Story Highlight
– Vacheron Constantin refreshes Fiftysix collection ahead of anniversary.
– New models feature two-tone grey gradient dials.
– Updated designs retain vintage references with modern aesthetics.
– Fiftysix Complete Calendar has precise moon-phase display.
– Further interpretations and strap options planned for future.
Full Story
Vacheron Constantin has unveiled enhancements to two prominent timepieces in its Fiftysix range, coinciding with the model’s impending eighth anniversary.
The refreshed self-winding and complete calendar watches are crafted from stainless steel, housed in 40mm cases that showcase stylish two-tone grey gradient dials reminiscent of mid-20th century sector designs. The aesthetic upgrade features refined case finishing, complemented by plush anthracite calfskin straps adorned with ecru stitching and secured with stainless steel folding clasps.
Since its introduction in 2018, the Fiftysix collection has drawn inspiration from the brand’s 1956 Reference 6073. The historic timepiece’s unique lugs, echoing the Maltese Cross emblem of Vacheron Constantin, as well as its box-style crystal, have significantly influenced the contemporary iteration.
While the new designs pay homage to these vintage elements, they also present a modern appeal. The cases exhibit a blend of vertically brushed surfaces alongside polished bevels, bezels, and crowns.
The Fiftysix Self-Winding version features a grey dial with an opaline centre, contrasting with a darker sunburst chapter ring and a snailed minute track on the periphery. The hour markers, crafted from 18-carat white gold, alternate between Arabic figures and baton indexes, with luminescent blue Super-LumiNova applied to both the hands and markers for enhanced visibility.
This model runs on the self-winding Calibre 1326, which indicates hours, minutes, central seconds, and date. With a power reserve of 48 hours, the movement can be admired through a transparent sapphire caseback that showcases its intricate decorative work along with the collection’s hallmark open-worked 22-carat pink gold rotor.
In contrast, the Fiftysix Complete Calendar features a sophisticated interplay of grey tones, highlighting a darker opaline centre alongside a lighter sunburst chapter ring. This version adeptly displays the date, day, and month via apertures in the upper section of the dial, along with a peripheral date hand and a moon-phase indicator.
This model is equipped with the self-winding Calibre 2460 QCL/1, consisting of 308 components and providing a power reserve of 40 hours. Its refined moon-phase representation requires adjustment only once every 122 years, and is visible through its sapphire caseback, which carries the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva certification.
Both timepieces maintain the Fiftysix collection’s signature blend of Arabic numerals and baton-style indexes, alongside the celebrated Maltese Cross motif. Their cohesive grey colour palette and modern straps lend the watches a streamlined and sophisticated look.
Discussing the recent modifications, Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin’s director of style and heritage, remarked that the brand consistently revisits its designs to embrace modern visual trends, whilst steadfastly upholding its rich traditions.
These updates are envisioned as the initial phase of a broader evolution for the Fiftysix collection, with Vacheron Constantin indicating that additional interpretations and strap selections will be introduced across various models in due course.
