In tribute to the famous creations punctuating this exceptional technical and creative heritage, the Historiques collection by Vacheron Constantin welcomes Cornes de vache 1955, an exclusive new chronograph inspired by an iconic wristwatch developed by the Manufacture in 1955.
Born in the effervescence of the post-war years, this chronograph combining rigorous classicism and fanciful design is now reinterpreted in the spirit of the era that engendered it and naturally joins the Historiques collection devoted to the creative archetypes of Vacheron Constantin.
Named Cornes de vache 1955 because of its distinctively-shaped lugs, it embodies a singular combination of bold design and absolute technicality.
This exceptional collection highlights the wealth of a heritage imbued with creative vivacity and horological excellence, breathing new life into the sought-after icons of the Geneva-based Manufacture, to the delight of vintage watch collectors and connoisseurs.
Conveying this same innovative genius, the new Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 is a contemporary interpretation of the first water-resistant and anti-magnetic chronograph presented by Vacheron Constantin 60 years ago.
Offering a striking aesthetic contrast with the sophisticated functions of the chronograph and its classic construction with twin round push-pieces, the ‘cow-horn’ lugs endow it with a genuine stylistic identity that is the Vacheron Constantin signature. This now legendary timepiece symbolises the ancestral art of the Maison in creating high-end chronographs.
A modern transposition of an icon from the 1950s, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 watch is inspired by the first water-resistant and anti-magnetic chronograph crafted by Vacheron Constantin: one of the three chronographs from the Manufacture that are most keenly coveted by collectors. Alongside its emblematic lugs, the original reference 6087 model featured a 35 mm-diameter round case in 18-carat yellow gold featuring twin “mushroom-type” pushpieces and a screwed-in back.
This double-pusher chronograph equipped with a tachometric 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.
The new Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 chronograph suggests a subtle tension between straight and curving lines, created by the traditional round shape of the case topped by stylised elongated lugs.
A reinvented legend, the new Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 appears in a 950 platinum 38.5 mm diameter case that is water resistant to 30 metres and features delicately polished ‘cow-horn’ lugs. The screwed-in caseback is fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal serving to admire its entirely hand decorated complex mechanical heart.
The original layout of the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock is scrupulously reproduced on this reinterpreted version, while its more contemporary diameter enables an airier display ensuring optimal readability of its functions.
This broader opening reveals a silver-toned opaline dial punctuated by Roman numerals, applied hour-markers and hands in 18-carat white gold, while the central seconds hand, the 30-minute counter hand and the tachometric scale feature a royal blue shade further enhancing the perfect legibility of its display.
In addition to bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 chronograph also meets the numerous demanding criteria of this independent and sovereign label that is a guarantee of provenance, top-notch precision, durability and watchmaking expertise.
Providing a renewed demonstration of the ancestral know-how cultivated by the Manufacture in the realm of short-time measurement, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 timepiece pays tribute to a horological complication that is much prized by connoisseurs around the world – the chronograph – and which holds a special place in the Vacheron Constantin heritage.
Form the first watch made by JeanMarc Vacheron through to the present day, 260 years have elapsed and witnessed the birth of some of the most complex and prestigious chronographs, all bearing the inimitable Vacheron Constantin stamp of historical excellence. In 1877, the Geneva-based Manufacture presented its first pocket chronograph.
Fitted with two classic round push-pieces, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 model houses an exceptional mechanical heart, hand-wound Caliber 1142, beating at a frequency of 3 Hz to ensure the improved precision of the chronograph matched by greater better shock resistance of the balance wheel.
Endowed with a 48-hour power reserve, this movement comprising 164 entirely hand-decorated movements drives displays of the 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.
In keeping with the tradition, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 is issued in a highly exclusive production run that will delight devotees of rare and coveted timepieces.
Technical details
Model: Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 Platinum
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 (minute-track 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
