Vacheron Constantin

Quai de l'Ile 3.0

 

The Quai de l’Ile is one of the most intriguing watches that Vacheron Constantin produces today. Collectors seem either to love it or to hate it. Count me in with the former!

There were originally two models in the family, one featuring a basic automatic movement with date, reference 86050:

And another with day, date, and power reserve, reference 85050:
 


 
I wrote an in-depth review of this later watch in titanium, focusing on the origins of the design of the watch and the variety of techniques employed in making the sapphire dial:

vacheron.watchprosite.com

In 2010 Vacheron Constantin applied feedback on the legibility of the watch and created new hands:
 



I called this watch Quai de l’Ile 2.0. Following the strong success of the unique tantalum Quai de l'Ile at the Only Watch auction in 2009, Vacheron Constantin produced a limited edition set of 100 tantalum and palladium Quai de l'Ile:



Following up on the introduction late last year of the Quai de l’Ile Annual Calendar, reference 86040, with its solid dial,

 
 

Vacheron Constantin is now bringing solid dials to the original pair of watches, which I will now call Quai de l’Ile 3.0, and these watches are now available in the retail network. These is no doubt about the fact that the solid dial update enhances the legibility of the watch, but I do miss the technical look of the original as well as the view of the top plate, which feature a brilliant bridge design and top notch finishing.


Quai de l’Ile was the first watch that Vacheron Constantin offered in titanium, and it feels like an appropriate metal for such a modern design. I like the fact that VC uses unpolished dark titanium and employs satin finishes on all surfaces, giving this particular interpretation of the design a stealthy look. In keeping with the look of the Overseas models that partner titanium bezels with gray dials, the solid dial on the titanium Quai de l’Ile is also gray.


Just as with the sapphire dials on the original Quai de l’Ile, the dial on QDI 3.0 has a lot depth. The raised external outer ring and day and date rings have an opaline finish.



The chamfered numbers and hour markers are applied to the outer ring. The center zone and insides of the day and date rings feature a vertical satin finish.

Vacheron Constantin has kept the UV ink sun on the dial:



Also new with QDI 3.0 is the mixing of metals in the case for regular production watches rather than with the customized watches, as had formerly been the case. The watch below has a rose gold case with titanium bezel, flanks, and crown.


 
The high polish of the lugs contrasts nicely with the satin finishing of the bezel and flanks. The hands and applied markers are also in rose gold, and make for a high contrast against the gray background of the dial.

Rose gold and palladium models are also available.

With the Date model, I appreciate the balance the designers struck between providing optimal legibility and the keeping with the original conception of the Quai de l’Ile. The date ring is still a sapphire crystal which has been laser engraved and ink filled with a moving paddle underneath to highlight the date.



Which model do you like best and why?

Bill