The first Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile watch debuted in 2008 and was designed to be a extremely customizable watch that featured elements that might make it troublesome for counterfeiters to repeat. The brand new Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile Reference 4500S truly doesn’t have these customization options, however somewhat makes an attempt to return to the fundamentals a bit.
The Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile 4500S contains a 41mm-extensive chrome steel case with a particular design that Vacheron Constantin describes as half cushion and half tonneau. To us, the curved parts on the edges and in between the lugs make the QDI look distinctly cushion-formed, whereas the elongated lugs make for an optically longer case, lending it a few of that “tonneau vibe.” It’s informal, for positive, however only a bit much less sporty than the Abroad. Plus, as you’d anticipate from a excessive-finish metal watch, the case is completed with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes – water resistance, for a watch at this worth, is a mediocre 30 meters, although, so aside from when washing your palms, watch out to not expose your watch to water. Whereas this luxurious watch is by no means the one offender, for peace of thoughts, we might favor to all the time see at the very least a 50-meter score, particularly on easy watches that haven’t any additional pushers or levers constructed into the case.
Whereas the case design operates with bigger, extra elegant surfaces, the dial arguably exhibits much less grace in its design. It’s daring, however what might look like off-placing to the attention is the weird stability within the sizing of its parts. All of the indices are daring, even the minute markers are lengthy and enormous, and so are the date window’s tall numerals which do seem to get slightly cramped between 20 and 30. We perceive and recognize Vacheron Constantin’s efforts to be a bit extra trendy its design strategy – which is in stark distinction to their sometimes extremely refined but conservative design ethos.
The palms are extra “device” than “fashion” which appears to be the theme right here. They could work properly in individual or might arguably lack the required character for carrying the dial. We hope that in individual the arms are daring sufficient and carry the dial correctly to evoke that robust sense of “Vacheron Constantin grace” we search for in these designs.
Nearer to the middle of the dial is a mineral glass disc that bears all of the numerals for the date. This stationary ring is framed by a darkish gray one which carries a triangular pointer, shifting it across the fastened wheel to point the precise date, therefore changing your widespread date window. It’s an fascinating tactic and one thing extra on the brisker aspect for the model. Lately, we devoted a function article to the difficulty of date windows and how they make for good or bad watch design. Within the article itself, in addition to within the feedback, the questionable design determination of prolonged date home windows is addressed. We’ll save any last conclusions for this strategy till after seeing the watch in individual.
Powering the watch is Vacheron Constantin’s in-home-made Caliber 5100, which may be seen by means of the sapphire case-again. Composed of 172 elements, the Vacheron Constantin Caliber 5100 beats at a contemporary four Hertz and presents round 60 hours of energy reserve. It additionally bears the Hallmark of Geneva (also called the Geneva Seal), which suggests it has been regulated and adorned to excessive requirements. House owners can anticipate to take pleasure in chamfered bridges, polished screw heads, round graining on wheels, in addition to a wholesome quantity of Côtes de Genève ending on plates. It’s additionally value stating that the rotor is made utilizing tungsten, a dense metallic that guarantees extra environment friendly winding. We really feel that the motion is likely one of the main “plus” highlights of the watch.
This new Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile Reference 4500S will include two straps, one brown alligator strap and one other black rubber strap, nevertheless it fails to incorporate a fast strap change system – a comfort all of us favored a lot within the new Overseas and need it have been someway re-engineered to suit right here.
The Geneva Seal, for a number of years now, has meant regulating the execution of all the “watch head,” and that additionally consists of the case. So, all in all, at a ~$15,000 worth level, you’re looking at a watch that boasts some appreciable assurances relating to the standard of execution – and that positive might make it a tempting choice. Nevertheless, for just some hundred dollars extra, one other contender is the Roger Dubuis Excalibur forty two, which additionally has a Geneva Seal-licensed case and motion, and that arguably does a greater job at being your thrilling gown watch choice. The amusing irony right here is that the Roger Dubuis may win the battle relating to restrained magnificence – which may be a brand new victory for the sometimes “daring loud” model.
Moreover, if all you need is a really properly completed, restrained, timeless, however not completely boring-wanting gown watch in metal with an in-home motion, Chopard’s L.U.C XPS line is not in need of these both – no Seal, however half the worth in metal with an in-home automated, or about two grand greater than this however in gold, with a micro-rotor motion. Hmm.
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