Stainless steel Vacheron & Constantin ref. 6526 automatic wristwatch, 1966 — view 1 of 2 — View 1 of 2 · Image: Somlo Antiques · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

View 1 of 2 · Image: Somlo Antiques · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Stainless steel Vacheron & Constantin ref. 6526 automatic wristwatch, 1966

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: Vacheron & Constantin (maker)
Date: 1966
Historical period: Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Materials / technique: stainless steel
Dimensions: Case 34 mm
Dealer: Somlo Antiques (dealer), London
Stock no.: G3509
Credit line: Dealer listing, Somlo Antiques (G3509)
Catalogue title (original): Stainless steel Vacheron & Constantin ref. 6526 automatic wristwatch. Made 1966 (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Somlo Antiques (dealer), London (stock number G3509), this is a wristwatch by Vacheron & Constantin, made in Switzerland, dated 1966. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: stainless steel. Recorded dimensions: Case 34 mm. The record is illustrated with 2 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Somlo Antiques

Vacheron Constantin is the oldest continuously operating watchmaker, with production extending all the way back to 1755. It is considered part of the "Holy Trinity" of Swiss watchmaking, with Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. The brand has always maintained its uncompromising pursuit of perfection on the inside and out of every timepiece to be released over the past 265 years. Vacheron & Constantin has established itself globally, becoming highly regarded in both watch collecting circles and high society. Acclaimed for their superior skill with design and quality they have created timepieces for such nobles as Empress Eugenie to whom they supplied a pendant watch, a pocket watch for Tsar Alexander II and several watches for Emperor Napoleon II that carried his portrait. Brand: Vacheron & Constantin Made: 1966 Model: Dress watch Reference: 6526 Calibre: 1071/1 Movement: Automatic Material: Stainless steel Features/complications: - Dial: Silvered dial featuring baton hands and applied baton hourmarkers with centre seconds Case dimensions: 34mm Bracelet/strap: Leather strap Accessories: N/A SKU: 3509

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Automatic (self-winding) watches

Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.

What to look for

A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.

Dating clues

Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Mechanisms mentioned

Self-winding (automatic) mechanism — Component

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsRecorded
DimensionsRecorded
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Somlo Antiques (dealer), London (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Somlo Antiques — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"Stainless steel Vacheron & Constantin ref. 6526 automatic wristwatch, 1966." Somlo Antiques (dealer), London, G3509. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/stainless-steel-vacheron-constantin-ref-6526-automatic-wristwatch-1966-de729a.