At Baselworld 2019, Czapek & Cie unveiled a new version of its Place Vendôme timepiece, featuring a tourbillon and a GMT function. Two special editions are available, one in titanium and the other set with diamonds.
The Place Vendôme Etincelles and Ombres special editions are driven by the hand-wound SXH2 Czapek proprietary movement developed with Chronode and visible through the transparent case back. The "Ombres" version is a limited edition of 25 pieces, whereas the "Etincelles" version comes in a limited edition of 10 pieces.
Place Vendôme "Ombres"
The model called "Ombres," or "shadows," comes in a grade 5 titanium. It is not only lighter on the wrist, but has a rugged, faintly greyish tint that creates an elemental feeling. The case stretchers have been carefully machined and sandblasted. The watch face, 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, 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," says Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek. "It's now a watch that defies categorizations. It is mysterious, even a touch romantic, and yet still maintains a strong mechanical-functional spirit."
Place Vendôme "Etincelles"
The second watch in this special edition is as different in style as day and night. "Etincelles," or "sparks", earns its name from a train of seventy-two baguette diamonds that grace the bezel and cascade onto the lugs. They illuminate the watch and highlight the alabaster whiteness of the enamel dial, further accentuating the light that sparkles at each movement of the wrist. They also turn the watch into an elegant dress timepiece for special occasions. The 43.5-millimeter model comes in a platinum case that has retained all the features of the original Place Vendôme, notably the refined Fleur de Lys hands on the main watch dial.
