VC Cornes de Vache vs. ALS 1815 Chronograph

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Dave G presents a compelling comparison between two high-horology chronographs: the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 and the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph Boutique Edition. Having handled both pieces in Dubai and Hong Kong, the author meticulously breaks down their aesthetic, technical, and value propositions, inviting the community to weigh in on this challenging choice between two exceptional modern chronographs.

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Travelling extensively this week for work, but had time on Saturday in Dubai to look at watches and then flew overnight to Hong along where I spent a leisurely Sunday doing the same.

My mission was to see the Vacheron Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 Chronograph which I found in the Boutique at the Dubai Mall. Such a lovely watch with a great dial and lugs. The price is high and I couldn't justify it, but I was happy to handle it in person.

Today, I wondered into the Lange Boutique in Kowloon at 1881 Heritage, and looked at the Boutique addition of the 1815 Chronograph. I have seen it before in person at the same boutique and wanted to look at it again. They had the piece in the case and it was great to handle it and explore the movement in particular.

So, I find these pieces quite similar, although the Vacheron is executed in platinum, which is my favourite metal, and the Lange is in white gold. The lugs make the VC more attractive in my opinion, but this would be a hard call to make I think. The VC dial has great balance and harmony. I like the 1815 and don't mind the lower subdials but next to the VC I find them less attractive.

Both are top examples of modern chronographs.

Both are presented in white metals and similarly sized at 38.5mm (VC) and 39.5mm (Lange), which is not notably different to my eye and wrist. Both are nearly identical in case height at 10.9 and 11.0 MM. respectively.

Both use white hands for time and blue for the chrono function, and each has a pulsometer scale, which on the Lange is specific to this boutique edition. I like the shape of the Lange hands personally.

The Lange seems technically superior with stop seconds, fly back and jumping minute counter and a 60 hour reserve. The VC is simpler and the power reserve falls to 48 hours in their movement. The Lange moment has 306 parts and 34 jewels, while the VC just 164 parts and 21 jewels. Interesting the difference. Lastly the rate is different with Vacheron beating at 21,600 bps vs. Lange at 18,000.

So for me, the Lange seemed to have an edge on the movement, but I liked the sexiness of the VC. Vacheron has priced this piece considerably higher than the Lange which makes the Lange in my eyes a better value if there is such a thing. On this point, for the boutique edition of the 1815 chrono they also include the very expensive deployment clasp in the price. I think a tang buckle belongs on this piece and they offered if purchased to exchange the buckle and adjust the price.

Whic would you choose? Both are excellent...

Photos below from each manufacturers website.

Dave

This message has been edited by Dave G on 2016-04-17 06:42:22 This message has been edited by Dave G on 2016-04-17 06:44:30

About the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ref. CornesdeVache1955

The Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 is a chronograph model that draws inspiration from a specific Vacheron Constantin chronograph reference from the mid-20th century. It is part of the Historiques collection, which reinterprets significant designs from the brand's heritage. This particular model is notable for its distinctive "cow horn" lugs, a design element that gives the watch its name and sets it apart from more conventional chronograph cases.

The case of the Cornes de Vache 1955 is crafted from precious metal, typically rose gold, and features the characteristic sculpted lugs. It houses a manually wound chronograph movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The dial layout is a classic bi-compax chronograph configuration, with a tachymeter scale around the periphery. The crystal protecting the dial is sapphire, often with an anti-reflective coating.

This reference appeals to collectors who appreciate vintage-inspired designs and the craftsmanship of traditional watchmaking. Its faithful recreation of a historical Vacheron Constantin chronograph, combined with modern manufacturing standards, makes it a sought-after piece. The Cornes de Vache 1955 is offered in various precious metal iterations, each maintaining the core design elements that define this distinctive model within the Historiques collection.

Specifications

Caliber: Caliber 1142

Case: 18k 5N Pink Gold

Diameter: 38.5 mm

Dial: Opaline Silver

Water Resist.: 30 meters

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The choice between the two chronographs often comes down to wrist fit and dial aesthetics, with some preferring the VC's dial and smaller bezel, and others noting the Lange's superior movement (alongside Montblanc Villeret) but potentially cluttered dial.
While the Lange movement is technically impressive, inconsistencies like blue hands for both chrono and non-chrono subdials, and the subdials 'eating' into the 3 and 9 numerals, are aesthetic drawbacks for some collectors.
Despite the VC's beauty and platinum case, the Lange 1815 Chronograph often wins collectors over due to its superior movement and the option to swap the deployment clasp for a tang buckle, which can adjust the price.
Some collectors find the Lange's 'sunken' subdials unappealing, preferring them to be perfectly aligned, while others wish the VC's 38.5mm case was larger, around 41mm.
The VC's lugs are widely admired, but its smaller size and higher price point compared to the ALS often lead collectors to choose the Lange, even if VC is their preferred brand.
For some, the aesthetic beauty of the Vacheron Constantin outweighs any marginal technical advantages of the Lange, suggesting that personal preference for design can be the ultimate deciding factor at this level of horology.

The Discussion

dr.kol

Apr 17, 2016

Without hesitation

I would take ALS even I prefer platinum to gold. Best, Kari

Dave G

Apr 17, 2016

I tend to agree Kari

I love platinum as well, but the movement here on the ALS seems much better. VC lugs though are quite lovely. Dave

dr.kol

Apr 17, 2016

Never mind what is normally said,

for most of us price is also a consideration. Both ALS and VC are a bit weak when resale value is concerned. Best, Kari

Alex 007

Apr 17, 2016

Having seen both in flesh. the VC is beautiful (but too expensive) compared to the ALS About the ALS was a bit disapponted about the color of blue (depending of light) not always visible of being blue...

Dave G

Apr 17, 2016

Yes, I found the price to be quite a surprise, even in platinum. [nt]

Bruno.M1

Apr 17, 2016

played with it and it's a gorgeous watch Lange ... really don't like these 'sunken' subdials ... they should be perfectly aligned at 3 and 9 o'clock only thing about the VC ... 38,5 mm :-( Good for my girlfriend but I really would love to see it 41 or so

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VC Cornes de Vache vs. ALS 1815 Chronograph

About the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ref. CornesdeVache1955

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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