The Vacheron Constantin Reference 4500S, The First Quai de I'Île In Stainless Steel, With The New Caliber 5100The Vacheron Constantin Quai de I'Île was first launched in 2008, and at the time, it was both very much in the VC tradition of unusual designs, and also something of a departure and exploration of new territory. The most unusual feature of the Quai de I'Île watches was the modular construction of the Day-Date, and Power Reserve models, which allowed a very high level of customization depending on the client's preferences. The very contemporary feel of the case shape was also unusual for Vacheron, for whom strong and visible connections to traditional watchmaking, and traditional watchmaking values, have always been critical. In keeping with the contemporary character of the Quai de I'Île watches, Vacheron Constantin has just announced that for the very first time, it will be available in stainless steel – and with a new movement, and at a very approachable (for Vacheron Constantin) price point.
image hosting servicesAt launch, two new versions of the stainless-steel Quai de I'Île will be available, with white or black dials. The date is indicated by a pointer moving around the date scale on the dial, and the case design continues the "shape in shape" vocabulary of the Quai de I'Île line, with a round bezel, cushion-shaped case, and tonneau (barrel) shaped case band.
click image uploadThe new reference
4500S also uses a new movement, the
caliber 5100. This is an in-house, 30.6 mm by 4.7 mm movement, with a
60-hour power reserve. One distinctive feature, in keeping with both the contemporary flavor of the 4500S, as well as its use of stainless steel, is the winding rotor, which is made of tungsten. On the dial side you can see the distinctive date disk that carries the date pointer. Despite the fact that this is something you might characterize as an entry level Vacheron, the movement quality looks to be well up to the Vacheron standard, and carries the Geneva Hallmark.
image upload
free image uploaderPricing, as we mentioned, is pretty aggressive:
$14,900. We're looking forward to getting our hands on one, and in the meantime, you can see it on Vacheron Constantin's website.
http://www.vacheron-constantin.com/en/watches/quai-de-l-ile/quaidelile-quai-de-l-ile-4500S-000A-B195.html
