By Jovan Krstevski
Vacheron for us usually means Haute-Horlogerie, rare or complicated watches. These pieces don’t display the affordability tag but times are indeed changing. Here we are with the Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX collection, the brand’s first foray into the entry-level market. Prices here start at 10,000 and to see a VC at this price range, well it’s very surprising. It seems that VC is targeting the new watch enthusiasts or the young ones still working their way up the ladder. Either way, it’s a lucrative market.
VC employed contemporary designs with the collection and yes, these watches feature VC standard so they’re created with quality and prestige in mind. The FIFTYSIX collection has 3 models: automatic time-and-date, day-date power reserve and complete-calendar. These are cosmopolitan styled watches merging contemporary and the classical aspects of VC watches albeit they cannot be compared to traditional VC collections which are of course not in the affordable segment. The design borrows from a historical 1956 model extensively modified to fit today’s lifestyle.
The new Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX brings back most of the historical model’s characteristics particularly the case inspired by the branches of the Maltese cross. It also features a classic, elegant dial underneath a cool box-type crystal.
THE VACHERON CONSTANTIN FIFTYSIX SELF-WINDING
This is perhaps the most accessible model which is in steel or pink gold. It is powered by a new self-winding movement, the in-house Calibre 1326, with a 48-hour power reserve. It features a 40mm case with casual style. The dial has 3 hands with date at 3:00. The steel edition looks great with a grey dial while the gold version features silver dial.
THE VACHERON CONSTANTIN FIFTYSIX DAY-DATE
Next in the collection is the Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX day-date with power reserve layout. Compared to the first model, this has more complications though it keeps the casual case in 40mm diameter available in steel or gold. The dials are also available in two-tone grey and silver dials. The 3 hands for the hours, minutes, and seconds are centered while the day-date are at 3 and 9. Power indicator sits nicely at 6:30. Powering the watch is an automatic calibre 2475. This movement bears the Hallmark of Geneva and cranks 40h of power reserve.
THE VACHERON CONSTANTIN FIFTYSIX COMPLETE CALENDAR
Finally, the most desirable model in the collection is the Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX complete calendar available in steel and gold. It showcases the brand’s unique vintage look and a chance for most of us to experience what elite VC fans love about the brand. Its case is of the same size as the other 2 models but its complication is definitely more complex with a vintage dial (grey and silver). The moon phase sits nicely at 6:00 while the date is indicated by a blued central hand. The calendar, day-month looks comfortable under 12:00 completing a cool symmetry. This looks quite familiar as seen on the Historique 1948 model. Powering this complete calendar watch is the automatic calibre 2460 QCL/1 featuring 40 hours of power reserve. It also bears the Hallmark of Geneva to guarantee its quality and precision.
On a side note, the first model is the only one with a completely new movement, a simple one. However, don’t think less of it though since it boasts 22 carats open-worked Maltese cross-shaped oscillating weight, Geneva stripes, circular graining and snailing. And at EUR 9,960 for steel and EUR 16,625 for gold, well you know the math. vacheron-constantin.com
