BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
Back in 2024, independent Swiss watchmaker Czapek launched the Promenade collection, a range of more casual watches with a slightly dressy element. The main focus of the Promenade collection is its range of options, the most striking of which was the Goutte d’Eau (water drop). For 2026, Czapek added another tantalising option to the Promenade range, one that follows in the footsteps of the Goutte d’Eau, and I was given exclusive access to photograph it.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect from Czapek when thinking about what might be coming up for the year, but I wasn’t expecting this. It was therefore a pleasant surprise to see the new Promenade Goutte de Rosée, with its 18k yellow gold case measuring 38mm x 10.1mm with 50m of water resistance. In person, its reserved case size means it’s very friendly to a wide range of wrist sizes, even on my larger wrists, the smaller size still suits and looks proportionate.
Yellow gold paired with green is a classic colour combination used by the biggest name in the luxury watch industry, yet it’s not exclusive to ‘the crown’, and the Promenade Goutte de Rosée proves it. The green alligator leather strap (other strap materials are available upon request) flows into the yellow gold case, and that vibrant green dial complete with its ‘droplet’ effect radiating from the offset small-seconds hand. Working with specialist dialmaker Donzé Cadrans, Czapek has created the wave pattern on the dial using a physical die that stamps it into a sterling silver base. Five layers of translucent green Grand Feu enamel are hand-applied, with a kiln firing after each layer and eight rounds of kiln firing in total.
The wave pattern shows through on the dial because there is physically more enamel between each wave, with around 0.5mm of enamel between each crest and roughly 0.2mm at the top of each crest. The fact that the enamel’s thickness is physically different from the top to the bottom of each wave is why the dial appears a little animated when you move it around and play with the light; it’s much more reactive than if the waves were painted on. It also means rejection rates are higher than for regular Grand Feu enamel dials, with around 50% for these green dials being rejected because of defects occurring when kiln firing, compared to an industry-average of around 25%. According to Czapek, this increased rejection rate comes from the varying thickness of the enamel across the dial.
Beneath that dial sits the self-winding calibre SXH5.1, conceived, designed, and assembled in-house by Czapek. It’s based upon the calibre SXH5, and has its signature modern style of movement layout, despite the rather classic approach to watchmaking. The offset micro rotor, made from recycled platinum, powers the movement’s single mainspring barrel to provide 60-hours of power reserve, and the beat rate is 4Hz. The calibre SXH5.1 is separated from the SXH5 by the placement of the small seconds hand offset on the dial, rather than in the centre, as seen on the SXH5 when it’s placed in other models like the Antarctique.
The Promenade Goutte de Rosée is a classy addition to Czapek’s range of chic and interesting dressy pieces. The yellow gold case adds a new dimension to the Promenade range, and I hope we see more of this soon. The Promenade Goutte de Rosée is limited to 25 examples worldwide, priced at €34,600 ($44,800) before taxes.
