Vacheron Constantin Quai de I'lle
The latest newcomer to the Quai de l'Ile collection, a contemporary expression of horological traditions, is a stainless steel model in which blue makes a noteworthy entrance on the dial punctuated by luminescent indications, as well as on the leather and rubber straps.
The name of this collection stems from the historical site of Vacheron Constantin. Located at the heart of Geneva, this crossing place between the left and right banks of the Rhone - home to the famous 19th century master cabinotiers - has been transformed into a bustling urban hub.
At once sturdy, comfortable and light, the 41 mm-diameter stainless steel case is enhanced with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes. It combines three iconic shapes from the aesthetic heritage of Vacheron Constantin: a round bezel, a cushion-type case and a tonneau caseband. This harmoniously embedded "shape in shape" design is accentuated by the light playing across the finishes. Intended to ensure optimal comfort, the split-level lugs reinforce the dynamics of this case.
This stainless steel exterior houses 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.
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. Visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, it is distinguished by its modern Quai de l'Ile decor adorned with five raised decorative fillets. The finishing operations - chamfering, polishing, circular graining, Cotes de Geneve - are performed in keeping with the finest Geneva watchmaking traditions.
The blue dial features a multi-level construction and is teamed with an opaline finish. Composed of three distinct parts, its 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. A sapphire disc at the dial centre displays the days of the month.
The date disc of Calibre 5100 appears beneath this transparent dial and features an indicator which points towards the correct date.
This new stainless steel Quai de l'Ile model, water-resistant to 30 metres, is delivered with a blue alligator leather or blue rubber strap, firmly secured to the wrist with a steel folding clasp.