The special hand-engraving of acanthus leaves on the case and crown of the new Tourbillon Suspendu Ici et Ailleurs is done by one of the top artists in her field, Michèle Rothen Rebetez. This example of Haute Horlogerie craftsmanship is only available on special order, making each watch a unique piece.
The acanthus leaf, a classic in Roman art, was already featured on the limited-edition Quai des Bergues in platinum. The current version represents the epitome of this art on a watch case. The Czapek original design is inspired from the Assisi Cathedral paintings, whereas the technique comes more from the sculptures and bas-reliefs of the Cathedral of Orvieto, in Umbria. The artist used a micro-hammering technique to obtain lots of detail and make the acanthus appear to stand out very naturally on the background. This effect is achieved by darkening the contours of the engraving, thus highlighting the delicate and precise work on the hand-mirror polished leaf, which reflects the light in myriad ways.
Finding an artist willing and capable of replicating this kind of workmanship on platinum was a challenge in itself. "Michèle did an extraordinary job, creating acanthus leaves that come to life from platinum, in a game of light and shadow”, says Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek & Cie. “We are delighted to have found each other. Michèle totally understood our approach to watchmaking. She represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, which is also one of our founding values.”
The platinum dial of the Place Vendôme Tourbillon Suspendu Ici et Ailleurs with the acanthus leaf engraving is based on the collection launched in 2017. The dial is in champlevé with a grand-feu enamel ring that bears the Roman numerals. The fine fleur-de-lys hands are back, harmonizing with an anthracite bead-blasted main plate and suspended bridges of polished steel. The two characteristic Czapek subdials feature a tourbillon on the left and the second time zone on the right. The new model is still driven by the proprietary, manually wound SXH2 movement developed with Chronode. It beats at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). A one-minute suspended tourbillon with a second time zone, a day/night disk – both running – and a 60-hour power reserve indicator complete the watch's features. The decorative elements include traditional satin-brushed bridges, circular bevelling, hand-chamfering, blued screws and the open-worked ratchet.
The timepiece is only available by special order in platinum (CHF 120,000) or rose gold (CHF 107'000 ).
