VC Fiftysix…Thoughts?

[Cru Jones]

Recently, the 3-hand Fiftysix in SS from Vacheron Constantin has caught my eye. Especially the blue one on leather.

For those who own/owned/handled/saw one, any thoughts to share?










(Pics from Internet)

[F131F]

I don't have one but I think it's a lovely watch. Here's a review:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/th...x-self-winding

[Boston1]

I own the 3-hand white dial FiftySix in pink gold and it’s one of my all time favorites.
I was at the VC boutique yesterday and tried the blue dial steel one with the bracelet. I wanted to love it but I didn’t. The reason is that in real life, the petrol blue dial doesn’t pop as much as in the web pictures. In general, I really like the design language of the FiftySix line.


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[ChetBaker]

I owned the 56 day date and full calendar. Sold both but would buy back the day date if the opportunity arises. Sharp watch. The full calendar dial’s upper half is very cluttered and once seen cannot be unseen. I would not buy the rime and date only because of the outsourced non-Geneva Seal movement.

[~JJ]

Originally Posted by ChetBaker

I owned the 56 day date and full calendar. Sold both but would buy back the day date if the opportunity arises. Sharp watch. The full calendar dial’s upper half is very cluttered and once seen cannot be unseen. I would not buy the rime and date only because of the outsourced non-Geneva Seal movement.

^ This. The outsourced movement would always be on back of my mind with a HH level watch.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by ChetBaker

I owned the 56 day date and full calendar. Sold both but would buy back the day date if the opportunity arises. Sharp watch. The full calendar dial’s upper half is very cluttered and once seen cannot be unseen. I would not buy the rime and date only because of the outsourced non-Geneva Seal movement.

Originally Posted by ~JJ

^ This. The outsourced movement would always be on back of my mind with a HH level watch.

Interesting thoughts about the movement. Yes, it’s a Horlogère Valfleurier movement, but it is nevertheless finished, assembled and regulated by Vacheron Constantin.

For some collectors, though, I can see the issue. Of course, the price isn’t the same, either.

[Starwalker]

Heard this was the same movement on a Baume and Mercier baumatic, or I read about it some where years back. Handsome watch, movement might bother me, but not if I paid the right price.

[Boston1]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Interesting thoughts about the movement. Yes, it’s a Horlogère Valfleurier movement, but it is nevertheless finished, assembled and regulated by Vacheron Constantin.

For some collectors, though, I can see the issue. Of course, the price isn’t the same, either.

VC and other companies used to outsource their movements for a long period of their history. Maybe they were JLC, Piguet, Lemania etc so the purists didn’t mind back then.
To my untrained eye, without the use of a lens, it is a well executed calibre and the skeletonized rotor really stands out. Each to their own.


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[TimeKeepsOnTicking]

Great piece and the blue really pops in direct sunlight. It's thin, balanced and even the clasp is a work of art.

[Pw92676]

It’s lovely, especially in these pictures.
The reasons I have never looked into one is the lack of “sportiness” makes it not a daily wearer and would prefer Geneva Seal with VC.

[Jmaster]

I have the Blue complete calendar. I actually found the Blue dial very dynamic with color changing from deep blue to lighter blue depends on lighting conditions. See the 3 pictures.

The fifty six case shape is lovely curve to it and gives the unique feel of this line. My complete calendar is thicker than the time only resulting in a slightly different feel to the case, but after handling both, I think the design team did a good job making a case design that works for different complications. However, I sometimes feel that the lugs are little long and overhang the straps a little.

While it’s should be a dress watch with the vintage inspired dial and case, I find it easy to dress down. It is certainly an under appreciated line

[Easy E]

I have not owned one, nor even handled one in person, pics only. I still find it a a handsome, smart watch.

[charger_vital]

I find it to be one of the nicer modern dress watched. And at the price... its a steal.

[rich-96db]

I never really considered it until I saw it on a bracelet. It's extremely comfortable to wear and it's great to wind and set. The Fifty-Six is it's own animal - wears much differently than the Overseas.

[brandrea]

All I have to say is that you’re making the decision more difficult

[1William]

I like it and it is quite the bargain in the secondary market. If, and when, I ever get exposed to it in person, I might be a buyer.

[Cru Jones]

Many thanks, all, for your comments and photos. I'm definitely looking forward to checking one out this week (I hope). Wish me luck!

More thoughts and photos are of course welcome and appreciated!

Originally Posted by brandrea

All I have to say is that you’re making the decision more difficult

I know, right??

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Many thanks, all, for your comments and photos. I'm definitely looking forward to checking one out this week (I hope). Wish me luck!

More thoughts and photos are of course welcome and appreciated!





I know, right??

Well for what’s it’s worth … I think it’s a beautiful dressy option


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[Kevin.S]

Originally Posted by rich-96db

I never really considered it until I saw it on a bracelet. It's extremely comfortable to wear and it's great to wind and set. The Fifty-Six is it's own animal - wears much differently than the Overseas.

[GB-man]

Something about it doesn’t quite do it for me. It’s definitely a subtle choice which I can appreciate. Also the lume is a big plus in my eyes.