Introducing The Czapek Promenade Transparencies "Aqua Blue"

With Geneva Watch Days just around the corner, 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 metallisation 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 skeletonised take on Czapek's in-house SXH5 micro-rotor automatic calibre. 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 calibre 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 bracelet.

As for availability, the Czapek Promenade Transparencies "Aqua Blue" is limited to 38 pieces and is available through Czapek's global authorised retailer network, as well as through Czapek's own website and flagship boutique in Geneva, priced at CHF 28,800 (~A$50,540 as of publishing).

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.

Brand: Czapek
Model: Promenade Transparencies "Aqua Blue"

Diameter: 38mm
Thickness: 10.8mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Dial Colour: Blue fumé metallised translucent sapphire
Indexes: Light blue-tinted 3D Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 50 metres
Strap/Bracelet: Nubuck leather strap in dark blue or stainless steel Milanese bracelet

Calibre: SXH7, in-house
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
Diameter: 30mm
Thickness: 4.2mm
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Winding: Micro-rotor automatic, 100% recycled platinum mass
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Jewels: 25
Chronometer Certified: No

Price: CHF 28,800 (~A$50,540)
Availability: Either directly via Czapek's website, Geneva boutique, or through Czapek's network of global retailers
Limited Edition: Yes, 38 pieces

For more, click here.