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Thread: Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 In Steel

  1. #1
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    Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 In Steel

    I have been offered one of these, the only one available in the UK until mid 2020. The heritage, movement and overall design works for me, very much. Not sure about the horns?



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  2. #2
    Grand Master Chris_in_the_UK's Avatar
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    Very, very nice!
    When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........

  3. #3
    If there's anything I wasn't sure about with regard to a watch that price then, for me, it's a simple don't buy it.
    Spend the money on something you ARE sure about...

    ...me - l like it. But I don't love it.

  4. #4
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Wouldn't touch a hodinkee edition of anything.

  5. #5
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    It is hard to picture the lugs in real life. They are quite different - in a good way? Will be viewing after Xmas.

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    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    Wouldn't touch a hodinkee edition of anything.
    Fair point. But it is not an H special.

  7. #7
    Grand Master MartynJC (UK)'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Umbongo View Post
    If there's anything I wasn't sure about with regard to a watch that price then, for me, it's a simple don't buy it.
    Spend the money on something you ARE sure about...

    ...me - l like it. But I don't love it.
    very sound advice.

    I like it - but would want to see it in the flesh. Maybe the lugs look exaggerated off wrist.

  8. #8
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Don't like the lugs, don't like the hour markers. YMMV.

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  10. #10
    Journeyman
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    That is utterly gorgeous. That column wheel movement...

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    Don't like the lugs, don't like the hour markers. YMMV.
    No need to buy then.

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    Grand Master MartynJC (UK)'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Skyman View Post



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    I would! Beautiful movement and classic size.

  14. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by Skyman View Post
    No need to buy then.
    Take your own advice. No need to buy then.

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    Quote Originally Posted by MartynJC (UK) View Post
    I would! Beautiful movement and classic size.
    Need to establish the depth. Otherwise perfect.

  16. #16
    Master
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    Was looking at reviews on this yesterday, I think it is beautiful.

    Love the "horn" lugs, definitely different.........in a good way. Everything about this watch I love, except at 38.5mm it is too small for me. If it wasn't I would have no hesitation in going for it if it was affordable and available.

  17. #17
    Master
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    Fabulous, if you haven’t already purchased it - just do it

  18. #18
    Master
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    I have tried it on and its a lovely watch, but needs a different strap and price tag. It's also not even an in-house movement but an old Lemania design.

  19. #19
    Craftsman
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    I think that looks stunning and I'm actually a massive fan of the lugs!

  20. #20
    Really like the lugs. Something different. Like everything about it apart from the roman numerals, but that's just me.

  21. #21
    Very nice and leagues nicer than the credor imho
    Lugs a little reminiscent of Parmigiani offerings?

  22. #22
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    VC have one of the best chronograph movements ever created in their in-house caliber 3300. If you want a VC chrono, that’s the one to get. It is just gorgeous. If they ever put it in a case that isn’t hideous, I’ll be tempted too. The Cornes-de-Vache with the 1142 though is 3rd division stuff and I wouldn’t consider it at a quarter of the suggested price. It is an utterly cynical marketing exercise. I’d rather have a speedmaster.
    Last edited by Satori; 19th December 2019 at 23:04.

  23. #23
    Grand Master MartynJC (UK)'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 744ER View Post
    I have tried it on and its a lovely watch, but needs a different strap and price tag. It's also not even an in-house movement but an old Lemania design.
    “ The movement is also updated, and now features the VC Caliber 1142, which is the Caliber 1141 with Geneva Seal. The Caliber 1141 itself a VC modified derivative of the Lemania 2310”.

    - many fine movements based off that - Lemania 2310 ebauche:

    Patek Philippe 2872
    Patek Philippe CH 27-70
    Omega 321

    It is now Geneva Seal - not a small measure.

    Size:
    according to the site the depth is a little over 10mm - and 38.5mm width.
    Last edited by MartynJC (UK); 19th December 2019 at 23:05.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by MartynJC (UK) View Post
    “ The movement is also updated, and now features the VC Caliber 1142, which is the Caliber 1141 with Geneva Seal. The Caliber 1141 itself a VC modified derivative of the Lemania 2310”.

    - many fine movements based off that - Lemania 2310 ebauche:

    Patek Philippe 2872
    Patek Philippe CH 27-70
    Omega 321

    It is now Geneva Seal - not a small measure.
    But it doesn’t compare to their in house movement and imho should not feature in a watch so impudently priced.

  25. #25
    Quote Originally Posted by 744ER View Post
    I have tried it on and its a lovely watch, but needs a different strap and price tag. It's also not even an in-house movement but an old Lemania design.
    Quote Originally Posted by MartynJC (UK) View Post
    “ The movement is also updated, and now features the VC Caliber 1142, which is the Caliber 1141 with Geneva Seal. The Caliber 1141 itself a VC modified derivative of the Lemania 2310”.

    - many fine movements based off that - Lemania 2310 ebauche:

    Patek Philippe 2872
    Patek Philippe CH 27-70
    Omega 321

    It is now Geneva Seal - not a small measure.

    Size:
    according to the site the depth is a little over 10mm - and 38.5mm width.
    It is still based on an older workhorse movement. Geneva Seal has nothing to do with that. The size of the movement is a lot less than 38.5mm - which is the case size. Patek have upgraded their movement in the 5170 to a fully inhouse movement. And it is lovely.

    OP - this watch is charging top dollar but regardless of the Geneva Seal doesn't measure up. Go find an 1815 chronograph. Much nicer.

  26. #26
    Master
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    Very nice looking watch and I love the horn lugs. Those lugs are very reminiscent of vintage watches from the 40's and 50's.

  27. #27
    Grand Master MartynJC (UK)'s Avatar
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    Exclamation

    Quote Originally Posted by crazyp View Post
    The size of the movement is a lot less than 38.5mm - which is the case size.

    OP - this watch is charging top dollar but regardless of
    I was stating the case sizes for the OP as per VC site. 38.5mm x 10.9mm height. Of course the movement is a lot smaller. Sorry for any confusion.

    I guess I’m biased since I’m loving the VC overseas so much !
    Last edited by MartynJC (UK); 20th December 2019 at 08:45.

  28. #28
    Quote Originally Posted by MartynJC (UK) View Post
    I was stating the case sizes for the OP as per VC site. 38.5mm x 10.9mm height. Of course the movement is a lot smaller. Sorry for any confusion.

    I guess I’m biased since I’m loving the VC overseas so much !
    Ah but VC were thorough when they updated the Overseas - they totally revamped it. It feels a bit of laziness with this chronograph. The movements are so important in high end chronographs, because the competition is utter beautiful creations. If VC were aggressive and priced this at 25k we'd have something to talk about, but I feel in this price range, Lange is just too good (the Patek is a bit pricier).

  29. #29
    Grand Master Der Amf's Avatar
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    Would the modern movement's subdials have fitted the vintage design?

  30. #30
    Quote Originally Posted by Der Amf View Post
    Would the modern movement's subdials have fitted the vintage design?
    The modern chronograph VC have used for the Overseas is an automatic and vertical clutch design. It is not a visual treat. The Lemania 2310 is lateral clutch movement. It enable a much more visual and dramatic view of the movement and seeing it in action. It is likely not a cheap endeavour to come up with a modern lateral clutch chronograph. Patek must have spent a pretty penny, but it was necessary and it created a better watch.

  31. #31
    Master
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    I like the reverse side more than the front/dial side. Couldn't live with the lugs personally, but it might look better in the metal.

  32. #32
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    Flight of madness overwith. Those horns just are not for me. Shame, the rest of the watch I love.

  33. #33
    Grand Master Andyg's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MartynJC (UK) View Post
    I would! Beautiful movement and classic size.

    Agreed. The lugs give it a retro classic look often seen on 40's and 50's watches.

    Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
    Friedrich Nietzsche


  34. #34
    Quote Originally Posted by Skyman View Post
    Flight of madness overwith. Those horns just are not for me. Shame, the rest of the watch I love.
    Don't buy it then.

  35. #35
    Quote Originally Posted by Skyman View Post
    Flight of madness overwith. Those horns just are not for me. Shame, the rest of the watch I love.
    Every rose has its thorn.

  36. #36
    Skyman - your answer is currently sitting in SC in the form of the Lange Dato!


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  37. #37
    Craftsman
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    I have to second the above. I absolutely adore the CDV, and has been a grail of mine for years. But if you can afford the steel one at RRP, you should buy the Datograph in SC instead.

  38. #38
    Very pretty. I would. It’s a VC after all so has plenty of innate value.

  39. #39
    Master alfat33's Avatar
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    I like the lugs, having seen them on some other vintage watches that I’ve thought about buying.

    I’ve been looking at this thread on and off since the first post. I’ve only just twigged that the name Vacheron must be something to do with cows. Cowherd maybe? Perhaps one of our French speakers knows, or maybe I am the only person on the forum who didn’t realise that.

    That would make me more inclined to get it, if I had the money and liked it enough. A tribute to the roots of Vacheron.

  40. #40
    Craftsman
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    I think the rose gold Cornes de Vache 1955 is by far the prettiest of the collection.

  41. #41
    Stunning, lugs are unique in a good way.

  42. #42
    Craftsman
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    That’s a great watch, too classically styled (and expensive) for me currently but definitely something I respect / perhaps would consider as my tastes evolve.


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  43. #43
    Grand Master abraxas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Skyman View Post
    .....

    Not sure about the horns?

    ...
    They are called teardrop lugs.

  44. #44
    Grand Master abraxas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chiefs View Post
    Stunning, lugs are unique in a good way.
    They used to be very popular in the 50s and 60s. Even Smiths used them.

  45. #45
    Master bobbee's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by alfat33 View Post
    I like the lugs, having seen them on some other vintage watches that I’ve thought about buying.

    I’ve been looking at this thread on and off since the first post. I’ve only just twigged that the name Vacheron must be something to do with cows. Cowherd maybe? Perhaps one of our French speakers knows, or maybe I am the only person on the forum who didn’t realise that.

    That would make me more inclined to get it, if I had the money and liked it enough. A tribute to the roots of Vacheron.
    Translates to 'cow horns', which is what I immediately thought when I saw the name and is a good description of those lovely lugs.

  46. #46
    Master alfat33's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobbee View Post
    Translates to 'cow horns', which is what I immediately thought when I saw the name and is a good description of those lovely lugs.
    Sure Bob, I’d picked up on Cornes de Vache, just hadn’t noticed it was ‘Cow Horns’ made by a ‘Cowherd’.

  47. #47
    I'm bumping this up as SJX has posted a fantastic hands on review of this watch https://watchesbysjx.com/2020/04/vac...955-steel.html

    I'm also changing my tune, I think it looks fantastic! The watch is more than the movement and here I think VC have done very well. I would love to see VC update the movement, but from what SJX says, the finishing is still excellent - more hand finishing compared to Patek for example. If priced closer to $25k it'd be a tempting buy.

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