On Thursday 13th November 2008, Juan-Carlos Torres, Vacheron Constantin’s CEO, received the Jury Prize in the “Men’s Watch” category for its new model the Quai de l’Ile Day-Date & Power Reserve Self-winding.

The award was made in front of an audience of 2000 people at the Grand Théâtre of Geneva. In his reception speech on behalf of the brand, Juan-Carlos Torres said: “By its decision to give first prize for the Men’s Watch to Vacheron Constantin for its Quai de l’Ile, the jury of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie of Geneva has rewarded and honoured the brand’s innovative and pioneering spirit, a spirit that is still intact after 250 years of accumulated savoir-faire.

I thank the jury for its decision and would like to share this prize with all our colleagues at Vacheron Constantin. All of them, at every level, have given their vital support to this unifying project and have taken up the ambitious challenge to present this new collection of watches that are personalised in accordance with our clients’ wishes.”

Richard Mille, F.P. Journe, Jean Todt and Juan-Carlos Torres

The new Quai de l’Ile line from the Vacheron Constantin Manufacture introduces a unique dimension in the world of Haute Horlogerie.

It is thanks to the case and its remarkable seven-piece middle that this resolutely contemporary watch can be personalized. Other innovative features include a dial incorporating a whole range of horological and Security Printing technologies, a choice between two self-winding mechanical movements stamped with the Geneva Hallmark and designed and developed by Vacheron Constantin, and accessories comprising a box, a passport, a USB key and multimedia elements. Breaking new ground in the world of watchmaking, this product combines cutting-edge technologies with the finest horological expertise to provide personalization, security, service, fine workmanship and savoir-faire.

With its new Quai de l’Ile line – named after the brand’s historic Geneva address – the Vacheron Constantin Manufacture reveals its pioneering character while drawing on over two and a half centuries of experience.

The Quai de l’Ile case is revolutionary, the dial incorporates a whole range of security-printing technologies, the two self-winding mechanical movements – stamped with the Geneva Hallmark – have been designed and developed at Vacheron Constantin, and the product’s accessories – box, passport, USB key and multimedia elements – break new ground in the world of watchmaking.

Characterised by both technology and tradition, this combination of elements constitutes the unique genetic heritage of Vacheron Constantin’s new Quai de l’Ile line, an innovative and resolutely contemporary line that embodies the notions of service and the special relationship with the customer.

Personalization, the ultimate luxury

Personalization is the ultimate expression of luxury. It is also the elemental link in the relationship between a customer and brand, between expectations and service. It is to strengthen this link and to offer a unique experience to its clientele that Vacheron Constantin has developed a concept of personalization that is totally new in Haute Horlogerie, a world first in fact. Thanks to the Quai de l’Ile case and its remarkable seven-piece middle, the customer can choose from three metals, two dials and two different finishes on the movements to realise the watch of his dreams. While the cushion-shaped case allows for an infinite number of combinations, Vacheron Constantin is offering almost 400 for this year’s launching.

Avant-garde technologies

The Quai de l’Ile’s complex mechanism can be seen through the line’s semi-transparent dials, which are an innovative blend of the world of watchmaking and the sophisticated, top-secret technologies of security printing. Art and cutting-edge technology, extreme precision and aesthetic creativity come together in these exclusive and secure dials, which have four patents pending.

The Manufacture’s signature

The new Quai de l’Ile line will be launched with two models: the Quai de l’Ile Date Self-winding and the Quai de l’Ile Day-Date and Power-Reserve Self-winding. Both movements are stamped with the prestigious Geneva Hallmark. Designed, developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin, these state-of-the-art movements are coated with rhodium or ruthenium and visible through the dial. As well as indicating the hours, minutes and central seconds, the 2460QH calibre displays the date by means of a disc, while the 2475SC/1 calibre displays the date, day of the week and power reserve with hands.

Secure environment

Vacheron Constantin was determined to push to the limits the concept of security that is the hallmark of the Quai de l’Ile line. The innovative product environment is an integral and extended part of the security and inviolability that characterise the dials. A Vacheron Constantin passport offering similar standards of protection and quality as a Swiss passport will accompany every watch in the line for its lifetime. An innovative box, a USB key and a multimedia tool - all very original elements for a Haute Horlogerie watch - have been designed to correspond in every way to the watch’s contemporary character.

Tags: Vacheron Constantin Grand Prix D’Horlogerie Of Geneva 2008

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