The origin of the revived legend 'Czapek'
- @westwoodtime.com
Francis Zec Chapek, the watchmaker of Prince Napoleon and one of the greatest watchmakers.
In 1811, Franciszek Czapek was born in the Kingdom of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) in Semonitzi. He immigrated to Poland with his family when he was young and retained Czech and Polish citizenship.
In 1832, Francis Zek fled to Switzerland after the failed Polish uprising and actively participated in the uprising. As a talented watchmaker, he quickly co-founded his first company “Czapek&Moreau” with local partners and named it François.
In 1839, François Czapek and Antoine Norbert de Patek were both Polish immigrants and survivors of the uprising that forced them to flee. They met in 1836. This encounter changed their lives. Chapek invited his compatriot Patek Philippe to conduct in-depth research in the field of watchmaking. They co founded Patek, Czapek&Cie on May 1st.
In 1845, François Czapek collaborated with Antoine Norbert de Patek for six years, during which they created numerous extraordinary timepieces. In April 1845, at the end of the contract, they dissolved the partnership enterprise. Both of them continued to produce clocks. Czapek founded Czapek&Cie with new partner Julius Gruzewski on May 1, 1845.
In 1850, Czapek wrote one of the first watchmaking papers ever written in Polish.
Czapek became one of the greatest watchmakers of his time. In France, he became a supplier to the court and a watchmaker for His Royal Highness Prince Napoleon. At its peak, his company had boutique stores in Geneva, Warsaw, and Place Vendôme in Paris.
With the passage of time and the passing of Mr. Czapek, the brand has silently disappeared into history without any successors.
On December 12, 2012, Czapek company was rediscovered and put into operation.
The three entrepreneurs behind the revival have decided to ‘share the company with other watch enthusiasts’. However, first they analyzed Czapek’s watch library to immerse themselves in his works and personality. In their own words, ‘We strive for new designs, just like François himself sitting among us.’.
On November 10, 2015, Czapek&Cie officially launched in Geneva, attended by journalists, friends, and watch enthusiasts. Other enthusiasts have the opportunity to invest in the company through equity crowdfunding activities and participate in the revival of Czapek. It became the first high-end watch company to be revived by watch enthusiasts worldwide.
On November 10, 2016, Czapek&Cie won the coveted Geneva Watch Grand Prix Public Award for their Quai des Bergues No. 33 bis. In the following years, the company launched two new series: Place Vendôme, equipped with a one minute suspended tourbillon, Greenwich Mean Time function, and day night display; And Faubourg de Cracovie, an advanced integrated chronograph with a vertical clutch and a frequency of 5 hertz.
In 2020, Czapek&Cie launched the SXH5 movement, which was the first movement completely conceived and developed independently by the brand. The first limited edition of the Antarctique series supported by SXH5 sold out within a few weeks.
On May 26, 2020, Czapek released the Antarctique Terre Ad é lie, the first watch in the Antarctique series. It is a brand new watch collection that exudes a precious feeling, but can also be worn and appreciated in daily life. Now, Czapek&Cie proudly launches its new version: The Passage de Drake.
The Drake Passage is one of the most dangerous waterways in the world.
The Drake Passage is named after its discoverer, Sir Francis Drake, a 16th century British explorer. It is approximately 300 kilometers long from east to west, 900 to 950 kilometers wide from north to south, and 645 kilometers wide at its narrowest point. It is the shortest distance between Antarctica and other continents, with an average depth of 3400 meters and a maximum depth of 5248 meters. The strait is located at “Scream 60 degrees” (where winds and waves are most terrifying due to the lack of land blocking westerly winds and ocean currents) and is famous for its frequent storms. The marine environment is quite harsh throughout the year, making it one of the most dangerous waterways in the world. The average wave height is controversial, but some websites claim it can reach 9-12 meters.
Birth is not only a technological adventure, but also a humanized adventure. Without players who love watches, the adventure may never even begin. In terms of collection, these people have become a part of the journey.
High end watches are not just about exquisite and complex functions. The design of the movement, rare and delicate decorations, carefully selected materials or complex case surfaces, and attention to detail are all key factors in adding value.
On the dial, the date window is located at the 6 o’clock position to maintain the Czapek aesthetic based on vertical symmetry
Diameter 40.5 mm
Thickness: 10.6 millimeters
Hour, minute, and second display
The date display is set at the 6 o’clock position
The 40.5 mm stainless steel case blends seamlessly with the unique double “illusion” curve, making this watch a one-of-a-kind design choice.
The gear system is fixed in place by a series of seven beautiful hollow bridges. Their original shape evokes lace, with one side inspired by a pocket watch from the 19th century and the pendulum of the very modern Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph.