TOP SECRET
TIME KEEPING
PASSPORT-TYPE SECURITY
FEATURES MAKE THE QUAI DE L'ILE REALLY TICK.
In recent years, literally hundreds of concept Watches have been released to the market, all promising a variety of ways to radically change the way we tell time. Most of these are function-related with unique modifications to the movement and the display. That being said, although the last major technological breakthrough in classical timepiece machine- making, the tourbillon, was created more than two centuries ago, few have dared venture outside the realms of traditional watch making for something completely different.
Then again, Vacheron Constantin is known for making new breakthroughs in the artistic and finishing aspect of its watches. For example, with the release of the Quai de L'lle, the brand has taken a radical new direction that will surely be difficult to forge. According to CEO Juan-Carlos Torres, "The Quai de L'lle takes the name of our historical address. it is an assertion of what we are and where we come from."
A NEW LEVEL OF SECURITY
The issue of security is an important one, especially when it comes to timepiece brands that are particularly active on the global market. If you survey the market today, perhaps no two large watchmakers are as hot on the scene as Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. So the importance of ensuring pieces are genuine is crucial to ensuring maximum value for watches. Add to this that Vacheron Constantin has been a major player in markets like China and Russia where many forgeries of other brands are produced, and you can see a particular urgency to offer a kind of security to the customer.
With the Quai de l'lie, the brand decided to attack the problem head on. To get the ultimate in security, a company could look at two important fields which have revolutionized the practice of avoiding forgeries, namely currency printers and passport producers. In each field, tradesmen need to come up with unique ways to identify the authenticity of an item.
For Vacheron Constantin, the cooperation came with Orell Fussli Security Printing, a firm that specializes in printing secure documents like banknotes and identity documents. The firm is well known as the printer for all Swiss passports and even for all Swiss Franc banknotes. Given the state of privacy that has long existed in Switzerland, particularly in the banking system, probably no accomplishment on any company's corporate CV could be more re-assuring. Vacheron Constantin CEO Juan-Carlos Torres and his team met for months with Orell Fussli specialists to find a way to secure their new timepiece.
The result is a dizzying array of integrated secret texts, microprinting, security inks and UV markings using invisible ink. The watch even comes with a passport to verify its authenticity. Adds Vacheron Constantin Director of Product Marketing, Christian Selmoni, "The concept of this line is based on service and security to protect our clients from the global ravages of forgery. The concept is an innovation not only on the design but also technique and technology, as evidenced by the passport that comes with every timepiece."
This passport serves as a guarantee card, identification record, certificate of authenticity, maintenance schedule and also shows the documentation of the Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal). As such, the owner feels an even greater sense of ownership.
PERSONALITY TOO
Mind you, Vacheron Constantin has also been working for several years on developing a way to add greater personalization to its models, a throwback to its historical role as a maker of specialized pieces for a range of regal figures and private clients. According to Selmoni, the Quai de L'lle comes with over seventy elements of modularity to provide "ultimate personalization".
Among the personalization is in the use of metals on the case, dials and movement finishes, including pink gold, titanium and palladium. All told, the range of choices allows a personalized look of the timepiece with almost 400 different combinations. Finally, this is topped off with an engraving on the back of the case for each owner.
Potential buyers can design their own watch, and with the assistance of an interactive touch screen, the choice of material and color schemes can be forwarded to Geneva. Based on this choice of a personalized model, the production will start and within a few weeks delivered to the client.
The Quai de L'Ile is available in a date self- winding or a day-date and power reserve self-winding model. Coated with Rhodium or Ruthenium, apart from indicating the hours, minutes and central seconds, the 2460 QH calibre displays the date on the disc, while the 2475 SC/1 calibre displays the date, day of the week and power reserve with hands. The dials give a different view from different angles.
All pieces come with the passport dedicated to the watch, a USB key with instructions for use, maintenance tips and other technical information, tools such as a magnifying glass, a corrector pencil and microfiber cloth, as well as second strap in alligator leather or rubber.
Tree Themes of Vacheron Constantin QUAI DE L'ILE :
1. Quai de l'Ile retrograde annual calendar * Reference: 86040/000G-M936R
2. Quai de l'Ile day-date and power-reserve * Reference: 85050/000R-20P2A
3. Quai de l'Ile date self-winding * Reference: 86050/000D-G920G
