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Vacheron Constantin Sector Dial Fancy Lugs Calatrava (Ref. 6068), 1950s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Vacheron Constantin Sector Dial Fancy Lugs Calatrava (Ref. 6068), 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 32 mm
Stock no.
Product 8499191742647
Credit line
Dealer listing, Huntington Company (product 8499191742647)
Catalogue title (original)
1950s Vacheron Constantin Sector Dial Fancy Lugs Calatrava (Ref. 6068) (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Huntington Company (dealer) (stock number Product 8499191742647), 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 32 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 — Huntington Company

History and Significance During the 1950s Vacheron Constantin produced a number of elegant dress watches that reflected the restrained design language of the era. Reference 6068 is a good example of that approach. The watch combines classic mid century proportions with a clean dial layout that prioritizes legibility and balance. The dial features a subtle sector-style layout with applied gold hour markers and a small seconds register at six. Sector dials were originally designed to improve readability by separating the minute track from the central portion of the dial. By the 1950s they had also become an aesthetic choice, creating visual depth while maintaining a very structured design. This particular example also carries an interesting engraving on the caseback reading “To J.E. Tedford from Sears Union City Jan. 1957,” giving the watch a clear historical moment tied to its original presentation. Watches with period engravings like this often tell a small story about where the piece came from and when it was originally given. Writer's Thoughts What stands out immediately on this watch is how sharp everything remains. The case appears unpolished, with strong lugs and deep hallmarks, which collectors always look for in vintage gold pieces. The sector dial adds just enough structure to the design without feeling busy. Combined with the 32mm case that wears larger thanks to the long lugs, the watch has great presence on the wrist while still keeping the elegance expected from a Vacheron Constantin dress watch of the 1950s. Our Promise Every watch is carefully inspected, fully vetted, and described with full transparency. This Rolex is guaranteed authentic and comes backed by our commitment to honesty, quality, and trust. Specifications Brand: Vacheron Constantin Model: Calatrava (Ref. 6068) Year: circa 1957 Case Material: 18k Yellow gold Case Size: 32mm x 41mm Dial: Silver sector style dial with applied gold hour markers and small seconds Movement: Manual wind Vacheron Constantin movement Strap/Bracelet: Brown leather strap Buckle/Clasp: Generic pin buckle Contents: Watch only Condition Case: Yellow-gold case appears unpolished, with sharp edges and clearly defined lugs. Hallmarks remain deep and well preserved. Light surface wear consistent with age is visible under close inspection. Dial: Silver sector dial appears mint with even tone and very clean printing and applied markers. Hands: Gold hour and minute hands remain clean, with a blued small-seconds hand. Crystal: Acrylic crystal shows light surface wear consistent with age. Strap/Bracelet: The leather strap is new.

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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