No stranger to the mobile handset market, Vertu has provided prestige mobile phones for the past decade. Always forged from luxury materials such as titanium, they’ve been the $2,500+ choice of those who consider their mobile phone not only a telecommunications device, but a status symbol akin to jewellery. Upon their release they were considered exemplary, a ludicrous expenditure for an object to call Mum on, however, that was before the advent of the smartphone.
Now in the age of the iPhone, a phone worth more than most people earn in a week is the norm, so how does Vertu stay relevant in an ever-changing market and avoid obsoletion? By releasing a new model and increasing their product offering. When walking through Selfridges and spying their concession store, I’d always wondered, “Who would buy that thing and how are they still in business?” Well, apparently people are buying it as their latest model, the Constellation T suggests.
Sure, it’s covered in exotic leathers such as alligator, plated in precious metals and decorated with a ruby and a diamond, and is their first model with a touch screen, but that’s not particularly exciting with other luxury offerings from Dior and Jil Sander. What makes this particular handset interesting are its concierge services similar to those offered to members of the American Express Centurion Card.
Firstly, Vertu’s partnership with private security company, Protector Services Group (PSG), information can be provided about the location of a user in the event of security issue and will provided real-time travel advice about any imminent danger. Secondly, through “Vertu Concierge”, users are entitled to one free entry with a guest to some of the world’s most respected private members clubs, although, this does compromise the exclusivity of these clubs when any no-hoper with a Vertu can enter.
However, one service that does appeal to us in the partnership with Berry Brothers and Rudd, Britain’s established and most respected wine merchants. Not only offering an app for the Constellation T that provides information about wine blends and vineyards, users can submit questions at any given time for an almost immediate response, as well as the “Identify a Bottle” feature, which allows users to photograph the wine label of any bottle to receive identification, tasting notes and advice about similar wines from their team of experts and sommeliers based in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Berry Brothers and Rudd also offer exclusive invitations to tastings and can arrange chateau visits and tours through Vertu Concierge.
So is it worth the undisclosed sum that is likely in the thousands? Probably not. Yet, if you’re a drunkard with expensive taste, then perhaps this is the phone for you. Not only will you receive expert advice on how best to achieve your buzz from some of the world’s leading experts, you’ll be allowed into some of the world’s most exclusive clubs before being thrown out into the street, where PSG will be able to locate you. Money well spent!
Published on 3 November 2011 by Agony Uncle