Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton, Titanium

Up until 2022, the final boss of the Overseas range was either the QP Skeleton or Dual Time Everest, inarguably. The true genius of the QP was not just complication, but complication with more thinness. Normally, the greater a component count in a calibre, the larger the height. Here, that reversed. The genius of the Everest was true utilitarian purpose and storytelling. Then, in 2022, we got this. It’s a classic complication, if you’re one who calls a Tourbillon that, and it sort of splits the height difference. If you consider the Everest Chronograph is 13.7mm thick and the QP is 8.1mm thin, this is a relatively thin 10.3mm. That might not sound all that impressive, until you realize this is a self-wound watch. And to make a Tourbillon that thin, there’s a peripheral rotor. Now, that ‘final boss’ status is up for debate.

The photography for this find is courtesy of Monochrome for the first two images, Hodinkee on the latter two images. 

Because, above all that, what makes the Tourbillon Skeleton stand out in the Overseas range is not obvious at first glance. It has more in common with the Everest than the QP. Yes, this is a fully titanium case and bezel. The Everest used a Ti case with steel bezel, so this is a VC first. And that’s overlooked. All of that gives this Overseas a very adaptable, true sports watch flavor. That, with a skeletonized movement, equals to 20% less weight overall. It’s a highly technical, aggressively modern watch for a new type of watch buyer. RM can’t have all the fun, surely?

So, what we have here is actually a perfect hybrid between non-complication complication and utilitarian metal. It’s equal parts QP Skeleton and Everest in wearability, finishing, complication, and nearly every metric. The finishing standard is no less excellent than the QP, all the bridges are marvelous. And it’s just 110 grams, almost exactly the same as the Ti YM. This is now, surely the third entrant in the ultimate Overseas battle. But the market seems to have preference for Ti. Retail here was around 175K US. They’re trading hands at 250k, where the QP isn’t nearly double retail. The Everest is about double retail, but the overall value was much lower to start. So perhaps, at least for now, this really is the most desirable Overseas in the world.

There aren't that many in the market at any given time, but this example looks great. If you click through to the listing, you'll find there's almost no wear on the Titanium, its case shape is true as well. It comes from a well-regarded London retailer.