Vacheron Constantin
Overseas 2305V/100A-B078

An off-the-shelf strap cannot be attached to this model: the lug area is an integral part of the case design and does not feature a conventional straight-bar fitting. A strap is nonetheless achievable, provided it is built to measure directly on the watch by <a href="/pages/casati-booking">Casati Milano</a>, after recording the precise dimensions of the attachment geometry. The result is a strap that integrates with the case with the same coherence as the original bracelet.

The craftsman at Casati Milano receives the client in the atelier by appointment and physically takes the watch in hand to record every curve and angle of the lug area. A strap is then built specifically for that individual piece, with the leather, colour, buckle and keeper chosen together during the session. Stitching is executed in saddle stitch and every finishing detail is completed by hand before delivery.

The Overseas expresses a dual nature — refined in proportion, sporting in DNA — that translates well into leathers capable of the same ambivalence. Smooth calf with a polished finish accompanies the case in formal contexts, complementing its mirror-polished surfaces. Low-lustre Mississippi alligator introduces texture without competing with the octagonal bezel, while untreated barenia calf develops over time a patina that records daily wear.

A strap built from first-selection leather, saddle-stitched and fitted with a quality steel buckle can withstand many years of daily use, provided it is kept away from water and rotated with other straps. Longevity also depends on the chosen leather: vegetable-tanned leathers such as barenia tend to improve with wear, developing a patina that increases the character of the piece. The atelier also advises on care and storage during the fitting appointment.

This reference stands out for its 37mm diameter — unusual in a segment where the trend favours larger cases — a decision that prioritises proportion over statement. The calibre 5300 is an in-house movement with small seconds at six o'clock, a technical detail that gives the dial a classical reading within a sporting context. The steel case with octagonal bezel — a direct quotation of the Maltese Cross — ties every element to a precise iconographic history rather than a passing trend.