VC Overseas Blue dial as AP RO Blue alternative

[jeffnar]

Just wanted to see if anyone has looked at the Vacheron Overseas blue dial as an alternative to a 15400 or 15500 RO blue and what their thoughts were. I have heard good things about it as an AP alternative, especially if one wants a blue dial, as it is easier to source at a VC boutique than the AP RO blue. Looking to add a blue dial to my collection and just wanted to get your thoughts. Appreciate the input. Thanks

[AshAP]

I tried on an Overseas towards the end of last year and like you my other option was a blue dial 15500. I ended up ordering the 15500 because the Overseas sat quite tall on my wrist and felt big and bling which isn’t what I wanted as I already have an Offshore.


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[jeffnar]

Thanks Ash. Issue is 15500 blue dial (also any 15500st) is not obtainable from an AD. The 15450st may be possible, but I have to see how that will fit on my 6.75 inch wrist.

[Token74]

I looked at the Overseas but it just didn’t do it for me on the wrist. VC make some magnificent watches, but i was disappointed by the Overseas. Just personal preference though.

If you prefer the VC then cool, but don’t settle for it if it’s the AP you really want, you’ll spend a load of cash on a watch only to keep wanting a different one. My advice is to put the effort in, be patient, and get the AP.


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[Patton250]

Great alternative to the 15500. Absolutely just as nice. However the blue in my opinion is nowhere near as nice as the APs blue. You had better look at in in person.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by jeffnar

Thanks Ash. Issue is 15500 blue dial (also any 15500st) is not obtainable from an AD. The 15450st may be possible, but I have to see how that will fit on my 6.75 inch wrist.

Ok I can’t speak regarding your region as I’m in a different country. Are you sure that with a bit of effort you can’t get any 15500? I know the blue dial requires purchase history but I thought the others just required a bit of patience.


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[jeffnar]

Thanks all. I do prefer the AP. I may try buying the grey dial 15450st from my AD to get on list for the blue. If I get the blue, I can always then give the 15450 to my wife. Will visit AP next week. One thing I do like about the VC is the ability to change straps.

[supernova]

The blue VC OS is a stunning watch and one I hope to add to my collection. However, if your into the blue AP RO then I wouldn’t settle for an “alternative”, just hold out and save for the AP. Otherwise even with the VC, you will still be thinking about the AP.
The VC isn’t cheap either so doesn’t take too much more for the AP.


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[EEpro]

I'm on a list for the blue VC 4500V overseas. I am really into strap swapping and love the blue dial and bracelet features. The Easy adjust on both sides of the clasp is so awesome. I've only seen the overseas chrono in person though.

I live in a major market and AP won't take my name or entertain the idea of ordering a royal oak in any color dial. I've asked 3 times this year and offered to pay in full. They weren't rude and were kind enough to let me try on someone's purchased merchandise slated for shipping so I could see the 37, 38, and 41 mm RO cases on my wrist.

The watches were really good (mainly I just love the RO bracelet, the octagon is an acquired taste) but I think the phrase "another level" we always read on TRF is a bit of magical thinking. Put a few scuffs on those flat surfaces and the illusion fades I bet.

I really think their boutique lighting is amazing as my Pepsi looked off the chain in there. I couldn't stop looking at it and I was smitten to put it back on and head over to Rolex to say hi before getting back to work.

[jeffnar]

Thanks! EEpro it is the same for me. Local AP AD will not even put people on the waitlist for any steel 15500, never mind the blue so buying at MSRP is not going to happen. A 15450 in a dial color other than blue is possible though. There is an option for both the 15400 and 15500st in blue from a reputable secondary seller locally but the 15400 is $40K and a 15500 sells for $42K. Too much money. That same seller is an authorized VC dealer and believe it or not they would not even take my name for the VC Overseas and said the blue dial was sold out for at least 2021! I had to go out of state to a VC Boutique and with a 33% deposit they can get it for me in 6-9 months.

BTW: How did the 37mm AP 15450 fit you?

[jeffnar]

Hi Ash. Many thanks. Local AP AD could probably get the 15450 but no 15500 w/o a purchase history.

[Emery]

I entertained the notion of "settling" for the VCO.
While on its own, it's a nice watch (and a value proposition when you include the strap options), I much preferred the RO for its design, history and bracelet.

Blue to blue, I preferred the RO too - more subdued and classy, but of course that comes down to individual preference.
At that level, one thing that really irked me on the Overseas was the non-color matched date wheel.

[Vipes]

I have a blue AP 15300 and a blue VC dual time. Overall, I prefer the aesthetics of the AP especially the fit and finish. The VC’s main advantage is it feels more like a sports watch (Royal Oaks feel like a sporty dress watch). It feels more robust and it will hide scratches better than AP.

I don’t think my VC can replace my AP in the collection. I think you should try the VC while it’s still accessible. Then add an AP later.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by jeffnar

Thanks! EEpro it is the same for me. Local AP AD will not even put people on the waitlist for any steel 15500, never mind the blue so buying at MSRP is not going to happen. A 15450 in a dial color other than blue is possible though. There is an option for both the 15400 and 15500st in blue from a reputable secondary seller locally but the 15400 is $40K and a 15500 sells for $42K. Too much money. That same seller is an authorized VC dealer and believe it or not they would not even take my name for the VC Overseas and said the blue dial was sold out for at least 2021! I had to go out of state to a VC Boutique and with a 33% deposit they can get it for me in 6-9 months.

BTW: How did the 37mm AP 15450 fit you?

Too small for me. The 38mm ROC exterior dimensions were on the very smallest side of what I could wear (according to SA) but the dial is so small looking. It was very pretty but looked like it needed another mm or so for its case size.

We decided 41 mm was the right one. Wrist is 7.25" and not particularly flat.

I want the white dial 15500 and would consider trading my white Daytona plus some cash at some point.

[Fishrus]

Considered the dual time? Personally i find it much nicer than the 3 hander and it has a useful complication.

The RO is fantastic because of the bracelet imo. The case and dial on the VC is much nicer to me.

[srvrf]

I'm a big VC fan and am considering a Dual Time to round out my collection. The blue is definitely nice, but depending on lighting it can look a little brighter than I think I may like. The chronograph was at the NYC boutique and dual time on Rodeo Drive

[EEpro]

https://youtu.be/v-V-h4MdiUk

Good video on this topic from Hafiz

[Benzsiam]

VC overseas blue dial looks good but 15500st blue dial looks great and more elegant.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Emery

I entertained the notion of "settling" for the VCO.
While on its own, it's a nice watch (and a value proposition when you include the strap options), I much preferred the RO for its design, history and bracelet.

Blue to blue, I preferred the RO too - more subdued and classy, but of course that comes down to individual preference.
At that level, one thing that really irked me on the Overseas was the non-color matched date wheel.

I thought the same RE the white date wheel until at a glance I noticed that it provides excellent symmetry to the 9 o'clock lume plot and doesn't immediately scream date window.

[jeffnar]

Thanks all! Really appreciate the insight. My current collection consists of the Pepsi BLRO, white ceramic daytona and Patek 5107 rose. A lot of sport with the rolexes and the Patek fits the dress watch niche. I alternate the Pepsi and Daytona weekly (fit the GMT and Chrono niche) as they both fit perfectly. Although I have never been a big fan of trading in watches but Vipes that may be a good suggestion to get the VC while available and over time if I just do not bond with it, trade it for an AP down the road. They seem to hold their value well. I am going back to AP boutique early next week so hopefully will make a decision next week.

[danicasi2002]

I have the 15500 Blue and have seen in person the blue VC overseas. Very different dial finish: one has a more matte finish (AP) and the other (VC) a very rich shiny blue finish (in contrast to the sunburst azure from Rolex).

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=743071

I had a single purchase history with an AP boutique but was not qualified to be on the waitlist for the blue so I traded up my AP for the blue 15500. Very happy with it and would not be looking for another blue dial watch.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by danicasi2002

I have the 15500 Blue and have seen in person the blue VC overseas. Very different dial finish: one has a more matte finish (AP) and the other (VC) a very rich shiny blue finish (in contrast to the sunburst azure from Rolex).

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=743071

I had a single purchase history with an AP boutique but was not qualified to be on the waitlist for the blue so I traded up my AP for the blue 15500. Very happy with it and would not be looking for another blue dial watch.

Some real beautiful pics in that thread. I heard Tim Mosso say the VC overseas blue dial is the same color and layer application technique as the FP Journe chronometre bleu. "It's electric"

[arnage]

Originally Posted by EEpro

Some real beautiful pics in that thread. I heard Tim Mosso say the VC overseas blue dial is the same color and layer application technique as the FP Journe chronometre bleu. "It's electric"

Yes - believe this is the case, as VC has a joint venture / investment into the dial manufacturer that FPJ owns (Les Cadraniers de Genève). So it was unofficially confirmed at the fpj boutique that the VCO blue dial is made alongside the FPJ CB dials..

[ts3]

Originally Posted by EEpro

I thought the same RE the white date wheel until at a glance I noticed that it provides excellent symmetry to the 9 o'clock lume plot and doesn't immediately scream date window.

It really depends on the watch if a white or color matched date wheel looks better. On the VCO white is certainly better, on the 5711 as well IMO for the same reason. On the AP RO both work in my eyes, color matched on the 15202 just as well as white on the 5402.

To me the VCO would be no alternative for a blue AP RO though. Its dial is too bright and loud in many lighting situations, I dislike the bracelet (and don't care for strap options that are a plus for others), the date font is tiny in a weird way, but most importantly it is a chunky watch (compared to a 15202 or 5711 which fit my smaller wrists much better).

[jnalbandyan]

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[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by jnalbandyan

I'm normally not the biggest fan of the VC bright blue, but if one goes all out combining it with yellow gold - not bad!

[jnalbandyan]

Also check out:

https://youtu.be/vtPHXnecmmo


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[jnalbandyan]

And:

https://youtu.be/foE5elIuFtk


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[NYG1121]

VC blue is an absolute stunner. Both can belong in a collection. I dont think there are any compromises made by going with VC

[Vivalas]

I haven’t got the blue 15500 (though I’d like one if my SA is reading this :-) ), but I have the silver for comparison and the VC. The blue on the VC is spectacular - so much so in the sunlight than any photo I’ve seen. It also has the 3 strap options as standard which for me is a bit of a game changer due to its versatility. I’m actually surprised more of the higher end watch manufacturers haven’t followed suit, as it’s so easy to change straps and is very secure.

As for the AP, I’ve tried on a blue 15500 briefly but not in the best light so can’t comment accurately, but if it’s anything like my silver, it will be fantastic and as a huge blue dial fan, I’m confident it will live up to its hype.

I’ve also attached a photo of my collection for reference - if I had to start selling them off, the last to go would be my Daytona (always been my grail watch). The second last to go would be either my Sky or my AP. I think I’d only sell my AP if another AP was available. VC would be next.

Either option and you simply can’t go wrong.