The Vacheron Fifty Six Complete Calendar is a superb rep with a stunning dial and generally excellent accuracy to the gen. Yes, a couple of the pushers are in a different place, but otherwise the watch head itself is astonishing value for such a complicated piece. The deployant clasp is a different matter, mostly because the gen doesn't come with one at all – it comes with a tang buckle - but also because it's incredibly stiff (or mine is) and, worst of all, the gold version has “stainless steel” proudly stamped on it. Urgh!
REP:
GEN:
I have discovered a way to turn the deployant clasp into a buckle, and here is the method:
1.
Remove the clasp using a watchmaker’s screwdriver anti-clockwise to remove the threaded side. Then fold the strap slightly to pop out the thread and slip out the other side.
2.
Use a spring bar tool (or a pencil or whatever) to push the small sprung bearings. This releases the two metal cylinders that form the deployant pushers from the clasp, and you will find a small spring bar inside that holds the buckle in place. Push this out.
3.
Push a metal cylinder into place (it will not fall off because of those sprung bearings) and then push it into the strap hole. It's a tight fit but we need that to hold it firmly in place. Put the buckle in place with the springbar and close the cylinder with the other cylinder. This will slot into place with a satisfying click.
Et voila, a very satisfactory Vacheron tang buckle that's entirely reversible back to the clasp if you wish. A few photos:
REP:
GEN:
I have discovered a way to turn the deployant clasp into a buckle, and here is the method:
1.
Remove the clasp using a watchmaker’s screwdriver anti-clockwise to remove the threaded side. Then fold the strap slightly to pop out the thread and slip out the other side.
2.
Use a spring bar tool (or a pencil or whatever) to push the small sprung bearings. This releases the two metal cylinders that form the deployant pushers from the clasp, and you will find a small spring bar inside that holds the buckle in place. Push this out.
3.
Push a metal cylinder into place (it will not fall off because of those sprung bearings) and then push it into the strap hole. It's a tight fit but we need that to hold it firmly in place. Put the buckle in place with the springbar and close the cylinder with the other cylinder. This will slot into place with a satisfying click.
Et voila, a very satisfactory Vacheron tang buckle that's entirely reversible back to the clasp if you wish. A few photos:
