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.
THE CASE
The first collection of timekeepers to herald the renaissance of Czapek & Cie is called ‘Quai des Bergues’. It is a tribute to the location where François Czapek founded the company in Geneva in 1845. Our cases were designed to be like a pocket watch perfectly fitting on a wrist. The generous and smooth round shape of the case of the 5N Rose Gold case, and the beauty of its curves, are an expression of the purity of the brand.
THE MOVEMENT
The SXH1 caliber is a proprietary movement designed by Czapek. It is the first in a family of movements developed specifically for Czapek watches, according to the strictest rules of the watchmaking art. It was conceived in cooperation with Le Locle based company Chronode. This manually wound movement has two barrel springs, ensuring 7 days of power reserve and runs at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour, (3 Hertz). It features an annular balance wheel with weights for variable inertia and a Breguet terminal curve balance spring. The balance cock has been finely skeletonized and streamlined to give the whole balance greater transparency. It is finely decorated and remains aesthetically and functionally true to the 1850 original. The architecture remains symmetrical, and the sandblasted finish is a modern interpretation of the ‘satiné frost’ technique used in the 19th Century.
Technical Specifications
FUNCTIONS
Hours, Minutes & Seconds
Small second at 7h30
Power reserve indication with weekdays at 4h30
MOVEMENT
Calibre SXH1: Haute Horlogerie proprietary mechanical hand-wound movement 100% swiss made
Power-reserve > 168 hours (7 days) on 2 barrel-springs
Frequency: 3 Hz – 21,600 VpH
Diameter: 32 mm – 14 lines ¼
Height: 4.75 mm
Number of components: 160
Number of jewels: 31
Finish: Partially open worked bridges on gear train, double open ratchets, sandblasted bridges and main plate, heat-blued screws, bevelling, final hand-chamfering, circular graining and snailing on wheels
HANDS
“Fleur de Lys” hands in “Blue Gold”
CASE & BRACELET
5N Rose Gold case with Czapek’s “Queen Bee” Hallmark
Curved sapphire crystal with Anti-reflective treatment on the inside surface
Sapphire crystal case back with Anti-reflective treatment on the inside surface