EDIT: Since this article was posted, I tried to purchase the blue alligator strap for the Overseas using the website-based concierge and was told it would be posted out at the earliest 1st June, due to CoVID-19. Just be aware that you may have to wait if trying to purchase a strap or timepiece.
As a moderator of the Vacheron Constantin Facebook group the most commonly discussed and desirable model right now is the Generation 3 Overseas 4500V with a blue dial; and who could blame them?
When I was searching for my first Vacheron I took a trip down to the Bond Street London boutique and had a fabulous time. I was initially there to discuss and try out the Overseas blue dial small model 2300V with a blue dial (here on VC’s site, but a subject for another article) because I was concerned about the size of the 4500V for my wrist. I have to say that I can’t wait to make another visit as I was downstairs for what feels like hours, locked in a room with the reps who masquerade as a sales team but are really just watch geeks like me who want to discuss their passion for timepieces. I can confirm that the champagne quantity and big tray of watches were also a big help.
Ultimately I was convinced that the 4500V was the way to go but then, which colour? I sometimes kick myself that I didn’t opt for the bronze dial but what I really needed was a watch that gets worn in all manner of conditions. The 4500V gets worn for showering, sleeping, working and painting the house (what else is there to do in lockdown, other than starting a blog?). It might be a moot point, but that silver dial version works on every strap option available in the VC strap bar and with every attire the wardrobe. It had to be done.
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SILVER DIALS IN THE PRESS
While the trend for “everything with a blue dial” is still prevalent one can’t help but notice the flurry of silver dial and blue strap combo’s hitting the market in 2020. Some might feel the penchant for a blue dial might be seen as a modern fad; the humble silver dial with blue strap in my mind is somewhat more timeless – and if you get bored? Change it up. There have been countless white and silver dialed watches over the years but I am “colourblind” when it comes to a well executed dial.
Some tasteful little numbers are coming from Jaeger-LeCoultre across their model lines that show the versatility in a variety of case shapes.
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THE 4500V SILVER DIAL
I may be in the minority but the silver dial variant is not only the best looking aesthetically but is also rather a lot rarer than the blue and black dials. I got my mspaint out and had a play with this variant to see what it would be like, and i’m absolutely convinced that it was the right choice for me. The sunburst dial with blackened indices and hands makes for great readability with the right level of flash.
I can’t visit the boutique right now, but as I understand it they still take mail orders. Hopefully a blue strap will be on it’s way to me shortly!
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I too agree that the silver dial is the way to go, and I finally purchased one. The blue gets the most attention, but the silver is the most versatile, and definitely flies under the radar. Nice little write-up.
Glad you think so, and hope you enjoy your silver dial as much as I do every day. Thanks for reading!
I love the silver dial too but I think the blue really shines on this Overseas. While I think that blue dialed watches have been over played the past few years by what seems like every brand, I still love it on the overseas. Also, mspaint is an AMAZING idea and I wish I had thought of it myself!
Haha thanks! Fortunately I’ve now gone ahead and actually bought the strap – review is on it’s way!