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Vacheron Constantin Calatrava (Ref. 6456) 18k WG, 1950s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Vacheron Constantin Calatrava (Ref. 6456) 18k WG, 1950s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Vacheron Constantin (maker)
Date
1950s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 34 mm
Stock no.
VC6456
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (VC6456)
Catalogue title (original)
1950s Vacheron Constantin Calatrava (Ref. 6456) 18k WG (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number VC6456), this is a wristwatch by Vacheron Constantin, made in Switzerland, dated 1950s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 34 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 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 — Craft & Tailored

Vacheron Constantin has never contained itself to being a single type of watchmaker. Since their creation in 1755, the Swiss watchmaking house has set out to push the horological boundaries. Whether it's a simple dress watch or delving into the complexities of watchmaking, Vacheron Constantin never compromises tasteful design. The ref. 6456 is the epitome of a classic dress watch but doesn't feel boring, accomplishing everything it's supposed to and nothing its not. The slim 18k white gold case houses the robust cal. K1001/2 manual mind movement and fits perfectly underneath the cuff of a shirt, and white gold is a chosen favorite among collectors who prefer a low profile and precious metals. Stock # VC6456 Brand Vacheron Constantin Style Calatrava Model 6456 Serial 45XXXX Size Men's Material 18k White Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 34mm Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The 18k white gold case with straight angular lugs is very well preserved, showing only minor signs of use. The bezel is in overall clean shape with a nice vintage feel from some light signs of use. the case retains its original unsigned small winding crown. The case back cleanly displays the watch serial number and gold hallmark. The watch will come supplied with a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The silver sunburst dial with applied indexes is simple and elegant, and has taken on a nice vintage patina with some darkening to the dial between the 6 o'clock and 7 o'clock markers. The black enamel filled hour and minute hands and 6 o'clock sweep seconds hands remain original to the watch and in excellent condition. ACCESSORIES

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 timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

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.

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