Get ready for a horological journey like no other at WatchTime New York 2023! Set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s Gotham Hall on October 20th to 22nd, this three-day celebration of timepieces will immerse you in the world of watchmaking excellence— offering brand presentations, enlightening industry panel discussions, and plenty of hands-on encounters with some of the most extraordinary watches of the year. Among the esteemed watchmakers joining the event is Czapek & Cie, presenting their Place Vendôme Complicité in white and rose gold editions.
The new watch was unveiled last month with it standing as a unique reinterpretation of a double escapement containing timepiece initially created in 1930. Its unique name, “Place Vendôme,” takes inspiration from an iconic square in the first arrondissement in Paris where François Czapek, a 19th-century Czech-born Polish watchmaker that influenced the creation of the 2015-founded brand, opened his first watchmaking boutique after becoming the official watchmaker for Napoleon III in 1845. The “Complicité” portion of the name alludes to technical and engineering collaboration necessary to create the watch, as the “complicity” between two independent escapements working in unison for its movement.
The watch itself is available in two variations, including an 18k rose gold option with a navy blue dial dubbed the Place Vendôme Complicité Harmony (featured in this article), as well as an 18k white gold edition with a silver-toned dial named the Place Vendôme Complicité Stardust. Both opt for 41.8mm cases reminiscent of previous models in the larger Place Vendôme collection, notably making use of a stylized, extended crown stem that integrates with subtly elongated and elevated guards. A fine use of brushed and polished surfaces amplifies the style, while an alligator strap secures the watch to the wrist.
The dial of the Complicité in undoubtedly where the watch shines, with its arrangement configured as to channel as pyramid— complete with the collection’s signature sub-dials being used for its double escapements, and its third sub-dial at the midnight position being used for a differential between them. Between these three spaces and their various mechanical elements a kinetic sculpture is formed, all the while applied appliques and matching hands indicate the passing time.
The other elements of the Czapek in-house Calibre 8 are revealed through two sapphire bridges on the dial side, protected by a box-style sapphire crystal. Distinctive triangular bridges suspend the balances, creating a captivating play of colors and materials while inviting you to explore the intricacies of the movement. The crown wheel mechanism, a hallmark of watchmaker Bernhard Lederer, is subtly integrated into the movement design as a tribute to his contribution to the development of the Complicité.
Haute horlogerie finishes adorn both the dial side and the back of the movement, with meticulous hand-beveling of 18 inward angles. The calibre is manually wound and provides a generous 72-hour power reserve, with its remaining energy indicated via a scale at 6 o’clock position between the balance wheels.
The Czapek Place Vendôme Complicité is offered in limited editions of 50 pieces per iteration, with pricing marked at 85,000 CHF, or about $95,000 at the time of writing.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Place Vendôme Complicité by Czapek at WatchTime New York 2023. Purchase your tickets now via WatchTime’s event site and be part of this exceptional horological experience.
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