Fiftysix Tourbillon

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Fiftysix Tourbillon  - Vacheron Constantin
Yesterday in London, Vacheron Constantin unveils the newest timepiece in its Fiftysix collection: the Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Tourbillon.

In addition to presenting the Fiftysix Tourbillon, Vacheron Constantin also unveils a partnership with Abbey Road Studios, where the launch event is being held, and its initiative with several musicians and artists who are part of the brand’s new “One of Not Many” campaign.  Among them: Benjamin Clementine, who is giving a private performance for Vacheron Constantin guests.

The launch of the Fiftysix Tourbillon represents the first major complication for the all-new collection that originally made its debut at SIHH earlier this year. The first watches unveiled then, and making their way to stores this month, are a self-winding Fiftysix, a Day Date Fiftysix and a Complete Calendar Fiftysix. The retro-inspired updated vintage case design is inspired – as its name suggests—by a watch from 1956. The Reference 6073 was a classical look for the times, with four lugs, each representing a branch of the Maltese cross. At that time, it was one of the brand’s first to be fitted wit ha self-winding movement and to have a water resistant case.

Fiftysix Tourbillon  

In keeping with the spirit of that watch and of Vacheron Constantin haute horology prowess, the newest watch houses an ultra-thin self-winding in-house-made movement, Caliber 2160, with a 22-karat gold peripheral oscillating weight that enables the slimmer dimensions of the watch. The 188-part movement, with 30 jewels, measures 31mm in diameter and 5.65mm in thickness. The tourbillon escapement is shaped in the Maison’s emblem: the Maltese cross. 

The movement is cased in a 41mm diameter case crafted in 18-karat rose gold and measuring 10.9mm in thickness. Slim and elegant, the Fiftysix Tourbillon features a silvered opaline dial with inner and outer minute track for vintage appeal. The Arabic numerals are applied and crafted in rose gold, as are the hour markers and hands that feature a luminescent coating with blue hues in darkness. The tourbillon escapement is visible via a large circular aperture at 6 o’clock on the dial. 

Fiftysix Tourbillon

The Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Tourbillon carries the Hallmark of Geneva certification attesting to its fine finishings. Each component is hand finished, with the tourbillon alone requiring more than a dozen hours of hand chamfering and polishing. The beauty of the movement is visible thanks to a sapphire exhibition caseback.  The Fiftysix Tourbillon will be available beginning in April 2019, from Vacheron Constantin boutiques only.

Vacheron Constantin and Abbey Road Studios

As mentioned, in London, Vacheron Constantin celebrates not only the new Fiftysix Tourbillon, but also its partnership with the famed Abbey Road Studios. The legendary recording studios with precision sound and innovation, has been in business since 1931 and is one of the earliest of its kind – much like Vacheron Constantin was an early watch brand, founded in 1755.  Abbey Road Studios is renowned for being the sound engineer for some of the most famed names in music history, including The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Niles Rodgers and more. 

Fiftysix Tourbillon

At the opening singer, songwriter and musician Benjamin Clementine will be performing a special song he recorded there that will be a new single co-produced by Vacheron Constantin and Abbey Road Studios: Eternity

 “Music is a fantastic and universal driver of emotions, just like our watches,” says Louis Ferla, CEO of Vacheron Constantin. “As we learned to know each other, Vacheron Constantin and Abbey Road Studios discovered that we share the same values of technical excellence, constant innovation and savoir-faire perpetuation, as well as a constant will to share and spread our passion.”

Fiftysix Tourbillon

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