Since its establishment in 2015 Czapek have made a very real impression on the world of Haute Horlogerie collectors, where only the very finest watchmaking standards merit a nomination, and even then it still takes something extra special to gain respect in this most demanding circle of aficionados.

Following on the success of its award-winning debut Quai des Bergues and the superb Place de Vendôme Tourbillon collections, the third Czapek takes on the most popular of contemporary complications, the chronograph, in the new Faubourg de Cracovie 

Encased in a round 41.5mm stainless steel case with discreet Chrono pushers and a quite fabulous dial, topped with a gently domed sapphire crystal, the design is mature yet sporty; classically nuanced but contemporary too.

The deeply cut guilloché ‘Ricochet’ which animates the surface of the deep blue dial is engraved by hand operated lathe, with rings of circles emanating from the two recessed chronograph counters at the three and the nine, their lines intersecting and creating a pattern which is captivating as the light glints off the metallic finish.  This classic technique dates back to the mid-eighteenth century when François Czapek used the very same method on his magnificent pocket watches.

In contrast, the applied luminous filled baton indices and the number ‘12’ are more of our time, and together with the elegant arrow head hands which are also luminous coated provide excellent low light legibility. White print around the edge of the dial and on the subdials complement the effect

A twelve-hour chronograph is operated via the flat pushers which are integrated into the profile of the crown protection, with red tipped central seconds and thirty minute and twelve-hour counters at the three and nine. The small constant seconds are at the six, where a window also displays the date.

The Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph is powered by a proprietary self-winding movement which has been designed by specialist Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. A sapphire case back reveals the gold oscillating weight and the openworked architecture of the anthracite plate, beneath which can be seen the pulsing balance and where the column wheel, vertical clutch and linear hammer chronograph mechanism are integral to the calibre. Fully wound, its single barrel is good for some sixty-five hours of reserve, and it beats at 36’600 vph.

A stunning piece with the craftsmanship of the highest order throughout, the Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph is presented on alligator leather strap with folding clasp.