In this year’s Baselworld, Czapek & Cie. introduces a new collection that traces its roots right back to where it all started – Place Vendôme, in Paris.
The famous square in Paris is where the brand opened a boutique in the mid-nineteenth century. It is touted to be the first haute horlogerie boutique in the area, before the other brands starts setting up shops there.
The new Czapek & Cie Place Vendôme Tourbillon Suspendu “Ici et Ailleurs”, in 5N Rose Gold.
The first watch in this new collection is a tad different from the usual Czapek & Cie. watches, in terms of its offerings. The new watch, notably, features 3 sub-dials, instead of the usual two that we see in the other models from their line-up. It still retains its signature looks with the two sub-dials at the 4:30 and 7:30 position. But the additional “Grand feu” enamel sub-dial at the 12 o’clock position – which shows the time – adds an interesting touch to the aesthetics of the timepiece as well.
The movement of the watch, with interesting frosted-finished bridges.
However, the greatest highlight of the watch lies in its movement and the complications.
The watch is powered by the proprietary Calibre SXH2, a manual-winding movement that is boasts a power reserve of approximately 60 hours. The watch comes with several features, which includes a one-minute suspended tourbillon, a dual time-zone indicator, a day/night indicator, as well as a power reserve indicator.
The 43.5 mm watch definitely adds an interesting touch to the Czapek & Cie. line-up, which previously features watches that are more traditional and classic in their design. The watch is available in two different metals: Platinum, or 5N Rose Gold. The watches are produced in limited quantities, with 10 pieces in Platinum and 15 pieces in Rose Gold. They retail at CHF 99,000 (approximately S$139,686) and CHF 88,000 (approximately S$124,165) respectively.
Technical Specifications:
Czapek & Cie Place Vendôme Tourbillon Suspendu “Ici et Ailleurs”
Description:
- Movement with off-center tourbillon
- hours/minutes located at 12 o’clock, second time
- zone, day/night and power reserve indication
Functions:
- Hours and minutes on separate dial located at 12 o’clock
- One-minute tourbillon located at 8 o’clock
- Second time zone on subdial at 4 o’clock, turns counter-clockwise
- Disk day/night indicator located at 6, turns counter-clockwise
- Power reserve: Off centre disk, located at 12, turn on 90° on 60h, winding couter clockwise
Movement:
- Calibre SXH2: Haute Horlogerie proprietary
- Mechanical hand-wound movement developed by Chronode and Czapek & Cie
- Power reserve: 60 hours with one barrel spring
- Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 VpH)
- Diameter: 34.8 mm – 15 ½ lines
- Height: 9.8 mm
Finish:
- Front: anthracite sand-blasted plate, steel bridges with sandblasting, circular graining, and polish
- Case back: open ratchet with circular bevelling, sand-blasted bridges, blue screws, final “anglage” main
Case & Bracelet:
- 5N rose gold or platinum Pt950 case
- 43.5 mm diameter
- Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
- Sapphire crystal case back with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
- Water-resistance: 30 meters (3 atm)
- Alligator strap with 5N rose gold buckle
Dial:
- “Grand feu” Enamel ring, steel polished bridges and sand-blasted plate
Hands:
- “Fleur de Lys” hands in different color
