Originally available in platinum and then rose gold, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 is a well regarded vintage remake, being well executed and faithful to the original. It’s modelled on the ref. 6087 of the 1950s, which was characterised by pointy, horn-shaped lugs, hence the model name; cornes de vache translates as cow horns.

Now it is available in stainless steel, making the Cornes de Vache the second Historiques model to be offered in the metal, after the Historiques 1942 and 1948 triple calendars. The steel case naturally makes it far more accessible, with a retail price that’s a third less than the same in platinum.

Material aside, the specs of the new model are identical to the earlier precious metal versions. The case is 38.5mm in diameter, and contains the cal. 1142 movement. Now made in-house by Vacheron Constantin, the cal. 1142 is derived from the Lemania 2310. Vacheron Constantin has upgraded the movement in several ways, most notably with a free-sprung balance wheel.

The dial is a pale grey with a fine “velvet” finish and red accents on the elapsed seconds track. All of the applied hour markers are 18k white gold, as are the hands.

Notably, this is not the first Cornes de Vache in steel. In 2017 Vacheron Constantin produced a small run of 36 watches – with a steel case and dark grey dial – for American watch blog Hodinkee.

Key facts and price

Diameter: 38.5mm
Height: 10.9mm
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 30m

Movement: 1142
Functions: Time, 30-minute chronograph
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour, or 3Hz
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Calfskin, made by Italian leather goods house Serapian

Price: US$39,800

The Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 (ref. 5000H/000A-B582) will be available starting late October 2019.