Vacheron Constantin’s new solid-gold watch proves quartz can be luxurious too

Photo of Vacheron Constantin Overseas Quartz

The 33 mm Overseas now comes in a full gold bracelet and a touch of diamonds around the bezel

Vacheron Constantin has just introduced a new full-gold ladies’ quartz watch. It’s an upgraded version of the quartz model in the popular Overseas collection, the sporty/chic side of the brand’s range. The 33 mm watch has the hallmarks of a fashion watch, with chic dial in “denim blue” and interchangeable straps—it comes with a bracelet that can be swapped out for two other options (casual leather or sporty rubber, both in denim blue) so, it’s one watch with three different looks, and the bracelet switching system is one of the most functional around.

But it comes with more than a few upgrades. First, the case and bracelet are both solid 18k gold, bringing the price to US$51,500. Secondly, the bezel is set with 78 diamonds. (These factors alone make it a far cry from the gold-plated, crystal-set fashion watches that dominated the ladies’ watch market during the quartz era, right up until the late ’90s and early aughts). The other difference is that it’s not just pretty; it’s also very functional, with a small seconds and date window, a rarity in a small ladies’ day watch. For example, Vacheron’s 30 mm quartz model in the Traditionelle line is a two-hand, with hours and minutes only and no date or seconds. Also, it’s only water resistant to 30 meters, whereas the new 33 mm Overseas can go to 50 meters.

Photo of three Vacheron Constantin Overseas with different straps
Photo by Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron already offers 33 mm quartz watches in its Overseas collection, including a model with an 18k pink gold case. What further sets the Overseas Quartz ref. 225V/200R-H015 is the solid gold integrated bracelet. There aren’t many all-gold quartz watches out there anymore. There’s the Patek Philippe Twenty-4, the Bulgari Serpenti, and several Cartier models, but few companies do quartz in all gold.

Photo of a wrist adorned with the Vacheron Constantin Overseas
Photo by Vacheron Constantin

The bracelet here is made to high watchmaking standards, with links shaped in the brand’s signature Maltese cross motif, a style used across the Overseas range. The full gold bracelet, combined with the diamonds, extra water resistance, and more functions elevates the model firmly into the luxury sphere without being out of range. Given the emerging trend toward slimmer, smaller, everyday classic watches that are built to luxury watch standards, this seems like exactly the right watch for the right time.

Vacheron Constantin

This story was first published by Robb Report USA