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 — Elegant dress watches named after the Geneva quay where the original Czapek workshop stood, featuring micro-rotor movements.
- Place Vendôme — Named after Czapek's historic Paris boutique, featuring chronograph complications with classical styling.
- Antarctique — Modern integrated-bracelet sports watch with a distinctive design and in-house automatic movement.
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.