Vacheron Constantin Quai de l'Ile Palladium Review

First off, I want to thank Bill who way back when described this watch in great detail. 

Check out his posting ( www.watchprosite.com ) for all the nuances.

I am pretty consistent in what I like in terms of collecting watches favoring silver metals, complications, and larger (>=40 mm) sized watches.

This is very much against the current trend of smaller watches and rose gold cases.

So when this gem appeared on Chrono24, I new immediately this was a winner.

Pros

* Cushion shape - unique case style that blurs the line between sporty and dressy

* Good size (41mm) - larger without being crazy huge

* Complications - day, date, and power reserve are all practical

* Sophisticated skeletonization - very well balanced; given the junk-yard look of some skeletonized watches, this is a stand out with the contrasting color of key gear components. An added bonus is that design has a very dimensional quality.

* Modern look - for something released in 2008, this watch still looks sharp nearly a decade later. I get the impression that it was somewhat controversial when launched (and the economic downturn certainly did not help) but I think the design elements of the dial especially with the sapphire laser etching, security seal features, and text transfer technique were all way ahead of its time. They did make some subtle important changes from the original release with the use of contrasting black dial hands to improve readability.

* Unique metal - although white gold would have been cool, the Palladium is substantial without being heavy and is touted as having better scratch resistance. The patina is really dynamic and reflects the light well.

Cons

* Price - I read one review that said that those that would want to buy it (younger demographic) can't afford it and those who could afford it (older demographic) wouldn't be able to read it. That is certainly true to an extent. It is interesting to see that VC was resurrected a variant of this model (date only) in stainless steel, simplified the dial, and launched at a far more accessible price point.

* Name - it is a mouthful. I am saying "K-De-Lee" but maybe some lingual experts can give more guidance. 

This watch is hard to photograph, but the lighting in the evening brought out many of stand out dial elements.

Overall, as thiis my first VC, I am greatly impressed with the finishing and overall build. 

VC would not in general be my first preference as many of design skew highly traditional, but I I applaud them for doing something different and reaching a new audience for what in my opinion is a tremendous time piece.