Auction One-of-a-Kind: Czapek's TimeForArt Creation

Czapek presents a unique edition for the TimeForArt auction, in which the company collaborates with engraver Michèle Rothen and its partner, Swiss dial manufacturer Metalem. Metalem has crafted many of the company’s iconic dials, including the gold dial, the hand-painted purple dial, and the Promenade collection’s signature grand feu enamel and guilloché dials. Now, the collaboration between these two Swiss entities has produced another hand-crafted dial for this unique piece, which will be donated to the auction in December in New York City.

TimeForArt is a charity auction featuring exceptional timepieces from the world’s finest watchmakers, with 100% of the proceeds directly supporting the most creative artists through the Swiss Institute’s exhibitions, public programs, education, and community workshopsall free of charge. The biennial auction also serves as a year-round platform for exchange between watchmaking and the visual arts.

The inaugural TimeForArt sale was held as part of the Phillips New York auction in 2022. The second edition will take place during the Phillips New York auction in December 2024, giving collectors another opportunity to acquire exceptional timepieces while supporting the art world. The auction has featured many of the biggest names in the watch world, including Biver, Bvlgari, Louis Erard, Massena Lab, and more.

The watch features a sleek 40.5mm stainless steel case with a combination of brushed finishes and a polished bezel. The case's dimensions, with a height of just 10.6mm, ensure a balanced and comfortable fit. The dial is protected by a box-shaped sapphire crystal treated with an anti-reflective (AR) coating to ensure optimal legibility. The caseback, made of sapphire crystal and framed by a stainless steel bezel secured by four screws, offers a clear view of the movement. A fluted, screw-down crown, protected by guards, provides 120 meters of water resistance.

The dial is crafted from a rare gold alloy, Alloy 401, which Czapek has branded as the ‘Secret Alloy.’ It features a hand-decorated engraving, artfully blackened to highlight the intricate design representing Czapek's SXH5 caliber. This detailed engraving, with its striking ‘trompe l’oeil’ effect, evokes the aesthetics of a skeleton watch. Adding depth and sophistication, the dial is completed with three-dimensional indices. The sword-shaped hands enhance the design, ensuring both sporty elegance and optimal readability.

The Artists & Artisans - Pièce N°1 is powered by the SXH5 automatic caliber, which offers a 60-hour power reserve and features a micro-rotor crafted from recycled platinum. This caliber combines traditional haute horlogerie finishing techniques with cutting-edge laser engravings, ensuring both elegance and reliability.

The stainless steel integrated bracelet boasts a stunning contrast of brushed and highly polished links shaped like a ‘C’ for Czapek. It is equipped with a quick-change system, allowing easy swaps to a rubber or leather strap, along with a micro-adjustment feature. As a one-of-a-kind timepiece designed for the TimeForArt auction, its estimated price is USD 40,000–80,000.

For more information visit Czapek's official website.