MOVEMENT
SXH1 CALIBRE
The SXH1 is an haute horlogerie mechanical calibre with 31 jewels. It is finely decorated and remains aesthetically and functionally true to the 1850 original.
This manually-wound movement has two barrel springs and runs at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour, which translates as 3 Hertz. It boasts a power reserve of seven days. The anglage finish and the sandblasted bridges conferes a beautiful and modern look totally drawn from the past…
It was developed by Czapek with Chronode, the Le Locle-based company of Jean-François Mojon.
Original Caliber from 1850
Caliber SXH1, Czapek proprietary movement 2016
INSPIRATION
« le beau est toujours bizarre »
C. Baudelaire, exposition universelle de 1855
Beauty needs some sort of disruption... When an apparently innocent or disturbing detail suddenly makes the whole become beautiful.
A rich legacy ought to be considered with a certain sense of duty, passion and flair. The revival of Czapek first started by exploring the watches portfolio of the former collection until one timepiece emerged. The simple yet fascinating 1850’s pocket watch N°3430 became the centre of attention. Yet plain replication of the original would have been insufficient. Revival requires a lot more than this: all the original codes that made a watch unique in its time must be considered through the looking-glass of 150 year of evolution in technologies and taste. While at first sight classical, François Czapek’s work remains stunningly modern: all the elements are unexpected, almost choking when taken separately, but so harmonious when all set together. The Purity of this large white enamel dial is underlined by the extended numerals. The surprising combination of Fleurs de Lys (Hours) with Trident (Minutes) exceptional forged hands creates a beautiful chaos. The two decentred sub dials, one at 4.30 o’clock the other at 7.30 o’clock create an assymetry on one side and symetry on the other. A typical Czapek style element that we can also find in the movement architecture. Finally the remarkable double hand power reserve indication with weekdays highlights the authenticity of his design approach. The red-line behind these personality traits embodies what makes Czapek unique: The quest for Beauty through the Poetry of Time. It defines our duty: to magnify his style into a modern version.
TIMEPIECES
DETAILS AND INNOVATIONS
TIMEPIECES
Guilloché
The Czapek exclusive “Ricochet” Guilloché pattern takes the inspiration from an ancient design created by Francois Czapek in the 1850s. Its main characteristic and unique feature is the presence of a double focal point, unlike traditional Guilloché patterns with only one focal point at the centre of the dial. The two focal points, corresponding to the two iconic Czapek subdials – indicating small seconds and power reserve – create a fascinating “wave interferences” in the dial, hence the name: Guilloché “Ricochet”.
TIMEPIECES
‘HORIZONTAL MANUFACTURE’
Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier - Jura
The outstanding craftspeople at Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier in the Jura mountains, the cradle of Swiss watchmaking built the bespoke automatic movement of Czapek's first chronograph, the SXH3. This integrated 5 Hz chrono movement makes use of some of the most advanced and effective mechanical elements, like the linear hammer, and modern solutions, as the vertical clutch, ensuring a perfect start for the chronograph hand.
Jean-Francois Mojon - Chronode SA, Le Locle
The CZAPEK calibers SXH1 and SXH2 are the result of an exceptional combination of tradition and innovation transformed from the past into the present and the future. Together with Chronode (Le Locle, Suisse), we are proud to present a high-end 7 days mechanical movement and a tourbillon movement with GMT function embracing all elements of Swiss Haute Horlogerie.
Antoine Tschumi NeoDesis SA - Le Locle
Antoine Tschumi is a leading Swiss designer with a degree from the Ecole d’Art de La Chaux-de-Fonds. Neo-Desis is renowned for their outstanding designs for Haute Horlogerie brands. The Czapek aesthetic is achieved through projecting the brand DNA in the future, as if François Czapek was alive.
LAB – Les Artisans Boîtiers - La Chaux-de-Fonds
In adapting to any given production complexity and engaging in the most challenging of projects, Les Artisans Boîtiers in La Chaux de Fonds is the first choice of Czapek & Cie.
Donze Cadran - Le Locle
The Czapek “Grand Feu” enamel dial is one of the most difficult technique of the art of watches decorating which offers as well the highest durability. The master artisan of our Manufacturing Partner Donze Cadrans in Le Locle, does not paint the motif directly on the watch but applies more oxides on the dial in gold. Then, the enameler moves the dial into fire (800-900° C) several times to allow motif and colors appear gradually. The “Grand Feu” enamel sets unalterable and refined decoration… including a secret signature in the case of Czapek.
H M Waeber SA - Fleurier
The Production of the high crafted hands requires no fewer than 20 operations by hand. The hands are produces by steel or gold, fulfill the highest requirements for quality and are found in each Czapek masterpiece.
AB Concept & AB Product - La Chaux-de-Fonds
Active mainly in the High end watch sector, both companies benefit from their founder, Aurélien Bouchet, of the essential qualities for success: flexibility, creativity and expertise in the design. We owe them the Titanium crown protector built into the stretcher as a Boolean function… or the Fleurs de Lys hands chased by a tool of 0.15mm.
Montanstahl - Stabio
Smiths of the second millennium, Michael and Wolfgang Stumm develop the 30 year-old company by positioning it as the world expert of ‘complicated’ steel profiles. A typical example of Swissness where expertise and high technology allow the creation of an exceptional added value. We owe them the ‘XO’ steel, used in other industries, but never in watchmaking.
André M. - Le Locle
André is one of the finest artisans specialized in the micro-painting artistic craft. that will preserve world-class Thanks to his skills and passion, we have been able to create bespoke watches all of which have been widely praised for their craftsmanship and rare beauty.
Michèle R. - Le Locle
At the end of the 18th century, there were 206 engravers in Geneva. The trade has now almost entirely disappeared and most forms of engraving are now done on automatic engraving-machines or pantographs. Michèle preserves this extraordinary savoir-faire and crafts by hand beautiful figures on our timepieces.
Metalem - Le Locle
Metalem SA is a dial factory with strong roots in the watchmaking industry of the Jura arch since 1928. They masters the entire manufacturing process therefore producing only 100% Swiss-made "haute-de-gamme" dials. Our beautiful and unique guilloché "Ricochet" dials come from their extraordinary factory.
Cadranor - Courtedoux
Cadranor SA specializes in the manufacture of quality dials, from unique pieces to large series. The strength of the company is the result of over 30 years of continuously evolving know-how, modern, high-performance tools and qualified and passionate staff. We owe to the work of this highly-skilled people our solid silver dials.
TEAM
FOUNDERS
