Czapek Promenade Transparencies Aqua Blue: A Fresh Take on Skeleton Elegance

Following the success of the Viridian Green edition, Czapek introduces the Promenade Transparencies Aqua Blue, a new colorway that brings the transparent dial concept into the current collection. This limited edition combines a sophisticated blue gradient with the intricate mechanics of the skeletonized SXH7 movement, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary watchmaking.

Design and Case

The stainless steel case measures 38mm in diameter, 10.8mm thick, and 42mm lug-to-lug, ensuring a compact and comfortable fit on the wrist. The curved lugs and hollowed flanks enhance the slender profile. Sapphire crystals on both front and back, with anti-reflective treatment, provide an unobstructed view of the movement. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters.

Dial and Lume

The Aqua Blue dial is not a traditional colored dial but a sapphire disc with a graduated smoked effect. The blue fumé appearance is achieved through metallisation on the underside, using a vapor-deposition process. Microscopic metallic dots are applied with varying density, more concentrated towards the edge and gradually thinning towards the small seconds at 4:30. This creates a transparent center that reveals the movement while becoming more opaque at the periphery. Instead of applied indices, Czapek uses hand-applied blocks of light blue Super-LumiNova, which glow blue in the dark.

Movement: Calibre SXH7

Powering the watch is the Calibre SXH7, a fully skeletonised evolution of the in-house SXH5. The movement was redesigned to be displayed from both sides, with the escapement reversed and the layout reworked to accommodate the small seconds at 4:30, driven directly by the fourth wheel. The automatic winding system uses a micro-rotor made from 100% recycled platinum. Finishing is visible on both sides, including openworked ratchets, sandblasted rhodium-plated bridges, and hand-chamfered angles. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 60-hour power reserve.

Strap and Availability

The watch comes on a dark blue nubuck leather strap, with a stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet as an alternative. It is limited to 38 pieces, priced at CHF 28,800, EUR 31,700, or USD 40,300 before taxes.

Buying Tips and Authenticity

As a limited edition, the Promenade Transparencies Aqua Blue is a collector's piece. Ensure authenticity by purchasing from authorized dealers or directly from Czapek. Verify the serial number and check for the unique gradient dial and skeletonized movement. The use of recycled platinum in the micro-rotor is a distinctive feature.