Introducing the Czapek X Fratello Promenade Transparencies Viridian Green
Sometimes it takes a collaboration to really inspire creativity in the watch industry. Recently, we saw, and were impressed by, the release of the Time+Tide X TAG Heuer Aquaracer Solargraph “Sundowner”, which ended up selling out in just 24 hours. And with their new collaboration with Czapek, Fratello has gone decidedly up-market. But the resulting timepiece, the Promenade Transparencies “Viridian Green” just hits the mark. From the sapphire crystal dial, exposing the watch’s movement, to the seemingly floating subsidiary seconds, this release is extremely well executed. Which makes me wonder. Will the Promenade Transparencies make its way to become a regular offering from the brand?
THE BASICS:
Brand: Czapek X Fratello
Model: Promenade Transparencies Viridian Green
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Size: 38mm
Water Resistance: N/A
Movement: Calibre SXH7.1
Movement Specs: 60-hour power reserve, microrotor
Strap Options: Green Cordura strap with Czapek pin buckle
The Juice:
We don’t often see ultra-luxury collaborations between watch brands and watch publications. But, that is not to say that they don’t happen. And indeed, Fratello has collaborated with Czapek before, releasing the Fratello × Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake. While that watch itself was a hit, I believe that the two companies have taken it to the next level with the new Promenade Transparencies.
What I like most about the Promenade Transparencies is that it is something very different from the brand. Yes, the Promenade collection was released earlier this year at Watche & Wonders. And yes, Czapek has had a skeletonized dial before with the Antarctique Rattrapante. But the Promenade collection released earlier in the year was a decidedly more dressy watch without a transparent dial.
The Promenade Transparencies features a stunning Viridian Green sapphire dial with applied indices and subsidiary seconds at 4:30. Normally, you only get to see Czapek’s stunning calibers through their watches’ exhibition casebacks. But the sapphire dial allows the Caliber SXH7.1 microrotor movement to be visible dial-side. And not only that, but the dial is incredibly legible. Often watches with openworked dials are the most illegible dials you can buy. You sacrifice legibility for the sake of the “cool factor”, seeing the movement while the watch is on your wrist. But with the promenade transparencies, the green sapphire disk keeps the dial incredibly legible. Plus, it actually has a fume effect, darkening on the outer edges.
In terms of wearability, the Promenade Transparencies is well proportioned. It’s a modest 38mm in diameter by 42mm lug-to-lug. It is also a fairly slim 10.8mm thick. While it is a lot sportier than the rest of the Promenade collection, it will fit well under a cuff if you want to dress it up.
The sportiness is reinforced by the Cordura frabric strap. And the strap comes with a pin buckle as opposed to a deployant. I actually prefer pin buckles to deployants as I find deployants to be much less comfortable. So you won’t find me complaining about this choice.
The watch runs on Czapek’s in-house Caliber SXH7.1 self-winding, microrotor movement. It has 25 jewels, boasts 60-hours of power reserve and vibrates at a frequency of 4Hz or 28,800VpH. The movement is well-finished and is a sight to behold, especially when viewed through the display caseback.
Overall, I am very impressed by this collaboration between Fratello and Czapek. The two brands weren’t content to just change the color of one of Czapek’s watches and call it a collaboration. A lot of work and attention went into the Promenade Transparencies Viridian Green and I can’t wait to see it in the metal.
How much is the Czapek Promenade Transparencies Viridian Green?
The Czapek X Fratello Promenade Transparencies "Viridian Green" is a limited edition of 50 pieces and retails for €32,000 (around 33,680 USD) excluding VAT. Pre-orders open on Friday, December 6th. You can learn more here.
