The new Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 appears in a 950 platinum 38.50 mm-diameter case and features polished ‘cow-horn’ lugs, it houses the hand-wound Caliber 1142 … Click on “read more” to discover the chronograph …
This is a Pre-Watches & Wonders 2015: In tribute to the creations the Historiques collection by Vacheron Constantin welcomes a new chronograph inspired by an iconic wristwatch developed by the Manufacture in Geneva in 1955. The new chronograph is named Cornes de vache 1955 because of its distinctively-shaped ‘cow-horn’ lugs. Born in the the post-war years, this chronograph combining rigorous classicism and fanciful design is now reinterpreted in the spirit of the era that engendered it. The Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 chronograph joins the Historiques collection devoted to the creative archetypes of Vacheron Constantin.
Alongside its so characteristic lugs, the original reference 6087 model featured a 35 mm-diameter round case in 18-carat yellow gold featuring twin “mushroom-type” push-pieces and a screwed-in back. This double-pusher chronograph equipped with a tachymetric scale was powered by hand-wound Caliber 492, itself protected against magnetism by a soft iron cage. A highly technical and accurate measuring instrument much appreciated in scientific circles, it nonetheless flaunted the originality of its daring aesthetic characteristics expressing Vacheron Constantin distinctive creative touch in the 1950s.
Back to the present: The new Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 appears in a 950 platinum contemporary 38.50 mm-diameter case that is water resistant to 30 meters and features these famous polished ‘cow-horn’ lugs. The screwed-in case-back is fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal serving to show the entirely hand-decorated hand-wound Caliber 1142. The original layout of the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock was kept, while its more contemporary diameter enables an airier display ensuring optimal readability of its functions.
Vacheron Constantin Reference 5000H/000P-B058
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece (Poinçon de Genève)
Caliber … 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 A/h), 164 components, 21 jewels, column-wheel chronograph
Indications … hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute counter
Case … Platinum 950, 38.5 mm diameter, 10.9 mm thick, transparent sapphire crystal case-back, water-resistance tested at a pressure of 30 meters
Dial … Silvered opaline center with sun-brushed external zone (minute track and tachometer scale), 18 carat 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
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 chronograph will officially be presented in Hongkong at Watches & Wonders 2015 in October …
I heard the movement is based on an old Lemania calibre and the decoration is entirely made by Roger Dubuis. Is that true? Does it apply on the other new Harmony Chronographs too?
Philipp, yes this is a Lémania chronograph calibre. VC uses the Lémania 2310 as the base calibre for its chronographs aside the new developed ones. And yes the calibre is decorated at Roger Dubuis. But the people there working on it are from VC. VC uses some extra space RD does not need. As you know, both companies belong to Richemont and share the same passion for excellent watchmaking …
Thank you very much Alexander! Very informative as usual! Love your work!
You can call me old-fashioned or whatever you want, but I would go for 38.50-mm diameter any day instead of current trend of 46-mm diameter or even larger watches.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 Chronograph looks like a fabulous timepiece, but you did not mention the price.
Can you tell us what would be the price of this outstanding Vacheron Constantin watch?
Most of the media people would go gaga for Patek Philippe, but I shall always choose Vacheron Constantin or Breguet.
A beautiful watch, indeed!
But Alex, don’t you wonder why the second scale is divided into five parts while the movement has 3 Hz? You have proven your detective sense in the past (I remember a Panerai case…) 😉
True, so true!!! I did not see the wrongly printed four dots instead of just two to count the 1/6 of a second! THANK YOU for reminding me!!!! I will add a comment to my report and let VC know…