The Crossroads of Time: Czapek’s Race-Inspired Masterpiece
Czapek & Cie has once again blended sport and sophistication with the release of the Faubourg de Cracovie Crossroads. This new chronograph expertly merges the thrill of racing with the elegance of high craftsmanship, perfectly encapsulating Czapek’s ethos: respect tradition, but don’t be confined by it.
“We wanted to revisit the Faubourg de Cracovie collection,” explains Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel, “because it’s our only ongoing chronograph and its design, with those distinctive hollowed-out lugs and integrated pushers, is a statement of our philosophy of modern classicism. Adding a tachymeter gave us a unique opportunity to combine traditional métiers d’art with sporty functionality in a surprising way.”
For those new to the feature, a tachymeter scale, found around the dial’s edge or on the bezel, lets you calculate speed based on time or distance using the chronograph. It’s been a favourite of racing drivers and aviators since the early 20th century, though today, it’s more about the charm of the experience than necessity. Sure, you could use it to double-check your car’s speedometer on a country road, but it’s really about the romance of the race.
A Fresh Dial with Racing Roots
The Crossroads dial is a masterclass in balance and beauty. To make room for the tachymeter, Czapek reduced the main section of the dial, a feat that wasn’t as simple as it sounds. To keep everything in harmony, the sub-dials also shrank proportionally. A larger flange was added to ensure these details didn’t fade into the background, all maintaining that clean, symmetrical aesthetic that’s so Czapek.
As for the guilloché – a hallmark of Czapek’s artistry – they’ve pushed boundaries again. Partnering with Metalem, Czapek designed a new guilloché pattern to give the Crossroads dial a sportier edge. It’s a modern twist on last year’s ‘Double Soleil’ pattern, with straighter, more widely spaced lines. There’s even a subtle nod to tyre treads, hinting at the tachymeter’s racing heritage. The name ‘Crossroads’ speaks to the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design – an invitation to speed, if you will.
Two dial options are available: a striking Deep Blue with contrasting counters, and a monochrome grey ‘Secret Alloy’ that blends the dial and counters seamlessly. The Secret Alloy – an exclusive mix of platinum, gold, silver, palladium, and more – creates a dial that’s not just strong but intensely reflective, highlighting the sharp guilloché pattern. The Secret Alloy version will be limited to 50 pieces, while the Deep Blue will be available without limits.
A Chronograph Engineered for Precision
Under the hood is the SXH3 calibre, a 2018 creation by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, tailored specifically for Czapek. It’s a benchmark in automatic chronograph movements, packed with features that enthusiasts love: a column wheel for crisp pusher action, a vertical clutch for precise timing control, and a linear zero-resetting hammer that ensures all chronograph indicators reset in perfect sync. The movement’s high frequency of 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) means you can measure time down to a tenth of a second. And, for those wondering about durability, de Roquemaurel himself has been snowboarding with his Faubourg de Cracovie for several seasons without a hitch.
Naturally, the finishing is exquisite. The anthracite sand-blasted and diamond-polished bridges contrast beautifully with the 18-carat pink gold rotor, all housed in a 41.5mm steel case with a choice of alligator or Alcantara strap.
The Faubourg de Cracovie Crossroads will be available through Czapek’s global retailers, the Geneva boutique, and online at Czapek.com, with deliveries starting in May 2025. Whether you’re a fan of motorsport or simply appreciate fine horology, this new release is a watch that embodies the best of both worlds.
Further information: https://www.czapek.com/
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