Trending Articles from The Watch Guide
Presenting The Pantone 2025 Colour 'Mocha Mousse' Toned Watches
A Timeless Trio In Blue, White And Green: The Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture
Bridges Of Time: The Alpina Alpiner Extreme Skeleton Automatic
‘The Eagle Has Landed’: Omega’s Speedmaster Moonwatch, Now With A White Lacquer Dial
“The Quest For Beauty Through The Poetry Of Time” - Czapek
“My sun sets to rise again”. These penned-down thoughts by Robert Browning best suit the re-emergence of a brand covered under the sands of time. Founded in 1845 in Geneva, Czapek & Cie had a short yet commemorated life up until the death of their owner, Franciszek Czapek. A Polish immigrant, Czapek met Antoine De Patek in 1836. Both were a part of the Polish uprising against the Russian rule in Poland. Finding solace and the required skill set in Patek, both decided to start a partnership. Named Patek, Czapek & Cie, the partnership started operations in 1839. Known for their meticulous designs and movements, this partnership churned out some of the rarest timepieces.
Post the end of the partnership, Czapek founded Czapek & Cie with a new partner, Juliusz Gruzewski. After the partnership, Czapek’s skills were recognised by the court of Napoleon III. Czapek & Cie were then made the official timekeepers of the French government and later the French Kingdom. At its zenith, Czapek & Cie had boutiques in cities like Warsaw, Paris, and Geneva. Whilst producing the timepieces, Franciszek also wrote a book on the art of watchmaking.
Some of his other clients were Khedive Ismail, the Pasha of Egypt, and the House of Golitsyn. This is where the journey of Czapek watches took an unexpected turn. Czapek died of illness, the cause, the time, or even the last timepiece is unknown. The brand then took a hiatus from their horological pursuit. Czapek watches are divided into collections such as Quai de Bergues, Quai de Bergues Lady, Place Vendome, Faubourg De Cracovie, Antarctique, Crystal Time, and few of the special editions.
The Re-emergence of Czapek & Cie
Resurrected by three horology enthusiasts, Xavier De Roquemaurel, Harry Guhl, and Sebastian Follonier, Czapek & Cie were started again in 2012. After the resurrection, these three gentlemen extensively studied the designs by Czapek & Cie. After the in-depth study, they created a library of Franciszek Czapek’s designs. On November 10th, 2010, Czapek & Cie were officially revealed to the world. What followed was nothing short of the resurrection of Lazarus. When fellow horology enthusiasts were provided with an equity crowdfunding campaign, many of them joined Czapek & Cie’s horological pursuit. The pursuit carries the legacy of Franciszek Czapek, his philosophy, his designs, and his art. In 2016, Czapek & Cie won the most prestigious award in the timekeeping industry, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.
The Quai de Burgues
Czapek & Cie are renowned for their commitment to heritage and exquisite craftsmanship, currently featuring five distinct collections in their portfolio. The inaugural collection, Quai de Burgues, pays homage to the very site where Franciszek Czapek established the company in Geneva. This collection captures the essence of the pocket-watch era and boasts a distinctive revolution case. While the movement within this collection may be straightforward, it operates at a pleasing frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Place Vendôme
The Place Vendôme collection embodies the pinnacle of exceptional watchmaking artistry. Beginning with remarkable creations like the "Tourbillon Suspendu Ici et Ailleurs," which showcases both a tourbillon and a second time zone indication, this line continues to impress with the double escapement "Complicité," developed in collaboration with the esteemed Bernhard Lederer. Each piece in this collection is a tribute to the finest traditions of horology, celebrating the intricate craftsmanship and innovative spirit that define superior watchmaking.
The Antarctique
The Antarctique Passage de Drake collection, featuring Czapek & Cie’s inaugural in-house movement, pays homage to the renowned English explorer Sir Francis Drake. A historical figure celebrated for his discovery of the Drake Passage, which links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Sir Drake embodies the spirit of exploration and adventure. In keeping with Czapek & Cie's ethos of ‘collecting rare people,’ this collection exemplifies the brand's commitment to unique craftsmanship and exceptional design.