Unexpected incoming…

[Jmaster]

Hi all,

I went to my AD wanting to check out a few watches (see last pic) and came out with a watch that was totally not expected. Sometimes you have to hold the watch on your hand and try it out before you can really decide if the watch fits you. That’s the magic of this hobby…discovering sometime that you don’t expect. This is definitely one of those situations where I felt in love with a piece when I have it in metal…

Ever since I saw the Vacheron Constantine Fiftysix line, I was not interested. My impression from the online photos and videos is that this is VC’s way to target the younger crowd, with a modern spin to the very classic design language of such a high-end brand. All the noises about the modified Cartier movement just further turned me off, and the weird date window further hurts the design. However, when I saw this Complete Calendar in person, that impression completely changed. Here are a few things that surprised me:

- The Case. The case shape was one of my biggest surprises. It has a very nice contour to it. The maltese cross features and all the details around the complete polished case create a cushion like shape that looks a lot better in real life than just online pictures. I also like the slight recessed crown and boxes type sapphire. I read online that some people think it’s more 40mm, but to me, this watch wears a little small which fits my 6-1/2 wrist really well.

- The Dial. The blue dial with three different finishes looks amazing in real life. I found a lot more details, such as the reflections of the dates around the edge of the dial, or the white gold frame around the moon window. The Petrol Blue is a little deeper blue than your typical blue dial. It goes from bright under the Sun to dark blue indoor. This completed calendar dial layout is very well balanced and “fixed” the date window issue of the self-winding model.

- The Movement. This completed calendar is the same Geneva seal movement that goes into the Traditionalle, with a 22K gold skeleton rotor with 3 different finishing. Obviously, this is holy trinity level finishing.

- The Strap and Buckle. The dark blue alligator strap has a grey tone to it that matches the Petro blue dial really well. VC butterfly style deployment bucket fits my wrist really well, frankly a lot more comfortable than the Patek deployment buckle.

Overall, I love that the retro-modern look of this watch. In stainless, it’s less of a full dress watch that can easily go with jeans, yet I can wear it with a suit. I always see VC as a dressy brand with the exception of the Oversea line but this one seems to come a little less dressy. At the same time, I discovered a lot of VC details on this watch that make me appreciate the design. Again, completely unexpected but I walk out the store super happy with this purchase.

Hope you enjoy this “review.” Here are a few pictures.

[jed11]

Huge congratulations. While I only have the simple automatic (gray dial), I too fell in love with int when I saw it in person. All three models in stainless steel represent huge value in my opinion. They are fantastic. Enjoy it!

[1William]

Congratulations.

[MichelleP]

Love it. Congratulations

[Jmaster]

Originally Posted by jed11

Huge congratulations. While I only have the simple automatic (gray dial), I too fell in love with int when I saw it in person. All three models in stainless steel represent huge value in my opinion. They are fantastic. Enjoy it!

Originally Posted by 1William

Congratulations.

Originally Posted by MichelleP

Love it. Congratulations

Thanks all.

@jed11 - agree with the huge value prop of this line, especially with the Stainless version. Also make them easier to dress down for more everyday use.

[Nathan_]

congratulations on the new pick up!

[JayHantz]

Congratulations! I love this blue dial and the complete calendar is just special.

[uniqueMR]

congrats

[Oyster Sauce]

Congrats -- I'd walk away a happy camper too with that VC. Wear in good health

[zuckuss86]

Congrats! this watch is on my radar in a big way. Debating silver or blue dial though.

Did they just have it for you at the AD? That's great if so...I've heard they're not super easy to get...

[bonovox]

Very nice reference. Congrats!

[Jmaster]

Originally Posted by zuckuss86

Congrats! this watch is on my radar in a big way. Debating silver or blue dial though.

Did they just have it for you at the AD? That's great if so...I've heard they're not super easy to get...

Yes, they just received one and it's available for me to purchase. They get 1-2 every few months, and I just happened to be visiting when it got in. I think the Stainless models are not as widely available as the gold models, but they do come by.

Originally Posted by JayHantz

Congratulations! I love this blue dial and the complete calendar is just special.

Thanks. It's exactly the combo of the special blue dial and the movement that pushed me over.

Originally Posted by Oyster Sauce

Congrats -- I'd walk away a happy camper too with that VC. Wear in good health

Thank you. Definitely enjoying it on my wrist. You wear yours in good health too.

Originally Posted by Nathan_

congratulations on the new pick up!

Originally Posted by uniqueMR

congrats

Originally Posted by bonovox

Very nice reference. Congrats!

Thanks everyone.

[brandrea]

Beautiful reference, congratulations

[zuckuss86]

Originally Posted by Jmaster

Yes, they just received one and it's available for me to purchase. They get 1-2 every few months, and I just happened to be visiting when it got in. I think the Stainless models are not as widely available as the gold models, but they do come by.

I should have been more specific, yes I meant the stainless version. That's great! congrats again.