Czapek & Cie, a name that resonates with history and a revival of classic watchmaking, has just released their latest offering: the Promenade Plissé collection. This isn't just a set of watches; it's a statement, a blend of haute couture inspiration and meticulous horological engineering. Czapek, a brand that traces its roots back to the 19th-century Polish watchmaker François Czapek, has always stood for a unique blend of artistry and technical prowess. Revived in 2015, the brand quickly re-established itself as a force in independent watchmaking, embracing a collaborative spirit and a commitment to "beauty above all".
The Promenade collection, initially unveiled in 2024, was conceived as something more than just a timepiece. The aim, wasn’t to create a gender-specific watch, but rather a stylish and modern creation that would resonate with anyone possessing a keen eye for design and a respect for intricate mechanics. This approach reflects Czapek's philosophy that beauty and creative expression transcend traditional gender boundaries. The Promenade, in its essence, is a manifestation of relaxed sophistication, infused with a touch of playfulness. A standout feature of the Promenade is its dial design. The layout isn’t about strict symmetry; instead, it embraces a dynamic asymmetry, with elements radiating from the small seconds subdial, positioned intriguingly at 4:30. This creates a sense of movement and a captivating visual tension.
Courtesy of Czapek
Now, in 2025, Czapek introduces the Promenade Plissé, taking the design a step further. The name itself, "Plissé," meaning "pleats" in French, gives a clear indication of the dial's inspiration. Fashion serves as a strong point of reference, evoking images that have pleated attire. The Plissé dial is not merely a flat surface with a printed pattern. It's a result of a complex stamping process, developed in collaboration with Metalem, a testament to Czapek's commitment to partnering with the best in the industry. This process creates the illusion of fabric, seemingly pushed and gathered by the weight of the off-center subdial, forming delicate pleats that spread across the dial.
The effect is remarkable. As the watch moves with the wearer's wrist, the play of light and shadow across these "pleats" creates a sense of flowing, almost dance-like motion. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing visual experience. The integration of the applied hour markers presented a further challenge, requiring them to be meticulously fitted within the contours of the pleats, a testament to the attention to detail. The Plissé dials are offered in three distinct color variations: a classic Ivory, a pristine Pearl White, and a warmer Rose. Notably, the Rose variant is paired with a Milanese mesh steel bracelet, adding another layer of textural contrast.
Courtesy of Czapek
The timekeeping elements themselves are intentionally understated. The hands are slender and semi-skeletonized, shaped like arrows, and the applied indexes feature diamond-cut angles, designed to catch and reflect light. This minimalist approach allows the intricate dial decoration to truly take center stage. The hour markers on all of the watches have a glimmering and bold reflection. They stand out, but not enough to take away from the dial artwork. The watch's hands blend in well with the watch markers, all reflecting light and creating a shiny dial.
The Czapek Promenade Plissé doesn't just impress with its aesthetics; the technical aspects are equally compelling. The watch is housed in a 38mm case, designed with a focus on slimness. This demanded the use of a micro-rotor movement, leading Czapek to adapt its in-house Calibre SXH5. The Promenade case itself is a modern reinterpretation of Czapek's original Quai des Bergues model. It's recognizable by its recessed and sand-blasted case sides, the subtly curved crown protection, and a gracefully rounded bezel. These details contribute to a refined and contemporary profile. The watch has crown guards that curve around the crown, making the crown easy to access, but safely tucked away into the watch.
Courtesy of Czapek
The Calibre SXH5, the heart of the Promenade Plissé, is a marvel of engineering. Originally introduced in 2020, it has undergone continuous refinement. For the Promenade, Czapek's engineers manipulated its architecture specifically to achieve the desired dial layout, placing the small seconds mechanism directly beneath, and on the same axis as, the dial display. The movement is instantly identifiable by its seven skeletonized bridges, which hold the gear train in place. This design is a nod to the 19th-century pocket watches created by François Czapek, showcasing the brand's connection to its historical roots.
The movement is not only aesthetically pleasing but also meticulously finished. The plates and bridges showcase haute horlogerie finishes, including bevelling, straight-grained sides, and hand-chamfered inward angles. The movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and is wound by a micro-rotor made of 100% recycled platinum. This efficient winding system provides a power reserve of 60 hours, ensuring reliable performance. The entire movement, including the rotor, is visible through the watch's case back, providing a captivating view of the intricate mechanics.
Courtesy of Czapek
The three different variations have distinctly different straps. The first is a gray, almost concrete-like nubuck strap. The second is a silver, steel mesh strap, giving a refined and sleek design that complements the overall look and feel of the watch. The third option, a brown nubuck strap, offers a touch of warmth and complements the dial's color. The subtle texture of the nubuck adds a tactile dimension, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the watch. The Milanese bracelet, with its tightly woven mesh, offers a different kind of tactile experience, smooth and supple against the skin. Each strap option feels like they were meant for each watch.
The Czapek Promenade Plissé is a limited edition offering, with only 18 pieces being produced in each of the three color variations. This exclusivity adds to the desirability and collectibility of the watch. The Promenade Plissé will be available for purchase at Czapek's official retailers worldwide, at their boutique in Geneva, Switzerland, and online through their website. Deliveries are slated to commence in the first quarter of 2026. With a price point of 16,000.00 CHF, the Promenade Plissé positions itself within the realm of high-end independent watchmaking.
Courtesy of Czapek
Case: 38mm diameter. Slim profile. Recessed and sand-blasted case sides. Curved crown protection. Slim, rounded bezel. Modern evolution of Czapek's Quai des Bergues model.
Movement: In-house Calibre SXH5. Micro-rotor movement. 4Hz (28,800 vph) frequency. 60 hours power reserve. Seven skeletonized bridges. Plates and bridges feature bevelling, straight-grained sides, and hand-chamfered inward angles. Micro rotor uses 100% recycled platinum.
Dial: "Plissé" (pleated) texture. Stamping process creates the illusion of fabric. Asymmetry design, small seconds at 4:30. Applied indexes integrated into pleats. Fine, semi-skeletonized arrow-shaped hands. Offered in Ivory, Pearl White, and Rose.
Strap: Options include a nubuck strap or a Milanese steel bracelet (Rose dial version).
Price: 16,000.00 CHF
Notes: Limited edition of 18 pieces per color. Dial inspired by textiles and fashion. Deliveries to start in Q1 2026.