SOTC # 16 of 16: VACHERON CONSTATIN OVERSEAS 4500V
/I think the goal of many collectors is to find the perfect thing that they collect. Something that they aspire to, something that inspires them, something that might be so good that it might be the final piece of the puzzle. For me, it was always owning a stainless steel sports watch from one of the holy trinity brands.
It was down to either an Audemars Piquet Royal Oak 15202 or a Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500v, both in blue. I’ve had limited experience and wrist time with both so it was a true toss up. As I came to discover, trying to acquire the AP 15202 at retail has become downright silly and sadly ridiculous. The most logical option seemed to be the Overseas 4500v.
June 21, 2020. Father’s Day and my birthday. My lovely wife and awesome son initially presented me with some Vacheron swag. A belt and coffee table book. Cool! Then a big box appeared... After a few minutes of playing guess what this is, I ripped the wrapping off, to find a big brown box. Could it be? Opened that, and found another black box. Opened that and discover a nice black, lacquer finish wood box with the Vacheron logo. Could it be? I opened that box and... Oh. My. God. The Overseas in blue wrapped in all its factory plastic glory!
The watch itself is as every bit as good as I hoped it would be and more. The highly decorated and detailed 5100 movement, that beautiful 22K gold rotor, the beautiful polished and brushed case and bracelet, the Maltese cross design motif and lastly, that dial, the stunning lacquer, sun brushed, blue dial. The most logical choice has become the best choice.
This is easily the very best watch in my collection. And I’m not referring to best as in technical prowess, although it’s up there in that category as well, but best as in its sentimental value. It’s so good that this is that perfect thing that I was seeking. While this might not be the last watch ever, there’s nothing else that I want. It just doesn’t get any better than this.