A superb limited edition sports timepiece featuring a harmonious blend of contemporary and vintage styling cues, the Faubourg de Cracovie California Blue by Geneva based independent brand Czapek demonstrates impressive Haute Horlogerie techniques throughout. Bringing exclusivity to its wearer, this handsome and unique model also enjoys the precision of a COSC certified chronometer movement.

The prestigious name Czapek Genève was engendered through a six year partnership between Czech watchmaker François Czapek and Antoine Norbert de Patek between 1839 and 1846, when the two fellow countrymen, newly arrived in Switzerland, set up a company to create finely crafted masterpieces for the courts and palaces of Europe’s premier citizens. Remaining respectful to the legacy of its illustrious past since its relaunch in 2005,  Czapek have created a portfolio of classically inspired but contemporary watches, each manufactured to exacting Haute Horlogerie standards. The Faubourg de Cracovie California Blue is representative of the design confidence and technical mastery of this exciting independent watchmaking company.

Measuring 41.5mm across, the round stainless steel case has a clean, sleek profile with recessed inlays around its waist, flowing from lug to lug. On either side of the crown, the sloping chronograph pushers are discretely integrated into the curvature of the case giving it an elegant presence on the wrist. A subtle box sapphire crystal reveals the pleasure of a California-style dial.

Featuring a deep blue hand-worked grené finish upon an electroplated brass dial plate, the façade of the watch has a subtle textured character. Against this rich backdrop, is a combination of numeral styles, with Roman examples on the upper dial from X to II, and Arabic on the lower from 4 to 8. Reminiscent of vintage watch styles, the arrangement of the dial is immediately eye-catching.

Providing maximum readability, the subdials at the three and nine o’clock positions, which display the 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters respectively, are standout features. Joining them, at the six o’clock, the small constant seconds also houses a window to display the date. The hour and minute hands carry elegant arrow-shaped tips and together with the hour markers they have been coated with powerful Super LumiNova, assuring excellent legibility, even in low light environs. Rounding off this poised dial architecture is a vivid red chronograph seconds hand and a tachymeter scale at the perimeter.

Inside, the bespoke Czapek Calibre SXH3 self winding movement is by specialist Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. This state of the art integrated chronograph movement beats at 36’000 vib/h with COSC certified chronometer precision, and delivers a power reserve of 65 hours from its single barrel. Featuring column wheel with vertical clutch and linear hammer which interact seamlessly the chronograph commands are smooth and instantly responsive. A sapphire caseback reveals the complex mechanism beneath the gold rotor and openworked anthracite grey plates.

With its unusual textured dial layout the Faubourg de Cracovie California Blue by Czapek is a beautifully executed and highly original timepiece defined by craftsmanship and horological innovation. Released in a strictly limited edition of 18 pieces, the model comes presented on a rubber strap secured with a steel folding clasp.