The latest newcomer to the Quai de l’Ile collection by Vacheron Constantin, is a very much a contemporary expression of horological traditions, and is a stainless steel model in which blue makes a noteworthy entrance to the dial along with luminescent indications, as well as being available on leather or rubber strap.

The Quai de l’Ile traditionally features rose gold examples, but the inclusion of a steel example now makes this exclusive collection even more accessible to collectors. The Quai de l’Ile collection stems from the historical site of Vacheron Constantin. Located in the heart of Geneva, between the left and right banks of the Rhone river – home to the famous 19th century cabinotiers – and now a bustling urban hub for many tourists and residents.

The new stainless steel model has been described as sturdy, comfortable and light and is 41mm in diameter with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes. The watch combines three iconic shapes from the aesthetic heritage of Vacheron Constantin and the spirit of the Quai de l’Ile collection: a round bezel, a cushion-type case and a tonneau caseband. This harmoniously embedded “shape-in-shape” design is accentuated by the light playing off of the steel finish. Intended to ensure optimal comfort, the split level lugs reinforce the dynamics of this case.

This stainless steel exterior houses a mechanical self-winding movement comprising of 172 components. Calibre 5100, entirely designed, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin, drives the hours, minutes, central seconds and date functions. Beating at a rate of 28,800 VpH and designed for a active lifestyle, this movement features excellent resistance to impacts as well as a comfortable over 60-hours power reserve guaranteed by its twin barrel. Visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, the watch is distinguished by its modern Quai de l’Ile decor adorned with five raised decorative fillets. The finishing operations – chamfering, polishing, circular graining, Côtes de  Genève – are performing in keeping with the finest Geneva watchmaking traditions.

The blue dial features a multi-level construction and is teamed with an opaline finish. Composed of three distinct parts, its display with its innovative depth effects ensure remarkable legibility thanks to its hour-markers and Arabic numerals entirely made of white luminescent material. Another distinctive feature is the replacement of the tradition aperture-type date by a two-level date indication. A sapphire disc at the dial centre displays the days of the month. The date disc of Calibre 5100 appears beneath this transparent dial and features an indicator which points towards the correct date.

This new steel Quai de l’Ile model, water-resistance to 30 metres, is delivered with a blue alligator leather of blue rubber strap, firmly secured to the wrist with a steel folding clasp.