The Historiques collection by Vacheron Constantin breathes new life into the sought-after icons of the Geneva-based Manufacture. It welcomes today an exclusive new chronograph inspired by the first water-resistant and anti-magnetic chronograph presented by Vacheron Constantin in 1955, and one of the three models most fervently sought after by collectors.
Named Cornes de vache 1955 because of its distinctively-shaped lugs, it embodies a singular combination of bold design and absolute technicality.
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.
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 and polished lugs. It comes in a 950 platinum 38.5 mm-diameter case water resistant to 30 metres.
The screwed-in caseback is fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal serving to admire its entirely hand-decorated movement. 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.
The silver-toned opaline dial is 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.
Fitted with two classic round pushpieces, 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 components displays 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.
Bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, the timepiece is complemented by a dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with large square scales, hand-stitched, saddle-finished and equipped with a platinum 950 buckle.
Greatly appreciated by collectors, this type of chronograph is exclusive by nature. In keeping with this tradition, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 is issued in a highly exclusive production run that will delight devotees of rare and coveted timepieces.
