The Everest is inarguably the most capable Overseas Vacheron Constantin have designed, developed entirely for exploration. In 2019, Cory Richards set out on his third ascent of Mount Everest, the most treacherous North-East Ridge. For this expedition, Vacheron Constantin developed a titanium and tantalum Overseas Dual Time prototype with gunmetal and orange accents. That watch was then auctioned for charity at Phillips, but received such widespread fervor that Vacheron Constantin decided to release a limited production of 150 examples (in Chronograph and Dual Time) in 2021. The Everests have come to be regarded as the very first Vacheron Constantin tool watches.
The changes are drastic. The Cory Richards protoype had guards for the crown and pushers, which were not seen in any other Overseas. This case shape with crown guards was translated through to this limited edition as well, it is a distinct, more angular case side. Further, the case, bezel, crown, and pusher-guards, are all made in titanium. The bezel, crown, and pusher-guards are bead-blasted, while the main 41mm case body incorporates a variety of brushing and mirror finish. The only steel base component is the spacing ring that sits under the titanium bezel main. Its dial is a textured, cold gunmetal grey, with vibrant orange detail. Additionally, a Cordura strap was included, a material familiar to outdoorsmen but seldom seen in high watchmaking. The entire aesthetic embraces a sporting, more purposeful design while losing none of the refinement the Overseas was built upon.
The Calibre 5110 DT/2 was treated with anthracite NAC, adding a cool tone that matches the tonality of the dial. Additionally, the 22k gold rotor has been given an engraving of the Himalayan range in which Everest sits, based on a photo taken by Cory Richards and supplied to Vacheron Constantin. Each example is numbered in series.
The Overseas Everest releases are the only outright tool watches Vacheron Constantin has ever made. Roughly a year after the prototype Cory Richards auction, collectors came to this realization as well. Vacheron Constantin stepped in a new watchmaking direction for the first in the production Everest. Production volumes, however, were so small that only their best clients were able to acquire one. It is a rare treat to offer this Everest, one of the most refined yet capable sports watches which has ever been made.
