Vacheron Constantin 6087 'Corne de vache'

In the lexicon of mid-century chronographs, the Vacheron Constantin reference 6087 occupies a position of particular distinction. Known as “Corne de vache” for its sculptural, flared lugs. A design so idiosyncratic and balanced that it remains instantly recognizable even in silhouette. But what if it came with a black dial… holy cow!

The revered reference 6087 was introduced in the mid-1950s and remained in production for roughly a decade. In total, only 26 examples were crafted in yellow gold and a mere 8 in rose gold, placing it firmly among Vacheron Constantin’s rarest post-war chronographs. Its most distinctive feature lies in the dramatic lugs; nicknamed Corne de Vache for their resemblance to a cow’s horns. While the maison has long been celebrated for its fancy lugs, this form has become so emblematic that Vacheron Constantin later revived it in modern tributes to the reference.

Balancing refined elegance with subtle sportiness, the 6087 features round chronograph pushers and a screw-down, water-resistant caseback; technical details that were notable for the era. With a case diameter of 35 mm, it wears with the understated proportions typical of its time, yet its presence on the wrist remains unmistakable. Inside we find manual winding caliber 492, based on the venerable Valjoux 23.

To encounter a 6087 in any configuration is uncommon. To find one with a black dial is to encounter a watch that sits at the intersection of rarity, design significance, and mechanical pedigree. For the collector who values not only the reference itself but the minutiae that set true outliers apart. This is the only known example, albeit not born with a black dial; it was added at a later stage -by Vacheron themsleves- on request of the client. The accompanying extract from 1991 shows it was already fitted with this beautiful dark dial.

This well-documented example (published in multiple books, including one from Pucci Papaleo) made its first appearance on the market in 2011 when it was auctioned by Christie's.