Here on aBlogtoWatch, we’re proud to bring you exclusive news of Czapek & Cie‘s newest entry in the Faubourg de Cracovie collection, featuring a special alloy developed for the brand by its Le Locle-located partner, Metalem. The Czapek & Cie Faubourg de Cracovie “Secret Alloy” Chronograph watch boasts a dial made from “Alloy 401”, a blend of gold (55%), platinum, palladium, and silver. This alloy was first presented to Czapek when it began working with Metalem on its fabulous engine-turned dials in 2018. Deciding that the “raw” appearance of the dial (sans electroplating) was, in itself, a beautiful finish with excellent depth and character, this special edition of just 18 pieces has been born. As usual, Czapek & Cie, which has an excellent reputation for its dials and recently contributed a stunning chronograph to the Only Watch Auction 2019, has made a wise choice.
As always, this entry in the Faubourg de Cracovie range is powered by the brand’s signature 5Hz chronograph movement, which uses an integrated column-wheel as the control component. This caliber, dubbed SXH3, is COSC certified and runs for an impressive (especially for a single barrel, high-frequency chronograph) 65-hours on a full charge. The movement goes about its business in a 41.5mm steel case, which features pushers that double up as crown protectors.
The secret alloy used in the creation of this dial (something Metalem has been a specialist in since 1928) is the base material for all of Czapek & Cie’s handmade guilloché dials, but it has never before been seen naked. Thanks to its composition, the alloy is stronger than 18-carat gold, which facilitates a crisp cut. With the metal being strong enough to accept tooling from multiple angles, Czapek and Metalem can give the dials the brand’s characteristic “bombé” dome shape.
The Czapek & Cie Faubourg de Cracovie Secret Alloy Chronograph watch will be unveiled at Watch Time New York (Gotham Hall, October 25-26) and it will be only available in the brand’s authorized dealers in the US including Oster Jewelers in Denver, Colorado and Cellini Jewelers in New York, until Baselworld 2020. The watch will be available with either a date window or without (the standard version). The price for either style will be $25,300. Learn more about the brand and its manufacturing techniques at czapek.com.
