Presented in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak completely transformed the high-end Swiss watch industry.

Gérald Genta’s avant-garde creation was a sporty yet elegant steel wristwatch with a bold octagonal bezel and an integrated bracelet—one continuous architectural form rather than separate case and strap. Despite early criticism, Genta’s revolutionary idea became an international success, effectively creating an entirely new category of luxury timepieces.

The Royal Oak’s impact inspired several other iconic steel sports watches with integrated bracelets, including the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the IWC Ingenieur—both also penned by Genta.

Not to be outdone, Vacheron Constantin—the world’s oldest continuously operating watchmaker, now 270 years old—introduced its own interpretation of the luxury sports watch. To celebrate its 222nd anniversary, Vacheron unveiled the “222,” designed by a young Jörg Hysek.

While the 222 echoed some of Genta’s design cues, it carried its own identity: a slim, barrel-shaped case, a notched round bezel, and a Maltese cross inset at 5 o’clock. The 222 would be followed by the octagonal 333 and the round-cased Phidias, both featuring integrated bracelets.

Vacheron’s true breakthrough came in 1996 with the launch of the Overseas—the direct spiritual successor to the 222. Like its predecessor, the Overseas features a tonneau-shaped case and a fluted bezel inspired by the Maltese cross, extended by a sculptural, integrated bracelet that blends elegance and sportiness to perfection.

And that brings us to what we’re excited to offer you today: a Vacheron Constantin Overseas reference 42040, housed in a perfectly sized 37 mm steel case.

The iconic case is in excellent condition, as is the integrated bracelet, which fits wrists up to 18.5 cm.

The dial—originally blue—has aged into a rich purple tropical tone, with subtle hints of underlying copper peeking through. It features a date window, crisp white printing, and charming small triangular tritium markers that have aged to a warm beige patina.

This unexpected, almost utilitarian twist gives the watch a bold edge—adding character rarely seen on an Overseas.

This tropical 42040 comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, booklets, and its Certificate of Origin and Warranty, indicating a 1998 sale.This fine VC is powered by automatic cal.1310 and has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

A rare, characterful, early Overseas—ready for the next chapter in its journey !

Specifications:

 

• Vacheron Constantin Overseas reference 42040 /423A

• 37mm steel case

• Overseas signature bezel

• Serial 688xxx dates to the 1990's

• Original blue dial discoloured to tropical purple and copper tones

• Sailing boat case back engraving

• Calibre VC1310 automatic chronometer movement

• Integrated steel bracelet

• Inner and outer boxes

• Booklets and Certificate of Origin stating a sale in 1998

• Fully serviced by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warranty

• Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping