Felix Scholz
Over the years I've seen a lot of new chronographs. Some are impressive, and?many are ordinary. But few are as hands-down gorgeous as the Vacheron Constantin Cornes de Vache that I first saw at Watches and Wonders in 2015.?With its classical proportions and comely, cow-horn-shaped lugs it was a love-at-first sight affair. However, the platinum case construction and associated six-figure sticker price put it out of the realm of mere mortals. There was a brief glimmer of hope in 2017, when Hodinkee dropped one of their (IMO) hottest limited editions a steel Cornes de Vache with a slate grey dial. That hope lasted all of five minutes, which is the approximate time it took for all 36 watches to sell.?All that has now changed, with Vacheron Constantin announcing a regular production steel model to the line-up the 38.5mm case is the same, as is the Calibre 1142 movement. This movement, as you'd expect from the brand, looks outstanding, and carries the Geneva Seal. Dial-side, the watch is no slouch either, with a complex construction, a pleasingly retro blend of applied markers, printed scales and sunken bi-compax registers.?Add to the mix the beautiful, patina-d calfskin strap and it's safe to say Vacheron Constantin has a winner on their hands.?Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 in steel?price?Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 in steel, $62,200
06.09.19