Czapek & Cie Artists & Artisans 1626

Czapek & Cie Ref. 1626 A unique stainless steel wristwatch with engraved gold dial, sold to benefit Swiss Institute

Manufacturer : Czapek & Cie Year : 2024 Reference No : 1626 Case No : 17133 Model Name : Artists & Artisans - Pièce N°1 Material : Stainless steel Calibre : Automatic, cal. SXH5, 28 jewels Bracelet/Strap : Stainless steel Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel Czapek deployant clasp Dimensions : 40.5mm Diameter Signed : Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Accessories : Accompanied by Czapek Passport, instruction manual, additional deployant clasp, additional rubber bracelet, three setting tools, setting pins, fitted presentation box and outer packagingAs part of the TimeForArt auction, Czapek has created the Antarctique ‘Artists & Artisans - Pièce N°1’, a special and unique timepiece in collaboration with master engraver Michèle Rothen and Czapek’s long-term partner, the Swiss dial-maker Metalem. The dial is crafted from a gold alloy known as Alloy 401, branded by Czapek as the “Secret Alloy.” It is adorned with a hand-decorated and subtly blackened engraving that represents Czapek SXH5 caliber, brought to the forefront with a “trompe l’oeil” effect as in a skeleton watch, and finished with three-dimensional indexes. The hands are designed in a sword-like style, offering a sporty and easy-to-read display. The timepiece is housed in a 40.5mm stainless steel case featuring an original double “trompe l'oeil” curve, another unconventional design choice that makes this watch unique and exclusive. It is fitted with a stainless-steel integrated bracelet, with brushed links connected by highly polished links shaped like a “C” for Czapek. The bracelet also features a quick-change system, allowing the wearer to easily switch to a rubber strap, and a micro-adjustment. Inside the created Antarctique ‘Artists & Artisans - Pièce N°1’ is the automatic caliber SXH5, with a 60-hour power reserve and a micro-rotor made of recycled platinum. Combining sophistication with high reliability, the SXH5 merges traditional haute horlogerie finishing techniques with avant-garde laser engravings.