Vacheron Constantin has added a new stainless steel model to its Quai de l’Île collection.
The range was first launched in 2008, but the inclusion of a stainless steel piece is designed to provide a modern twist on watchmaking tradition, according to the brand.
The Hallmark of Geneva-certified line is equipped with a new self-winding Caliber 5100, entirely designed and crafted by the firm. It displays the hours, minutes, seconds and date on a silver-toned or black dial punctuated by luminescent indications ensuring optimal legibility.
The brand insists the light but sturdy timepiece is a “noteworthy” addition to the collection. The 41mm-diameter case encompasses three iconic shapes from the aesthetic heritage of Vacheron Constantin: a round bezel, a cushion-type case and a tonneau (barrel) caseband.
The stainless steel exterior houses a state-of-the-art mechanical self-winding movement comprising 172 components.
Steadily beating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and designed for an active lifestyle, the 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 – has met the demanding Hallmark of Geneva standards. The hand-crafted finishes entail up to 40% longer production time compared with a non-certified movement but are designed to achieve the best possible results in terms of both reliability and aesthetics.
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 stainless steel Quai de l’Île 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.
