
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Vacheron Constantin Disco Volante in 18 k yellow gold ref 6508, 1960
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron Constantin (maker)
- Date
- 1960
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- yellow gold
- Dimensions
- Case 34 mm
- Stock no.
- W-3613
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3613)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Vacheron Constantin Disco Volante in 18 k yellow gold ref 6508 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3613), this is a wristwatch by Vacheron Constantin, made in Switzerland, dated 1960. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: yellow gold. 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 — Bulang & Sons
Founded in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron in Geneva, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation. Known as part of the "Holy Trinity" of Swiss watchmaking, the brand merged with François Constantin in 1819, adopting the motto: "Do better if possible, and that is always possible." With a lineage stretching back centuries, the brand has been responsible for some of the most sophisticated and beautifully executed complications ever produced. At hand, we have a very ultra-thin and strikingly cool “Disco Volante,” or flying saucer. The 34mm 18k yellow gold case features hidden lugs and a hand-finished guilloché surface with a glorious red patina on the gold. The silver-colored dial is elegantly simple, with stick markers, no lume, and a mirror-like finish that reflects the hands. The stick hands are topped by a black Vacheron & Constantin signature, completing the refined look. This rare flying saucer has been paired with a thin leather strap and a uniquely shaped 18k gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle. The ultra-thin caliber 1003 hand-wound movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is ready for years of enjoyment. We love these Disco Volantes—they are effortlessly cool, lightweight on the wrist, and an absolute joy to wear. Take a closer look, and let’s have a conversation about this remarkable piece. Specifications: Vacheron Constantin “Disco Volante “ ref 6508 Dresswatch 34 mm, 18 k yellow gold case with hidden lugs, hand finished engraved Serial dates to the 1960's Silver dial , no lume , stick markers and hands set Calibre 1003 hand wound ultra thin movement Leather strap with original VC 18 k gold pin buckle Fully serviced by our watchmaker
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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