In Focus: Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955
Collectors have a certain wanderlust for Switzerland. There is a romance about visiting the artisans, dial factories, and workshops nestled in the alps. When we long for that vintage feeling of watchmaking, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 delivers.
Cornes de Vache, translation “cow horn,” has a particularly vintage feel to it. It is a reissue of the 1955 reference 6087, Vacheron’s first water-resistant chronograph. The watch remains faithful to the original, especially in the case construction. “Cow horn” lugs are welded to the case and finished to leave no trace of the process; this is an older watchmaking technique that’s particularly exciting to see executed in 18k 4N rose gold. While yellow gold would have been most traditional, the rose gold gives the Cornes de Vache a new, warm, and almost sporty feel.
The watch is powered by the venerable, hand-wound Vacheron Constantin caliber 1142 column wheel lateral clutch chronograph movement. Winding provides the tactile feedback and spring resistance that I love from manually-wound watches. The pump style pushers provide positive engagement and the exhibition caseback beautifully showcases the depth of the movement and pusher engagement.
Roman numerals and stick indices guide the eye around the opaline dial; a blue printer tachymeter scale and blue hands provide easy timing with the chronograph. The hands are vaulted in shape and seem delicate, however, they fit the watch perfectly, adding to the vintage sensibility.
Vacheron provided a masterclass on reissuing a watch with the Cornes de Vache. If you are looking to quiet your wanderlust, this watch provides the feeling of a Swiss alpine meadow, complete with cows grazing. All you need is some fondue and chocolate to complete the illusion.
The Specs
Model: Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955
Reference Number: 5000H/oooR-Bo59
Case Size + Material: 38.5mm case in 18K 4N pink gold
Caseback: Exhibition caseback
Movement: Manually-wound caliber 1142
Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph
Strap/Bracelet: Alligator strap with tang buckle