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Thoughts on the Quai de l'Ile?
Introduced at SIHH 2008, the Quai de l'Ile is a fascinating watch......but I'm not sure I like it!
The two models started rolling out to retailers late last year. I first saw them in the flesh at a retailer in December. I really liked the case, but the "dial" left me cold. Typically I want either a traditional dial or a full skeletonized movement viewable through the crystal. The open dial that is now a feature on so many watches has never appealed to me and the QdI did nothing to change my mind. As for the security features that were such a big part of the marketing around the watch I don't care one bit.
But I've seen the QdI a few more times since then and the fascination still holds. It helps that I have seen it in better light than under the retailers typical harsh glare (if you are checking it out be sure to take the watch to a window to see it in natural light). The dial has a depth that I didn't notice when I first saw the watch. Now, I'm not sure I want to own one, but I'll never say never. After all, I hated the Royal Oak when I first saw it but eventually added three to my collection.
Anyone else out there have an opinion on the QdI?
Bill
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Thoughts on the Quai de l'Ile?
Introduced at SIHH 2008, the Quai de l'Ile is a fascinating watch......but I'm not sure I like it! The two models started rolling out to retailers late last year. I first saw them in the flesh at a retailer in December. I really liked the case, but the "d...
I think the concept is great...
...and I give VC credit for its boldness in offering a watch range that seems very far from its traditional comfort zone. I would not be surprised if the QdL has succeded in bringing into VC a segment of more youthful buyers that may not have previously c...
Thanks for shaing your thoughts on the QdI...
I'd like to expand on your point about customization. I think it is great that VC is allowing clients to customize the QdI (only the day-date-power reserve at this time) to suit their individual taste. However, tweaking the metal is not that interesting c...
This watch disturbs me
The more I see it, the more I don't like it. now, in Paris, we can see it as often as we want, and each time I go to Place Vendome, I go and see it. The salesman doesn't understand what I'm doing with this watch... At the end, I don't like the lugs, which...
The one thing I find disturbing....
is the use of titanium. I just don't like the looks of it. It looks cheap, regardless of its positive attributes in terms of weight and durability. Were I to get a QdI it would have to be in either rose gold or palladium. Bill
I am completely in love with the QdI
the simple day-date model in palladium, to be more precise. I love everything about it: the dial, the case, the option to personalise the watch (although I still prefer the plain vanilla palladium model), the finishing on the movement... The dial is so si...
Thanks for posting Francois.....
I'd like to know if you ever considered adding the Jubile 1755 (in platinum) to your collection instead? Same movement as the QdI you like and a historically important piece. Classically beautiful. Why the QdI?
All Good Points!
The nice thing about those elements of the QdI that people don't find attractive, the dial and rotor, is that they are also the easiest to change during the production run. I hope we will see other dial variations...maybe like my transition eyeglasses - a...
I can't figure if it is a sports watch or a dress watch....
perhaps we should make a new catagory: casual watch. Bill
Hi Bill, I have mixed feeling about QdI
At first glance, I like the watch very much. It is like morning breeze to me, refeshing and soothing. The unique part is the open dial which reminds me of Sarpaneva's K2 skeleton dial although 2 watches have different type of execution on the dial. The co...
Hi Ling....
I imagine that knowing the retail price colors my view of this watch. I wonder how I would feel about the QdI were it priced the same as the Patrimony Traditionnelle Self-Winding. Then I'm sure I would think it a better value and I might be more inclined ...
Not my cup of tea
Hi Bill, I've tried on the QDI, in its several variations, a few times and its not a watch that I can warm up to. The open face dial is not attractive to me, and it makes it difficult to read the dial (though the simple date version is better at this - I ...
Thanks Dan....
At least VC has lots of great offerings for those who don't like the QdI. The Patrimony watches released at SIHH this year were well suited to my more classically-tuned biases.
Have never given this watch much thought....
When it comes to VC I have always preferred their more tradition pieces.
Thanks Fernando....
As I mentioned in my post, for some reason I keep coming back to this watch despite my preference for more traditional designs. I doubt I will ever get one or regret such a decision (future topic....what watch do you regret never having bought when you ha...
I LOVE it!!!
I saw the QDL at a luncheon in CA. I loved it instantly! It is weird, but only in the sense that it makes you want to look more closely. The case is fantastic. I liked it in Palladium. I like the time and date model, the simpler dial. I wanted to buy it t...
No curbing your enthusiasm!!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this watch. It's interesting to see the varied responses here...much more extreme than with most VC watches. I'll look forward to seeing how the QdI line develops in the future and how it is accepted in the marketplace....
IMO wrongly positioned / introduced, and not of my liking
When I hear the name Vacheron Constantin it makes me dream. I was introduced to the Quai de l’Ile at SIHH 2008, and for that once, Those watches and this concept irritated me. How could such a concept suddenly became the flagship of this brand. My Pros 1....
I agree
Its an interesting concept but a watch that I see being more in the Overseas price range and catagory. I think this watch is way overpriced, and for what it costs there are other watches I would prefer to own both from VC, and dare I say other brands. Bes...
I saw it the other day.........
and couldn't believe that VC rolled this watch out. It looks very cheap in person looking at it in the store window. Maybe I'd feel differently trying it on. Tony
Great comments!
I am so fascinated by this watch, and how people view it. Especially surprised by the many negative comments. To me it fits Patek Nautilus/Aquanaut niche - smart, sporty, casual idea, and as such I would like to own one. Hopefully Vacheron watches also wo...