What We Know
Today, Czapek has lifted the curtain on a new limited-edition addition to its Promenade line of everyday dress watches. The Czapek Promenade Transparencies “Aqua Blue” expands on a design motif first introduced with the Fratello x Czapek Promenade Transparencies “Veridian Green,” this time applying the Transparency concept to a wholly in-house-devised model.
Here, the “Veridian Green” sapphire-gradient dial has been swapped for a similar “Aqua Blue” variant, with the fumé effect achieved through a special metallization process in which small dots of metallic coating are applied to a sapphire disc. The dots themselves — which measure just eight microns each — are laid out in varying density to achieve the gradient effect, which radiates out from the small seconds subdial at 4:30. Unlike the Fratello limited edition, which had applied markers, the Promenade Transparencies “Aqua Blue” uses light blue 3D Super-LumiNova markers, which match the lume on the handset.
Visible through the translucent dial is the SXH7, a skeletonized take on Czapek’s in-house SXH5 micro-rotor automatic caliber. The SXH5 was first launched by the brand in 2020, and now finds itself at the heart of a number of watches in the Czapek lineup, including the Antarctique and, as the SXH5.1, in the solid dial Promenade. The SXH7, which is visible from both directions, is handsome, with plenty of modern, somewhat industrial touches (like sandblasted plates) and enough handcraft to keep traditionalists happy. As with other Czapek movements, the rotor mass of the micro-rotor caliber is made from 100% recycled platinum.
Otherwise, this latest iteration of the Promenade will be familiar to anyone who has paid attention to the line since its introduction two years ago. It retains the Promenade’s 38mm stainless steel case, which is well-sized at 10.8mm thick and 42mm lug-to-lug, and is water-resistant to 5 atm. The watch can be had on either a dark blue Nubuck leather strap or on a matching stainless steel Milanese Mesh bracelet.
As for availability, the Czapek Promenade Transparencies “Aqua Blue” is limited to 38 pieces and is available through Czapek’s global authorized retailer network, as well as through Czapek’s own website and flagship boutique in Geneva. The watch is available today, priced at $40,300 (28,800 CHF).
What We Think
It’s hard to know where the Promenade stands with collectors these days. Since its launch, Czapek has effectively used it as a test bed for various dial treatments, and I’d comfortably rank this as one of the brand’s more effective interpretations of the model line. Still, the Promenade seems to struggle to break out of the long shadow cast by the immensely successful Antarctique. I’d like to see watches like this one break through a little more, if only because the Promenade is one of the more wearable, compelling options for around this price from a well-regarded independent watchmaker.
The Basics
Brand: Czapek
Model: Promenade Transparencies “Aqua Blue”
Diameter: 38mm
Thickness: 10.8mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Dial Color: Blue fumé metallized translucent sapphire
Indexes: Light blue-tinted 3D Super-LumiNova
Lume: Yes, light blue.
Water Resistance: 5 atm
Strap/Bracelet: Nubuck leather strap in dark blue or Milanese mesh bracelet in Stainless Steel.
The Movement
Caliber: SXH7
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Micro-Rotor
Diameter: 30mm
Thickness: 4.2mm
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Winding: Automatic winding, Micro-Rotor with 100% recycled platinum mass
Frequency: 4 Hz — 28,800 vph
Jewels: 25
Chronometer Certified: No
Pricing & Availability
Price: $40,300
Availability: Either directly via Czapek’s website, Geneva boutique, or through Czapek’s network of global retailers.
Limited Edition: Yes, 38 pieces.
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