Vacheron Constantin

Hello,

my name is Hendrik and I have been a long time lurker on this platform as I have come to appreciate the knowledge and expertise of its members over the years.

My modest collection comprises APs (RO 5402 and a PC), JLC Reverso, Omega Speedy, Omega Seamaster cal. 321, Blancpain Bathy and some others. Currently I’m looking for a VC Quai de l’ile in steel. However, this watch doesn’t seem to get much love here on the forum. Are there any owners here who could share their experience with this watch, like how does the size wear when worn as a daily companion? How does it sit on the wrist? Actual versatility? Reliability? Accuracy? Overall quality?

I think this watch represents much better value than the Fiftysix automatic date and is a much underrated, but very interesting entry level product. Now, I’m curious to learn what you purists think after the watch has been on the market for some time. Thanks in advance for your contributions.

Best,

Hendrik

Pic by SJX

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... if you consider buying a discounted piece. Sure, this is not a watch for everyone, but I am tempted by the fact that the design is a fresh interpretation of a sector dial layout combined with an unusual case shape. The only downside I see is its size which might be a little big for my 16.5 cm wrist when used as a dress watch and the water resistance of only 30m which is kind of a no-go when this watch is worn as a casual piece.

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Did you read that useful review?

www.watchprosite.com

 

I don't think it's possible to compare those two refs Fiftysix a Quai de l'Ile, it's a matter of personal taste.

The Quai seems to address a modern tech oriented style whilst the Fiftysix with it's classic contemporary style is a ideal companion of the Piti Uomo and Style Aficionado.

The quality of movements is up to similar standards, the Geneva Seal may result some minor differences, but the key is they basically feature not the same USPs.

For me TWO yes, both show enduring recognisable style. But for me only in gold - because I anyway don't like steel watches.

I agree that the Fiftysix is adifferent watch. However, they are both from the same manufacturer. I still don't get why Vacheron decided to use an ebauche from the Richemont tool box for the Fiftysix rather than taking the in-house movement and applying a less elaborate finishing. They might not have fulfilled the requirements of the Geenva seal standard, but the watch would have been much more authentic, true Vacheron.

And you can say that about AP and PP also.
A core brand value of VC is refinement. It's not true that using an ebauche devalorize in any regard. It's the final treatment, the refinement, assembly and fine ajustment which is regarded most value.

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Not to mention the improvements, modification or if applicable add on complications, they (and other brands for that matter) often apply to the “standard” base movement.

A while ago I read an article on SJX watches (https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/03/conspicuous-production-in-house-movements.html) featuring an interesting debate on in-house movements

https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/03/conspicuous-production-in-house-movements.html

There's been much criticism of this watch, but I think it's unfounded. It is a very good design, though the rotor should have either been decorated differently, or opened a little to allow a clearer view of the movement. 

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I can only tell you my one day experience with the QDL , since when it was launched ( myself being a big fan of the brand at the time ), was invited by VC to the Monticello Motor Club for a day of fun , and on my wrist I had the exact model you showed .
My personal impression was that the QDL sits comfortably on my wrist , very legible at least the time , the date not so much since you have to look for the little indicator that rotated around the date numerals .
For me the dimensions were at the borderline to big , but it’s a sports watch , so all good but with 30m water resistance ???
I definitely liked it but not enough to buy it at MSRP...
The finishing of the movement was okay for what it is .
The reason it doesn’t get much attention is because it’s not a super special piece , but it’s a good entry level watch in the House of VC .
So if it sings to you , and you must have it , just go for it and never look back ...
A couple of pictures on my wrist :

Actually, I would love to try the watch on and see if it meets my expectations. But the region where I live happens to be far away from an AD:-(

When in doubt keep the money in your pocket

When it makes your heart beat bit faster, then go for it.

The watch didn’t get a lot of attention but that could be due to million reasons that are not attributable to the watch itself. It could be due to an overwhelming supply of information on watches that are more special or rare etc.

Although I’m personally a big VC. fan, this particular model didn’t make my heart tick faster. It’s nice, it’s good, nothing wrong with it but it just didn’t make me jump. That’s got nothing to do with price. The patrimony perpetual calendar of 80,000 doesn’t make me jump either . (The platinum Chrono - Perpetual Calendar does make me jump)

Long story short, if you like it buy it, a great piece from a great Madison at (relatively) affordable levels
And if the above doesn’t tick your heart, leave it and search till you find a watch that does make you jump

Hope this is helpful

I will wait until I have the chance to try it on in person.
Best,
Hendrik

It is underrated and if my wrist size was somewhat bigger I would own it. Please be aware that that QDL line is now discontinued (no mention of the entire line in the latest catalogue). Thus, if you want to buy one new do not hesitate for too long.

Especially, as i think the Quai de l'Ile line is officially discontinued.

for the last couple of years. I like the fact that it is up to light splashing in a pool, good enough for general wear and has a reasonably nicely finished case. I find the case finishing, the lugs, the design to be more interesting in general than the fiftysix. I put it on a toad strap from ABP. That said, I do have an 18.8 cm wrist.

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The legibility is just fine, but then I wear watches with no markings at all on the dial as well. The date numbers are no issue at all. Accuracy seems reasonable. That said, I change watches fairly frequently. Accuracy, I would say is certainly acceptable. I can't say I've had to reset the time before the watch's turn is over and it gets changed.

It has a very industrial design.  Very sporty in a way.  I wanted one with the original sapphire dials that came with the special screen printing.  Basically the dials the watch was launched with.  They're cool.  But the watch is a little big for my wrist.  The leather strap feels too stiff.  The avant-garde materials of titanium and palladium don't have the same cache of gold.  Great VC workhorse movement. 

And to this day, I don't know why.
I think it looks better in the case than on my wrist.
A beautiful watch, but it just doesn't seem to work for many.
Very reasonable in the secondary market.

But i have an opinion about the model Quai de l’ile.

On chono24 i had saved two of them. Why?
It looks good.

What keeps me away is it’s retail price and rare appearance.
For the retail price there are stronger watches.
So, if Vacheron Constantin drop the price, maybe i wil consider the model again.

For a fan of the brand, the price wil not be a border i think.

One thing I find that links VC watches is just how different they all are.  The case shapes and dial layouts often share the common feature of looking like nothing else from the brand.  The brand currently markets under the slogan of "One of not many."  And one only needs to watch the interview with Nick Foulkes to gain a better understanding.  I believe they hit upon the term "segmenting design" in that interview.  If one wants a safe homogenous popular design, there are more suitable brands to choose from for that.

Excellent.

Best, Thomas

If you look at VC's historic books, you'll find they made litterally everything imaginable. Twice. Case shapes, complications, hands, braclets, dial fonts... you name it. There is perhaps no real VS design DNA except that they can do retro-inspired designs with credibility few others have. As such, VC will never be as recognizable to the masses as most other brands. (But not as vulnerable also to be reduced to just one design, such as the Royal Oak for AP).
Thanks, LS, for your very true observation.
Daniel

VC is a deliberate choice. In a world where many people want the same few pieces, VC offers a wide variety of options with outstanding design and quality. The QdL is a unique design that is well suited for normal life. The current production steel pieces are listed as having 10 bar water resistance on the VC website, so this may have changed over time.
I like that VC can do historic designs well, but also offers other approaches to fine watchmaking. The QdL is a good example of a refined, modern design. The Traditionelle, Patrimony, and Overseas are all really contemporary designs informed by tradition rather than a reproduction of prior work. All 3 types of watches, historic, modern, and contemporary appeal to me.

Thanks for pointing to the updated water resistance. At the time when I first posted my question here the water resistance was 3 bar which held me back from getting one as I want a versatile watch. Now I only need to find a dealer where I can try it on to see if it sings to me.