Vacheron Constantin

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

...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 considered purchasing from the brand.  The watch itself is modern and unique, and the customization option is a smart move on VC's part IMO.  Despite recent economic upheavals, I think we live in an era of unprecedented global affluence, and this wealth allows those who have it to indulge in the personal luxury of creating items that are an extension of their personalities -- be it bespoke cars, suits, shoes or watches.  I think VC has correctly tapped into this zeitgeist.

Having said all this, I don't think the watch is for me personally.  While I very much like the case, and enjoy the open dial, the collective look of all the etching, microprinting, transparent film on top of the day-date-time-power reserve displays ends up being more than I really want to experience when I look down at my wrist.  I do admire the QdL as a timepiece though, and I applaud VC for what I think is an audacious move on their part.  I have no doubt there are many people who enjoy this watch, and will reward VC by purchasing one.

Cheers,
Daos

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 compared to getting a custom watch, a service that VC now offers it clients, though at a dear premium to regular production offerings. I hope that any forum participants who have had such work done would share their stories and pictures here.


Bill

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 look a bit shortened.

This open dial is not for me, either, even if I have to say that the simpler one is the most interesting one.

The more I learn about VC, the less I love this Quai de L'Ile.

And this is a Pity, becasue I still think that the concept is very interesting, but the realisation disturbs me.

Best,

Nicolas

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

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 simple, yet so complex at the same time - I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at it. The only thing I'm not too keen on is the rotor, which could have been worked a little bit more...

This watch is definitely next on my shopping list, and I'm currently saving up my watch tokens for it.

Cheers,

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?

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 dial that get's dark outside but goes transparent inside!!  The rotor is a bit steampunk and I'd also like to see what else they can come up with...like solid white gold (I've never seen a WG rotor before).

The QdI made an interesting impression when I first saw it.  It strikes me as a sports watch!  Although not intended by the designers from what I read in the release literature, I found it more sporty than the current Gen II Overseas.  Now that we have a re-designed OS (call it the Gen II 1/2), the QdI is no longer "the" sports watch but would still be at home on my wrist in any situation (if water-resistance was improved).

I am concerned about one aspect of the semi-customization program.  The personal engravings that can be ordered for the back will diminish value on the secondary market, unless they are a rock star ;-)

perhaps we should make a new catagory: casual watch.


Bill

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 confused part is that I am not sure whether VC categorises QdI as dress/casual/sports watch.  Whatever they say, the watch must reflect waht has been preached.

My dislike part is the high retail price.  It makes me think twice to acquire this watch.

My really dislike part is the passport.  It is meaningless to me as I don't know what practical purpose can it serve.  I am not sure if I do not want the passport, do I get more discount?

Regards

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 towards it without reservation.

As a collector with limited resources my perception of where value lies plays a big part in which watch I buy. If I like two watches equally well then I go with the less expensive option.

Bill

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 still don't like the look).

I guess I'm still in a vintage phase when it comes to pleasing aesthetics.  I appreciate what VC is trying to do with this new line and concept.  I imagine they are trying to attract a new market segment as well.  At this point, its just not for me - but I guess the strongest point of the QDI is the interchangeability and customization, so maybe future options will bring me in.

BR, 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.

When it comes to VC I have always preferred their more tradition pieces.

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 had the chance to buy it?).


Bill

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 that minute. And I'd still LOVE to own that watch. But here's my hesitation. It's a collector-mindset. I have a budget. I am trying lately to buy watches 'right'. That means, to me, that if I 'fear' a watch MAY have suicide-inducing resale value, I will wait to buy it pre-owned. Since the jury is out on the QDL, I am 'afraid' to buy one new. And that is my ONLY hesitation. I think it is a brave and wonderfully classic/contemporary watch, combining both the innovative and the traditional. When you see it in person, it's a whole other thing than pics. The case makes the watch 'grounded' in tradition, IMO, the execution of fine detail, legibility--also makes the watch Traditional VC. But the dial of course is a total departure, and YET, to my eyes, unfolds within the VC bloodline. You can see the history in this new screaming infant...

I LOVE IT!

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.


Bill

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 found the Concept interesting and innovating

My Cons:

1.       Perception of the concept in relation to its price level (concept: presentation; same watches ranging from approx €21K to over €50K

2.       Not acceptable that this concept is presented as this company flagship

3.       Because of the above and because it is about one of my dream Brand, those pieces somehow irritates me.

My opinion:

Vacheron Constantin should have priced those pieces to compete with their Oversea watches, €9K-€15K; this would have enabled fresher or younger buyers to enter the brand with a very innovating concept.

Otherwise, not of my liking.

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.

Best regards,

Dino

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

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 work a little better – Pateks seem to spend most time back in the shop.

It is bound to remain even rarer and possibly more individual – and may well justify the price (take a glance at the avergave Patek) although judging by comments here, the second hand value wont hold as well as its famous rival.

Any more thoughts on this, please put them up!

P