The Watch

Blue Moon

Entirely contemporary, strikingly retro, highly sophisticated. Vacheron Constantin gives a new shape to an established icon from its centurieslong history with the launch of the new FIFTYSIX Complete Calendar

by Diego Tamone

The 1950s was a decade of rebirth. Society was swept by unbridled, exhilarating optimism, bringing increased consumption in its wake. In this atmosphere of renewal a blast of fresh air blew away conventions, ushering in exciting new ideas. In the mid-20th century beauty began to emerge and express itself in different forms, opening the way for architects and designers to release a new, unprecedented creativity. The everyday object became the focus of attention. This dynamic scene saw Vacheron Constantin celebrate its bicentenary (founded in 1755, this landmark meant the brand officially became the Geneva watchmaking house

The Maltese cross, the symbol of the Geneva-based manufacturer, appears on the crown integrated into the case (above) and in the automatic winding mechanisms (left) visible through the transparent back

with the longest history of uninterrupted activity), and it welcomed the future. The evolution of design and the development of micro-mechanics opened up new horizons, and in 1956 the reference 6073 arrived on the scene. This milestone model with its unusual shape played such an important role in the brand’s history that it was revamped in 2018 with the evocative name of FIFTYSIX. All caps. Cosmopolitan and contemporary with clear retro touches. This collection is now joined by a version boasting a large array of complications and a petrol blue dial, the FIFTYSIX Complete Calendar. It features a 40 mmm stainless steel case and in-house automatic movement that is so accurate it requires manual adjustment of the moon phase display only once every 122 years. www.vacheron-constantin.com

With a petrol blue dial and stainless-steel case for an informal, contemporary look, the FIFTYSIX Complete Calendar by Vacheron Constantin is inspired by and reinterprets the 1950s