The Promenade Plissé series by Czapek & Cie emerges as a paragon of aesthetic sophistication melded with mechanical ingenuity. This collection is an homage to sartorial elegance, drawing inspiration from the fluid, dynamic forms of pleated textiles. This creative venture transcends traditional watchmaking confines, crafting a timepiece that resonates with both fashion and function, capturing the imagination of contemporary connoisseurs.
Intricate Dial Elegance
At the heart of the Promenade Plissé lies an exquisitely crafted dial that embodies the delicate art of textile pleats. Utilizing a revolutionary stamping process, developed in concert with Metalem, each dial evokes the graceful drapery of fabric, seemingly pushed and gathered by the sub-dial’s presence. Available in three resplendent hues – Ivory, Pearl White, and Rose – these dials are more than mere time indicators; they are canvases that translate light and shadow into an enchanting ballet of movement. The meticulous integration of applied indexes within the dial’s undulating pleats enhances this dynamic aesthetic, casting reflections that exalt the minimalist semi-skeletonized hands and their diamond-cut angles.
Mechanical Mastery
Beneath this artistic façade beats the SXH5.1 calibre, a mechanical marvel sculpted within Czapek‘s own sanctum. This self-winding movement is the epitome of horological dexterity, balancing sophistication with precision. Encompassing 127 meticulously assembled parts, this mechanism is characterized by a micro-rotor system with a recycled platinum mass, offering a robust 60-hour power reserve housed within a compact 13¼ line architecture. The movement’s 4 Hz frequency ensures unwavering accuracy, while the variable-inertia balance with its quartet of gold inertia-blocks orchestrates a rhythmic dance of time.
Case of Contemporary Elegance
The Promenade’s encasement artfully channels the design principles of Czapek‘s pioneering Quai des Bergues, yet evolves with a modern sensibility. Crafted from stainless steel, the case measures a sophisticatedly slim 38mm with a height of 10.8mm, echoing both resilience and refinement. The recessed, sand-blasted case sides and contoured crown guard evoke a harmonious interplay between form and function. Affording visibility and durability, the sapphire crystal—treated to diminish reflectivity—grants an unobstructed gaze both at the dial and through the case back, immersing the observer in the watch’s intricate internals. Complemented by a taupe nubuck leather strap or a Milanese mesh bracelet in a select few, the watch’s versatility expresses the owner’s personal flair.
Czapek Promenade Plissé
This limited ensemble, restricted to just 18 pieces per hue, bespeaks exclusivity and individuality. Retailing at a discerning 16,000 CHF before taxes, the Czapek Promenade Plissé is more than an accessory; it is a testament to the union of avant-garde fashion and masterful watchmaking. With each tick, it transcends the bounds of time, inviting the wearer to partake in its timeless promenade.
Czapek & Cie Promenade Plissé Technical Specifications
- Plissé – Pearl White, Limited edition of 18 pieces, 16’000 CHF
- Plissé – Ivory, Limited edition of 18 pieces, 16’000 CHF
- Plissé – Rose, Limited edition of 18 pieces, 16’000 CHF
Functions
- Hours, minutes, small seconds at 4:30
Movement
- Caliber SXH5.1 : Czapek’s in house selfwinding mechanical movement with small seconds
- Diameter: 30 mm – 13 lines ¼
- Height: 4.2 mm
- Number of parts: 127
- Jewels: 26
- Swiss lever escapement, variable-inertia balance fitted with four gold inertia-blocks
- Frequency: 4 Hz – 28800 VpH
- Power winding system: microrotor with a recycled platinum mass
- Power-reserve: 60 hours on a single barrel
- Barrel torque: 8 Nmm
- Finishes: open ratchets, sandblasted black bridges, bevelling, straight-grained sides, six hand chamfered inward angles
Dial
- Stamped brass dial, colour obtained with galvanic treatment.
- Applied indexes
- Exclusive and registered flinqué ‘Plissé’ (pleated) pattern
- Created in collaboration with Metalem
Case
- 38mm stainless steel case
- Height : 10.8 mm
- Lug to lug (12h to 6h) : 42 mm
- Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment
- Sapphire case back with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side
- Water resistance: 5 atm
Strap
- Nubuck leather strap
- Milanese mesh bracelet in stainless steel
About Czapek & Cie
Czapek is a contemporary watchmaking Maison created in the spirit of François Czapek, a 19th-century Czechborn Polish watchmaker. In 1832 Czapek escaped from political turmoil in Warsaw and fled to Geneva, where he created a series of businesses during the 1830s. After establishing Czapek & Cie in 1845, he became the official watchmaker of Napoleon III and opened the first watchmaking boutique on Place Vendôme in Paris.
The Czapek & Cie name was reborn in 2015 by a group of watch enthusiasts who sought to revive the Maison’s heritage and craftsmanship. Inspired by an 1850s Czapek & Cie pocket watch, the leading model of the first collection, Quai des Bergues 33bis, won the 2016 GPHG Public Prize. In 2020, the company launched Antarctique, a sport-chic collection with the first in-house Czapek movement. Today, Czapek’s haute horlogerie timepieces are known for their distinctive designs, high-quality craftsmanship and limited production. With headquarters in Geneva and its atelier in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Czapek thoroughly defends the concept of ‘établissage’ in a modern way.
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