Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar 4000E /000A-B548

Opening Context
The Fiftysix collection presents a more relaxed and contemporary interpretation of Vacheron Constantin’s traditional watchmaking, drawing inspiration from the maison’s reference 6073 of 1956. Its distinctive case, with lugs incorporating elements of the Maltese Cross, combines mid-century influence with modern proportions. The Fiftysix Complete Calendar 4000E/000A-B548 develops this concept into a sophisticated calendar watch, pairing stainless steel with a rich petrol blue sector dial, complete calendar indications, and a moonphase display.

Why This Reference Matters
The Fiftysix Complete Calendar is particularly successful in organising a substantial amount of information without sacrificing clarity. Its petrol blue sector dial provides both colour and architectural structure, with applied Arabic numerals and baton hour markers creating a balanced mixture of vintage-inspired and contemporary detailing.

The complete calendar displays the day and month through dedicated apertures, while a pointer hand indicates the date around the dial’s perimeter. This arrangement avoids the visual interruption of a conventional date window and allows the calendar information to become an integral part of the dial design. The moonphase provides the principal decorative complication, introducing an astronomical element that contrasts beautifully against the deep blue dial.

The overall execution gives the watch considerably more personality than a traditional silver-dial calendar. Despite its multiple indications, the sector layout establishes a clear visual hierarchy, ensuring that the time, calendar, and moonphase remain easily distinguishable.

At its heart is the automatic Calibre 2460 QCL/1. Offering approximately 40 hours of power reserve, the movement integrates the complete calendar and moonphase functions within a self-winding architecture, combining traditional Vacheron Constantin complication watchmaking with the practicality expected of an everyday mechanical watch.

On the Wrist
At 40 mm, the Fiftysix Complete Calendar provides sufficient space for its multiple indications while remaining comfortably proportioned. The stainless steel construction gives it a more versatile and understated character than a comparable precious-metal calendar watch, while the sculpted lugs provide a distinctive profile on the wrist.

The petrol blue dial changes considerably according to the surrounding light, shifting between vivid blue and deeper, almost slate-like tones. A dark blue leather strap continues the tonal palette and gives the watch an elegant yet relaxed appearance, while the stainless steel double folding clasp provides a secure and practical closure. The combination allows the watch to transition naturally from tailoring to more casual settings.

Condition & Transparency
This example features a 40 mm stainless steel case paired with a petrol blue sector dial displaying applied Arabic numerals and baton hour markers, day and month apertures, a peripheral pointer date, and moonphase indication. It is powered by the automatic Calibre 2460 QCL/1, offering approximately 40 hours of power reserve, and is fitted to a dark blue leather strap with a stainless steel double folding clasp. Particular attention should be given to preservation of the case geometry and contrasting finishes, dial and applied-marker condition, movement performance, correct operation and synchronisation of the day, date, month, and moonphase indications, strap condition, clasp operation, and overall set completeness—communicated strictly on verified information.

Why It Belongs in a Collection
The Fiftysix Complete Calendar 4000E/000A-B548 appeals to collectors who want a recognisably Vacheron Constantin complication without the formality traditionally associated with a precious-metal calendar watch. Its complete calendar and moonphase provide genuine mechanical interest, while the stainless steel case and petrol blue sector dial make the watch considerably more versatile.

It also occupies an appealing position within a broader collection: more mechanically interesting than a straightforward three-hand watch, less demanding than a perpetual calendar, and stylistically distinct from both Vacheron Constantin’s classical Traditionnelle models and its sports-oriented Overseas. The result is a complicated watch that remains approachable enough for frequent wear.

Closing
The Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar 4000E/000A-B548 is a beautifully balanced interpretation of the modern mechanical calendar. Combining its distinctive 40 mm stainless steel case, richly coloured petrol blue sector dial, intuitive day and month apertures, pointer date and moonphase, and automatic Calibre 2460 QCL/1, it brings traditional Vacheron Constantin complication watchmaking into a more relaxed contemporary setting—sophisticated enough for the collector, yet versatile enough to be enjoyed as an everyday watch.

Specifications

• Case Size: 40 mm
  
• Material: Stainless Steel
  
• Dial: Petrol Blue Sector Dial with Applied Arabic Numerals and Baton Hour Markers, Complete Calendar with Day and Month, Pointer Date and Moonphase
  
• Strap: Dark Blue Leather Strap with Stainless Steel Double Folding Clasp
  
• Power Reserve: 40 Hours
  
• Movement: Automatic (Calibre 2460 QCL/1)

Shipments are delivered under Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) terms, with duties and taxes payable by the recipient.