Vacheron Constantin

Quai de l’Ile Vacheron Constantin and the New Watchmaking From Mechanical Renaissance to New Expressions Vacheron Constantin is considered a Big Three watch manufacturer, along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, based on its strong history of making...  

perspective true to the collector's blood line. I appreciate your very frank comments and personal trimmings of the larger concepts, really bringing technology and craftsmanship into focus--well done! I also share your view on the strap choices that can l... 

and it will definitely be worth keeping an eye on how the market accepts the QDI and how the line develops over the next few years. I know that VC still needs to ramp up distribution to all of its AD's. Bill

Bill, your description of the Vacheron evolution and insights into the contemporary Quai de I'Ile is informative and a resource for those contemplating a purchase or in understanding the evolution of the brand. Your informed depiction of the reasons one m... 

that the QDI wasn't developed in isolation from other watches that VC was making over the past half-decade. I especially appreciate the fact that VC also seems to be on top of its game in making great classic watches as in their Patrimony collection. Bill

I learned a lot from it. Thanks! Sam

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Great review. I was already somewhat familiar with the Quai de l'Ile watch as I had received the broad strokes, but thanks for the specifics about the dial. Now I got the full picture and the full idea about the manufacturing techniques. Also, I totally h... 

VC made it for its Moscow boutique. I wish that the brand communicated its limited editions, even if they are market specific, more broadly, as such watches can be very appealing to collectors. Has anyone ever seen the palladium Malte Tourbillon made in 1... 

This is really an excellent write-up - love the historical and contextual details. I also find VC's focus on fighting counterfeiting to be quite interesting - mixing tradition with high tech features, both on the watch and on the documents... Do you have ... 

honoring the 50th anniversary of that satellite for the Russian market. Bill

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It is amusing that about 1/3 of the way through the review I said to myself - wow! too bad that I would never be able to read the face of this watch in actual use. . The dealers are right. The "only watch" version looks like it may be a step in the right ... 

than the Day-Date-Power Reserve model that I reviewed, but it is still not as easy to read as a traditional watch would be. Bill

I think that it is easy to read at daytime but a tad difficult at nighttime Cheers

A very thought-provoking article on a rather controversial design. Your points are balanced and help me to understand more about the concept than the marketing hype alone could. The modular construction is possibly the reason why the QdI has such pedestri... 

The QDI has the same 30 meter water resistance as you'd get in the Patrimony models, so I don't think it is bad, though it is way short of where the sporty Overseas models are in terms of water resistance. Telling the time was never tricky, but reading th... 

Thanks for the copious info.

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In many ways it mirrors my own schizophrenic approach to this series of watches. I still can't make up my mind. I admire the technical prowess and creativity involved in what is truly a unique concept but my tastes have always been to the simpler designs ... 

the same caliber, since the effect of each watch is so different. If I could have only one I wold probably choose the Jubile, but I might have a regret or two over such a decision. Bill

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Thanks for posting on the Quai de l'Ile. I think the modular case is useful, and a good invention if it allows for repairs to be done at less cost to the customer overall. Customizing one's watch is also a desirable byproduct of VC's modular system, so I ... 

I wonder if initial feedback on the dial of the QDI might lead to some revisions from the design team in the near future. I see no reason why VC couldn't offer myriad dial designs for this watch, just as they do for regular production watches. Bill

Several years ago I visited Vacheron HQ near Geneva and found them to be extremely friendly, warm and professional in all respects. I love the Masks series and was captivated by their presentation in Beverly HIlls. Despite being a fan of Vacheron, though ... 

and I totally understand your objections to this watch. This is definitely not a watch for everybody (but isn't that true for every watch out there?). Bill

I'm still warming up to this piece. I really like the modern edgy look of the titanium case. Something different from all the classic looking pieces I've always loved from VC. Thanks so much, Bill!

I could see you wearing a QDI! Bill

. . . recent and distant VC designs, and in my view, the deft melding of angular and shaped forms has created a new paradigm for the exclusive sports watch set. Like the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, the QdI has a distinctive appearance that can't be mistak... 

Hi Art. I see you have the same impression that I did; that the QdI is a sports watch! Yet it's 30m water resistance rating is barely suitable for the shower, and certainly not for swimming. I wonder if the modular case is responsible? It is a very mascul... 

. . . so I don't have a problem placing the QdI in the "exclusive" sports watch category ;-) . . . cordially, Art

by calling it a "luxury sports watch!" By that I was meaning it gives the look of a sports watch but is not actually expected to perform like one in terms of ruggedness. that is to say, it looks great with casual clothing. Bill

I'll be interested to see what percentage of clients choose to customize their QDI versus buying the base watches. Bill

that most would buy something that is already at their AD Cheers

Although it was expected as you had announced it a few months ago.... Very thorough and informative. I think that the price adjustment was just as the titanium models were quite overpriced. your commend on the black strap is right on the spot, the brown g... 

as it is so "bright" when compared with the "dark" titanium model. Give me enought time and I'll eventually get the photos for you (though hopefully in less time than it took for me to post the review after having said I was working on it!). Bill

Man, Got to say your review is just like the VC watch. Very detail, very nice and damx good. Now i see why you and VC go hand in hand. Thanks for a excellent review mr Bill.

I'm glad you like both the QDI and the review. Do you plan on calling one your own some day? Bill

I don't like the Quai d'Ile much but I like the Sputnik; heard of it before but this is the first time I'm seeing it. - SJX

keep up with the new watchmaking outside of the QDI line in special watches like the Sputnik. I would love to be a fly on the wall of the design team's office in Geneva. Bill

if many have found the design to be too avant garde for a brand such as VC. At one point you need to live with your time and VC has always been on the avant garde of designs without being gimmicky and the QDI is a perfect example.

I agree that it is a challenging balancing act for VC to be on the leading edge of the new watchmaking without being gimmicky. I think the brand is succeeding, though I'm sure others will disagree. Bill

but I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your article Bill. The QdI is definitely a very special watch, VC has created a truly amazing collection - I can't wait to see the models that will be released in a few months, but for me the best model curre... 

I'm glad you enjoyed the read. I think a Jubile 1755 would be a great addition to your collection (and quite a hunt). And so would a QdI! Bill