Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile Stainless Steel Edition
The Quai de l’Ile collection, launched in 2008, welcomes a new stainless steel model, providing a contemporary expression of the proud Fine Watchmaking traditions upheld by the Maison Vacheron Constantin.
A spirit evidenced in a comfortably sized 41 mm-diameter case mingling three iconic shapes from the aesthetic heritage of the Manufacture, enhanced by a subtle array of finishes.
The Hallmark of Geneva-certified Quai de l’ìle stainless steel model is equipped with the new Manufacture self-winding Caliber 5100, displaying the hours, minutes, seconds and date on a silver-toned or black dial punctuated by luminescent indications ensuring optimal legibility.
With its contemporary design, its distinctive character and its excellence attested by the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, the Quai de l’Île collection embodies an avant-garde aesthetic vision of watchmaking traditions. The name refers to the historical site of Vacheron Constantin.
A symbol of Geneva’s watchmaking excellence and home to the famous 19th century master cabinotiers, this centre of outstanding craftsmanship spread the fame of the Manufacture far and wide.
Located at the heart of Geneva, this crossing place between the left and right banks of the Rhone has been transformed into a bustling urban hub. Imbued with this same spirit of innovation pervaded by history, the Quai de l’Île collection vividly reflects the art with which Vacheron Constantin reinterprets a technical and aesthetic legacy enriched by 260 years of uninterrupted history.
At once sturdy, comfortable and light, stainless steel makes a noteworthy entry into the collection. Enhanced with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes, the 41mm-diameter case associates three iconic shapes from the aesthetic heritage of Vacheron Constantin: a round bezel, a cushion-type case and a tonneau (barrel) caseband.
This harmoniously embedded “shape in shape” design creates an original aesthetic, accentuated by the light playing across the finishes. Intended to ensure optimal comfort, the split-level lugs reinforce the dynamics of this case with its transparent back and endow it with an authentic identity, the signature touch of Vacheron Constantin.
This stainless steel exterior houses a state-of-the-art mechanical self-winding movement comprising 172 components.
Caliber 5100, entirely designed, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin, drives the hours, minutes, central seconds and date functions. Steadily beating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and designed for an active lifestyle, this movement features excellent resistance to impacts as well as a comfortable over 60-hour power reserve guaranteed by its twin barrels.
The oscillating weight is made of tungsten, a material rarely used in watchmaking and which ensures improved inertia of the rotor along with optimal winding performance due to its hardness and its weight.
Visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, it is distinguished by its modern Quai de l’Île decor adorned with five raised decorative fillets. The particularly meticulous finishing of Caliber 5100 – chamfering, polishing, circular graining, Côtes de Genève – meets the demanding Hallmark of Geneva standards.
Designed to achieve the best possible results in terms of both reliability and aesthetics, these hand-crafted finishes entail an up to 40% longer production time compared with a non-certified movement.
The dial of the new stainless steel Quai de l’Île model is distinguished by a multi-level construction interpreted in two versions – silver-toned or black – with an opaline finish.
Composed of three distinct parts, this display with its innovative depth effects ensures remarkable legibility thanks to its hour-markers and Arabic numerals entirely made of white luminescent material.
Another distinctive feature is the replacement of the traditional aperture type date by a two-level date indication. The dial construction includes a transparent mineral glass disc on which the dates of the month are inked. Beneath this glass, the date disc of Caliber 5100 appears and displays an indicator which points towards the correct date.
This new Vacheron Constantin stainless steel Quai de l’Ile model, water-resistant to 30 metres, is delivered with two straps – one in brown alligator leather and the other in black rubber – with a steel folding clasp.
Technical details
Model: Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile Stainless Steel Edition
References
4500S/000A-B195 – silver-toned dial
4500S/000A-B196 – black dial
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Movement
Calibre 5100/1
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
30.60 mm (13’’’ ¼) diameter, 4.70 mm thick
Approximately 60 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28’800 vibrations/hour)
172 components
37 jewels
Indications
Hours and minutes
Central seconds
Date
Case
Stainless steel
41 mm diameter, 11.75 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial
Silver-toned/black opaline
Mineral glass disc with date indication
Arabic numerals and indexes crafted in white luminescent material
18K gold hour & minute hands and date highlighted with white luminescent material
Strap
Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather, black alsavel lining, hand-stitched, large square scales
Delivered with a second strap in black rubber
Clasp
Stainless steel triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped Quai De L’île
