Czapek & Cie Faubourg De Cracovie Océan d'Or (price, Pictures and Specifications)
Czapek & Cie unveils a new version of its Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph for the first time in gold. The Czapek Océan d’Or in 5N rose gold will be limited to 8 pieces, while the 2N yellow gold version will be a “mirror piece” edition of two timepieces only. Both editions feature Czapek signature handcrafted guilloché “Résonance” dial.
Named after the location of François Czapek’s third boutique in Warsaw, Poland, the Faubourg de Cracovie is Czapek’s refined and muscular integrated chronograph until now only available in steel and titanium. Today the Geneva-based maison is for the first time proposing its sporty model with a shining 41.5mm gold case and chronograph counters, combined with a fascinating blue handcrafted guilloche dial with the “Résonance” pattern.
This registered and unique design, where intersecting circular lines form a pattern of bas-relief squares, goes back to François Czapek himself and was developed by Czapek together with its Swiss partner for engine-turned dials Metalem. The profound blue hue is manufactured using a special ALD coating developed by another Czapek partner, Positive Coating, based in La-Chaux-de-Fonds.
Named “Océan d’Or” – “golden ocean” in French – the new model comes in a limited edition of 8 pieces for the 5N rose gold version and only two pieces for the 2N yellow gold edition. The latter was conceived as a precious complimentary pair, a “mirror piece”, as was the case in China for the most special timekeepers. In fact, at the end of the Qing dynasty, there was a high demand of Swiss-made luxurious timepieces for the imperial court and the wealthiest clientele. For very special events or customers two timepieces were made, each watch being a perfect reflection and complement for the other – a “mirror piece”.
“This approach reflects very much the essence of traditional Chinese aesthetics based on a well-known philosophical conception: the principle of Yin and Yang, stating that in all things exists two opposite sides yet inseparable - as well as Czapek’s sense of beauty created integrating contrasting elements or combining symmetry with asymmetry, as in the human body”, says Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek & Cie.
Calibre SXH3
The Océan d'Or chronograph is driven by a bespoke automatic movement, the SXH3. It delivers 65h power reserve from a single barrel that drives the balance wheel at 36,000 vph and is COSC certified. The movement makes use of some of the most advanced and effective mechanical elements, like the linear hammer, which reduces wear and tear on parts and resets all the associated dials in one easy movement.
A modern solution, the vertical clutch, ensures a perfect start for the chronograph hand. Finally, the diamond-blasted anthracite bridges give the final aesthetic twist to the movement visible through the transparent case back.
Czapek & Cie Faubourg De Cracovie Océan d'Or
Technical specifications:
· Case: 41.5mm diameter - 18k 2N yellow gold or 5N red gold case, polished and brushed - box sapphire crystal with AR coating - sapphire caseback - 20m water-resistant
· Dial: Handcrafted guilloché "Résonance" domed dial
· Baton and 12 applied indexes with Super-LumiNova
· Gold arrow hands with Super-LumiNova
· Movement: Calibre SXH3, proprietary - COSC-certified - hi-beat automatic, integrated column-wheel and vertical clutch chronograph - 30mm x 6.95mm - 42 jewels - 5Hz or 36,000 vibrations/hour - 65h power reserve - hours, minutes, small seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters
· Strap: Blue alligator strap with a gold folding buckle
The price for the Czapek & Cie Faubourg De Cracovie Océan d'Or is CHF 46,000 (without taxes) / EUR 43,000 (without taxes) and is available in 8 pieces in 5N red gold and 2 pieces in 2N yellow gold.
