Place Vendôme “Ombres"

Czapek Genève – Place Vendôme “Ombres”

The Place Vendôme “Ombres”, unveiled at Baselworld 2019, is a special edition in titanium of Czapek Genève highest-end watch yet, featuring a tourbillon and a GMT function. The tourbillon ranks as one of the most distinguished complications in Haute Horlogerie. That does not mean that it is strictly reserved for those impassioned by mechanical marvels.

The timepiece called "Ombres," or "shadows," comes with a 43,5-millimeter case in a grade 5 titanium. It is not only lighter on the wrist than the original models in rose gold and platinum, but has a rugged, faintly greyish tint that creates an elemental feeling. The case stretchers have been carefully machined and sandblasted. The watch face, delicately framed by a thinner bezel, is anchored at the lower end by the suspended tourbillon at 8 o'clock and the second time zone at 4 o'clock. Between the two is the day/night indicator in the second time zone. At 12 o'clock, the time giving dial stares from a sombre dial in grand-feu black enamel, justifying the name of the model.

"We are fascinated by the subtle shift in character brought about by the use of a different metal and the addition of hues," explains Xavier de Roquemaurel, the Czapek CEO. "It's now a watch that defies categorizations. It is mysterious, even a touch romantic, and yet still maintains a strong mechanical-functional spirit."

Ombres is driven by the tried-and-true, hand-wound SXH2 Czapek proprietary movement developed with Chronode. This elegant engine can be seen through the transparent case back. The model will be produced in a limited edition of 25 pieces.