Conceived as an entry-level product, the new Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Île Replica in stainless steel succeeds by being Vacheron Constantin‘s most affordable wristreplica watch. It has the look of the far more expensive and fancier Quai de l’Île of 2008, but only just. While the premise of the original Quai de l’Île was complex, multi-part construction for the case and dial (plus extravagant packaging), the steel Quai de l’Île is divested of all the superfluous bits to lower the price. Some compromises had to be made to get there, but the result is appealingly priced.
To start with the Vacheron Constantin 41mm Replica case is stainless steel (the cheapest option before was titanium or palladium) and cleanly, but simply, executed. The lugs, which are separate pieces secured with screws inside the case, are polished, while the case middle is brushed. That provides contrast and a feel of quality, though the softish edges of the lugs lack sharpness and precision.
Legibility is good, despite the unconventional date indicator that’s a small triangle travelling around the dial. The triangle is printed on a transparent mineral crystal disc, instead of more expensive sapphire. Overall the dial looks subdued, with printing markings and embossed hour numerals, though the applied Maltese cross logo is a nice touch.
The calibre 5100/1 inside is mechanically identical to the one inside the new Overseas, but minus the gold rotor of the Overseas. Instead the rotor is an alloy (probably brass) with a frosted finish that looks somewhat industrial. The rest of the movement, however, is appealingly finished, with polished countersinks and edges on the bridges. It’s clear most of the effort in production went into the movement.