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HANDS-ON: The Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar in petrol blue HANDS-ON: The Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar in petrol blue

HANDS-ON: The Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar in petrol blue

Felix Scholz

Vacheron Constantin’s Fiftysix collection — first released in 2018 — is a refreshingly upbeat take on mid-century design, full of personality and warmth. And this new Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar in petrol blue keeps the tempo up. The case looks simple at first glance, but quickly gathers sophistication the more you study it. I particularly like the slight cushiony flaring around the crown, and the flare (or is that flair?) of the lugs, which are wide at the flanks but quite short, resulting in a timepiece that’s comfortable on the wrist. The proportions on the calendar model add to the comfort factor — the steel case is 40mm wide by 11.6mm tall. 

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar in petrol blue

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar in petrol blue

Of course, on this particular model the dial is the story. Not the layout, but rather the colour. Before we get to the impact of petrol blue, let’s talk about that layout. It’s really classic, in the best possible way. Day and month are nested under the brand at the top, and that wide moon display provides some vertical balance at six. The pointer date is very old-world, and the choice of delicate printed numerals — especially those open 6s and 9s — is charming. But there’s also enough luminous material to go around (it’s 2019 after all). The colour, that rich navy that Vacheron Constantin call Petrol Blue, is a real winner — an on-trend hue that places the Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar in a sweet spot between casual and classic. 

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar in petrol blue

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar in petrol blue price

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar in petrol blue, $33,800 AUD.