Czapek -

Historic roots

Franciszek Czapek, born in 1811, hailed from Polish roots with Czech origins, and rose to prominence as a distinguished watchmaker. An associate of Antoine Norbert de Patek, a fellow Pole residing in Switzerland, Czapek's name, though not widely recognized, echoes with prestige. His coveted timepieces were a rarity, sought after by nobility in his time and revered by collectors today. Notably, the esteemed French Emperor Napoleon III bestowed upon him the title “Horloger officiel de la Cour Impériale.” .

Operating a boutique on the opulent Place Vendôme in Paris and Quai des Bergues in Geneva, Czapek established himself as a luminary in the 19th-century luxury watchmaking scene. The six-year partnership between François Czapek and Antoine Norbert de Patek yielded exceptional timepieces, after which each pursued their own trajectory.

In 1845, Czapek, alongside new partner Juliusz Gruzewski, founded Czapek & Cie, continuing the legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. Fast forward to 2015, a group of watch enthusiasts revived the Czapek & Cie name, driven by a passion to resurrect its heritage. The Maison's rebirth was marked by the Quai des Bergues 33bis, inspired by an 1850s Czapek & Cie pocket watch, winning the 2016 GPHG Public Prize.

Famous watches, prestigious clients

The inception of the new Czapek & Cie marked an authentic triumph, swiftly transcending Switzerland's borders to garner widespread acclaim. Its timepieces, highly coveted by esteemed clients, gained notable favor among Europe's nobility.

One of the most influential patrons, undoubtedly, was the French Emperor Napoléon III. A devoted connoisseur, he routinely placed orders and honored François Czapek with the prestigious title of "Horloger de la Cour Impériale" (Watchmaker to the Imperial Court).

While maintaining his atelier on Quai des Bergues, François Czapek strategically expanded his presence with a boutique in Paris, situated on Place Vendôme, and another in Warsaw. Eager to perpetuate his expertise to future generations, he authored a groundbreaking book on watchmaking—the first of its kind in Polish. Although he was in the process of publishing a second work, his demise occurred without a pinpointed date.

Revival

The splendid pocket watch, identified by the reference number 3430 and crafted by Czapek & Cie in Geneva around 1850, hints at an exhilarating future. For enthusiasts of authenticity, it serves as an exquisite realm for exploration, teeming with potential. Remarkably, as we stand at the threshold of the third millennium, François Czapek's craftsmanship retains a strikingly modern allure—timeless and profoundly inspiring for those poised to envision its evolution.

The pivotal question arises: does a distinct "Czapek style" exist or will it emerge? In essence, the answer lies within the magnificent pocket watch, bearing the reference number 3430, meticulously fashioned by Czapek & Cie in Geneva circa 1850. This masterpiece unmistakably unveils a definitive Czapek style. Beyond imbuing his timepieces with chronometric precision, François Czapek endowed them with a distinctive aesthetic aura, a true reflection of his identity.

Today

In 2015, Czapek & Cie underwent a transformative relaunch in Geneva, embracing an inclusive approach with an equity crowdfunding campaign. The pivotal moment came in 2016 when the company secured the prestigious Public Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève for its emblematic Quai des Bergues 33bis model, solidifying its global recognition. Subsequent years saw the introduction of new collections like Place Vendôme, including all mechanical exceptions, and the Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph.

In 2020, Czapek marked a significant milestone with the launch of Antarctique, a sport-chic timepiece featuring an in-house movement. The company's headquarters in Geneva and independent manufacture in La Chaux de Fonds reinforce its commitment to watchmaking tradition.

Czapek & Cie’s philosophy is well expressed by its communication campaign and tagline, "We Collect Rare People," blending exclusivity, sharing, and community. This motto is meant to enhance the human element and the community created around the brand collectors, and the allure of joining the Czapek 'club.'

The “Rare people” include Czapek’s distinctive suppliers, quality-obsessed clients, global retail partners, talented team members, and shareholders who realized their haute horology dreams through a crowdfunding equity campaign, contributing to Czapek's revival.