A GALACTIC LEAP

Czapek & Cie marks 180 years with the gravity- defying Time Jumper

- STORY: KANOKPORN CHANASONGKRAM

In 2015, the renaissance of Czapek & Cie as a startup, backed by an equity crowdfunding campaign, sparked interest in its contemporary haute horlogerie.

The independent brand adopted the “head in the sky, feet on the ground” philosophy. Accordingly, the five collections, launched over the decade, embody its innovative spirit and 19th century watchmaking heritage.

Last year, the 10th anniversary of its revival coincided with 180 years of the original maison, founded by François Czapek in 1845.

The dual milestone was celebrated by commemorative models, including the futuristic Time Jumper launched in November.

Czapek & Cie actually leaped into its second decade with this stunning timepiece, powered by the first movement of the new Calibre 10 series.

Echoing Czapek's pocket watches, the Time Jumper is housed in a round half-hunter case, recalling a flying saucer. The presentation box takes the same form, with the aluminium UFO representing an exploration of the four-dimensional spacetime continuum.

The scientific concept has been playfully expressed as the Time Jumper in a stainless steel case with a white gold guilloché inlay as well as a radiant 18-carat yellow gold version, both matched with a blue leather strap.

"We wanted an avant-garde and uncompromising design without being extremely different from other Czapek models yet a clear expression of the brand's signature elements and aesthetic codes," said CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel.