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Vacheron Constantin updates the Quai de I’Île

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May 2016


The traditional Swiss brand adds to its contemporary repertoire with a new movement and case for the successful Quai de I’Île collection.

Eight years ago Vacheron Constantin launched the Quai de I’Île collection. Named after the historical location in the heart of Geneva from where the brand made its name, the collection caused quite the stir when they were announced in 2008.

The watches were somewhat unusual for the brand, as they offered something completely new. Thanks to a modular design, customers could choose among many different combinations of cases, dials, and finishes.

Vacheron Constantin updates the Quai de I'Île

The quality-made customizable watches also demonstrated the brand’s more contemporary feel, sporting a case shape and design we hadn’t really seen from the mostly traditional Swiss watchmaker.

Keeping with that “pleasantly different” approach, Vacheron Constantin just announced that the collection will be available with a brand new movement and in a new 41mm stainless steel case. Let’s take a look at what all that means.

Vacheron Constantin updates the Quai de I'Île

The new stainless-steel version of the Quai de I’Île has been made available in only two dial variants, white or black (I’m a firm believer that having too much choice is usually a bad thing). The case sports a parallel look to its predecessor, with a round bezel, cushion-type case and barrel case band.

The other novelty is the movement – the calibre 5100. The new in-house movement boasts a 60-hour power reserve and the added detail of a tungsten winding rotor. While this is by no means a top of the line Vacheron movement, the result is a solid mechanism at a very competitive price. The whole package can be had for just under $15,000.

Vacheron Constantin updates the Quai de I'Île

The Quai de l’Île is at the heart of downtown Geneva, found between the left and right banks of the river Rhone. Similarly, the watch that carries the same name is a fine balance between the contemporary on one hand and the traditional on the other. At a very tempting price point, the watch will be in high demand among the bankers and business-types that usually roam Geneva’s Quai de l’Île.