Collection: CZAPEK
CZAPEK is an independent luxury watch brand that carries on the name of the watchmaker François Czapek, who was active in 19th century Geneva, Switzerland.
With meticulous finishing and high technical skill characteristic of small-scale production, they offer a collection that blends traditional watchmaking with a modern sensibility.
Experience the classical beauty and the perfection of mechanical watches symbolized by their representative work "Quai des Bergues." At CONTÉVANOU, we provide guidance with the assurance of authenticity and a robust after-sales service system, allowing you to feel secure.
The highest standard of horizontal division of labor to reconstruct the philosophy of creating things from scratch.
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CZAPEK
Ref:CZANT_P&G
Antarctic Passage de Drake Black P&G
Antarctic Passage by Black P&D Red Tipped Limited 10Regular price ¥4,290,000 - 税込Regular price -
CZAPEK
CZAPEK Quai Des Bergues No.25 Limited 188
Quai des Berg No.25 Limited to 188 bottles
Quai Des Bergues No.25 CZQDB25Regular price ¥3,300,000 - 税込Regular price
The Creative Process of CZAPEK
CONTÉVANOU's collection "Antarctic Passage of Drake" features an ergonomically designed brushed finish bracelet.
The sandblasted links are connected by highly polished links shaped like the "C" of CZAPEK, creating a beautiful three-dimensional effect with a contrast in texture.
Additionally, the bracelet is equipped with a quick-change system, allowing for a swift and easy switch to a rubber strap decorated with the same trapezoidal pattern as the dial.
This is a masterpiece from CZAPEK, pursuing perfected form.
Development of SXH5 V3
“Creating the base movement from scratch was more challenging than launching a brand. We understood that we needed to invest in production, use only the highest quality components, and include the most intricate finishing to make the overall quality truly special.”
— De Roquemaurel
Chapek has newly developed an open bridge movement with a micro-rotor for Antarctic.
The platinum rotor features a sandblasted finish, and very advanced decorative techniques are applied throughout the movement.
Modernization of Tradition
The movement evolved from the pocket watch "No.3430" presented to Napoleon III is equipped with a hand-wound caliber SXH1 V2.
In addition to its high precision of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5Hz), it features a 7-day long power reserve.
The dial of "Ke de Berg," which crystallizes traditional design with modern sensibility, is made of carefully high-temperature fired grand feu enamel with exquisite guilloché decoration.
Not only does it enhance beauty, but it also suppresses corrosion of the dial, creating a high-quality and elegant appearance.
The lily flower
The distinctive needle, inspired by the "Fleur-de-lis (Iris)," known as the emblem of French nobility, features a handcrafted needle made of white gold with a careful rhodium plating.
The "Fleur-de-lis" has long been used as a pattern symbolizing nobility, and at that time, it was a special design permitted only for the upper nobility.
It is an elegant design characteristic of CZAPEK, who was also the personal watchmaker of Napoleon III.
Birth of SXH1 V3
Chapeck developed the hand-wound movement SXH1 based on the legendary movement "No.3430".
It is a caliber that combines functionality and beauty with a 7-day power reserve.
For the hand-wound model "Ke de Berg", further redesigning led to the birth of SXH1 V X.
Incorporating the iconic Skeleton Bridge design of the SXH5 featured in the highly successful "Antarctic", it further highlights the beauty of its mechanism.
This movement embodies Chapeck's technical prowess, boasting high precision with 36,000 vibrations per hour (5Hz) and an astonishing 7-day power reserve.
Event of Absence
We, CONTÉVANOU, would like to take a closer look at the watch industry as if peering through a large microscope.
What we face is not "watches as investments," but the very background, history, and aesthetic consciousness of craftsmanship.
To remind ourselves that we are a "library of watches," we have revisited past masterpieces.
Among them, CZAPEK was truly a symbolic presence for CONTÉVANOU.
To the Mill Plateau
We have reexamined the "function" and "beauty" of watches, unraveling and reconstructing these values alongside the history of CZAPEK.
Do not treat "beauty" as mere decoration, nor "function" as the sole purpose. With this perspective, we are reconfiguring the very blueprint of the watch——.
Through this process, repeated many times with a product design mindset, a masterpiece that embodies both strength and elegance has emerged, like grapes blooming in a wasteland, alongside CZAPEK.
"What once existed" and "the future that is beginning to gather now".
Bring fashion and everyday life into a black box and savor it as a rich and exotic stimulus.
Back to the clock
The treasure of Swiss independent watches CZAPEK. The official dealer CONTÉVANOU is not just a place to sell watches. In the calm environment of the Nishi-Sando Terrace, we have created a “home-like space” that harmonizes with art and interior design, valuing the time to savor watches thoroughly.
We do not just list specifications; we guide you while engaging in careful dialogue about the philosophy and structural beauty that Chapek has imbued in the watches, at the same level of understanding. As an official dealer, we guarantee authenticity and promise responsibility for long-term maintenance and after-sales support. You can enjoy the encounter with your “lifetime watch” while leisurely checking the shadows and finishes of the dial in natural light.
Please feel free to consult us about anything that interests you, such as the reservation status of the “Antarctic” or the texture of the “Ké de Berg.” Experience the one-of-a-kind Chapek experience at the quiet atelier CONTÉVANOU in Yoyogi, Tokyo.
HORIZONTAL MANUFACTURING
CZAPEK collaborates with top companies at the forefront of Swiss watch manufacturing, building the entire production process together from movement to finishing. They are not just suppliers, but "true partners" who accompany the execution. With their advanced know-how and rich experience, CZAPEK achieves the highest standards of quality while also fostering innovation in a world that values tradition.
This "manufacturing through horizontal division of labor (collaboration)" is not a new concept; it is a modern continuation of the method established in the 19th century known as "établissage."
Below, we proudly introduce the partners who have cooperated in the creation of our watches.
CZAPEK Etablissage Members
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CHRONODE
Founded in 2007 by industry veteran Jean-François Mojon, Chronode is a movement workshop based in Le Locle, Switzerland.
It is dedicated to the research, development, and manufacturing of mechanical movements, modules, and advanced complications.Since its establishment, Chronode has created innovative concepts by exploring uncharted principles and ideas, free from existing conventions.
It is a top workshop highly regarded in the world of Swiss movements, also involved in the reissue of a 7-day long power reserve. -
VAUCHER MANUFACTURE FLEURIER
Based in the Jura Mountains, which is said to be the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking, Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier is a professional group specializing in the internal mechanisms of movements.
A gathering of excellent craftsmen, they manufacture the custom automatic movement “SXH3” developed for CZAPEK's chronograph. -
DONZÉ CADRANS
“Grand Feu enamel” is one of the most challenging techniques in watch decoration, known for its excellent durability.
The artisans at DONZÉ CADRANS express the motif not by “drawing” but by applying oxides to the dial. They then repeatedly place it in a high-temperature furnace at 800 to 900°C to gradually bring out the colors and patterns.
The Grand Feu enamel created in this way possesses a refined level of completion precisely because it cannot be easily reproduced or modified. In Switzerland, there are very few workshops that can handle this technique to a high standard.
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METALEM
Metalem SA is a historic dial manufacturer rooted in the watchmaking industry of the Jura Mountains since 1928.
It is known as a highly specialized workshop that handles only 100% Swiss-made high-end (or de Goutte) dials, with a deep understanding of all manufacturing processes.Our beautifully unique guilloché dials, as well as frank dials and hand-painted dials, are all born from this special atelier.
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AB CONCEPT & AB PRODUCT
These two companies, engaged in the design and manufacturing of components for high-end watches, were established in 2003 by Aurelien Boucher and now demonstrate high technical capabilities as a fully integrated manufacturing company.
For example, parts that achieve precision, such as the titanium crown protector incorporated into the stretcher and the "fleur-de-lis" hands (white gold heat-treated hands) processed with a 0.15mm ultra-fine tool, are made possible by their outstanding technology.
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WAEBER HMS
The family-owned independent company Waeber HMS is a leading manufacturer of hands in Switzerland, with many years of experience in the production of clock hands.
In the company's workshop, skilled artisans meticulously carry out approximately 20 manual processes necessary to finish the hands used in our clocks, thoroughly refining their precision and beauty. -
MICHÈLE R.
At the end of the 18th century, it is said that there were 206 sculptors in Geneva.
However, this advanced hand-carving technique has almost been lost today, and many sculptures are now made using automatic carving machines or pantographs.The engraver Michel has continued to preserve this rare craftsmanship until modern times, hand-carving beautiful motifs one by one on CZAPEK watches.
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ANDRÉ M.
André is one of the outstanding craftsmen specializing in the artistic craft of miniature painting.
Through his skill and passion, a rare beauty has been achieved in the custom-made CZAPEK watches, delicately adorned with emblems, family crests, symbols, and designs.
Fusion of traditional techniques and modern spaces "QUAI DES BERGUES"
CONTÉVANOU highly appreciates the artistry of the first timepiece collection that heralded the revival of Czapek & Cie, “Quai des Bergues”.
This collection, equipped with a 7-day power reserve and incorporating traditional techniques such as the Franck method, is also a tribute to the place where François Czapek established his workshop in Geneva in 1845.
A timeless allure that captivates the heart, offering enduring value.
This reflects CONTÉVANOU's philosophy of wanting people to wear watches as a “new experience.”
Czapek & Cie 150 Years of History
The craftsmanship and spirit passed down through the brand have been revived in the modern era.
CZAPEK offers a special opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind personalized watch tailored to your requests.
Using the finest materials, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled expertise from designers and artisans.
We blend these elements to develop a watch that aligns with your desires, crafting it into a piece that becomes an extension of your individuality.
A CZAPEK worn on your wrist does not merely tell the time.
It becomes a presence that speaks of you.