Unveiled in at Watches & Wonders, the Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix® 2020 collection mixes eras. Its part-retro, part- contemporary silhouette inspired by an iconic 1956 watch now adopts a new sepia brown-toned dial colour. Vacheron Constantin interpreted the new look in two pink gold models.
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix® 2020 models borrow characteristics from reference 6073, introduced in 1956 and the very first water-resistant automatic watch created by the Maison. Notably the lugs shape forming a section of the Manufacture’s Maltese cross emblem; the box-type crystal topping the bezel in the manner of post-war watches; along with a retro look that complements the elegance of its 18 carats 5N pink gold case measuring 40 mm in diameter.
Fiftysix® complete calendar
Firstly it’s the Fiftysix® complete calendar model framed by a 40 mm-diameter 18 carats 5N pink gold case. The watch face features day, date and month indications; as well as a precision moon phase requiring no adjustment for 122 years. The subtle sector-type dial features opaline, sunburst and snailed finishes. The chapter ring bears specially designed Arabic numerals, alternating with gold hour-markers coated in luminescent material, as are the hours and minutes hands. The material allows them to be visible in the dark.
The complete calendar indications, accurately driven by the 2460 QCL/1 self-winding movement, also equipped with a stop-seconds device. The sapphire case-back reveals traditional Côtes de Genève finishes, swept over by a 22 carats pink gold oscillating weight delicately open-worked in a shape inspired by the Maltese cross.
Fiftysix® self-winding
Second model is the Fiftysix® self-winding watch. Topped by a box-type crystal typical of the 1950s, the sector-type dial is distinguished by the refinement of its opaline, sunburst and snailed finishes. The watch face is punctuated by hands and hour-markers, enhanced with luminescent material and matching the 40 mm-diameter 18 carats 5N pink gold case.
On the reverse side, the self-winding movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case-back. It provides an admirable view of the meticulous Côtes de Genève decoration swept over by an open-worked 22 carats pink gold oscillating weight whose design is inspired by the Maltese cross. A shape that echoes the Vacheron Constantin emblem and is also evoked in the case lugs and on the crown.
Technical specifications
| Fiftysix® complete calendar | Fiftysix® self-winding | |
| Reference: | 4000E/000R-B065 | 4600E/000R-B576 |
| Calibre: | 2460 QCL/1 Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin Mechanical, self-winding 29 mm diameter, 5.4 mm thick Approximately 40 hours of power reserve 4 Hz (28,800 v/h) 308 components 27 jewels Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece | 1326 Manufacture calibre Mechanical, self-winding 26.2 mm (111⁄4 ’’’) diameter, 4.3 mm thick Approximately 48 hours of power reserve 4 Hz (28,800 v/h) 142 components 25 jewels |
| Functions: | Hours, minutes, central seconds Complete calendar (day of the week, date, month) Precision moon phase | Hours, minutes, central seconds Date |
| Case: | 18K 5N pink gold 40 mm diameter, 11.6 mm thick Transparent sapphire crystal case-back Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 m) | 18K 5N pink gold 40 mm diameter, 9.6 mm thick Transparent sapphire crystal case-back Water-resistant tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 m) |
| Dial: | Sepia brown-toned, opaline centre, sunburst exterior 18K 5N pink gold Arabic numerals 18K 5N pink gold hour-markers highlighted by a blue luminescent material | Sepia brown-toned, opaline centre, sunburst exterior 18K 5N pink gold Arabic numerals 18K 5N pink gold hour-markers highlighted by a blue luminescent material |
| Strap: | Brown calfskin leather with calfskin lining and beige stitching | Brown calfskin leather with calfskin lining and beige stitching |
| Buckle: | 18K 5N pink gold pin buckle Polished half Maltese cross-shaped | 18K 5N pink gold pin buckle Polished half Maltese cross-shaped |
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