New Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Île – in steel!

Launched in 2008 the Quai de l’Île collection reflects the very modern side of the 1755 founded maison in Geneva. The new Quai de l’Île in a steel case is priced pretty aggressive at 14.900 USD and therefore forth a second look.

The Quai de l’Île is powered by a 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. The calibre is designed for an active lifestyle, it 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 finishing of Calibre 5100 – chamfering, polishing, circular graining, Côtes de Genève – meets the demanding Hallmark of Geneva (Poinçon de Genève) standards. Designed to achieve the best possible results in terms of both reliability and aesthetics, these hand-crafted finishes entail an up to 40% longer production time compared with a non-certified movement.

The dial of the new stainless steel Quai de l’Île features a multi-level construction interpreted in two versions: silver-toned or black, with an opaline finish.

Composed of three parts, this display with its depth effects ensures good legibility thanks to the 18 carat gold hour- & minute-hands and the date that are both highlighted with white luminescent material. Another 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. The date disc of Caliber 5100 appears beneath this glass and displays an indicator which points towards the correct date.

Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin Mechanical, self-winding, 30.60 mm (13’’’ 1⁄4) diameter, 4.70 mm thick

Approximately 60 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28’800 A/h)
172 components, 37 jewels

Stainless steel, 41 mm diameter, 11.75 mm thick, Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)

Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather, black alsavel lining, hand-stitched, large square scales, delivered with a second strap in black rubber, stainless steel triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces Polished half Maltese cross-shaped