The new piece expands Czapek’s 2024 Promenade collection, which the brand describes as a “canvas for creative expression” according to CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel.
The dial, crafted by Donzé Cadrans, features the brand’s signature Goutte d’Eau water‑drop motif in deep blue enamel, radiating from a small seconds counter positioned at 4:30.
MD’Art, a specialist in artistic dials, transformed the seconds display into a miniature water lily, complete with a laser‑etched jade‑like base that mimics a floating lily pad and a hand‑painted titanium lily that rotates with each passing second.
A second homage to Vian’s story is a keyboard‑ring encircling the dial, evoking the novel’s “pianokcocktail” – a fictional instrument that mixes drinks according to the melody played.
The 38 mm polished steel case measures 10.8 mm in thickness, with sandblasted recessed flanks and a domed sapphire crystal protecting the face. A sapphire‑backed case window reveals the in‑house automatic calibre SXH5.1, equipped with a platinum micro‑rotor and a 60‑hour power reserve.
The movement’s skeletonised bridge, one of seven that reference François Czapek’s 19th‑century pocket watches, underpins a 4 Hz balance.
Czapek will offer the watch with a dark‑blue nubuck strap, while a steel Milanese mesh bracelet is available on request. The limited edition is priced at CHF 26,800, €28,800 or US$37,700, taxes excluded.
By marrying literary references with haute‑horlogerie craftsmanship, Czapek aims to attract collectors who value both artistic storytelling and technical excellence.