A funky take on serious watchmaking with new Czapek and Cie Fabourg de Cracovie models
Borna BošnjakNamed after Czapek’s third boutique – as it was the third collection released by the brand – the Czapek and Cie Fabourg de Cracovie is the company’s take on an integrated chronograph. It follows the brand ethos of intricately finished dials in vivid colours, and the Purple Panda and California Blue models we look at today are no different. Czapek stays admirably close to their collectors by taking requests and ideas into consideration, turning them into limited editions, which is how today’s duo came to be.
Purple Panda
Czapek’s signature Résonance guilloche pattern, rendered in a rich purple colour, makes up the dial of this watch. Fine circular graining is applied to the two oversized chronograph registers, which contrast the vibrant purple with a subtle sheen of silver. A trapezoidal date cut-out gives balance to the dial with its 6 o’clock placement, intersecting the open track of the running seconds. Stylised lance hands pick out the tapering markers, with a large 12 o’clock Arabic above the Czapek name. The scalloped sides of the watch are sandblasted, while the rest of the 41.5mm stainless-steel case is in a high polish. Integrated into the right side are two pushers, but you wouldn’t know it at first glance, as they sit completely flush with the crown guards. Matching the dial, the Purple Panda is paired with a purple alligator strap.
A sapphire caseback gives a look into the Czapek SXH3 movement, manufactured by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, exclusively for Czapek. It’s a COSC-certified automatic column wheel chronograph, beating at 5 Hertz.
Czapek and Cie Fabourg de Cracovie Purple Panda pricing and availability:
The Czapek and Cie Fabourg de Cracovie Purple Panda is a limited edition of 18 pieces, all of which have sold out. It was priced at CHF29,000/€28,300
California Blue
If haute horlogerie tends to be a bit too serious for your liking, the Fabourg de Cracovie California Blue has you covered. On a grained blue dial backdrop, a combination of Roman and Arabic numerals make up the indices. Previously seen in the California Dreamin’, the watch was inspired by the first modern Czapek, which raised the funds that allowed the name to be relaunched. The rest of the watch is identical to the Purple Panda, with those sleek, integrated chrono pushers, touted by Czapek as “traditional but with a modern flair”. This time, to go along with the sportier nature of the Cali dial, Czapek chose an integrated rubber strap with steel deployant, while the watch pictured is mounted on a blue alligator strap.
The Czapek SXH3 makes a return, with a 65-hour power reserve and modern diamond-blasted anthracite finished bridges.
Czapek and Cie Fabourg De Cracovie California Blue pricing and availability:
The Czapek and Cie Fabourg de Cracovie California Blue is a limited edition of 18 models. Price: CHF29,000/€28,300
| Brand | Czapek and Cie |
| Model | Fabourg de Cracovie Purple Panda Fabourg de Cracovie California Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 41.5mm |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Handcrafted guilloché with Résonance pattern in purple Dark blue electroplated brass dial with grené finish |
| Strap | Purple alligator strap (Purple Panda) Rubber strap with deployant (California Blue) |
| Movement | Czapek Calibre SXH3 integrated automatic column wheel chronograph |
| Price | CHF29,000/€28,300 |