Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix - New Ideas meet old principles
Vacheron Constantin is a traditional brand that has been inspiring the watch world with its unique creations for more than two centuries. One of their current watches is the Fiftysix, which picks up an old design and reinterprets it.
This recreation is, in our opinion, already one of the "most iconic watches of all time."
This watch is particularly addressed to younger customers. But what exactly can we expect from Vacheron Constantin when they combine new ideas with old principles?
The Fiftysix is a popular watch series from the luxurious watch manufacturer Vacheron Constantin. It is a new version of the 1956, which was released many years ago. The watch is characterized by its classic design and excellent quality. The Fiftysix is currently available in four different versions and in stainless steel and rose gold alloys.
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The History of Vacheron Constantin
First of all, a few words about the origin of Vacheron Constantin.
The history of this brand is a journey into the fascinating world of watchmaking that began over 160 years ago.
In 1755, the young watchmaker Jean-Marc Vacheron laid the foundation for a brand that would later become synonymous with elegance, precision, and craftsmanship.
In the shimmering backdrop of Geneva, he began crafting excellent pocket watches, which not only surpassed the standards of the time but also embodied the essence of luxury and sophistication. Even then, the young watchmaker understood that a watch is not just an instrument for reading the time. Nowadays, and especially after the quartz crisis, luxury watches are in some ways just a statement of personality and personal taste.
The brand has rapidly gained a very good reputation, became an icon of fine watchmaking, and stood for innovative technology. Thus, they delivered their watches to royal courts, celebrities, and collectors around the world. Each watch is a masterpiece of precision, with intricate decorations and details.
Over time, Vacheron Constantin also adapted more and more to the changing circumstances in the watch market and eventually switched to the production of wristwatches. The brand managed to keep up their reputation by always staying in tune with the latest technological advances and stylistic trends as the times changed.
Today, Vacheron Constantin is a traditional brand that appreciates its heritage, but still dares to break new ground. Its name is synonymous with brilliant watches that rewrite the history of time with every ticking second.
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The Fiftysix
The Fiftysix is one of Vacheron Constantin's most popular watches and was recently relaunched, inspired by the old 1956 watch. The Fiftysix is a modernized and restructured edition of the old model. Basically, it is a round and organic wristwatch with a case that was considered novel at the time and classic dials. This fusion of old and new is the trademark of the watch, so to speak.
The old Nineteen Fifty-Six was groundbreaking at the time. Its design was considered unique because the connecting line of the case rim was interrupted centrally at the upper and lower horns by the bracelet - a stylistic break that was later also found on many other watches.
62 years after the 1956 was released, Vacheron Constantin revisits this idea. In particular, the dial display is reminiscent of the old model, which is said to be inspired by the spirit of optimism.
The Fiftysix initially launched in three different variations and was later supplemented with another version with a tourbillon.
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All Models of the Fiftysix
There are 4 different versions of the Fiftysix, let's take a detailed look at all of them.
Fiftysix Automatic
The entry-level model is the Fiftysix Automatic. It has a round dial with an oval case that can be worn on a leather strap or a steel bracelet. It has a case diameter of 40 millimeters and a height of 9.6 millimeters. It is water-resistant up to three bar or 30 meters.
The automatic caliber 1326 is a very precise movement. Its balance vibrates with 28,800 vibrations, which is standard for luxury watches. Apart from telling the time, the caliber also tells us the date via a small window at the 3:00 position.
Letztlich kann sich der Käufer zwischen den Legierungen Roségold und Edelstahl entscheiden Außerdem gibt es die Uhr mit Alligatorleder-Bändern, Kalbslederarmband sowie einem feinmaschigen Metallarmband.
Fiftysix Day-Date
The next level would be the version with a day and date function. This watch is also 40 millimeters wide but a bit thicker with a height of 11.6 millimeters.
The in-house caliber 2475 SC/2 consists of 264 individual parts and has a power reserve of 40 hours. In addition to the day-date function, this movement also has a power reserve indicator.
This version of the Fiftysix is also available in stainless steel or rose gold.
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Fiftysix full calendar
The next step is the Fiftysix with a full calendar that can accurately display not only the day of the week but also the month. In addition, it has a stop-seconds device that stops the movement during time-setting, enabling perfect timing of your watch, as well as a precise moon phase display.
This complex agglomeration of complications is made possible by Vacheron Constantin's caliber 2460 QCL/1. The date is unconventionally indicated by a fourth separate hand by means of a scale located around the clock on the edge of the dial.
The Fiftysix full calendar has the same dimensions as the Fiftysix day and date display and is also available in rose gold and stainless steel.
Fiftysix Tourbillon
The hardest complication in watchmaking is the Tourbillon, of course you can also have one in the Fiftysix. The tourbillon of the Fiftysix has a small second on the tourbillon cage. The specially developed caliber consists of just 188 individual parts and promises a power reserve of 80 hours, which is very long for a Tourbillon watch.
Due to the complex mechanics, the case is one millimeter wider at 41 millimeters, but is only 10.94 millimeters high and is also water-resistant up to three bar or 30 meters.
In addition, the watch has sapphire crystal on the front as well as on the backside of the case, allowing you to admire the beautiful movement.
The Fiftysix Tourbillon is available exclusively in rose gold with a brown alligator leather strap.
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Craftsmanship and Watchmaking
In terms of quality, you can be sure that both the cheaper models and the more expensive ones are excellently crafted and meet the very highest standards of not only Vacheron Constantin but also of the entire watch industry. The luxury watch manufacturer Vacheron Constantin is known for their excellent and impeccable watchmaking.
The brand is also part of the Holy Trinity Trio along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. In professional circles, the three brands are also known as the Big Three as particularly outstanding watch manufacturers.
We have already published articles on the other two brands of the Big Three. Namely, the "Nautilus by Patek Philippe" and the "Royal Oak by Audemars Piguet."
Vacheron Constantin uses only in-house calibers for its watches, which means that they produce everything by themselves. The basis for the Fiftysix is a newly developed automatic caliber, which is used by three different brands within the Richemont Group, namely Cartier, Panerai, and Vacheron Constantin itself, this is done to drive down costs.
In terms of movements, the various calibers of the Fiftysix differ significantly in one aspect. All calibers have the quality seal "Poinçon de Genève" except for the caliber 1326 of the basic model.
Fanatics of pure watchmaking who swear by the Poinçon de Genève, a quality seal awarded by the Timelab Foundation, must resort to the more expensive Fiftysix models, all of which have manufacture calibers with the hallmark. The Poinçon de Genève, which means Geneva Seal, is then engraved on the movement and case and promises that the watch has the very highest technical and craftsmanship standards. In addition, the hallmark or seal guarantees that the movement is not more than one minute out of time per week.
Each caliber is thoroughly tested before it leaves the factory and must pass this test before it is built into the models and finally reaches the customer.
The entry-level model without this seal, on the other hand, does not have such high standards, of course allowing for a more affordable price.
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Prices (chart)
Thus, the Fiftysix ranges in price from 12,700 Swiss francs to over a hundred thousand Swiss francs. To give you an overview, we have listed all prices in a table here.
| Model | Price |
| Fiftysix automatic stainless steel on leather strap | 13,800 Euro |
| Fiftysix Automatic stainless steel on metal bracelet | 16,700 Euro |
| Fiftysix automatic rose gold | 27,600 Euro |
| Fiftysix day and date stainless steel | 29,700 Euro |
| Fiftysix full calendar stainless steel | 29,700 Euro |
| Fiftysix day and date display rose gold | 48,200 Euro |
| Fiftysix full calendar rose gold | 48,200 Euro |
| Fiftysix Tourbillon | Price on request, current grey market price: approx. 113,000 Euros |
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Value development
To analyze the investment potential, it must be made clear that Vacheron Constantin is not an enormously hyped watch brand, which means that prices on the gray market do not go through the roof as much as we see it with other brands.
The best example of this would be the Rolex brand. Due to the hype around Rolex, their watches have been in such high demand that they are trading at massive sums on the gray market, some of which are priced many times their list price. The enormous hype then spurs this price upward spiral, and the watches rise to immeasurable levels. At least it seems that way until we experience the opposite.
This cannot be said of Vacheron Constantin watches. And even though the Fiftysix is a popular watch, the brand just isn't hyped that much. This may be mainly due to the much more subtle appearance.
Especially watch fanatics like to buy themselves the refined timepieces of the Geneva watch manufacturer Vacheron Constantin.
This results in the fact that the watches are not traded significantly above list price. On the contrary, on the secondary market, most watches are even slightly below their list price. However, the Fiftysix is still relatively stable in value, even if its price does not have massive jumps upwards.
Overall, it is noticeable that steel models tend to perform somewhat better. The difference between these and the list prices is usually smaller. This could possibly be due to the greater demand for them.
To finally answer the question around the investment potential of the Fiftysix, it is clear that you won't experience any massive increases in value. However, you won't lose horrendous amounts of money when buying this watch. As a rule, one's money should be kept safe as there are no massive price drops in sight either, making it a safe investment.
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Conclusion
In the end, it can be said that the Fiftysix is a very successful and in some ways a perfect wristwatch. It carries the history of its predecessor, the 1956, with pride and lives up to its name.
Whether it is equipped with a caliber with a Geneva seal or in the standard version, the Fiftysix always makes a statement and is an ideal all-rounder in everyday life.
As far as the workmanship is concerned, the Fiftysix is of absolute top level and plays in the Champions League of luxury watches.
Finally, the Fiftysix should be interesting for all those who are looking for an elegant wristwatch, which is excellently crafted and looks appealing, but does not appear too prominent so that it stands out.
Source Coverimage: Vacheron Constantin Pressroom
About the author
Alexander Weinberger
For me, the most fascinating thing about watches is the interplay between precise craftsmanship and artistic development. In a watch movement, hundreds of small parts have to be put together precisely so that they form a large whole.
