Announced just last year, the Quai de I’Ile is the most affordable men’s watch in the Vacheron Constantin line-up, a sub-US$15,000 entry into the world of Genevois watchmaking.

Named after the street where the Vacheron Constantin workshop was located in the 19th century, the Quai de I’Ile was originally available only with a black or silver dial. Now the choice has grown to include “blue opaline”, a dark blue with a slightly glossy finish.

Dial colour aside the watch is identical to the other versions. The dial is layered, with an exposed date ring accompanied by a travelling pointer.

Inside is the calibre 5100, a self-winding in-house movement that’s the same as the one inside the pricier Overseas, but without the frills. So while the movement has the Geneva Seal, like all of Vacheron Constantin’s movements, the rotor is plated brass rather than 22k gold.

Last year’s Quai de l’Île with a black dial

The calibre 5100

Price and availability 

The Quai de l’Ile in blue (ref. 4500S/000A-B364) reaches in the third quarter of 2017 and is priced the same as the earlier versions, which is US$14,900 or SS$23,200.