Boutique exclusive from the day it launched, this was the first time a retrograde ever landed inside a Vacheron sports watch. Collectors who already own the usual steel suspects tend to stop right here, because nobody else at the table is going to have one. Call it the Ocean’s Eleven of the group, the one that walks in quiet and walks out with everything.

Presents itself in mint condition with little to no signs of wear. Set against a lacquered blue base, the sunburst center shifts shade with every turn of the wrist, bright royal in daylight and near midnight at the edges, while two gold moons drift across a starry sky at six o’clock and 18K white gold hour markers and hands stand cleanly against the dial. Crowned by six notches shaped after the Maltese cross, the polished bezel top grabs light while the satin sides keep everything calm. Draped in half Maltese cross links with polished centers and satin edges, the steel bracelet closes on a triple folding clasp stamped with the same cross.

Functions include hours, minutes, retrograde date, precision moon phase, and balance stop. The fluted screw down crown at three o’clock runs everything, so unscrew it first until it springs free. In the first position, turning the crown walks the retrograde date hand forward one day at a time. Pulling the crown to the second position stops the balance and allows the hands to be set precisely. Power comes from the self winding caliber 2460 R31L/2, built in house and stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva, with approximately 40 hours of power reserve. Flipped over, the sapphire caseback reveals a 22K gold winding weight cut like a wind rose. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters, which covers rain and a sink but not a swim. Screw the crown back down when you are done.

Comes as a complete set, double boxed with international limited warranty card, warranty booklet, leather travel case, leather document pouch, hang tag, blue calfskin leather strap, blue rubber strap, and a second stainless steel triple folding clasp. The watch is accompanied by Vacheron Constantin’s digital warranty and Digital Passport.

Beyond the familiar steel sports-watch formula, this Overseas brings a more distinctive personality to the wrist through its boutique-exclusive configuration, sculpted casework, and carefully finished bracelet. It is aimed at the collector who has already explored the obvious choices and wants something less commonly encountered without giving up everyday wearability. For anyone who has been waiting for an Overseas that feels a little more unexpected, this example is worth a closer look.