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I’m allocated the new red mad2 release, due to arrive in June. Interested in exchanging for an orange. Ideas on how to get this done? Thanks!

Whatcha wearing today / this weekend?

The Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile collection launched in 2008 and, in my opinion, it was one of the most innovative and misunderstood watch projects of its time.

What made the Quai de l’Ile so unique was the level of customization available to clients. Buyers could configure different aspects of the watch, including:

• Dial configurations
• Case materials
• Movement finishing
• Straps
• Even individual case components

At launch, Vacheron Constantin reportedly offered close to 400 possible combinations, which was incredibly advanced for that period.

The watch itself was also technically very interesting. The case used a complex 7-part construction that allowed combinations of materials such as:

• Titanium
• Palladium
• Pink gold
• Mixed-metal configurations

The dials were equally innovative and incorporated anti-counterfeiting technology similar to what is used in passports and banknotes, including:

• Micro-printing
• UV markings
• Transparent sapphire dial elements
• Hidden text
• Security inks

A lot of collectors now believe the first-generation Quai de l’Ile models are seriously undervalued today because:

• Production numbers were relatively low
• Almost every watch was configured differently
• The concept was not fully appreciated when released
• Modern collectors are beginning to understand the experimental design language

In my personal opinion, the Quai de l’Ile is one of the most overlooked modern collectible watches on the market.

These watches were expensive when new, with retail prices ranging roughly from $30,000 to $70,000 back in 2008, depending on the configuration. Adjusted for inflation today, these were serious luxury purchases, which means most buyers were experienced collectors creating highly personalized pieces.

That is what makes the collection so fascinating to me. With nearly endless combinations available, different dials, precious metals, titanium, palladium, movement options, and custom configurations. These watches feel like true “treasure hunt” pieces on the secondary market today.

Very few come up for sale, and when they do, most are usually more standard configurations.

Personally, I think the most collectible examples long term could end up being:

• Palladium case models
• Rare mixed-metal configurations
• Unusual dial combinations
• Early production pieces
• Highly customized client orders

The use of palladium alone was extremely forward-thinking for the time, especially considering how uncommon the material was in watchmaking back then.

The big question is whether some of the truly rare configurations will eventually surface on the market, and whether Vacheron Constantin would ever release actual production numbers or configuration data.

Could the Quai de l’Ile become a grail-level collectible over the next 10–20 years? Nobody really knows. But to me, it feels exactly like the kind of historically important, low-production, misunderstood watch that collectors tend to rediscover years later.

It will definitely be interesting to see how the market evolves around these pieces in the future.

Hi all: While some on our WhatsApp chat already heard the news we have officially decided on the SB-10 Jump Hour Black Meteorite as our first official group project watch.

Here is the standard meteorite SB-10 Meteorite on bracelet, MSRP $6,439. https://collectivehorology.com/products/sartory-billard-sb10-jumping-hour-meteorite-pre-order?variant=45526302195891

Our FTW version will have an exclusive design black meteorite cabochon and custom colored dial as well as a customized to each owner caseback as well as leather, rubber and metal bracelets (an additional $400ish dollar value)

Thanks to some negotiation and flexibility on the part of the Sartory Billard team, we are now able to procure this watch for everyone at $4,500!!

This represents an INCREADIBLE value to our members. We plan to do one or two more weeks of enrollment then lock in the group to begin last phase design decisions and deposits. This will be $2,250 due now, the remainder on completion targeting a November delivery.

For anyone who would like to participate and has yet to join our WhatsApp group here is the link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DMeAvRyzd5s6qNO0iXaFBJ?mode=gi_t

Hope to see everyone there, cheers

I have a vintage Atmos clock that needs to be serviced. (It frequently stops).

Anyone have any recommendations for someone who does this?

I live in the DC area but of course can ship it.

Thanks