WHL
[VC Moderator]
4922
SIHH 2008-Vacheron Constantin Report
While Vacheron Constantin introduced modifications of existing watches (regular production versions of the Chronometer Royal and Malte Tounneau Tourbillon Regulateur; a feminized Overseas Dual Time with diamond bezel; a RG Overseas Chronograph with chocolate dial with strap options; a larger case for the Malte Tounneau Chronograph; and a platinum Patrimony Contemporaine manual wind) the real purpose of their display at SIHH 2008 was to launch a new line, the Quai de l’Ile.
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Vacheron Constantin has always been known for making elegant watches with superb movements and beautiful cases and dials. The brand is also considered the finest manufacturer of skeletonized watches, with examples from simple time-only watches to complex perpetual calendar, tourbillon, and minute repeating models. Recently, however, Vacheron Constantin has made occasional, and successful, forays into “open face” aesthetics, which straddle the classic dial and the skeletonized expressions of watchmaking. The Retrograding Calendar watch, Ref 47247 was the first such watch:
and it has been followed by the black-nickel finished “Sincere Tourbillon:”
and the platinum Malte Perpetual Calendar Retrograding Date Open Face:
Many other brands have jumped onto this bandwagon figuring that consumers want to see the the mechanics of their mechanical watches, and if a display back is good, then a display front is even better.
Rather than modifying existing watches, Vacheron Constantin has designed an entire new line from the ground up to have this aesthetic at its core. The first two watches, the Quai de l’Ile Date Self-winding (with calibre 2460QH) and the Quai de l’Ile Day-Date and Power-Reserve Self-winding (with calibre 2475 SC/1), are merely the first of what promises to be many examples in this line. Integral to the line is the 41 mm wide, 12.92 mm high case which feature a cushion shape, placing the Quai de l’Ile between the Malte Tonneau and the Patrimony in terms of case shape.
Personalization is also a feature of this line. While there will be 3 base versions of each model:
Palladium – grey dial – rhodium-plated movement
Pink gold – light dial – rhodium-plated movement
Titanium – dark dial – ruthenium movement
the client may personalize the watch in one of up to 400 possible ways by playing with the combination of the three metals, two dials, and two different finishes on the movements to realize the watch of his dream. For now this option will only be available on the Day-Date Power Reserve and Vacheron Constantin has put some limitations on the customer’s choices to make the process manageable.
In addition, a pair of straps will come with each watch, one leather (either black or dark brown) and one vulcanized rubber (again, either black or dark brown).
While the technical processes that go it to making the crystal sound impressive (laser engraving, galvanic growth of nickel, and metallization), what matters is that the watch still be beautiful, an essential characteristic of any Vacheron Constantin watch. Just as I could talk about photons and Rayleigh scattering, what matters is that the sunset is beautiful.
And speaking of the sun, the hypermodern interpretation of the classical sunburst pattern is the result of printing on the security polymer that fits under the crystal. The printing process helps to ensure against counterfeiting.
The movements are both based on Vacheron Constantin’s in-house automatic caliber, which has earned the Geneva Hallmark. New and unusual is the ruthenium finishing option on the movement in addition to the usual rhodium finishing. This darker finish gives a different character to the watch. The rotor is made of 22 carat gold that has been ruthenium-finished.
Pricing for the North American market in dollars for the base models is as follows:
Day Date Power Reserve:
Palladium - $49,900
Rose Gold - $44,600
Titanium - $42,400
Date Self Winding:
Palladium - $35,300
Rose Gold - $31,500
Titanium - $29,000
Consumers can expect a 20% premium on the respective base price for customization. The Quai de L’Ile should begin appearing at authorized retailers in October.
VC promises to give us more releases throughout the year, including the second set of Les Masques, but for now, the spotlight rightly shines on the Quai de L’Ile.
Bill
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2008-05-23 16:39:31
