Hodinkee Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 In Steel: New

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Hodinkee sits bestride the watch media like a collussus. Their writers are informed. eurudite and passionate. And their entire operation is so deep in the watch industry’s pocket their every word is covered in lint. Made of cash. If you need proof — and you really don’t — consider the Hodinkee Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 In Steel. Now I’m not saying . . .

this watch sucks. Far from it. It is, in a word, gorgeous. “A steel version of the Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 chronograph.” More than that, it’s a Vacheron, one of the three Holiest of Holies (along with Patek Philppe and Audemars Piguet). With demand for steel watches exceeding supply like water in the middle of the desert, it’s a slam dunk.

So much so all 36 pieces were sold out even as Hodinkee officially announced its arrival. Which leaves a lot of collectors with a sour taste in their mouth. How did Hodinkee allocate the Hodinkee Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 In Steel?

First-come, first-served? You’d hope so. Only you and I know that’s not how things work in the world of high horology. It’s not whether or not you can afford a Holy Grail Watch. It’s who you know. And how much they like you. Or what you can do for them. Or both.

We also know this about the watch’s genesis [via hodinkee.com]: “We agreed this watch was ripe for production in stainless steel. Why? Because we wanted to create something that had never before existed.”

That’s one theory.

No question: Hodinkee took a bite out of the $1,438,200 gross revenue (36 pieces X $39,800). A hundred-fifty grand (10%)? A freebie for Hodinkee thrown in for good measure? That and the rest.

I like money. I like watches. I like writing about watches. I’d like to write about watches for money. But as I’ve said before, TTAW will not create special editions or take a commission from any watchmaker ever. And if you want independent watch news, review and editorials. guess what? You’re in the right place.

Of course you’re free to read Hodinkee’s “review” of their co-production. Hey Mikey! He likes it! Quel surprise. 

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