VACHERON CONSTANTIN Quai de l’Île in steel
The Quai de l’Île collection, launched in 2008, welcomes a new stainless steel model, providing a contemporary expression of the proud Fine Watchmaking traditions by the Maison Vacheron Constantin. A spirit evidenced in a comfortably sized 41 mm-diameter case mingling three iconic shapes from the aesthetic heritage of the Manufacture, enhanced by a subtle array of finishes. The Hallmark of Geneva-certified Quai de l’ìle stainless steel model is equipped with the new Manufacture self-winding Calibre 5100, displaying the hours, minutes, seconds and date on a silver-toned or black dial punctuated by luminescent indications ensuring optimal legibility.
At once sturdy, comfortable and light, stainless steel makes a noteworthy entry into the collection. Enhanced with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes, the 41mm-diameter case associates three iconic shapes from the aesthetic heritage of Vacheron Constantin: a round bezel, a cushion-type case and a tonneau (barrel) caseband. This harmoniously embedded “shape in shape” design creates an original aesthetic, accentuated by the light playing across the finishes. Intended to ensure optimal comfort, the split-level lugs reinforce the dynamics of this case with its transparent back.
This stainless steel exterior houses a state-of-the-art mechanical self-winding movement comprising 172 components. Calibre 5100, entirely designed, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin, drives the hours, minutes, central seconds and date functions. Steadily beating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and designed for an active lifestyle, this movement features excellent resistance to impacts as well as a comfortable over 60-hour power reserve guaranteed by its twin barrels. The oscillating weight is made of tungsten, a material rarely used in watchmaking and which ensures improved inertia of the rotor along with optimal winding performance due to its hardness and its weight. Visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, it is distinguished by its modern Quai de l’Île decor adorned with five raised decorative fillets.
The dial of the new stainless steel Quai de l’Île model is distinguished by a multi-level construction interpreted in two versions – silver-toned or black – with an opaline finish. Composed of three distinct parts, this display with its innovative depth effects ensures remarkable legibility thanks to its hour-markers and Arabic numerals entirely made of white luminescent material.
Another distinctive feature is the replacement of the traditional aperture type date by a two-level date indication. The dial construction includes a transparent mineral glass disc on which the dates of the month are inked. Beneath this glass, the date disc of Calibre 5100 appears and displays an indicator which points towards the correct date. The stainless steel Quai de l’Île model, water-resistant to 30 m, is delivered with two straps – one in brown alligator leather and the other in black rubber – with a steel folding clasp.
