The legendary nineteenth century Swiss watchmaking company - Czapek & Cie - has been revived and is launching today with the 2016 collection featuring Quai des Bergues timepiece.
The original founder of the brand, which was established in 1845, was François Czapek, a Czech-born Polish watchmaker, who settled down in Geneva in 1832. Only four years after, Czapek met Antoine Norbert de Patek, a Polish pioneer in watchmaking and a creator of Patek Philippe & Co. Both were Polish emigres, and survivors of an insurrection that forced them to leave their motherland. On May 1, 1839, the fellow associates joined in the creation of the company Patek, Czapek & Cie. The partnership lasted six successful years, and then each man went his own way. Patek associated with Adrien Philippe to create Pate, Philippe & Cie, while Czapek partnered with Juliusz Gruzewski and founded Czapek & Cie on May 1, 1845.
The new manufacture operated successfully across the Europe. Its creations were highly regarded among Europe’s nobility, and they were sought after by the most prestigious clients, including the French Emperor, Napoleon III. Napoleon was so pleased with Czapek’s creations that he even granted him the extraordinary title of "Horloger de la Cour Impériale" (Watchmaker to the Imperial Court).
In November 2015, the legend of the famous Polish watchmaker is revived by three entrepreneurs passionate about high-end watches and outstanding mechanics - one of Europe's leading consultants Harry Guhl, in partnership with Xavier de Roquemaurel and a highly skilled watchmaker who wishes to remain anonymous. As Xavier de Roquemaurel, spokesman for the brand, explains: "Czapek deserves to be revived, he was one of the great watchmakers of the nineteenth century, who brilliantly combined precision mechanics with extremely refined aesthetics."
The revival of the brand is marked by a new collection Quai des Bergues, which is named after Czapek’s workshop in Geneva. The modern collection is inspired by the brand’s historical pocket watch, reference 3430, which was made around 1850, and said to beautifully exemplify the distinctive Czapek style. The main aesthetic features that identify Czapek's style are elegance, fine elongated numerals, slim, delicately forged hands, and the unusual position of the two sub-dials on the dial – at 4:30 and 7:30 o’clock.
In 2016, Czapek & Cie will debut with six new Quai des Bergues timepieces. These are actually three different references, each appearing in two different versions. The models will be available in either white or rose gold, with a grand-feu enamel dial, new-line hand, or rose gold fleur-de-lys hands. There is will be also a titanium and carbon version, as opposed to a “mysterious” steel variant, with a choice of white or black dial. This enigmatic type of steel has never been used in watchmaking before, and it is described as the "XO" steel with the highest resistance to corrosion. The material is much tougher to machine, but it possesses some significant benefits that make it perfect for watch cases. For example, its high resistance to corrosion, and particularly in acidic and salty environments, makes it ideal for use in watches designed for water sports.
Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues watches measure 42.50 in diameter, and their cases accommodate a high-end mechanical movement developed for Czapek by Chronode - Czapek SXH1 caliber. The innovative movement was built in collaboration with Jean-François Mojon, a designer-watchmaker who works at the Le Locle company Chronode. The caliber’s construction is inspired by an historical caliber conceived and manufactured by François Czapek in the 1850's. The manually wound mechanism is equipped with two barrel springs and it promises up to 7 days of power reserve (168 hours). The movement beats at a frequency of 21.600 vibrations per hour, powering the functions for hours and minutes, a second sub-dial at 7:3-, and a power reserve and weekdays on a sub-dial at 4:30. Only 250 units of the model will be produced in the first year.
REFERENCES No. 33 - 31 – 29 White or rose gold with enamel dial REFERENCE No. 27 Titanium carbon REFERENCES No. 25 – 23 Mysterious "XO" steel Author: Marina Milojevic Pinterest
If you like our blog why don't you join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @luxoiscom. If you use one of my articles on your own website or blog, then please credit me and provide a link back to the original.
Latest News from Czapek & Cie
Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie Chronograph Secret Alloy Watch
Czapek & Cie, a brand that has been revived in 2015 with Quai des Bergues collection, introduces a new model on the occasion of the Watch Time New York. Appropriately, this stainless steel, 5Hz chronograph is Americas only limited edition available in 18 pieces. The new model belongs to the Faubourg de Cracovie, Chapek’s third collection, Which is named after its third boutique opened in 1850 in Warsaw, Poland. The collection made its debut in 2018, and this year, it gets another version: The Secret Alloy Watch. The Secret Alloy refers to th...
Czapek Geneve Eternity Gift Set
Czapek Genève, a brand established no less than two centuries ago, in 1845, and successfully resurrected in 2015, introduces a new member of its Bespoke collection – the Eternity Gift Set. The brand that has already won the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2016, and managed to launch its second collection in 2017, now presents an exclusive gift box set designed to conform its clients’ aesthetic wishes. Czapek Geneve Quai des Bergues aqua blue The Eternity gift set is a customizable gift box designed for couples in love. This special relea...
Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues Guilloché in Color
Czapek & Cie, a Swiss watch brand launched in 2011, introduces new versions of its Quai des Bergues Guilloché. The unique haute horlogerie men’s model, distinguished by its engine-turned dial pattern, was introduced last year in two colors - Aqua Blue and Sea Salt Grey. The distinctive “ricochet” design shows off the details of the engine turning and the unique angle of the depth of the grooves that can only be achieved by hand turning on a rose engine.Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues Guilloché Black Prince“It took us a year to find the engine tur...
