Czapek & Cie. has launched a remarkable timepiece, the Promenade L'Écume des Jours, marrying the worlds of literature, fine art, and traditional horology. This exclusive watch, limited to just 18 pieces, is housed in a 38mm stainless steel case and pays homage to the imaginative 1947 novel by Boris Vian, sharing its name and core artistic ethos. The watch's dial is a captivating interpretation of the book's dreamlike and surreal narrative, featuring an exquisite arrangement of blue enamel, iridescent mother-of-pearl, lush jade, and a meticulously crafted water-lily, which serves as the subsidiary seconds display.
The dial, dubbed the "Goutte d'Eau" (water drop), is a testament to intricate design and craftsmanship. It artfully integrates blue enamel with a circlet of mother-of-pearl shaped like piano keys, a jade disc, and a titanium water-lily, hand-painted and positioned for the small seconds at the 4:30 mark. This detailed and romantic visual narrative was conceived by Czapek's designer, Chloé Desbiolles, and brought to life through collaboration with the renowned dial specialists, Donzé Cadrans. The manufacturing process is exceptionally complex, with Donzé Cadrans producing the enamel base, while MD’Art employs laser engraving to create precise recesses for the delicate mother-of-pearl and jade components. The individual piano keys are then meticulously painted by hand, and the jade disc undergoes further laser work. To ensure the artistic integrity of the dial remains unobstructed, the hour and minute hands are skeletonized, allowing the intricate composition to be fully appreciated.
Visible through the sapphire case back, the automatic Caliber SXH5.1 movement showcases Czapek's in-house horological prowess. This movement boasts a micro-rotor made from recycled 950 platinum and provides a substantial 60-hour power reserve from a single barrel. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement's seven skeletonized bridges draw inspiration from the 19th-century pocket watches of François Czapek. The meticulous finishing details, including black sandblasted surfaces, expertly beveled angles, and straight-grained sides, highlight the brand's commitment to high-end craftsmanship.
The Promenade L'Écume des Jours measures 10.8mm in thickness and offers water resistance up to 50 meters, making it both elegant and robust. It comes paired with a sophisticated dark blue nubuck strap, with an alternative stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet available for those who prefer a different aesthetic. This unique blend of literary inspiration, artistic dial work, and precise mechanical engineering is priced at $37,700.
