Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Racetrack-Ready Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie Crossroads
Sporting a new guilloché Crossroads pattern and a tachymetre scale on the flange, Czapek’s chronograph is primed for the races.
Launched in 2018, the Faubourg de Cracovie was Czapek’s third model and first chronograph, powered by Vaucher’s sophisticated high-frequency column-wheel movement. Maintaining the brand’s spirit of modern classicism, the 41.5mm chronograph defied the canon of most sporty stopwatches by flaunting traditional guilloché dials. This autumn, Czapek releases two iterations of its chronograph with a racing-style tachymeter scale on the flange and a sportier Crossroads guilloché pattern.
While there have been many dial variations over the years, one thing that never changes is the stylish yet discreet 41.5mm case. A far cry from burly chronographs with oversized protruding pushers, the brand’s hallmark crown guards are seamlessly transformed into pushers, maintaining the streamlined case profile and revealing the attractive recessed areas on the case flanks.
Although the first model with a tachymeter scale was the Faubourg de Cracovie California Dreamin’, the new editions highlight the black angled tachymeter scale on the flange with an adjacent silver-coloured seconds/minutes track. The precision track, which allows for 1/10th of a second readings, also buffers the tachymetre scale from the eye-catching decoration of the guilloché dial.
To accommodate the racing-style flange, the main section of the dial had to be reduced, which in turn led to the reduction of the sub-dials. To highlight the sportier nature of the new models, Czapek turned to dial-making partner Metalem to create a new guilloché pattern. A reinterpretation of the Double Soleil guilloché created for the Quai des Bergues, the new Crossroads pattern has straighter, more deeply etched lines and wider spacing, intended to evoke tyre treads.
Two dial colours, Deep Blue with contrasting silver counters and a monochrome grey Secret Alloy dial, expand the collection. Both dials use the precious metal Secret Alloy 401 as a base. Developed for Czapek by Metalem, the alloy is made of gold, platinum, palladium and silver. Polished before the guillochage, the alloy produces intense reflections that emphasise the crispness of the engraved pattern.
Another detail that sets these watches apart is the elimination of the Arabic 12, replaced by double indices. Retaining the same handset as previous editions, the hands and indices are treated with Super-LumiNova, and the central chronograph seconds hand has a red curved tip. The two chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock are snailed with lacquered hands, with the small seconds at 6 o’clock with a date window.
Inside is the automatic calibre SHX3, a modern high-grade chronograph movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch. Made with Vaucher Manufacture, this high-frequency COSC-certified movement runs at 5 Hz, allowing measurements of 1/10th of a second. Its power reserve is of 65 hours when fully wound. The modern, technical-looking finish is based on anthracite sandblasted and diamond-polished bridges contrasting with the pink gold openworked rotor.
The Faubourg de Cracovie Crossroads can be ordered on an alligator or Alcantara strap with a steel pin buckle. The Secret Alloy is a limited edition of 50 pieces. Both models retail for CHF 36,000 (excl. tax) and are available at Czapek.com and all Czapek retailers worldwide. Deliveries start in May 2025.
