Vacheron Collection, which defines the word Horology by itself, continues keeping the time in another dimension with the details, artisanship and quality applied to the FiftySix Complete Calendar model.
Let’s refresh our memories first about the FiftySix Collection, which is also the latest addition to the product group of the famous brand, before moving on to the model we opted for review. The collection was presented to watch enthusiasts for the first time at SIHH 2018. The FiftySix Collection, which is more like the brand’s response to the never-ending Heritage trend that influenced the sector deeply, attracted attention with its retro-designed models as well as its brand-specific entry-level price tags. The collection that was inspired by the Ref. 6073 model of the brand from the year 1956 also became one of the favorite model families of Vintage enthusiasts with its characteristic lugs that resemble the four branches of the Maltese Cross, which is the subject of the Vacheron Constantin emblem.
Vacheron Constantin - 6073
The model we have here comes with a striking blue tone dial, Ref. 4000E/000A-B548, which was an option for all the models in the collection introduced at the SIHH 2019.
The model comes in a stainless steel case measuring 40mm in diameter and 11.6mm in height. The case, which has been sized according to modern trends, features details that tribute to the Ref. 6073 model. First, we see that the characteristic lug design is preserved, a detail that will delight watch enthusiasts, especially those who love Vintage-Inspired designs. Besides, the slightly domed box-type sapphire crystal takes its place as an elegant detail that emphasizes the Plexiglas crystal of Ref. 6073. The case is equipped with a sapphire display case back and is water-resistant to 30 meters / 3 bar.
When we move to the dial, an eye-catching blue tone welcomes us. The sector-style dial with an opaline center and sunburst exterior around completes the Retro character of the model. The 18K white gold Arabic numbers and baton indexes are accompanied by a set of elegant hands made of the same material.
Designed according to the model’s Complete Calendar feature, the dial has a moon phase indicator decorated with 18K white gold details at 6 o’clock. Day and month readings are followed from the windows at 12 o’clock position, while the date indicator is displayed through a pointer hand and a date scale located at the edge of the dial.
Although I don’t prefer busy dials especially in classic dress watches, I would like to add that I find this dial quite balanced especially in terms of the color palette.
Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Complete Calendar is powered by the fully manufacture Caliber 2460 QCL/1. Designed with a diameter of 29mm and a height of 5.4mm, the sleek movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph) and offers up to 40 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The self-winding movement consists of 308 components, 27 of which are jewels, and carries the Hallmark of Geneva seal, as is the case with all calibers manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. The sapphire crystal display case back offers a real visual feast with a delightful scene featuring a solid 22K gold perforated oscillating rotor, Côtes de Genève motifs that extend to the main plate and hand-polished bridges and screws.
The Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Complete Calendar (Ref. 4000E / 000A-B548) comes with a Mississippi alligator strap matching the blue tone and a polished stainless steel folding clasp in the shape of the Maltese Cross, referring to the brand’s emblem.
