The 1965 Vacheron Constantin reference 6592

Simple, elegant, and incredibly manufactured - that is the best way to describe the reference 6592 from Vacheron Constantin. Although, simple might be a bad description for this staple of watchmaking from Vacheron Constantin. Time-only watches are often the hardest to perfect. There lack of complication can make it seem easier, but there is so much to consider. Proportions, case metal, and quality of finishing are things to consider and can be tricky.

But back in the 60’s, Vacheron Constantin found the magic ingredients to produce one the best time-only pieces of the era. The reference 6592 has a fairly unique case shape, often described as a deep saucer case. The present examples comes with an 18k yellow gold, 35mm case. What makes this case very interesting is on the wrist, the case feels larger than one may initially believe. In fact, one could go as far to say it actually could fit quite nicely in a modern collection.

This may come down to the way the lugs are shaped, which are blade-like, but concave towards the wrist. This design makes the watch sit snug to the wrist and makes it incredibly comfortable. There is also a very distinct area on the side of the case where the lugs attach to the case at large. This separation is more distinct than other watches, which makes the wearer inquisitive about the lug shape even more.

The dial feels as ‘simple’ as it gets, but so well executed. The white/silver dial that adorns the Vacheron Constantin signature has applied hour markers and Vacheron Constantin logo. The stick hands are distinct and have a great presence when reading the time. The dial is extremely legible, which again plays in the favour of why this watch really belongs in a modern collection.

A major reason why this watch can easily be described as one of the best watches produced by the manufacture is the movement. Vacheron decided to use their reference K1071 movement for this piece. Originally based on a JLC ebauche which they sourced, they added the Vacheron quality by adding their touches of finishing to it. Audemars Piguet also sourced this movement from JLC and produced their caliber 2071.

Vacheron Consantin went to great lengths to finish their caliber to the highest standards. The movement even bears Poinçon de Genève seal which was introduced by the Republic and Canton of Geneva in 1886 as the ultimate standard in excellence and an emblem of Geneva’s fine watchmaking expertise. It is synonymous with provenance, quality craftsmanship and reliability. The movement was described elegantly as follows: “rhodium plated, "fausses-côtes" decoration, 29 jewels, straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance with timing screws, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, shock-absorber, Breguet balance-spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator, 18K gold-edged rotor with ruby roller bearings”.

One of the keys that sets this watch apart is the way they finished their winding rotor. The rotor a beautiful 18k gold trimmed rotor that has incredible guilloche finished to it. Further, the roller bearings in the rotor are ruby which reduced the amount of friction the rotor is subject to, making it much easier to swing freely and keep the watch topped with energy.

On the wrist the watch is an absolute joy to wear. The lugs really do make the watch fit nicely on the wrist, and the size and slight heft to the case, in addition to the height, makes it feel like you are not wearing a vintage watch sometimes, even though it was produced in the 60’s. With simple complications, knowing about the movement makes the watch feel like the ultimate understated luxury because not many people will know the exceptional quality of the movement.

Enjoy!