Vacheron Constantin Upgrades its Fiftysix with new Two-Tone Dials and Steel Cases

Vacheron Constantin launched the Fiftysix collection in 2018 as a casual, everyday luxury watch and promoted it as the brand’s most accessible, entry-level line for a new generation of collectors. Drawing on a model produced in 1956, the Fiftysix’s retro mid-20^th-century appeal includes straightforward time-and-date references, day-date and complete calendar models, and even a high-end tourbillon. Extending the collection, Vacheron Constantin announces the release of the Fiftysix Self-Winding and Fiftysix Complete Calendar, both in stainless steel with aesthetic upgrades and a new strap.

Evolutions all around

After a spate of more expensive gold editions, Vacheron releases the two new 40mm references in steel cases. Although the shape remains unaltered, a new combination of finishes has been executed to produce a livelier play of light. The bevelled lugs designed to evoke the four arms of the Maltese cross are vertically brushed with polished bevels. The case sides are also vertically brushed and contrast with the polished bezel, crown and correctors (Complete Calendar). Matching the cool tone of the steel, the bolder, more dynamic two-tone sector dials play with different tonalities of grey and are topped by a vintage-inspired, box-shaped sapphire crystal. For a more casual, contemporary spirit, the watches are paired with grey nubuck leather straps with ecru stitching and a steel folding clasp.

Fiftysix Self-Winding

Now featuring two distinctive shades of grey, the concentric sections of the Self-Winding model’s dial stand out more prominently. The opaline dial centre is picked out in a light grey tone, with a gradient that gradually transitions to a darker grey tone in the chapter ring. The chapter ring, in turn, is framed by a snailed light grey minutes track on the periphery. The date window at 3 o’clock intersects the black-and-white railway track, and the 18k white gold Arabic numerals and elongated rectangular indices are applied to the chapter ring. Both the baton-style hour and minute hands and indices are highlighted with blue Super-LumiNova.

Evidently, the “entry-level” or “affordable” status of the Fiftysix has to be understood in the context of Vacheron’s elite universe. The Fiftysix Self-Winding in steel is still the most accessible model in the brand’s lineup and is powered by an outsourced ValFleurier movement based on a Cartier ébauche. Running at 28,000vph, the movement stores 48 hours of power. In keeping with the excellent finishings throughout, the movement is decorated with Côtes de Genève and features an openworked 22k pink gold rotor shaped like a Maltese cross. The price is CHF 12,600.

Fiftysix Complete Calendar

More complicated and powered by an in-house movement, the Complete Calendar delivers the day, date and month as well as a precision moon phase. A triple calendar, there are two windows for the day of the week and month just below 12 and a moon phase aperture at 6 o’clock. An additional white gold arrow-tipped hand displays the date on the outer perimeter of the dial, a format also known as a pointer date.

The Complete Calendar’s two-tone dial features a dark grey gradient centre framed by a black-and-white railway track. In contrast, the light grey chapter ring, with applied white gold Arabic numerals and indices, features a sunburst finish, followed by the dark grey, snailed date ring on the periphery. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback is Vacheron’s 2460 QCl/1 self-winding calibre with its Hallmark of Geneva certification. Comprising 308 parts, the calibre beats at 28,800vph, offers a 40-hour power reserve, and features refined finishes. The price is CHF 29,500.

More information at vacheron-constantin.com.