Jewelers Touch, sapphire has a hardness value of 9, making it the second hardest mineral after diamond. Due to its hardness, it does not crack or scratch easily. So if you were to drop it from a high point accidentally, the case would remain unaffected. Besides its hardness, sapphire is a transparent material. Its transparency allows you to view the time on the dial. Apart from its transparency, it is visually appealing due to its clearness. However, due to its clearness, there will be a glare due to reflections. To minimize the glare, the mineral is coated with an anti-reflexive coating.

Luminescence

The hours and minutes hands are highlighted with a luminescence called Super-LumiNova. Super-LumiNova uses strontium aluminate since it is nontoxic and nonradioactive. Before this luminescence came along, tritium was the preferred luminescence. Although it was effective as a luminescence, it was radioactive. Tritium was especially dangerous to watchmakers. According to Health Physics Society, prolonged exposure to it causes cancer. Radioactive luminescence is not only harmful to the watchmaker but to the watch wearer. Super-Luminova emits luminescence based on the amount of light they have received. You can think of it as a storage battery charged with light. When it is exposed to light (natural or artificial), it is activated to allow light emission. This phenomenon is called photoluminescence and involves the interaction between an electron and a photon. Since you are constantly surrounded by light, the odds are low that this watch will run out of luminescence. Additionally, this material lasts for a long time since it cannot fade or decay.

Water Resistance

The watch has a water resistance of 50 meters. Water resistance is a confusing concept, so it would be best if we cleared the air on it. Just because a watch has a water resistance of 50 meters, it does not mean you can swim for as long as you like 50 meters deep. The 50 meters water resistance assumes that the water remains still at that level. As you know, the water always experiences continual pressure. When you swim with other people, their foot movements generate pressure that can damage the watch. It is therefore ideal for swimming in shallow waters. However, you can shower and wear it when you wash your hands in the sink. When you shower, ensure the water isn’t hot. Hot water causes the watch to expand. Eventually, the water will get in and destroy its internal components. So if you want a watch for swimming in deep waters, it would be best to get one with a water resistance level of at least 100 meters.

Conclusion

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton 18k Rose Gold Watch is one of the best watches in terms of aesthetics. For instance, it has an attractive movement, transparent glass, and the watch allows you to choose your preferred strap material. Earlier, we talked of its slight issues with inaccuracy, but this visually appealing watch will make you overlook that. Although it may be slightly inaccurate, the watch delivers in terms of durability. Going to a repair shop is costly for some, so getting this watch means you will not be visiting such shops. By durability, we mean its Super-LumiNova luminescence and sapphire case material.