Quai de l'Ile Launch - Hong Kong 8 January 2009

It happened almost half a year ago, but this was an event which combined two things dear to the Tarts.  I am blogging about it as my personal "first blog" because it was such a huge occasion for me. Attended by two of us, one who is temporarily domiciled in Hong Kong, and myself, who just happened to be at the right place at the right time and who was kindly offered an invitation by a friend.

The Quai de l'Ile collection by Vacheron Constantin was launched with great fanfare in 2008. Named after the street in Geneva on which their flagship store is located, the collection is customisable with three different metals for the case, two dials and two different finishes on the movements giving the customer over four hundred different combinations in which to order their watch. It's security features have already become the stuff of horological envy and legend, and more can be read about the QDI collection here - http://www.quaidelile.com/

The Hong Kong/ Greater China launch of the range was hosted by Mr Yann Bouillonnec on 8 Jan 2009, the cocktails and Gala Dinner held at the Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel.

It was an amazing evening and I will let my rather poor photos tell the story....

Firstly, the cocktail and display area :

I just love the travel case!

There were approximately 200 people for the Gala Dinner. The tables left me mesmerised.

A bread basket that I would have been quite happy with in and of itself.

King Crab with Olive Oil, Light Tomato Jelly, Avocado Mousse and Baby Nasturtium Leaves

White Onion Veloute with Duck Confit Ragout and Perigord Truffle.

Pan Fried Foie Gras on Risotto with Baby Herbs

Grilled Australian Black Angus with Honey Roasted Parsnips, Sauteed Morel and Chanterelle Mushrooms in Red Wine Jus.


Warm Orange Chocolate Fondant with Pecan Nut Ice Cream


And for those who had any space left, macarons and petit fours.


Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of people attending, it was not possible to play with the watches, which were instead displayed catwalk style between the tables -

It was my first ever big watch event and it was just an amazing memorable night.

Once again I would like to extend my congratulations to Vacheron Constantin on the QDI collection, which I am sure is doing really well, to VC South East Asia for an astounding evening, and my personal thanks to the affable and charming David Heng, Managing Director of VC South East Asia, the kind and thoughtful May Yee Chion, Asst. Communications Manager of VC South East Asia, new friends I made that night, and my friend who made my presence there possible.

The other Tart in attendance that night was unfortunately at a different table since he was with the local contingent but it was great to be able to catch up with him, and with EricS, whom i had met briefly on a previous visit to Hong Kong.

[AP]