Watchatlas

Czapek & Cie

Geneva, Switzerland · Est. 1845

Founded by Franciszek Czapek, Harry Guhl (modern revival)

Czapek & Cie was revived in Geneva in 2012, drawing on the legacy of François Czapek, who co-founded what later became Patek Philippe before departing in 1845. The neo-vintage brand produces limited-edition, beautifully finished pieces with in-house movements and has quickly attracted a dedicated collector following.

Founded
1845
Headquarters
Geneva, Switzerland
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Mid
Status
Revived

Key Collections

  • Quai des Bergues (2015) — Czapek’s founding-era dress-watch collection, named for the Geneva quay where François Czapek first worked. The line pairs classical round cases, hand-finished dials, and the brand’s signature twin subdials with modern haute-horlogerie construction, including a micro-rotor era in later references and a strong heritage-led identity. Key references: N° 33, 33bis, N° 25 Ter.
  • Place Vendôme (2015) — Czapek & Cie’s Place Vendôme collection is the maison’s platform for exceptional fine watchmaking, pairing classical inspiration with technically ambitious complications such as tourbillon, second time zone and dual-escapement constructions. Key references: Tourbillon Suspendu Ici et Ailleurs, Complicité, Place Vendôme.
  • Antarctique (2020) — Czapek & Cie’s Antarctique is the maison’s integrated-bracelet sport-chic collection, built around a slim steel/titanium profile, in-house automatic movement and a design language that balances technical finish with contemporary, everyday wearability. Key references: SXH5, Terre Adélie, Passage de Drake.

Timeline

  • 1845 — Franciszek Czapek founds Czapek & Cie after dissolving his partnership with Antoni Patek (Patek Philippe).
  • 1850 — Opens Paris boutique at Place Vendôme 28; becomes watchmaker to Emperor Napoleon III.
  • 1869 — Czapek dies; the brand ceases production and enters dormancy.
  • 2012 — Harry Guhl revives Czapek & Cie in Geneva, launching a successful Kickstarter campaign.
  • 2016 — Debuts the Quai des Bergues collection with an in-house micro-rotor movement.
  • 2021 — Launches the Antarctique, an integrated-bracelet sports watch that becomes a bestseller.
  • 2025 — Celebrated 10th anniversary with Time Jumper limited edition featuring half-hunter cover with 3D guilloche.
  • 2026 — Unveiled Antarctique Titanium Cosmic Blue at Watches & Wonders 2026, featuring SXH5 first fully in-house movement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Czapek & Cie

What is the connection between Czapek and Patek Philippe?
Franciszek Czapek was Antoni Patek's original partner. They founded Patek, Czapek & Cie in 1839, which was dissolved in 1845. Patek went on to found Patek Philippe, while Czapek founded Czapek & Cie.
Is Czapek & Cie a new or heritage brand?
Both. Originally founded in 1845 by Franciszek Czapek, the brand was dormant for over a century before being revived in 2012 by Harry Guhl.

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