The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 Chronograph ref. 5000H is a perfect reinterpretation of the legendary chronograph created by Vacheron Constantin in 1955. This new model from the Historiques collection, was originally released a year ago with a platinum case in a highly exclusive production run. A little bit over a month ago, we brought you the news that the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 Chronograph ref. 5000H was now making its appearance in an 18K 4N pink gold case.
Well, today we bring you our hands-on review of this fascinating timepiece that in the metal is as good as it gets. With its distinctive cow horn-shaped lugs —cornes de vache in French— this timepiece is almost identical —3 mm wider— to the first water resistant and anti-magnetic chronograph designed by Vacheron Constantin in 1955. As one of the three Vacheron Constantin most sought-after references by collectors, this new model in pink gold is destined to be a huge success.
The Dial
In keeping with the spirit of the era that sparked its creation. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 chronograph ref. 5000H/000R-B059 embodies a stylistic originality typical of Vacheron Constantin. The silver-toned opaline dial features the original layout with the 30-minute chrono register located at 3 o’clock and a small running seconds register at 9 o’clock. Additionally, the dial on this new interpretation of the legendary 'Cornes de Vache' is wider an easier to read thanks to the larger case construction when compared to the original model from 1955.
The dial features the iconic Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock and applied hour markers and needle-shaped hands in 18K pink gold, while the central seconds hand and the 30-minute chrono hand rise in all glory with their blued finish. Lastly, the tachometric scale is in royal blue to further enhance the perfect readability of this dial.
The Case, Lugs, Pushers & Clasp
The Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 features a fully polished 18K 4N pink gold case measuring 38.5 mm in diameter —3 mm wider than the original reference from 1955— with the traditional chronograph construction with two round pump pushers and an elegant pull out winding crown. Its lugs, stay true to the original design from the model from 1955 with their distinctive cow horn shape —cornes de vache. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters and fitted with a screw-down display case back.
Matching the pink gold case, the watch is presented on a brown alligator leather strap with matching pin buckle with half Maltese-cross shape.
The Movement
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 Chronograph ref. 5000H is powered by the in-house manual wound calibre 1142, protected against magnetism by a soft iron cage. This exceptional beating heart fully designed and developed by the manufacture is composed of 164 parts and 21 jewels and features a column wheel chronograph mechanism. Just like on all the other new in-house chronograph movements by Vacheron Constantin, the column-wheel screw is shaped like a Maltese cross —the emblem of the manufacture. Beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph —3 Hz—, the movement provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound. This entirely hand decorated manual wound movement, can be fully admired via the display case back.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size on a 7.25-7.50" wrist. Without a doubt, this is a perfect reinterpretation of one of the most legendary chronographs ever made by Vacheron Constantin. If one could only have three 'vintage inspired' chronographs from the best watchmakers in the world, this would be one of them. A very elegant, understated timepiece than can be worn in just any setting.
Sticker Price $53,600 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
