Introducing: The Vacheron Constantin Fifty-Six Complete Calendar

January 15, 2018

Vacheron Constantin's taken on a difficult task in launching the FiftySix, a line of watches that aims to be historically inspired and modern all at once. As it's name suggests, this new line is specifically inspired by a watch that launched in the year 1956, the reference 6073. This sometimes overlooked historical model had nicely integrated lugs and was among the first Vacheron Constantin watches to come with an automatic movement. Here, we see the new FiftySix executed as a handsome automatic complete calendar watch available in either gold or stainless steel, though there are three-hand automatic and day-date versions as well. The Other VC Complete Calendars Just a few months ago in October, Vacheron Constantin releases a pair (or quartet, depending on how you want to count) of vintage-inspired complete calendars, the Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942 and 1948. The FiftySix Complete Calendar, however, uses a different movement and has very different styling.You can get all the details on the two Historiques models here. Why This Watch Matters After the relatively recent invention of the annual calendar some 22 years ago, the complete calendar, which had long enjoyed popularity, saw its status wane. But as cheaper perpetuals and annuals hit the market, some of their luster is beginning to fade, and we're seeing a renewed interest in a well-made, finely finished, and thoughtfully designed complete calendar.?That this one is certified with the Geneva Seal and is powered by a fantastic in-house movement is icing on the cake. Initial Thoughts The FiftySix does indeed manage to recall the 6073 while simultaneously appearing to be the most contemporary case shape in current production at Vacheron. The steel version with silver dial and blue moon phase stands a great chance of connecting with younger watch collectors who may want a complicated calendar watch, but aren't quite ready for a perpetual calendar.? The Basics Brand: Vacheron ConstantinModel: FiftySix Complete CalendarReference Number: 4000E/000A-B439 (stainless steel), 4000E/000R-B438 (pink gold)Diameter: 40mmThickness: 11.6mmCase Material: Stainless steel or pink goldDial Color: Gray, opaline center, sunburst exterior (stainless steel), silvered, opaline center, sunburst exterior (pink gold)Indexes: Applied Arabic numerals, luminous batonsLume: YesWater Resistance: 30 metersStrap/Bracelet: Black or brown alligator strap The Vacheron Constantin caliber 2460QCL/1. The Movement Caliber: Vacheron Constantin 2460QCL/1Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, complete calendar (day of the week, date, month, precision moonphase)Diameter: 29mmThickness: 5.4mmPower Reserve: 40 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)Jewels: 27 Pricing & Availability Price: $21,600 (stainless steel), $35,800 (pink gold)Availability: Coming SoonFor more click here. The FiftySix case profile has vintage inspiration but is definitely contemporary. There are correctors set into the caseband for adjusting the individual displays. In steel, this is a very modern looking calendar watch. The sunburst finish and applied numerals add a lot of depth to the dial. The moonphase has a slightly pared-down, modern look to it. The FiftySix Complete Calendar in pink gold The FiftySix Complete Calendar in stainless steel