RGS
241
Stuck in the middle
Feb 26, 2014,08:36 AM
The QDL was, and still is by the way, a bold and innovative, yet restrained and classical new line by VC. Both the self winding date and the date & power reserve models are great. Personally, I don't like the retrograde annual calendar, I don't like the way it is executed on the dial, but that is OK. And, indeed, there was no need for the solid dials. The emblematic element of the entire line is the fact that it is customizable and also the transparent dials.
Now, from my point of view, the basic problems that come with the QDL are two:
1) The fact that design-wise it reminds of a more sporty watch in nature (and this is not a sport watch). But off course VC already has an excellent sport watch line up, the Overseas. So, people who already have an Overseas, might think twice before going for a second watch, that looks similar in nature and in fact, is not a sport watch. More over, people who don't have an Overseas and want a high end sport watch like the Overseas, will go for the Overseas and not for the QDL, because again, it is not a sport watch in nature.
2) The pricing is wrong. The QDL, at least the basic self winding model, should have been used as an "entry" level piece to the entire VC lineup. It is quite fresh and new, it appeals to both older, but most importantly younger and prospective customers. It was an opportunity to say to them that "here, haute horlogerie and the combination of classic materials can produce something that is both classical, yet modern". It would have been a triumph. Don't put a QDL in every wrist, but get them to see it and want it.
Overall, the size of the watches is perfect at 41mm and no one can deny the quality VC brings to each and every one of their pieces (I should know, I own some). The future of the QDL however is not the annual calendar and not in the same price range as some of the watches in the Patrimony and the Traditionnelle lines.