Konstantin Chaykin Breaks the Record for World's Thinnest Mechanical Watch

For many years, the world’s leading watchmaking companies have been competing to produce the thinnest mechanical watches. Prestigious brands such as Piaget, Bulgari, and Richard Mille have been at the forefront of this race, with Bulgari securing a prominent position, dominating various categories. Recently, Bulgari made headlines by reintroducing its ultra-thin minute repeater during the first day of the Geneva Watch Days. Piaget previously held the title for the thinnest tourbillon watch at the Watches and Wonders event.

However, a new contender has emerged from Eastern Europe. Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin unveiled a prototype that puts him at the forefront of the ultra-thin watch category.

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Introducing Vacheron Constantin Unveils the New Fiftysix Self-Winding

The watch designed to be more affordable now features a rose gold case and an opaline dial

ByWaqt

2 weeks ago

4 minutes read

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Recently, the Swiss group Richemont made significant executive changes, reshuffling its leadership team. Louis Ferla, the former CEO of Vacheron Constantin, has now taken on the role of CEO at Cartier. However, Richemont has not yet announced who will serve as the interim CEO at Vacheron Constantin following Ferla's departure.

Vacheron Constantin is considered one of the biggest names in luxury watchmaking, having recently reached a remarkable milestone by surpassing the billion-franc mark, with sales amounting to 1.097 billion Swiss francs, according to Morgan Stanley's annual watch report.

Vacheron Constantin is renowned for its luxurious collections, such as the Métiers d'Art and the well-known Overseas watches, which the company introduced with a green dial for the first time at the recent Watches and Wonders exhibition. The company is now presenting a new edition, the "Fiftysix Self-Winding." This watch, with a black dial and a rose gold case, is considered by the company to be one of the more reasonably priced models compared to its other offerings.

Vacheron Constantin ref. 6073

The collection was introduced by the company in 2018 at the SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie), as a series of luxurious yet more affordably priced watches. While still retaining their luxury status, these watches offer a more attractive price point compared to the brand's traditional offerings.

The "FiftySix Self-Winding" watches are inspired by Vacheron's vintage designs, specifically Reference 6073, which the brand introduced in 1956. These watches, with their classic design, have gained a strong reputation and have seen multiple editions with different materials and colors. Vacheron now presents the latest addition with a black dial and rose gold case.

The new Fifty six Self-Winding model boasts a pink gold case measuring 40mm in diameter and 9.6mm in thickness, along with a recessed fluted crown protected by the asymmetrical case design. The dial is covered by a box-shaped sapphire crystal, while the exhibition caseback reveals the inner workings of the watch. With a water resistance of 30 meters.

The black dial is divided into two sections, separated by a white railway track. The center features an opaline glass, while the outer section showcases a sunburst finishing. The dial also includes a minute and seconds track around the outer edge, with a combination of applied Arabic numerals and indices in rose gold. The baton-style indices and hands, excluding the Arabic numerals, are coated with Super-LumiNova®. A black date window at 3 o’clock blends seamlessly with the dial’s color.

Visible through the transparent caseback is the automatic Caliber 1326. This movement consists of 142 components, including 25 jewels, operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and offers a power reserve of 48 hours. Caliber 1326 includes a quick-set date, hacking seconds, and an openworked Maltese cross-shaped oscillating weight in pink gold.

The Fiftysix Self-Winding is paired with an anthracite nubuck calfskin leather strap, lined with calfskin, and fastened with an 18K pink gold buckle. Priced at EUR 28,100, this timepiece is equivalent to AED 114,000.

For more information, please visit Vacheron Constantin official website.

Technical Specifications: Vacheron Constantin Fifty Six Self-Winding

Reference: 4600E/000R-H101
Case: 18K pink gold, polished, bos shape crystal sapphire, sapphire crystal caseback
Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 9.6 mm
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Dial: black dial, opaline center dial, sunburst satin exterior, date at 3 o'clock, 18K gold baton-type hour/minute hands, applied 18K gold hour-indices and Arabic numerals, highlighted with blue SuperLuminova
Movement: Self-winding Caliber 1326, 142 components, 22k gold rotor, 25 jewels
Power Reserve: 48 hours
Frequency: 28,800 VPH (4 Hz)
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, calendar aperture, stop seconds device
Bracelet/Strap: Grey calfskin leather strap with an 18K pink gold buckle
Price: EUR 28,100 / 114,000 AED.