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Vacheron Constantin Steel Calatrava (Ref. 6562), 1960s — view 1 of 6
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Vacheron Constantin Steel Calatrava (Ref. 6562), 1960s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Vacheron Constantin (maker)
Date
1960s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
steel
Stock no.
VC6562
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (VC6562)
Catalogue title (original)
1960s Vacheron Constantin Steel Calatrava (Ref. 6562) (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 VC6562), this is a wristwatch by Vacheron Constantin, made in Switzerland, dated 1960s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: steel. 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 its 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. This specific Vacheron Constantin Steel ref. 6562 is pure and no-nonsense. To find an offering that possesses class and sophistication which is also cased in steel for this era in time is rare and seldomly seen. There is that old saying that "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" and this Vacheron Constantin Steel ref. 6562 embodies that saying perfectly. It is the simple almost unnoticed details that make this Vacheron a winner. The slightly stepped and straight lugs give this watch a masculine yet elegant feel, the simple sunburst satin dial with tapered markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 are classic and simple yet sophisticated. It is also important to note that this is also a "no-date" variant of the ref. 6562 which is much less common than the other ref. 6562's of the era that most always present the date complication at the 3 o'clock position of the dial making this example much rarer, but also provides a much more balanced and less cluttered dial layout. It doesn't stop there, inside this Ref. 6562's steel case is a double-Geneva-signed K1071 movement with an 18k gold rotor edge that is just as beautiful as the watch itself. This watch offers great value for the money and is a nice watch that possesses insider details that make it worthy of time well spent on the wrist. Stock # VC6562 Brand Vacheron Constantin Style Calatrava Model 6562 Serial 399XXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Silver Millimeters 35 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The case remains in original condition showing the original factory finish and case geometry leading us to believe that the case has never been polished. This specific example retains an unsigned crown which is commonly seen on the earlier Ref 6562 references of the era. The watch will come supplied on a hand-made leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The silver sunburst dial remains in original condition showing an honest patina throughout. The original dauphine-style hands remain in flawless original condition and are only found in the earlier variants. 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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