On occasion of the 28th Edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (January 15-19), Vacheron Contantin launched an entirely new collection called Fiftysix, a name and a date which evokes an iconic model presented in 1956: the reference 6073. Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix date. Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix day-date with power-reserve indicator.
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix complete calendar with precision moon phase.
On occasion of the 28th Edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (January 15-19), Vacheron Constantin launched an entirely new collection called Fiftysix, a name and a date which evokes an iconic model presented in 1956: the reference 6073.
The lasting impact that reference 6073 had on Vacheron Constantin’s history also depends on the fact that this model was one of the first watches from the Manufacture to be equipped with a self-winding movement.
Calibre 1019/1 was distinguished by its precision and reliability, at a time when most other models were driven by manual-winding mechanisms. Additionally, the case of the 6073 boasted a water-resistant construction (with a multi-sided caseback).
A number of characteristics of the 1950s watches are picked up by its contemporary heir, the most notable being the aesthetic nods to the Maltese cross - an emblem of the Manufacture - evident in the shape of its lugs.
Another bridge between the past and the present comes in the distinctive shape of the box-type crystal rising well above the bezel. Historically made from Plexiglas or mineral glass, it is now in sapphire, a far more scratch-resistant material, while preserving the retro-contemporary look of the Fiftysix collection.
In tribute to the self-winding movement of the 6073, all the versions of the Fiftysix collection, including those with complications, are powered by a self-winding movement, with a new calibre for the three-hand variation.
A transparent caseback provides a chance to admire the movement finishing – Côtes de Genève, circular graining and snailing – as well as the new oscillating weight designed by Vacheron Constantin for this collection and fitted with a ceramic ball bearing rotation system requiring no lubrication and guaranteeing the movement’s longevity. This polished and satin-brushed 22 carats openworked rotor, bearing a Maltese Cross applique and a frosted-snailed finish, represents a feature of all Fiftysix.
The 22 carats gold openworked oscillating weight is fitted with a ceramic ball bearing rotation system requiring no lubrication and guaranteeing the movement’s longevity.
The sector-type dial is another distinguishing characteristic of the collection. The chapter ring, punctuated by alternating Arabic numerals and baton-type hour-markers, channels its 1950s inspiration while the presence on the surface of two subtle tones adds an additional touch of sophistication.
For the first time in its history, the Maison has decided to offer a classic collection both in gold and in steel, while treating the latter material according to the same high aesthetic standards as the precious metal.
The crown recessed into the case is another design detail that sets the new models apart from the 1956 predecessor.
The collection is expressed through three 40 mm diameter models available in various steel or gold versions:
- Date
- Day of the week, date, power-reserve indicator
- Complete calendar with precision moon phase
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix date
The 40 mm-diameter steel or pink gold case of this model houses a brand-new mechanical self-winding movement, Calibre 1326, endowed with a 48-hour power reserve and equipped with a stop-seconds device.
This model displays the hours, minutes, central seconds and an aperture-type date indication.
Alternating gold Arabic numerals and hour-markers enliven the monochrome dial with its double opaline-sunburst effect: grey on the steel version and silver-toned on the pink gold version. The baton-type gold hours and minutes hands, as well as the hour-markers, are coated with a luminescent material.
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix day-date with power-reserve indicator
Also available in steel or pink gold, the Fiftysix day-date provides additional functions driven by its self-winding movement, Calibre 2475 SC/2. Equipped with a stop-seconds device, the latter powers the day of the week indication appearing at 9 o’clock, the date at 3 o’clock and the power-reserve display at 6 o’clock.
This version features a monochrome dial with double opaline-sunburst effect, enhanced by the additional contrast of its two snailed counters. Gold Arabic numerals, hour-markers and hours & minutes hands punctuate the dial of this Fiftysix model.
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix complete calendar with precision moon phase
The Fiftysix complete calendar model is the collection highlight. The indications of the day of the week, date, month and moon phase are driven by a self-winding movement, Calibre 2460 QCL/1. Its moon-phase function requires adjustment only once every 122 years (compared with once every three years or a standard moon phase).
The monochrome dial with opaline-sunburst effect is graced with two rectangular apertures at 12 o’clock, respectively indicating the month and the day of the week. The date is displayed by a central gold hand, while the moon disc at 6 o’clock features a blue night sky and 18K gold moons.
All models in the Fiftysix collection are fitted with an alligator leather strap secured by a polished half Maltese cross-shaped steel folding clasp or pin gold buckle depending on the version. Prices start from Euro 12,200 for the Fiftysix date in stainless steel. vacheron-constantin.com
The lasting impact that reference 6073 had on Vacheron Constantin’s history also depends on the fact that this model was one of the first watches from the Manufacture to be equipped with a self-winding movement.
Calibre 1019/1 was distinguished by its precision and reliability, at a time when most other models were driven by manual-winding mechanisms. Additionally, the case of the 6073 boasted a water-resistant construction (with a multi-sided caseback).
A number of characteristics of the 1950s watches are picked up by its contemporary heir, the most notable being the aesthetic nods to the Maltese cross - an emblem of the Manufacture - evident in the shape of its lugs.
The Vacheron Constantin Ref. 6073 from 1956
Another bridge between the past and the present comes in the distinctive shape of the box-type crystal rising well above the bezel. Historically made from Plexiglas or mineral glass, it is now in sapphire, a far more scratch-resistant material, while preserving the retro-contemporary look of the Fiftysix collection.
In tribute to the self-winding movement of the 6073, all the versions of the Fiftysix collection, including those with complications, are powered by a self-winding movement, with a new calibre for the three-hand variation.
A transparent caseback provides a chance to admire the movement finishing – Côtes de Genève, circular graining and snailing – as well as the new oscillating weight designed by Vacheron Constantin for this collection and fitted with a ceramic ball bearing rotation system requiring no lubrication and guaranteeing the movement’s longevity. This polished and satin-brushed 22 carats openworked rotor, bearing a Maltese Cross applique and a frosted-snailed finish, represents a feature of all Fiftysix.
The 22 carats gold openworked oscillating weight is fitted with a ceramic ball bearing rotation system requiring no lubrication and guaranteeing the movement’s longevity.
The sector-type dial is another distinguishing characteristic of the collection. The chapter ring, punctuated by alternating Arabic numerals and baton-type hour-markers, channels its 1950s inspiration while the presence on the surface of two subtle tones adds an additional touch of sophistication.
For the first time in its history, the Maison has decided to offer a classic collection both in gold and in steel, while treating the latter material according to the same high aesthetic standards as the precious metal.
The crown recessed into the case is another design detail that sets the new models apart from the 1956 predecessor.
The collection is expressed through three 40 mm diameter models available in various steel or gold versions:
- Date
- Day of the week, date, power-reserve indicator
- Complete calendar with precision moon phase
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix date
The 40 mm-diameter steel or pink gold case of this model houses a brand-new mechanical self-winding movement, Calibre 1326, endowed with a 48-hour power reserve and equipped with a stop-seconds device.
This model displays the hours, minutes, central seconds and an aperture-type date indication.
Alternating gold Arabic numerals and hour-markers enliven the monochrome dial with its double opaline-sunburst effect: grey on the steel version and silver-toned on the pink gold version. The baton-type gold hours and minutes hands, as well as the hour-markers, are coated with a luminescent material.
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix day-date with power-reserve indicator
Also available in steel or pink gold, the Fiftysix day-date provides additional functions driven by its self-winding movement, Calibre 2475 SC/2. Equipped with a stop-seconds device, the latter powers the day of the week indication appearing at 9 o’clock, the date at 3 o’clock and the power-reserve display at 6 o’clock.
This version features a monochrome dial with double opaline-sunburst effect, enhanced by the additional contrast of its two snailed counters. Gold Arabic numerals, hour-markers and hours & minutes hands punctuate the dial of this Fiftysix model.
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix complete calendar with precision moon phase
The Fiftysix complete calendar model is the collection highlight. The indications of the day of the week, date, month and moon phase are driven by a self-winding movement, Calibre 2460 QCL/1. Its moon-phase function requires adjustment only once every 122 years (compared with once every three years or a standard moon phase).
The monochrome dial with opaline-sunburst effect is graced with two rectangular apertures at 12 o’clock, respectively indicating the month and the day of the week. The date is displayed by a central gold hand, while the moon disc at 6 o’clock features a blue night sky and 18K gold moons.
All models in the Fiftysix collection are fitted with an alligator leather strap secured by a polished half Maltese cross-shaped steel folding clasp or pin gold buckle depending on the version. Prices start from Euro 12,200 for the Fiftysix date in stainless steel. vacheron-constantin.com
Nice collection. Like more the complete calendar in steel.
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