Cover Photographer and explorer Cory Richard is a partner of Vacheron Constantin
Photographer and explorer Cory Richard is a partner of Vacheron Constantin
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Two-time Everest conqueror Cory Richards was the special guest at Vacheron Constantin’s “Explore All Ways Possible” event in Langkawi
Photographer and intrepid explorer Cory Richards arrived in Langkawi after a nearly two-day journey, owing to an untimely flight cancellation. Although visibly jet-lagged, Richards was in good spirits, a state undoubtedly abetted by the serene atmosphere of the Four Seasons Langkawi. A sanctuary for the weary and the adventurous, the property has a calming effect on the most restless travellers the moment they cross its threshold.
Richards was on the island to be a part of Vacheron Constantin’s “Explore All Ways Possible” launch. The brand’s annual theme for 2026 is an invitation to go “beyond the limits of watchmaking mechanics to discover new cultural and artistic horizons—to look further, think differently, and unleash creative energy.” Richards, a former professional photographer for National Geographic, is particularly in tune with this philosophy.
Above Cory Richards on Everest
Cory Richards on Everest
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Born in Utah, Richards learnt to ski at 2, and started climbing at 5—he credits his parents, both skiers and climbers, for his early start. He has since gone on extreme expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica, but his most accomplished achievement is conquering the summit of Mount Everest twice, including once in 2016 without the aid of an oxygen tank. The last time he attempted Everest was in 2019—although he failed to reach the peak, it marked the beginning of his partnership with Vacheron Constantin.
See also: 7 climbing movies that will thrill you from the comfort of your home
The Swiss brand created a prototype watch to accompany him on this expedition. It had to be strong enough to endure extreme conditions yet lightweight enough for wearability. Richards chose the Overseas, and it was crafted in titanium, a sturdy but light material. The case was reinforced with tantalum beneath the bezel, while the crown is protected by two titanium guards
The watch also came with a dual time function—a special request from Richards. “I wanted something that reminded me that there was a place that I needed to get back to, hence the dual time feature,” he said.
Above The Overseas Dual Time prototype in titanium created for Cory Richards
The Overseas Dual Time prototype in titanium created for Cory Richards
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The prototype later led to two limited-edition Overseas Everest models. At Watches and Wonders this year, Vacheron Constantin unveiled the Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points inspired by Richards’ prototype. Powered by Calibre 5110 DT/3 with a day/night function, it comes in four dial colours, each representing one of the cardinal compass points. White is North, brown is South, green is West, and blue is East.
Upon seeing the collection, Richards said: “What resonates most deeply is the idea that we are constantly in motion. That’s what we as humans do by our very nature. Whether it’s an internal or external journey, it always leads us towards the cardinal points to guide our lives. And in doing so, we not only uncover the world, but also uncover ourselves through that action of exploration.”
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Whether it was the timepieces or the surrounding nature, Vacheron Constantin pulled out all stops for a spectacular exploration in Langkawi. After an afternoon chatting with Richards and discovering the watches, including the new Overseas Self-Winding in 34.5mm presented by Vacheron Constantin’s product & creation director Sandrine Donguy herself, we returned to our respective villas to change for dinner.
Dinner was a feast for the senses, with a menu prepared by Chef Su Kim Hock of Michelin-starred Au Jardin. Entertainment was headlined by none other than Alena Murang, a sape musician from Borneo who sings in Kelabit and Kenyah languages.
The next day, we were taken on a tour of the mangroves of Langkawi’s Unesco Geoforest Park that led us through a series of river channels flanked by limestone karsts. Vacheron Constantin had thoughtfully prepared a survival kit comprising a safari hat, sunblock and a fan decorated with a colourful artwork by illustrator Shan Jiang, to ensure a pleasant outing.
Vacheron Constantin took over a beach villa to showcase its timepieces, old and new
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Vacheron Constantin had taken over one of the magnificent beach villas with a stunning view of the Andaman Sea to display its watches, including archival pieces that bore a myriad of cultural influences from around the world—proof that the brand has been doing its own exploration long before air travel became the norm.
It was also here that Richards spoke at length about his experience as a photographer and explorer, and how his adventures have inspired Vacheron Constantin to cast him as one of the personalities in its “One of not many” ad campaign. Below is an excerpt of our conversation with him.
Above Cory Richards on a guided tour through the mangroves in Langkawi’s Unesco Geoforest Park
Cory Richards on a guided tour through the mangroves in Langkawi’s Unesco Geoforest Park
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Tell us more about working with Vacheron Constantin.
Brand partnerships are interesting because they promise a lot but very few actually deliver on those promises. I was convinced from early on that Vacheron Constantin would be a good partner, a feeling that solidified over time as I could see that they were committed to exploration in a way that others weren’t.
They weren’t just interested in exploration in the conventional sense, but the breadth of what it means to truly explore. Additionally, the brand stands for refinement and craftsmanship at the highest level. This has been a good, authentic partnership.
What did Everest teach you?
That it is always about the journey. Everest also strips you bare; it takes you down to nothingness. I remember getting to the top and thinking this is as high as I can go; there is no place left on Earth for me to go at this point. The only place left that really mattered in terms of exploration is within myself.
In reference to the cardinal points, the West gave me a sense of belonging, the North taught me to listen, the South taught me reciprocity and trust, and the East, transcendence of the terrestrial into something more ineffable. But, for me, there is actually a fifth cardinal point, and that is at the top of the world.
Discovery is also about getting lost. Do you think we have lost that willingness, especially with all tech at our convenience today?
I think we’re in a comfort crisis. Getting lost is an essential part of growth and learning. Comfort is a cessation of growth. I’m not saying you should throw your tech away. It just means you need to get out of your comfort zone and get lost a little bit every now and then.
Above Cory Richards during a sharing session in Four Seasons Langkawi
Cory Richards during a sharing session in Four Seasons Langkawi
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Has spending time in remote, extreme environments changed your perception of time?
When you’re in those locations, you’re always in a closer proximity to your mortality. You’re constantly aware that your time is finite, so it makes you appreciate it more.
What have you learned from all your explorations?
Exploration always asks us to be students again. It asks us to listen more than we speak. The more we’re certain about anything, the more we lose our curiosity, and the more we lose our creativity.
With climbing on the back burner, what are you focused on now?
I’m currently on this adventure of entrepreneurship, having started an apparel and object company. We use waste and dead stocks from the fashion industry to make new materials. It’s called Seconds, because it is about second chances—using waste as an economic driver and an economic advantage.
What do you look for in a watch?
Simplicity and refinement. Right now, I’m wearing the Overseas in rose gold with a blue dial. This is my daily watch. I never thought I’d be into a gold watch but it really works with my skin tone.
Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
