Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1956 Reference No: 6126 Movement No: 523'510 Case No: 350'138 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal.1002, 17 jewels, stamped "VXN" Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle Dimensions: 32mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1956
Catalogue Essay
The present timepiece will enthrall the beholder with its absolutely honest and superior condition, and with its highly attractive and unusual dial configuration. Featuring a two-tone sectorial design with a gilt centre and outer track separated by a silvered sector, the watch is furthermore engraved/enamelled: the signature has first been etched into the dial plate, then the etching has been filled with enamel powder, and finally the dial has been cooked in a kiln so that the enamel melts down and vitrify. Extremely expensive to make - so much that nowadays no brand makes dials in this fashion anymore - engraved/enamelled dials are from a quality standpoint the pinnacle of dial construction.
The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.
Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.