VACHERON CONSTANTIN – FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar - Collection 2018
Vacheron Constantin presents its new
FIFTYSIX® collection
·
Retro-contemporary style for an
elegant masculine watch to be worn in any circumstance
·
Modern interpretation of the iconic
reference 6073, launched in 1956 and inspired by the Maltese cross
·
Design and positioning in tune with
the current expectations of Fine Watchmaking connoisseurs
·
Self-winding movements, simple or
equipped with horological complications
·
New pink gold openworked oscillating
weight featuring the Maltese cross emblem
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Offering the keys to modern elegance and
relaxed refinement. Imagining a collection with a cosmopolitan style that is
both contemporary and historically inspired. Such is the personality of the
FIFTYSIX® collection unveiled at the SIHH 2018.
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Geneva’s
oldest watch Manufacture still in operation, 263 years after its creation in
1755, Vacheron Constantin holds a special place in the heart of initiates and
collectors. The Maison is heralding a new chapter in its history with its
FIFTYSIX® collection. It represents an important new step as this original
line, inspired by a historical Vacheron Constantin watch dating from 1956,
instils a modern momentum capable of opening up the world of Fine Watchmaking
to every enthusiasts.
Inspiration and creativity
FIFTYSIX®.
A name and a date evoking an iconic model presented in 1956: the reference
6073. Its design expresses the particularly abundant creativity displayed by
Vacheron Constantin during the 1950s. This timepiece is distinguished by its
shape – and notably its lugs, each representing a branch of the Maltese cross
which has become an emblem of the Manufacture.
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The
originality of reference 6073, as indeed of all 1950s Vacheron Constantin
models, also stems from the contrast between the classicism of its dial and the
bold design of its case. A watch that already wove ties between respect for
tradition and a taste for innovation.
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The
golden age of round timepieces, the 1950s represented the pinnacle of aesthetic
refinement and remain an incomparable territory begging to be explored.The
lasting impact that reference 6073 was to have on Vacheron Constantin’s history
also stemmed from its stature as 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. Lastly, this model has a special place within the
Vacheron Constantin heritage: the case of the 6073 boasted a water-resistant
construction (with a multi-sided caseback).
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A strong identity
There is
a definite sense of kinship – in spirit as well as in substance – between the
6073 model presented in 1956 and the FIFTYSIX® collection introduced in 2018. A
number of 1950s characteristics are incorporated into this contemporary heir.
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Maltese cross:
The most
striking example of this filiation is undoubtedly the aesthetic nods to the
Maltese cross, inspired by the shape of a component formerly found in
mechanical movements. A small wheel connected to the barrel of the cover which
made it possible to use the most constant section of the spring by regulating
its degree of winding and unwinding, in order to enhance the precision of the
watch.
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More
than 260 years of perpetually renewed efforts entirely directed towards
attaining the highest standards of quality make this emblem the very symbol of
horological excellence. It is echoed by the design of the FIFTYSIX® watches,
since the lugs of their cases are inspired by the branches of the Maltese
cross. This exclusive shape is bound to exercise a particular attraction on
devotees and discerning enthusiasts.
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Box-type crystal:
Another
bridge between the past and the present can be seen 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.
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Self-winding movements:
Naturally,
both in tribute to the self-winding movement of the 6073 and for the wearer’s
convenience, 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.
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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.
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This polished and satin-brushed 22 carats openworked rotor, bearing a Maltese Cross applique and a frosted-snailed finish, represents a signature feature of all FIFTYSIX® models.
Gold and steel:
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 with the same
high aesthetic standards as the precious metal. As an example of this, see the
use of white gold hands and appliques on the steel versions of the FIFTYSIX®.
Sector-type dial:
One of
the collection’s distinguishing characteristics lies in the appearance of its
sector-type dial. While the chapter ring, punctuated by alternating Arabic
numerals and baton-type hour-markers, channels its 1950s inspiration, the
presence on the surface of two subtle tones achieved by finishing effects lends
an additional touch of elegance and sophistication. The play of light across
the dial gives it depth and a stronger personality.
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It is by
reinterpreting its own roots that the FIFTYSIX® collection achieves a
distinctive style by adopting a crown recessed into the case, thereby setting
it apart from its 1956 predecessor, which took a more classic approach to this
specific detail.
FIFTYSIX® day-date with power-reserve indicator
The
day-date FIFTYSIX® with its 40 mm-diameter case in steel or 18 carats 5N pink
gold 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.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO
The 22 carats gold openworked oscillating
weight visible through the sapphire crystal caseback is fitted with a ceramic
ball bearing rotation system requiring no lubrication and guaranteeing the
movement’s longevity.In keeping with the characteristic face of this
collection, 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, teamed with an alligator leather
strap secured by a polished half Maltese cross-shaped steel folding clasp or
gold pin buckle, depending on the version.
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A collection expressed through three models, each with its own
variations:
The FIFTYSIX® collection presented at the SIHH
2018 comprises 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
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TECHNICAL DATA
FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar
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Reference 4000E/000R-B438
Hallmark of Geneva
Movement
Calibre 2460 QCL/1
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
29 mm (11¼’’’) diameter, 5.4 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
308 components
27 jewels
Indications
- Hours, minutes, central seconds
- Complete calendar (day of the week, date, month, precision moon phase)
- Age of the moon
18K 5N pink gold
40 mm diameter, 11.6 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial
Silvered, opaline center, sunburst exterior
18K 5N pink gold Arabic numerals
18K 5N pink gold hour-markers highlighted by a luminescent material
18K 5N pink gold moons
Strap
Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather with calf inner shell and
tone-on-tone stitching, square scales
Buckle 18K 5N pink gold buckle
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
============
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TECHNICAL DATA
FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar
Reference 4000E/000A-B439
Hallmark of Geneva
Movement
Calibre 2460 QCL/1
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
29 mm (11¼’’’) diameter, 5.4 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
308 components
27 jewels
Indications
- Hours, minutes, central seconds
- Complete calendar (day of the week, date, month, precision moon phase)
- Age of the moon
Stainless steel
40 mm diameter, 11.6 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial
Grey, opaline center, sunburst exterior
18K white gold Arabic numerals
18K white gold hour-markers highlighted by a luminescent
material
18K white gold moons
Strap
Dark grey Mississippiensis alligator leather with calf inner shell and
tone-on-tone stitching, square scales
Clasp Stainless steel folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
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Press Release - 2018
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Vacheron Constantin
Press Department
10, Chemin du Tourbillon
P.O. Box 95
CH-1228
Plan-les-Ouates/Geneva
Tel. +41 22 930 20 05
Fax +41 22 930 20 06
press@vacheron-constantin.com
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