SpotlightCzapek & Cie. Introduce Their Promenade Plissé Watches Inspired By Immaculate Tailoring

At Watches and Wonders, Geneva, last year, Czapek & Cie. showcased a new collection that was very different from their other lines. While design aspects were reminiscent of the brand’s Quai des Bergues, overall, the Promenade had its own identity. With a small seconds sub-dial at 4:30, and minimal markings otherwise, the dial was a canvas for creative expression. This year, ahead of Watches and Wonders, 2025, the brand present three updates to the new Promenade line. The Czapek Promenade Plissé (or ‘pleats’) timepieces are inspired by immaculately tailored outfits. To accommodate the small seconds sub-dial, the pleats appear to have been pushed aside, resulting in a bunching effect on the dial. Three dial hues enhance the versatility of the Promenade line, offering a formal or playful look, depending on the shade.

Fashionable Influences For The Czapek Promenade Plissé

Remember Marilyn Monroe’s iconic pleated white dress? That dress was a frame of reference for the latest Promenade Plissé watches, along with other timeless statements. Created in collaboration with dial maker Metalem, the ‘pleated’ effect is achieved through a flinqué process. This involves stamping the pleat pattern onto a brass dial before a galvanic treatment brings out the desired hue. The rise and fall of the pleats reflect play with light as the wrist moves, giving the dial a dynamic effect. In contrast, the small seconds sub-dial stands out prominently with its fine snailed finish. Applied indexes then have to be adjusted fit the undulations on the dial. Slim wedge indexes and partially skeletonised arrow hands let the dial communicate its beauty.

While the ivory dial is paired with a taupe nubuck leather strap, the pearl white version is matches with grey nubuck leather. The pink dial comes on a Milanese mesh bracelet that enhances the elegance of the timepiece. Alternately, the white and ivory versions can also be paired with the steel Milanese bracelet, and the pink version can be mounted on a nubuck leather strap in pink or grey.

Why The Czapek Promenade Plissé Is A Case For Versatility

Sized at 38mm, the Czapek Promenade Plissé offers a comfortable fit on just about any wrist size, regardless of gender. “We have always believed that gender divisions in watchmaking are largely artificial,” says Xavier de Roquemarel, CEO of Czapek “Beauty and creativity unite men and women. A beautiful watch will please men and women equally.” And this Czapek Promenade Plissé certainly is a beautiful and androgynous watch, much like the pleats that inspired it. A recessed case profile, and mix of satin and brushed finishes lend the watch an understated elegance. Sapphire crystal glass protects both dial and caseback. Through this exhibition caseback, the brand’s calibre SXH5.1, with a micro-rotor that is crafted from recycled platinum, can be viewed.

The Czapek Promenade Plissé In A Nutshell

• Case: 38mm, steel
• Glass and caseback: Sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment
• Dial: Ivory/pearl white/pink galvanic treatment; brass dial with a stamped ‘pleated’ pattern; small seconds sub-dial at 4:30; applied wedge indexes; partially skeletonised arrow hands
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
• Movement:1 automatic movement with a micro rotor; 60 hours of power reserve
• Strap: Nubuck leather/steel Milanese bracelet

After the rippled Goutte d’Eau, and sunray effect of the Soleil timepieces last year, this textile-inspired collection offers a refreshing sophistication. Understated and elegant yet playful, the Czapek Promenade Plisse collection makes a pleasing and timeless fashion statement.