Vacheron Constantin Overseas Quartz Ref 72050, early 2000s — view 1 of 6 — View 1 of 6 · Image: Bulang & Sons · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

View 1 of 6 · Image: Bulang & Sons · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Quartz Ref 72050, early 2000s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: Vacheron Constantin (maker)
Date: early 2000s
Historical period: Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Dimensions: Case 35 mm
Dealer: Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen
Stock no.: W-2103
Credit line: Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2103)
Catalogue title (original): Vacheron Constantin Overseas Quartz Ref 72050 (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-2103), this is a wristwatch by Vacheron Constantin, made in Switzerland, dated early 2000s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

Mid size – max style… The Vacheron Overseas has become a hot watch with collectors and is to V&C what the Royal Oak is to AP and the Nautilus to Patek – a luxe sports watch. This is an early 2000s example of the quartz-movement Overseas with 35mm steel case, often stated as 37mm due to the crown guards. These watches wear a lot bigger anyway, thanks to the integrated bracelet. The grey dial has applied arrow hour markers that are in white gold, as denoted by the sigma markings at the bottom of the dial. The strong and stylized bezel is in great condition. One of the coolest elements of these watches is the case back that features a very detailed engraving of a sailing ship. The integrated bracelet would fit a wrist size up to 17.5cm and is stamped 423/50 and W10. The quartz movement has been fully checked by our watchmaker and a new battery fitted. Specifications: - Vacheron & Constantin Overseas 72050 - 35mm steel case (37mm with crown guards) - Overseas signature bezel - Serial 679xxx dates to the early 2000s - Grey sigma dial - Sailing ship screw-on caseback - Quartz movement - Integrated steel bracelet - Fully checked by our watchmaker - Includes a handmade leather watch pouch

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Quartz, digital and electronic watches

Electronic watches arrived in three steps. The Hamilton Electric 500 (1957) was the first battery-powered wristwatch, still with a balance; Bulova's Accutron (1960) used a tuning fork. On 25 December 1969 Seiko released the Astron 35SQ, the first quartz wristwatch, closely followed by the Swiss Beta 21 group. In 1972 Hamilton's Pulsar introduced the LED digital watch, and LCD displays soon made digital watches cheap.

The 'Quartz Crisis' that followed devastated the Swiss mechanical industry, which lost two-thirds of its workforce between 1970 and 1984 before recovering with the Swatch (1983) and the luxury mechanical revival. Solar, radio-controlled, kinetic and connected smartwatches continue the electronic line.

What to look for

Battery hatch in the case back and calibre markings with 'Quartz' or a crystal frequency.
Display technology: LED (red, push-button) versus LCD (always-on).
Tuning-fork hum and a smoothly sweeping seconds hand on Accutrons.
Model and reference numbers, often printed on the back.

Dating clues

Electric balance watches: from 1957.
Tuning-fork watches: 1960–c. 1977.
Quartz analogue: from December 1969; LED digital: 1972–c. 1978; LCD from 1973.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Mechanisms mentioned

Quartz crystal oscillator — Component

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsNot in source
DimensionsRecorded
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Bulang & Sons — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"Vacheron Constantin Overseas Quartz Ref 72050, early 2000s." Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen, W-2103. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/vacheron-constantin-overseas-quartz-ref-72050-96bfda.