Here’s one field that remains beyond the reach of artificial intelligence – at least for now! The majority of fine watches continue to be brought to life as a result of the stories, aspirations and encounters of actual people in real life. Since 2018, Czapek has nurtured a dream of enhancing the aesthetics of the Quai des Bergues and Place Vendôme models with a highly technical and exceedingly rare feature: the combination of two escapements in one wristwatch. In keeping with Czapek’s signature dial layout, the two escapements and the different had to be symmetrically placed on the lower half of the dial, with the connecting differential at precisely 12 o’clock.
This presented a considerable challenge, and it proved impossible to find a watchmaker who was up to the task. But then, Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel crossed paths with watchmaker-designer Bernhard Lederer. Their children attended the same school, and yet the fathers had never met! A mutual friend brought them together, and the two horology enthusiasts not only became friends, they combined their complementary approaches to create the Place Vendôme Complicity watch.
Committing to make a difference
However, if they were going to produce the piece in time for the Only Watch 2023 charity auction (in support of research into a rare form of muscular dystrophy) they had to move quickly. For that reason, the dial design for the Complicity Only Watch was decided even before Czapek’s regular pieces were finalised. This race against the clock is not so surprising when you understand the level of dedication that the Only Watch auction inspires in watch companies. Czapek is particularly committed to the cause, given that many individuals close to the brand are affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Czapek’s association with Only Watch began in 2017, despite the brand being just three years old at the time (the Czapek name was a revival of a brand from the early 19th century). The first offering was a unique customisation of the Quai des Bergues model with an enamel dial by renowned artisanal dial maker Donzé Cadrans. Since then, the company has kept up with both the tradition and the commitment, producing a new enamel dial for Only Watch each year. The timepieces have been remarkably successful (and highly effective in terms of fundraising), with the sale price rising consistently year on year. In 2017, for instance, the Quai des Bergues No. 25 “Courage every second” went under the hammer with an estimate of between CHF 12,000 and 20,000, and was eventually sold for CHF 18,000. In 2021, the Antarctique Rattrapante “Sunrise”, with an estimate of CHF 60,000-90,000, sold for an astonishing CHF 240,000. The Complicity will start with an estimate of CHF 80,000-100,000 (Lot 19 if you’re interested…). Its dial in multicoloured champlevé enamel is inspired by the work of Victor Vasarely on the roof of the Monaco Convention Centre. If you’re keen to find out how the remarkable story of the Complicity ends, mark your calendar for 5 November 2023. See you in Geneva!
