Replaced in 2024 after an eight-year run, this 4500V in silver is the steel sports watch Vacheron Constantin built for a life on the move. Collectors who want Holy Trinity pedigree in an everyday steel sports watch will feel right at home. Picture James Bond in a linen suit: just as sharp in the boardroom as on a yacht deck.

Presents itself in mint condition with little to no signs of wear. Washed in a silver sunburst, the dial shimmers from bright silver to soft grey as light moves across it, while lume-filled hour markers glow teal after dark. Framed by a six-notched bezel inspired by the Maltese cross, polished edges catch the light while brushed notches stay cool and calm. Carved from stainless steel, the case is brushed across the top and mirror-polished along its sides, so it flashes matte and gloss at the same time.

Functions include hours, minutes, central seconds, date, and a tool-free quick-change system. Unscrew the Maltese cross crown at 3 o’clock until it pops free, then wind it gently until the seconds hand starts running to wake the in-house caliber 5100, a Hallmark of Geneva movement with about 60 hours of power reserve. Pull the crown to the second click and park the hands at 6:30, then push it to the first click and set the date to yesterday. Pull back to the second click, turn the hands forward past midnight until today’s date appears, set the correct time, then push the crown in and screw it down tight on a case rated to 150 meters. Swapping looks takes seconds: press the small button on the underside of each bracelet or strap end, slide it out, and click the next one in.

Comes as a complete set, double-boxed with an international limited warranty card, instruction booklets, a stainless steel bracelet, a black rubber strap, a black leather strap, and an interchangeable folding clasp.

Ticking under the oldest continuously running name in fine watchmaking, it is a travel companion for collectors who live out of a carry-on. With the 4500V now out of production, complete three-look sets are getting harder to find each year. Book the trip, and let it lead the way.