After the successful release of the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 chronograph ref. 5000H/000R-B059 in pink gold and in platinum in 2016 and 2015 respectively, the Cornes de Vache 1955 reissue makes its appearance now in stainless steel for the very first time. Born in 1955 in the effervescence of the post-war years, the "Cornes de vache" model, named after its characteristic shape of its lugs, quickly established itself as one of the emblematic chronographs of its time. Bearing reference 6087 and produced in extremely limited numbers, it is today one of the most sought-after models among devotees of the Maison. In the vintage spirit of its Historiques collection, Vacheron Constantin is offering a reissue of this steel piece characterised by a blend of tradition and stylistic original design. See the original model below.
The reference 6087 released in 1955 is one of these legendary watches. It was the Manufacture's first water-resistant chronograph and currently one of the pieces most coveted by collectors due to its very limited production. Equipped with manual-winding Calibre 492, the model offered a singular blend of technical rigour and creative audacity, particularly due to the evocative shape of its cow horn-shaped lugs. This duality between the traditional architecture of a double-pusher chronograph featuring a dial bearing 30-minute and small seconds counters, together with its unconventional design, vividly expressed the stylistic originality based on subtly offbeat classicism that Vacheron Constantin has consistently cultivated throughout its history.
Immediately recognisable by its distinctive cow horn-like lugs, the reissue is aesthetically faithful to the original and adapted to current watchmaking standards with a 30 meter water resistant case. Its case measuring 38.5 mm in stainless steel, houses a manual-wound chronograph calibre 1142, beating at 21,600 vph and endowed with a 48-hour power reserve. This movement powers timekeeping functions including small seconds as well as chronograph functions with a central seconds hand and minutes counter appearing on a grey velvet finished opaline dial, embellished with two snailed counters and a white counter. The crafting of the strap in patinated dark brown calf leather was entrusted to the traditional Milanese leather goods Maison Serapian, founded in 1928, which has thus undertaken its first collaborative endeavour with Vacheron Constantin.
Visible via the display case back, the Calibre 1142 with a 48-hour power reserve features a chronograph mechanism controlled by a column-wheel adorned with a screw head shaped like a Maltese cross. Entirely bevelled and hand-decorated with circular-grained finishes on the dial side and Côtes de Genève on the back, this 164-part movement is framed by a decagonal bezel.
After two first reissues in platinum in 2015 and 18K 4N pink gold in 2016, the Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 model now returns in a steel version emphasizing its vintage inspiration. A dark brown calf leather strap by Maison Serapian whose patina blends with the retro look of the model was chosen and Serapian also treated the second loop of the strap to the ‘attacco’ shape featured on its handbag handles – a signature nod to the famous Milanese leather goods manufacturer’s first collaboration with a watchmaker.
Sticker Price $39,800 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
