Skip to main content

The Manual Wind: The Vacheron Quai de L’ile Makes a Comeback in Steel

the manual wind vacheron quai de lile makes a comeback in steel l  le4500s 000a b195
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Not all designs are a huge success; even when coming from a prestigious watch house.  Often times brands get away from their core DNA and create a polarizing design.  Love/hate watches are great for conversation, but not for sales.  The Vacheron Constantin Quai de L’ile is a perfect example of this.  Its first debut over five years ago did not prove wildly successful with its great modern case design matched with complication, interesting metal variations, and huge price tags.  Vacheron has decided to take another stab at the piece getting back to the basics.

vachequai1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Simple metal and simple dial make up the new Quai de L’ile.  This 41mm modern case design is now cast in stainless steel.  Very few Vacheron are made in steel.  The dials chosen for this new release keeps it simple as well.  Time and date complication are enough for this retro dial design.  Arabic numerals give the piece a vintage tone while an inner date ring lends a modern feel.  Below the dial lies an in house Vacheron automatic movement.  Matched with alligator and rubber straps, this piece has a lot to offer.

Having worn a Vacheron Constantin Quai de L’ile in titanium for some time, i am one of the few lovers of this model.  The case is well sized and modern, reminiscent of a less profound Bulgari Octa design.  High quality movement matched with design and versatility made me an instant fan.  The price tag leave something to be desired.  The price of this new steel piece is yet to be announced.  Hopefully it will create more lovers than haters.

Ian Schwam
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…
Rolex quietly revealed a new Day-Date 40 in Everose gold
Rolex just added a new Day Date to their collection without any fanfare
Rolex Day Date Everose 40 Academy Awards

Amid the splendor and prestige of the 96th Academy Awards, hosted at the iconic Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, a new watch was discreetly added to the Rolex Day Date collection. The Oscars, renowned for their grandeur, never fail to deliver a spectacle of epic proportions, and this year was no different, with a lineup of films that captivated audiences worldwide (Oppenheimer, anyone?) as well as a slew of high-end watches.
A new Rolex Day Date just dropped...quietly

Hidden within the exclusive confines of the Rolex Greenroom, reserved for the privileged winners of Academy Awards, lies a solitary showcase set side just for Rolex watches. Tucked away at the far end of the spacious chamber, embedded within the rear wall, this display holds the only Rolex timepiece in the entire lounge.

Read more
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more