While the Antarctique stands as Czapek’s modern flagship, the brand is far from a one-model story. Among its more understated offerings is the Faubourg de Cracovie, an elegant chronograph infused with a distinctly sporty character. Until now, the collection has comprised just five references—especially modest when compared to the Antarctique’s ever-expanding lineup of nearly 50. That changes today with the introduction of the new Faubourg de Cracovie “Crossroads” Victory Green Chronograph, bringing Czapek’s chronograph back into the spotlight.
The watch’s sporty-chic personality is defined by the pairing of a 41.5mm stainless-steel case with a Métiers d’Art–inspired dial. At first glance, the case appears classically round, with polished lugs lending it an elegant profile. However, viewed from an angle, its more athletic side emerges. The lugs feature recessed flanks that flow seamlessly into an equally recessed caseband, finished with a sandblasted texture. This reduction of material not only adds visual contrast but also helps keep the watch lighter on the wrist. The effect is most apparent on the left-hand side of the case, as the right flank is dominated by the crown and the large, integrated chronograph pushers.
When it comes to the dial, the guilloché takes centre stage. The pattern, known as double soleil, was originally developed by Czapek for the Quai des Bergues collection. For the Faubourg de Cracovie, it has been reinterpreted with straighter lines and deeper grooves, subtly amplifying the watch’s sporty character and giving rise to the “Crossroads” nickname. While the collection has previously featured this motif in aqua blue, the latest iteration introduces it in Victory Green, a hue applied via PVD. The result is a rich, British Racing Green–adjacent tone inspired by laurel wreaths awarded to champions—hence the name “Victory.”
Beyond the decorative work, the Faubourg de Cracovie “Crossroads” Victory Green offers a clear and functional chronograph layout. A 12-hour counter sits at 9 o’clock, balanced by a 30-minute totaliser at 3, both finished with a snailed texture. Small seconds occupy the 6 o’clock position, intersecting neatly with the date window. Encircling the dial is a tachymeter scale, enabling the wearer to calculate speed or distance with ease—whether measuring the time taken to cover a known distance or determining distance travelled at a fixed speed, all courtesy of the classic Speed = Distance ÷ Time formula.
Powering all of these functions is the SXH3 movement, developed by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier exclusively for Czapek. The calibre is COSC-certified as a chronometer and offers a robust 65-hour power reserve alongside a high-beat 5 Hz frequency. It can be admired through the exhibition caseback, where bevelled bridges and a rose-gold skeletonised rotor underline the brand’s commitment to fine finishing.
The Faubourg de Cracovie “Crossroads” Victory Green Chronograph is limited to just 18 pieces and priced at CHF 32,000, excluding tax (approximately SGD 52,088). While I still hold out hope for the day Czapek delivers a sub-£10,000 watch—one that would undoubtedly become an instant collector classic—it’s hard to imagine that happening without compromising the level of handcraft, detail, and finishing that has made the brand so compelling in the first place.
