A short hands-on with Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar

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Vacheron Constantin launched last year at SIHH 2019 two new pieces in the FIFTYSIX® Collection. The FIFTYSIX® Self Winding and the FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar received the new petrol blue dials. Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar is a dial colour variation of the past models remaining unchanged on the technical side.

Review Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar

The new petrol blue of the Vacheron Constantin is a mesmerising colour. A pure blue would make this watch a bit boring. This new colour applied on a complete calendar makes the watch a very “cool” (pun intended) timepiece. I find the complete calendars extremely useful in daily use. The FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar is a subtle, practical and elegant piece.

Please enjoy below the official FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar video, courtesy of Vacheron Constantin:

A classical allure, a modern approach

The Complete Calendar comes in a beautiful 40 mm diameter steel case. With a thickness of 11.6 mm, the watch is a comfortable presence on the wrist and under a shirt’s sleeve. The case has a three-parts construction with an exhibition caseback.

Vacheron Constantin made an interesting design choice: instead of round interhorn shape, mass was added to create a modern touch to a rather classical construction. The designed was followed on top at the bezel, adding dept and details.

The highly polished case presents no sharp angles. A voluptuous chamfer follows the case edge from top to bottom lugs. The top crystal reminds of the vintage pieces with the box type plexiglass.

The beautiful crown has a practical conical shape that eases the grip and handling. The crown is protected by delicately integrated bumpers. The visible recessed pushers are used for the complete calendar set.

A touch of classic, a touch of modern

The petrol blue dial has a certain vintage note. The constituent elements are similar to the brand’s vintage pieces but passed through contemporary technologies.

For instance, the applied indexes: the numerals have a vintage font and the batton indexes have a luminescent insert. Note the magnificent Maltese cross above the printed brand name.

The moon phase aperture received a lovely decoration, highlighting the complication. Moreover, the aperture makes an excellent team with the polished moon and its blue background. A lovely detail.

The Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar displays central hours, minutes and seconds. The complete calendar uses two apertures for the day of the week and month and an arrow hand for the date. The precision moon phase indication has an accuracy of 122 years.

Vacheron Constantin – always exceptional

Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar is powered by the manufacture calibre 2460 QCL/1. The self-winding movement uses a skeletonised 22k solid gold rotor decorated with the Maltese cross. The calibre uses a 4Hz balance wheel and it has an autonomy of 40 hours.

The calibre 2460 QCL/1 is exceptionally decorated, receiving the Hallmark of Geneva. Between the decorations, it can be observed the perlage on the base plate, polished chamfers on the edges of bridges and Côtes de Genève on top. The rotor received extra care: a straight graining on centre and extremities, sandblasted surfaces and mirror polish for the cross.

A connoisseurs’ delight

Vacheron Constantin is the Maison of connoisseurs and the FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar reaffirms this statement. The watch is presented in a well-balanced size for modern time and with exceptional finishes. The classical layout displays the complete calendar in a familiar way but with a series of details not met on the vintage pieces.

Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX® Complete Calendar is a pleasant wrist presence. Its refined look will catch the attention of any watch enthusiast.