Introducing the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955

To celebrate 260 years of innovation and heritage, Vacheron Constantin introduces the new  Historiques Cornes De Vache 1955. With this model, Vacheron Constantin revives the iconic ‘cow-horn’ lugs made famous in the 50s. Featuring a central complication in line with the heritage of the Geneva-based Manufacture, the Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 is powered by hand-wound Caliber 1142, housed in a 38.5 mm platinum case.

For us, this watch is love at first sight; simply because it is all that we have ever wanted in a classic chronograph- a simple dual register with the cow-horn lugs, mushroom pushers, cased in platinum with a pleasing blue and white colour contrast. Not to mention, a top grade movement with historical significance.

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955

So significant is the lugs design that not surprisingly, the watch is named after it. Cornes de Vache is french for cow horns. But for those of us less familiar with the brand, the cow horn lugs was first fit on one of three famous chronographs launched by Vacheron Constantin in the 50s. Also known as the 6087 model, the original cow horn was part of a series of the first water-resistant and anti-magnetic chronographs, and for that reason, it is one of the most coveted vintage chronographs today. Alongside its emblematic lugs, the original reference 6087 model featured a 35 mm-diameter round case in 18k yellow gold featuring twin “mushroom-type” pushpieces and a screwed-in back. It was powered by the hand-wound Caliber 492, fitted with a soft iron cage for anti-magnetism.

The Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 houses an exceptional movement, the hand-wound Caliber 1142. It beats at a frequency of 3 Hz with a power reserve of 48 hours.

The New Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 comes in a 950 platinum 38.5 mm case that is water resistant to 30 metres. The screwed-in transparent caseback is made with sapphire crystal and provides a viewing gallery to admire the well finished hand decorated movement. The new model is slightly larger than the original at 35 mm, but still maintains the original version’s bicompax dual register layout. The silver-toned opaline dial is fit with stick hour markers and roman numerals at 12 and 6. The applied hour markers and hour and minute hands are in 18k white gold while the central seconds hand, the 30-minute counter hand and the tachometric scale feature a royal blue shade. The colour contrast of white on blue creates further legibility and easy reading. As with most pieces from Vacheron Constantin, the Historiques Cornes de Vache bears the Hallmark of Geneve, a symbol recognition of the quality craftsmanship and artistic effort in creating the watch.

The Calibre 1142- dial side view with a perlage finished base plate.

The Calibre 1142 back side view, features a Lemania base design with a vertical clutch column wheel movement. Like the other new chronograph movements by Vacheron Constantin, the column-wheel screw is shaped like the Maltese cross that has become the emblem of the Manufacture.

The Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 model houses the hand-wound Caliber 1142, that beats at a frequency of 3 Hz or 21600 vph. Vacheron Constantin has also improved the precision of the chronograph and created better shock resistance of the balance wheel. The column wheel movement has a 48-hour power reserve and comprises 164 entirely hand decorated parts. The movement runs a display of hours, minutes, small seconds and central chronograph seconds, complemented by a 30-minute counter. Like the other new chronograph movements by Vacheron Constantin, the column-wheel screw is shaped like the Maltese cross that has become the emblem of the Manufacture.

The resurrection of the Cow horn will surely resonate with collectors and fans of Vacheron Constantin. Do bear in mind however, that this Vacheron Constantin chronograph is as per tradition, set to be highly exclusive. The Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 is issued in a very limited production run which makes it for collectors, all the more rare and desirable. The watch is priced at S$105,800.

For more information please visit Vacheron Constantin

TECHNICAL DATA

Reference 5000H/000P-B058 Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Movement: Calibre 1142 Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin Mechanical, manual winding 27.5 mm (12’’’) diameter, 5.6 mm thick Approximately 48 hours of power reserve 3Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour) 164 components 21 jewels
Indications: Hours, minutes Small seconds at 9 o’clock Column-wheel chronograph (30-minute counter)
Case: Platinum 950 38.5 mm diameter, 10.9 mm thick Transparent sapphire crystal caseback Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial: Silvered opaline center with sun-brushed external zone (minutetrack and tachometer scale) 18K white gold applied hour-markers
Strap: Dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator leather inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales
Buckle: Platinum 950 buckle Polished half Maltese cross-shaped