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Cool watches, but very difficult to price!
Having taken a close look at a few specimens at my local AD, my favorite was this one:
I like the palladium date models with the transparent dials, but this is my favorite iteration. In fact, it may be my favorite watch in Vacheron Constantin's current collection, at least aesthetically. But I echo the sentiment of others; the price point could be a problem for collectors who are preconditioned to quantify value based on brand prestige and the quality/complexity of the movement.
It is easy for me to imagine a collector considering these watches would comparison shop it with other Vacheron Constantin models. As others have noted, this presents a problem in terms of value proposition. Paying a $15,000 premium for case construction and finishing is not crazy, but it is not an easily-made decision if you are the least bit price-sensitive. I like the Quai d'Ille collection quite a bit, but it is a difficult sell at these price points. Even though I prefer the small complications and relatively uncluttered dials for this line, I think it would be easier to overlook the price premium if we were considering a minute repeater, for instance.
I am not a member of the Quai d'Ille's target demographic, but I would be disappointed to learn of its discontinuation all the same. Perhaps the limited sales were anticipated?
Musings on Vacheron Constantin's Quai de l'Ile
Vacheron Constantins Quai de lIle was an adventurous new line for the brand when it was introduced back in 2008, breaking it away from its more conservative offerings in the Patrimony collection. It was a watch that struck a chord with me, and I have wr...
I think that the Quai De L'Ile was a mistake.
The fact that it was launched in 2008, when the crisis started doesn't explain all: There were watches introduced at the same time which were great hits. No, I think we are far from the VC roots. Some ideas were good, especially when VC offered th possibi...
The concept is interesting BUT
I would prefer a manual calibre instead of automatic ones. The rotor for automatic calibre is "simple", not so much worked as in other classic collection. Palladium case and sapphire on the dial with its securized film are very nice proposals. Just my tho...
What I like
What I like about the QDIs are the retrograde annual calendar and day-date-PR models, but the size is way too big for me, and the case design is not my taste. As mentioned, the rotor is too simple, and will better fit a luxury sporty model. I would love V...
I agree that I would love to see the day date automatic
And annual calendar in a more traditional case, perhaps the Patrimony Contemporaine or Traditionelle line.
Ultimately the price is wrong
I dont know the details of the cost of producing such a modular case but in most situations modular anything usually brings cost DOWN not up. The styling is interesting and not too VC-like but each brand needs to think about refreshing themselves and brin...
I'm odd man out. I love the QDI for me it is modern, vibrant and perfectly
executed. I like that VC was bold enough to go down this road without making it a limied edition and without using weird metals. However; I must say that I don't like the full dial versions I first had the automatic which I traded up for the day/date ...
Interesting topic
I have definitely warmed up to the Quai de l'Ile since it was first introduced. I believe it was introduced at around the same time as the American 1921, and I was clearly distracted by the 1921 at the expense of almost every other watch. ;-) I have no ex...
I love VC alot...
But the QDI is too big for me. Having said that, if I had bigger wrist, I will consider it. It is not that classical VC but it is unique, modern and also a bit playful and creative, like many of the vintage Vc watches. It won't be my first VC but can be a...
Bill stirs the hornet's nest...
Just some observations of a vintage guy who wonders how all these "new" pieces will be viewed after a few decades of aging... 1. the first appearance of the QdI with transparent dial was shocking and caught many fans of the brand by surprise. 2. the model...
Stuck in the middle
The QDL was, and still is by the way, a bold and innovative, yet restrained and classical new line by VC. Both the self winding date and the date & power reserve models are great. Personally, I don't like the retrograde annual calendar, I don't like t...
I like the QDL? I applaud VC for taking this bold step. It is a
Very handsome watch and a rarity in the marketplace. No other brand has anything as unique, at least in my opinion. For the date only version, I like both the transparent and full dial versions. But for the day date, I only prefer the transparent version....
Cool watches, but very difficult to price!
Having taken a close look at a few specimens at my local AD, my favorite was this one: I like the palladium date models with the transparent dials, but this is my favorite iteration. In fact, it may be my favorite watch in Vacheron Constantin's current co...
Primarily pricing
I agree with what many have already said. When I first saw pictures and read the description I was excited to see it in the metal. Interesting case shape and transparent dial. Young and sporty. I expected a steel / titanium or all titanium model and with ...
I just looove it since the beginning
There are many versions that anyone can prefer (palladium and transparent dial for me). The design is gorgeous, it reminds me Richard Mille but less sporty and much more luxurious. I think VC has done kind of independant wathc here and imho succeeded what...