VC Overseas 2nd generation

[Eelco]

So, I'm currently contemplating whether to expand my collection or go for one upgraded watch.

I'd like some opinions on an upgrade in the form of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph 49150, 2nd generation. Let's say I could get a preloved one for about €10k ($11.1k)

What are your thoughts on the watch? It's a lovely looking watch and it seems like an upgrade in finishing, a next level in horology.

Would it be equally durable as a Rolex?

And I think the price has obviously dropped since it was new. Older models of VC are even less expensive, so it makes me wonder.. What are you thoughts on value retention of this VC? Obviously it's not really predictable but if I want to upgrade or buy something else in the future, I'd like to be able to without losing too much money.

I'd love some pictures if you have this watch and experiences are more than welcome!

Here's a picture of said watch.

[dmb359]

I have the non-chrono version (47040) and love it. Love the design, more than any of the current Overseas models.

They are very underrated, with all the other SS pieces going nuts, this is a great time to get a holy trinity piece that hasn't gone way up in price. I can't imagine they will be any cheaper anytime soon, should only increase.

[Art 1]

I’ve always liked them and just handled the non chrono one. To me the MSRP is just crazy.

[schoolboy]

Really nice looking piece.

[Igor01]

I have a VC Chrono (same as the one in your pic), this is my second VCO after having worn a Deep Stream titanium chrono for several years. It's great piece, understated but very refined and elegant, but also with just the right amount of presence on the wrist, particularly when worn on a bracelet. It's not a fragile watch by any means, the Titanium version was particularly tough and and great at hiding small scratches and marks. The finishing on the Overseas is obviously much finer than Rolex I have experience with (Sub-C, Explorer, GMT2) - the level of intricate detail of the patterned dial, markers (incredible under a loupe), case and bracelet is just not comparable to Rolex. The comfort on the wrist is superiour too as the Overseas, despite being a slightly larger watch than your typical professional 40mm Rolex sits better on the wrist due to flatter, lower caseback, curved lugs and an amazingly fluid bracelet.

There are some cons too, though. For one - readability is not as good as my Sub or Explorer, which may not be the case with other Overseas variants like the blue or black dial that have more contrast. Lume sucks when compared to a modern Rolex. The movement is not fragile by any means but probably not as bomb-proof as those in Rolex watches and not as accurate at time keeping (both my Overseas are 4-6 seconds a day too fast). If service cost is a consideration for you, the VC chrono will cost a lot more. I was also told by a Richemont service centre that they don't do polishing only, it is done during the service, not sure if I understood them correctly as it doesn't make sense to me.

Overall, the 2nd gen VC Overseas chrono is a sick deal at current market conditions, considering what you are getting for $10-11k. I don't have a crystal ball but I feel that the prices should remain stable for the foreseeable future - the new model is much more expensive and the brand itself is not as sought after as AP, Patek or Rolex. From what I understand, a lot of people like the Generation 2 Overseas design more than the newest Generation 3, this together with relatively limited supply should keep the Gen 2 current pricing afloat.

In short - if you can comfortably afford one and the inevitable service cost is not a deal breaker, I would definitely recommend adding a VCO chrono to a collection.

One thing I should note about the Overseas metal bracelet - even though it comes with a shorter 2/3 link, because of the awkward size step (-3mm when replacing a full link or +9mm when adding a 2/3 link) it may be hard to get a perfect fit by playing with just that link. I couldn't get it to fit right on my 6.75" wrist and had to buy a second 2/3 link which solved the problem (remove one full link -12mm then add 2 2/3 links +18mm for a total gain of +6mm). When the watch is worn on an alligator or the rubber (great strap too!) the fit is not an issue, it can be adjusted in typical 3mm steps.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Art 1

I’ve always liked them and just handled the non chrono one. To me the MSRP is just crazy.

I think we tried on the same watch Art ... black dial overseas?

I agree btw, MRSP is more than I’m willing to pay.

[dmb359]

well he's talking about the 2nd Gen overseas, which you can't get new at MSRP anymore. MSRP was quite a bit less than the current ones too for these.

At current market price, which is below MSRP, they are a steal compared to some of the other SS watches going for well above MSRP and more than the VC. You can get a holy trinity watch, for well below the market price of a lot of Rolex watches.

[Roger Lococco]

I owned the white one and still own a blue one. It’s my favorite watch on the market - any brand, any watch.


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[fop518]

I just got a gen2 dualtime white dial and I love it. I got it for a really good price (about 10.5k$) so that helps my love for it. But by far the nicest watch I own. The finishing is detailing is way beyond a rolex. But id say a jlc is above a rolex and this is beyond a jlc.
Gen2 overseas is a steal right now.

[fop518]

The watch is really close to a royal oak or nautilus in terms of finish. Maybe just a step down. But close!

[systematic.entropy]

+1 on a VC Overseas. Very underrated at the moment. VC had their bubble several years back, and if you believe these things are cyclical, they'll be hot once more. I've been eyeing up a dual time for a while.

[shafran]

I have the gen 2 overseas deepstream dual time and bought a bracelet for it.
I happen to really like wearing it. You wont regret it!!!

[cascavel]

I have owned the black dial 2nd Gen Overseas chronograph for about five years and think it is about as durable and usable as a luxury chronograph can get. It is built like the proverbial "tank", has terrific legibility with a readable date and oversize chronograph minute counter. I am probably in the minority in believing that the FP1185 movement is preferable to any manufacture movement due to it's long service history. The bracelet clasp works like a charm and is made to last. This has been my "go to" watch for travel vs. my Rolex Sub and I have never had any issues with it. It is not easily scratched because of the bezel shape and the crystal is well protected. I bought mine new and don't regret it for a second.

[improviz]

I waited until the 3rd gen came out before purchasing my black-dialed 2nd gen chrono. Definitely like the 2nd gen better, really love this watch. Very comfortable with great wrist presence, and finishing and craftsmanship are top-notch.

[jag32]

You won’t find a better example of haute horology for the money. For value retention, as long as you buy second hand at the price you posted you’ll never lose money. Reliability is fantastic and it is only +0.5 seconds per day, extremely accurate and the Chrono is smooth as butter. I love mine.

[improviz]

Mine, in black: (as can be seen by Jag's pics, it's a very difficult choice to make! )

[Vipes]

I don’t own one but have tried it on a few times. You get so much watch for the price. I prefer this version due to the Big date and guilloche dial.

[jag32]

In white the watch has so much presence

[jag32]

Also I don't have any legibility or visibility issues with mine in white

[Pouring2010]

I have a Gen 1 chrono. It has spoilt me dor other watches. Quality above anything I own including a AP Royal Oak from 1994.

I am biased but prefer ot to egg shaped Gen3 (not to mention date treatment)

I would highly recommend purchasing based on my experience

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[improviz]

Originally Posted by jag32

In white the watch has so much presence

In any color in fact.