Vacheron Constantin’s Fiftysix has always occupied a particular place in the maison’s catalogue.
It’s the relaxed, mid-century-leaning line that brings the brand’s classical language into a more everyday register, and its latest update sharpens that brief with steel cases, stronger dial contrast and a softer, more casual strap choice.
The new Fiftysix Self-Winding and Fiftysix Complete Calendar keep the collection’s 40mm profile, but the mood is livelier than before.
At a glance
- Vacheron Constantin has updated the Fiftysix Self-Winding and Fiftysix Complete Calendar in stainless steel.
- Both models receive two-tone grey sector-style dials, revised case finishing and grey nubuck leather straps with ecru stitching.
- The Fiftysix Self-Winding is priced at CHF 12,600, while the Fiftysix Complete Calendar is priced at CHF 29,500.
A steel Fiftysix with more surface tension
Launched in 2018, the Fiftysix was introduced as Vacheron Constantin’s more accessible everyday collection, aimed at collectors looking for a less formal point of entry into the brand.
Its design traces its inspiration to a Vacheron Constantin model from 1956, which explains the collection’s rounded retro profile and the subtle architectural detail in the lugs.
For this update, both new references arrive in stainless steel rather than precious metal.
The case shape itself remains unchanged, but the finishing has been reworked to create stronger contrast across the surfaces.
The bevelled lugs, shaped to evoke the four arms of the Maltese cross, are vertically brushed and edged with polished bevels.
The case sides are also vertically brushed, while the bezel, crown and the correctors on the Complete Calendar are polished.
That mix of brushing and polish matters on a watch like this, because the Fiftysix is not an overtly complicated design from the outside.
Its character comes from proportion, light and those small historical cues rather than from dramatic case architecture.
Two-tone sector dials in grey
The most visible change is on the dial, where both models now use bolder two-tone grey sector layouts.
Vacheron Constantin has paired the cool tone of steel with a dial treatment that feels more graphic, helped by a vintage-inspired box-shaped sapphire crystal.
On the Fiftysix Self-Winding, the centre of the dial is opaline and finished in a light grey tone that gradually moves into a darker grey chapter ring.
A snailed light grey minute track sits at the outer edge, with a black-and-white railway track intersected by the date window at 3 o’clock.
The Arabic numerals and elongated rectangular hour markers are applied in 18k white gold.
The baton-style hour and minute hands, along with the indices, are highlighted with blue Super-LumiNova.
The Complete Calendar takes the same two-tone idea in a different direction.
Its dial has a dark grey gradient centre framed by a black-and-white railway track, followed by a light grey sunburst chapter ring with applied white gold numerals and indices.
A darker snailed date ring runs around the outer perimeter, read by an additional white gold arrow-tipped hand.
The difference between the two models
The Fiftysix Self-Winding remains the cleanest expression of the line, with a time-and-date layout and a price position that makes it the most accessible model in Vacheron Constantin’s current range.
Its automatic movement is an outsourced ValFleurier calibre based on a Cartier ébauche.
It runs at 28,000 vibrations per hour and provides 48 hours of power reserve.
Vacheron Constantin finishes the movement with Côtes de Genève and an openworked 22k pink gold rotor shaped like a Maltese cross.
The Fiftysix Complete Calendar is the more traditional connoisseur’s choice.
It displays the day, date and month, along with a precision moon phase at 6 o’clock.
The day and month appear in twin windows below 12 o’clock, while the pointer date gives the watch a pleasingly old-world calendar rhythm.
Inside is Vacheron Constantin’s in-house 2460 QCl/1 self-winding calibre, visible through a sapphire crystal caseback.
The movement comprises 308 parts, beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, offers a 40-hour power reserve and carries the Hallmark of Geneva certification.
Details & Specifications
| Brand | Vacheron Constantin |
|---|---|
| Collection | Fiftysix |
| Models | Fiftysix Self-Winding and Fiftysix Complete Calendar |
| Case size | 40mm |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Crystal | Box-shaped sapphire crystal |
| Dial | Two-tone grey sector-style dials with applied 18k white gold numerals and indices |
| Fiftysix Self-Winding movement | Automatic ValFleurier movement based on a Cartier ébauche, 28,000vph, 48-hour power reserve |
| Fiftysix Complete Calendar movement | Vacheron Constantin 2460 QCl/1 self-winding calibre, 308 parts, 28,800vph, 40-hour power reserve, Hallmark of Geneva certification |
| Fiftysix Self-Winding functions | Hours, minutes and date |
| Fiftysix Complete Calendar functions | Day, date, month and precision moon phase |
| Strap | Grey nubuck leather with ecru stitching and steel folding clasp |
| Fiftysix Self-Winding price | CHF 12,600 |
| Fiftysix Complete Calendar price | CHF 29,500 |
The Fiftysix has never been about spectacle, and this update is stronger for staying within that lane.
In steel, with more assertive grey dials and a nubuck strap, the collection feels closer to its original everyday promise while keeping enough Vacheron Constantin refinement to remind you where it sits.
