According to Vacheron, this is the first time in history that the company has offered a “classic collection” (i.e. a non-sports model) in both a precious metal and steel. While the FiftySix collection isn’t nearly as formal as the Patrimony watchs (for example) and while you could also argue that the Quai de L’Ile watches are “classic” it is true that the new FiftySix watches have a more classic design (as well as being smaller than the Quai de L’Ile watches, which are comparatively quite large, at 41mm x 50.26mm). The feel is very 1950s, with a sector dial and alternating Arabic numerals and baton hour-markers, box crystal, and a crown recessed into its case; in fact the FiftySix is quite similar to a vintage Vacheron design from the mid-1950s – the reference 6073 – which was the inspiration for the modern design. There’s a new movement inside as well: the Vacheron caliber 1326, which is a 26.2mm x 4.3mm caliber with a pink gold rotor (the rotor is gold in both the steel and pink gold models). (Correction: Vacheron has clarified that this is not a Jaeger-LeCoultre movement; it’s produced by the Richemont Group’s Manufacture Horlogère ValFleurier and finished, assembled, and regulated by Vacheron Constantin.)
Introducing The Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Self-Winding (Live Pics & Pricing)
