The Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix collection unveiled in 2018 is returning to centre-stage, at the confluence of eras and styles .The 40 mm pink gold case opts for a black dial and anthracite nubuck calfskin leather strap in an elegant retro-contemporary combination. The collection’s strong identity is inspired by 1950s’ aesthetics and the iconic Reference 6073 created by Vacheron Constantin in 1956.
Part retro, part contemporary, the Fiftysix collection is rooted in Vacheron Constantin’s heritage
Its inspiration is twofold: on the one hand, 1950s’ aesthetics, particularly Reference 6073 created by the Maison in 1956; on the other, the Manufacture’s Maltese cross emblem, whose outline discreetly graces several details distilled across various models in the collection. Me Fiftysix aesthetic is thus at the confluence of styles and eras, expressed through multiple variations in pink gold or steel and driven by a self-winding movement in a complete calendar version or with day, date and power-reserve indication.
New Fiftysix self-winding opts for an original, contrasting combination of gold, black and anthracite tones
Harmoniously extended by lugs evoking a Maltese cross, its 40 mm round 18K 5N pink gold case frames a sector-type dial typical of watches produced in the 1950s. For the first time in the collection, it is black toned, with double finishes, opaline in the centre and sunburst on the surrounding chapter ring, offering an elegant play on light and shade with the warm shimmer of pink gold. The contrast continues with the applied 18K 5N pink gold Roman numerals, along with the hour-markers and hands coated with luminescent material ensuring enhanced legibility in the dark. Me dial aesthetics are further enhanced by the box-type sapphire crystal topping the bezel, in the style of post-war watches. This retro-contemporary aesthetic is matched by an anthracite nubuck calfskin leather strap with ecru stitching.
On the reverse, the Calibre 1326 self-winding movement reveals its Côtes de Genève finishing through the sapphire crystal caseback. Me pink gold oscillating weight is open worked and adorned with a Maltese cross, the symbol of Vacheron Constantin’s watchmaking excellence for nearly 270 years.
A powerful 1950s-inspired identity
The personality of the Fiftysix is rooted in the 1950s, the golden age of round, elegant timepieces and more specifically in Reference 6073 presented by Vacheron Constantin in 1956. The fact that this watch occupies a special place within the Maison’s heritage is because it was one of its very first timepieces to feature a self-winding movement, at a time when most were still powered by hand-wound mechanisms. In addition to its technical features ensuring precision and reliability, it also features strong character and retro elegance. Fiftysix watches borrow their streamlined design from their predecessor, reinforced by lugs whose design is inspired by the branches of the Maltese cross. Like the vintage models, they also feature a box-type crystal that dominates the bezel, a sector-type dial and harmoniously alternating Arabic numerals and baton-style hour-markers characteristic of the 1950s.
