Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile Retrograde Annual Calendar with New Calibre 2460QRA
Introduced in 2008, the well appreciated Quai de l’Ile watch collection by Vacheron Constantin now welcomes a Retrograde Annual Calendar model featuring Calibre 2460 QRA.
Available in pink or white gold and loaded with unique opportunities for personalisation for customers, the 43mm watch case of this watch houses a new mechanical self-winding complicated movement designed, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin: Calibre 2460 QRA, bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. This calibre incorporates the annual calendar combined with a retrograde date display.
The new 326-part Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460 QRA drives the hours, minutes and small seconds at 9 o’clock, as well as the annual calendar with retrograde date display, months and a high-precision moon-phase indication requiring correction just once every 122 years.
Equipped with a stop-seconds device to ensure precise time-setting, it is endowed with a 40-hour power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour).
This mechanical self-winding movement is equipped with an oscillating weight mounted on ceramic ball bearings and specially developed to match the spirit of the innovative Quai de l’Ile collection. Crafted in ruthenium-plated 22K gold, it is distinguished by its pure lines enhanced by five raised decorative fillets.
A contemporary reinterpretation of a classic watch shape and symbol of Vacheron Constantin personalisation concept, the cushion-shaped case feature a screw-down back fitted with a sapphire crystal pane.
Available in three versions in the standard collection (pink gold, white gold or two-tone pink and white gold), the Quai de l’Ile Retrograde Annual Calendar corresponds to another of the collection’s signature features: personalisation.
The owner can personalise the model according to certain predefined principles, and this unique and unprecedented opportunity in the field of Haute Horlogerie is made possible by the original construction of the Quai de l’Ile case and its seven-part middle: lateral flanks at 3 and 9 o’clock, lugs at 12 and 6 o’clock, inter-lug pieces at 12 and 6 o’clock, and a support plate.
In addition to these seven elements, the 43 mm-diameter case comprises the bezel, the back and the crown. Combined with certain dial elements, this construction enables Vacheron Constantin to offer its clientele 700 potential variations within the complete Quai de l’Ile collection.
This new model also offers new dial versions with satin-brushed/vertical finishing in the central zone and opaline finishing in the outer zone, as well as for the month and date indications. When launched in 2008, the Quai de l’Ile achieved a considerable impact through its unprecedented association between the watchmaking world and the most secret and sophisticated “Security Printing” technologies.
A powerful emblem of this original security system, the sun motif inspired by the clock tower of the Tour de l’Ile (next to the historic headquarters of Vacheron Constantin) is placed inside a disc printed in invisible ink and appears between 4 and 5 o’clock only under ultra-violet light.
The Quai de l’Ile Retrograde Annual Calendar is delivered with two straps: one in black or brown alligator leather, and the other in black or brown rubber, secured by an 18K pink or white gold folding clasp.
Technical details
Model: Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile Retrograde Annual Calendar
Reference 86040
Movement
Calibre 2460 QRA, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin
Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva
Energy Mechanical, self-winding
Movement diameter: 26.20 mm
Movement thickness: 5.40 mm
Jewels: 27 jewels
Frequency: 4Hz (28’800 vibrations/hour)
Indications
Hours, minutes and small seconds at 9 o’clock
Annual calendar (date, month), date with retrograde hand
Precision moon phase
Power reserve : More than 40 hours
Case
18K 5N pink gold or 18K white gold
Cushion-shape
43 mm x 54 mm
Transparent, sapphire crystal, screwed-down
Water-resistance: 3 BAR, equivalent to 30 meters
Dial
Soft vertical satin-finishing in the central zone,
Opaline external ring and day and date indication zones
UV ink sun
Chamfered hour-markers and counters
Moon phase disk in matt ebony opaline metal and circular satin-finished moon figure
Strap
Each model is delivered with two straps:
Black or brown hand-stitched, saddle-finished square-shape scales alligator Mississippiensis leather
Black or brown natural rubber
Clasp: 18K 5N pink or 18K white gold triple-blade folding clasp
