Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie & Quai des Bergues 2018

KIH · 2018-06-08T15:46:56Z

Explore Czapek's 2018 novelties: Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph, Quai des Bergues Ricochet Guilloche, and Place de Vendome special editions. Limited to 18 pieces each, these watches showcase Czapek's early craftsmanship and design philosophy.

KIH

WPS member · Independents forum

18 replies3122 views31 photos

KIH's report from Czapek's 2018 novelty event offers a valuable look at the brand's early innovations, including the Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph and new Quai des Bergues guilloche dials. This post highlights Czapek's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and thoughtful design, which continues to resonate with collectors today. It provides a historical snapshot of a brand that has since grown significantly in the independent watchmaking scene.

18 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Czapek's novelty event has come, with the new Chronograph (Faubourg de Cracovie), Quai des Bergues with Ricochet Guilloche, and Special Edition of Place de Vendome with engraving + Patek, Czapek & Cie pocket watch which the company won at the auction (together with the Certificate of Authenticity by today's Patek, signed by Mr. Stern.

Today's main dish is the new (announced and shown at BaselWorld) Chronograph, Faubourg de Cracovie.

Those three models are all limited to 18 pieces.

Love this enamel dial.... I would lose the lumi on the hands, though

This is a rare "pair shot" with Quai de Bergues with the similar design enamel dial. See how the design philosophy is flowing through the models.

Black/ silver guilloche dial version has rubber strap. Very sporty and nice.

Also, beautiful blue guilloche dial....

Check this out. You have a choice between the domey plastic as this photo or a bit lower crystal glass. I would like this domey type as it feels like the good old days....

From the back - notice the both buttons are on the same height as the crown guard, which was also used for Quai des Bergues. The push feel is interesting - for start/ stop, the pusher goes deeper while the "return" pusher goes a bit shallower. Although this example was still "prototype", the feel was interesting and fun. Could be softer... hope for the delivery pieces.

But also delicious "side dish" was there!

As reported at the time of Geneva Week 2018, Quai des Bergues series had limited guilloche ricochet pieces with four distinct colors. I vaguely suggested it might be interesting to make a box for all four in it with spare strap, intended for "her", and make it "clutch type" so that the exchanging the strap is in a matter of seconds"... and they actually DID it!

Of course, it is not realistic to expect someone to buy all four for him and for her. But this is a nice idea and Czapek seems to be thinking of making limited, order only, a coffret for TWO watches with the same exact concept (straps for him and her, with clutch system to make quick change possible - the choice is from those four + enamel dial 38.5mm version with special price. Wonderful idea, indeed. I would choose green and red pair watch

) Looks nice on vacation!

Titanium Guilloche Ricochet.

Chocolate....

And this is "da man"! Xavier de Roquemaurel, showing the Chronograph operating with big smile. He is a lovable gentleman.

Now, the dessert is the Patek, Czapek & Cie Pocket Watch, No. 535, auctioned off by Czapek, certified by Patek Philippe.

So wonderful. This is history, which not many know. Patek, Czapek & Cie......

Finally, dessert wine du jour...

)

Special edition of Place Vendome - with enamel (champleve) dial, with engraving by Michèle Rothen Rebetez, one of the top artist of engraving.

The motif is Acanthus leaves, which was used for the limited edition of Quai des Bergues in Platinum. This special model has engraving on the sides as well. The design is influenced by the paintings at the Assisi Cathedral, and the technique are seen often in Duomo di Orvieto in Umbria.

Xavier says "it was the biggest challenge to find who could reproduce such a micro design onto the platinum case with curves. She (Michèle) completely understands our philosophy and what we expect. It is great working with her on this project." Each pieces are made to order - each unique piece are made only for the owner and the engraving pattern would never be repeated..... Wow.... Looks very "antique"-ish engraving and just looking at this engraving would let me forget the "time passing".....

So, what do you think of the new offerings. Sure, you may like some, you may hate some. That's okay. Size may matter (Place Vendome is quite big). But overall (despite even I do not applaud all of them), this brand let me expect more and may be one of the most successful new brand. So far it has had a great start.

Ken

Key Points from the Discussion

Czapek's commitment to collector preferences and quality, as demonstrated by CEO Xavier, suggests a solid future for the brand, with the Tourbillon noted as a grail piece.
The quality of Czapek watches, specifically the No. 25 with Fleur de Lys hands, is exceptional, with top-notch components and meticulous attention to detail.
The new chronograph models, including the Faubourg de Cracovie, Quai des Bergues with Ricochet Guilloche, and a special edition Place de Vendome, are all limited to 18 pieces.
A question was raised regarding the case metal of the new Czapek models, indicating interest in the materials used for these exquisite pieces.

The Discussion

Jun 8, 2018

What is the case metal? Of course, the engraved Place Vendome is also exquisite. Thank you for posting. M4

KIH

Jun 8, 2018

40mm is just size... Thank you! Ken

Jun 8, 2018

When in doubt, visit the website! M4

watchestolove

Jun 8, 2018

Thank you for the excellent report and photos! I recently received my with Fleur de lys hands, and I have to say I'm absolutely blown away by the quality of the watch. Every component is top notch and the attention to detail is amazing. I will post some photos at a later time.

Watchonthewrist

Jun 9, 2018

Like you said the brand is doing some great things and i think they will have a solid future ahead . Would love to add a other watch from them in the near future . Xavier is real gentleman and knows what collectors like and are looking for in a special watch . When i met him at a Amsterdam event last year he Listened with great attention to me and surpriced me at SIHH this year with a watch that i was looking for . I couldnt be happier . There new chrono is a beautiful watch and the Tourbillon i

KIH

Jun 9, 2018

.. and wonderful color dial with wonderful guilloche dial!!! Magical.

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Independents forum with 18 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie & Quai des Bergues 2018

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum