Vacheron Constantin “Entry-Level” Quai de l’Ile in Steel, now with Blue Dial

The Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile is a watch with surprising contrasts. Made by one of the most prestigious names in the industry, but crafted in steel. Designed in a sporty, urban way but featuring a “Hallmark of Geneva” movement. Bearing a name synonymous with dream watches but rather accessible. This superb surprise is now available in a new style. Here is the Vacheron Constantin “Entry-Level” Quai de l’Ile in Steel, now with Blue Dial.

The Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile collection was quite difficult to position, at least for the first years of its existence. Rather sporty, except for the fact it was made from gold, complex in a way, but maybe not complex enough for some collectors… A difficult watch to categorise, until 2016 and the presentation of what would become the “entry-level” proposition of the brand, and a stunning offer to say the least. While previously quite unclear, the switch to a stainless steel case and the redesign of the dial, both clean and perfectly partitioned, made things much easier: the Steel Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile was a superb access point to the 262 year old Maison.

Previously available in 2 options, with a black or silver dial, Vacheron Constantin, looking to build on the success of this watch, now extends the collection with the addition of third model with a trendy blue dial. Paired with a matching blue strap, this new color gives the watch a more eccentric and modern feel, while still keeping the sporty-urban look very much alive. Yet, the fundamentals of the Steel Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile remain untouched. First of all, the 41mm case is the same, as it is quite an originally shaped case – not round, not tonneau… Quite architectural, yet completely versatile. An excellent all-rounder (see why here). The case is of course perfectly executed (you wouldn’t expect any less from VC) and alternates between polished and brushed surfaces, to reinforce the shape.

While now dressed in blue, the layout and display are still the same. Color-wise, this new version of the Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile plays on different tones of blue (from bright in the center and the hour ring, to dark on the date ring) to emphasize the visibility of the indictions. The date disc, on which the pointing triangle is printed, remains in black, in order not to disturb the main indications. This dial is very well proportioned and partitioned, and has a sort of modern “sector” style, that while not being vintage is somewhat reminiscent of great watchmaking icons. Stylish, urban and just a bit sporty.

The term ‘entry-level’ usually implies there have been concessions made somewhere and normally you might expect it on the mechanical side… but not here. Indeed, the Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile, even in steel, features a superb automatic movement with no less than the “hallmark of Geneva” engraved on its bridges, a trusted sign of exquisite finishing – which can mean up to 40% more time required to complete a movement, compared to a non-certified one. The Calibre 5100 (also found on the 3-hand Overseas) beats at 4Hz and has a comfortable 60h power reserve (twin-barrel). Visible through the sapphire crystal, it shows anglages, polished bevels, polished screws, thin Geneva stripes, circular graining and an 3D-engraved, matte finished rotor.

The previous versions of the Steel Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile, with black and silver dial

This new Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile Steel / Blue dial will be offered at the same price as the two other versions (silver and black), meaning a reasonable (at least for such a brand and level of finishing) US$ 14,900 / EUR 16,200. Vacheron-Constantin.com.

Technical Specifications – Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile Steel / Blue dial

• Case: 41mm diameter x 11.75mm thick – stainless steel, polished and brushed – sapphire crystal on both faces – 30m water resistant
• Movement: Calibre 5100, in-house, Hallmark of Geneva certification – automatic – 4Hz frequency – 60h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds, date
• Strap: blue alligator leather with steel triple-blade folding clasp – additional blue rubber strap included
• Reference: 4500S/000A-B364
• Price: US$ 14,900 / EUR 16,200