Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has enriched its Historiques collection - which breathes new life into icons of the Geneva-based manufacture - with a classic chronograph fitted with iconic ‘cow-horn’ lugs. 

This contemporary interpretation of a legendary model created by Vacheron Constantin in 1955 embodies a remarkable blend of rigorous technicality and bold creativity. 

Featuring a central complication in line with the heritage of the Geneva-based manufacture, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 is powered by the hand-wound Caliber 1142, housed in a 38.5 mm- diameter platinum case. 

Bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, the timepiece and issued in an exclusive production run.

The watch is inspired by the first water-resistant and anti-magnetic chronograph crafted by Vacheron Constantin: one of three chronographs from the manufacture that are keenly coveted by collectors.

Alongside its emblematic lugs, the original reference 6087 model featured a 35 mm-diameter case in 18-karat yellow gold featuring twin “mushroom-type” pushpieces and a screwed-in back. This double-pusher chronograph equipped with a tachometric scale was powered by the 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’s distinctive 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. This stylistic tension is accentuated by the discrepancy between technical rigour and extravagant creativity. 

The new chronograph appears in a platinum 38.5 mm-diameter case that is water resistant to 30 m and features delicately polished ‘cow-horn’ lugs. The screwed-in caseback is fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal serving to admire its 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-karat 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 new 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.

Its hand-wound Caliber 1142 beating at a frequency of 3 Hz ensures improved precision of the chronograph matched by greater better shock resistance of the balance wheel. 

Endowed with a 48-hour power reserve, the caliber comprising 164 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.

The Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 is issued in a highly exclusive production run that will delight devotees of rare and coveted timepieces, the manufacture adds.