Three gray dial Vacheron Constantin watches

We’ve had some fun thinking photographing pairs of Vacheron Constantin watches in the recent past, so how about a thematic trio? The gray dial has proven to be popular with collectors, and Vacheron Constantin sates the desire for gray primarily with platinum cased watches on the dress side, and watches with titanium components on the more casual wide.

The Traditionnelle platform has proven to work just as well for simple time only watches as it has for the top of the line complications from Vacheron Constantin. The model we have given the most attention to is the reference 82172, a classic dress watch at a friendly price point. The platinum with gray dial was launched in 2013, and it is a winner:

Well proportioned with a 38 mm case, the caliber 4400 inside is large enough to ensure that the fourth wheel, which drives the small seconds hand, is far enough away from the center so that the small seconds circle on the dial feels well-positioned.

Vacheron Constantin introduced titanium into the collection in 2008 with the launch of the Quai de l’Ile collection, but the honor of the first gray dial partnered with titanium goes to the Overseas Chronograph and Overseas Dual Time in 2009. Though the titanium is limited to just the bezel, its gray hue partners perfectly with the gray dial to give a whimsical and elegant touch to Vacheron Constantin’s luxury sport watch.

While the watch comes with a gray alligator strap, to tilt towards dress, and black rubber, towards sport, the watch also looks great on the stainless steel bracelet.

Vacheron Constantin’s Quai de l’Ile has characteristics that put it ambiguously between its being either a sport or a dress watch. The 41 mm size and relative thickness give it sporty characteristics, while the cushion shape and refined details give it a dress feel. I appreciate that ambiguity, which like with the Overseas above, is enhanced by having both rubber and alligator strap options.

A couple of years after the introduction of the Quai de l’Ile and its sapphire dials that give a view of the movement, Vacheron Constantin began to offer a more traditional solid dial with the Quai de l’Ile. While I like silver dials on the rose gold and palladium cases, with the titanium I like the darker gray dial.

When thinking about what to add to my collection I make new purchases based on what is already in my collection, and dial color is absolutely a factor in my thinking. I am of two minds when it comes to collecting: derive meaning by having a theme around which to unify a collection (gray dials, diver watches, mono-brand, etc); or, maximize variety by seeking out a range of pieces (by complication, size, color, brand, material, etc. ). In reality there is overlap between those two schools of thought. I would be inclined to include only one gray dial timepiece in my collection: Vacheron Cosntantin certainly has made it difficult to choose which it would be!

BIll Lind
VC Forum Moderator

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A fine trio

By: bsbg : March 22nd, 2014-12:09

Great shots Bill. The gray dials are enchanting, they are subtle but upon close examination they are packed with great detailing. As you mentioned, the subtle color goes in about every situation. I love the Patrimony Traditionelle, but went white gold ins...

Hi Ken....

By: WHL : March 24th, 2014-12:52

I doubt two Grubel Forsey watches would not go over well with your wife. :-) Anyway, it will be interesting to see what brand you choose after your pair of VC. An Overseas Chronograph would be a wonderful compliment to your Traditionnelle. Bill

Great shots of some amazing watches. I love the platinum with grey dial combination. For me, that is the perfect dress watch.

You are not alone in loving the platinum Traditionnelle. nt [nt]

By: WHL : March 24th, 2014-13:02

Nice posts of grey VCs!

By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : March 23rd, 2014-06:19

Thanks Bill. I like the grey platinum Traditionelle as well as the Grey Overseas! Life is not always black or white so why not some greys in our collection? Good post Bill! :) Cheers Robin

I need a gray dial to match my incoming hair color. :-) nt [nt]

By: WHL : March 24th, 2014-13:26

Well, you don't have to convince me.

By: respo : March 23rd, 2014-09:12

I love the VC gray dials, as you well know. I am less fond of the solid-dial QDIs, but the gray dial really does make that particular QDI very attractive. You make a great point about the Patrimony Traditionelle: "Well proportioned with a 38 mm case, the ...