Vacheron Constantin - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 6087
    Movement No: 466’826, further stamped VXN
    Case No: 346’033
    Model Name: Cornes de Vache
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1954 and its subsequent sale to Vacheron Constantin New York in 1955.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin’s reference 6087 chronograph is referred to by collectors as the “Cornes de Vaches, due to its extraordinary lugs, which were inspired by and pay tribute to powerful bull horns – a unique shape used only by Vacheron Constantin. They can be considered as a variation to the well-known “teardrop” lug shape found on many mid-20th century timepieces. Vacheron Constantin produced the reference 6087 until the mid-1960s, and it was the last chronograph model manufactured by the brand until 1989.

    The reference is housed in a robust, water resistant case, and is the only vintage Vacheron Constantin chronograph with a screw-down case-back and round pushers. The case maintains strong proportions, curves, and hallmarks as it did when it originally left the factory. The dial, featuring raised hard enamel printing throughout, is well preserved with large registers at 3 and 9 o’clock, and applied yellow gold, Arabic 12 and 6 hour numerals. Interestingly, Vacheron Constantin re-launched this design in 2015 naming it “Cornes de Vache 1955”, paying tribute to the iconic model after 60 years.

    Since its last appearance at auction 25 years ago when it was acquired by the consignor, it has been cherished in the “Ride the Wave” collection since, remaining unworn until the present day. It is even fitted with its original Vacheron Constantin strap.

    Vacheron Constantin model 6087 is particularly rare with fewer than 30 examples known in yellow gold, making it one of the most desirable and collectible chronograph watches by any maker. The present timepiece is a fine example, making it a trophy watch for a discriminating collector.

  • Artist Biography

    Vacheron Constantin

    Swiss • 1755

    The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.

    Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.

    View More Works

Σ100

Ref. 6087
A very rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with unusual “cow horn” lugs and screw-back case

1954
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$40,000 - 60,000 
CHF39,800-59,700
€38,400-57,500
HK$314,000-471,000
S$55,800-83,700

Sold for $126,000

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022