Czapek

[rag5178]

Originally Posted by Gavster

It’s a bit odd that just yesterday the Czapek website still had about 8 slots available for December 2023 delivery!

Agreed, something about that isn't quite adding up. If they were taking orders with production dates at the end of 2023 up until they closed the order book, why would they be targeting delivery of all watches by end of 2024?

I wonder if Mike sees these messages if he could reply to give some extra info.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Gavster

It’s a bit odd that just yesterday the Czapek website still had about 8 slots available for December 2023 delivery!

I am thinking it is a fast moving fluid situation based on parts and other factors. I could imagine that those slots went quickly.

I am glad to see the pause, this was a sound decision.

[sgrossma]

When ADs take orders I don't think they update the website in real time. And you have multiple ADs taking orders around the world in addition to people ordering direct.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by sgrossma

When ADs take orders I don't think they update the website in real time. And you have multiple ADs taking orders around the world in addition to people ordering direct.

That’s a great point - how does it work when someone palaces an order via an AD? Does the AD have a site where they log on and pick a build date (for those watches where you pick your own if you order directly)?


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[sgrossma]

I am just guessing [for fun], but logically I would presume Czapek gets the orders from the AD, and when Czapek processes it they probably remove the earliest dates from the website chronologically. And just from watching I would guess they do it in batches b/c I often see 2-5 slots disappear at a time. I would guess that 98% of people would prefer the earlier date to a special date anyway, unless it just so happened that coincidently a special date was only a few days or weeks away.

[rag5178]

I would think that is correct. I suppose ADs could have received quite a few orders that were not yet reflected on the Czapek production date calendar. I wouldn’t expect the backlog of order to be enough to push production dates all the way into the second half of 2024, but perhaps Czapek is just wisely being conservative about their ability to fulfill their entire order book. Much better to underpromise and over deliver versus the alternative.

[usmc_k9_vet]

Originally Posted by mongrelnomoad

Yeah sure. Whatever mate. Lol.

I find this hilarious and pathetic at the same time. You said the books are closed and he gets upset because they’re actually “paused”. You say semantics, he says no “facts”. Well actually, if you want to play that game, beshannon would be WRONG. The books are indeed CLOSED.. for one year

Geez I’m sure he’s really going to lose his mind now and come back with something truly witty and important. Very likely I will be hit with more “facts”.


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[Noahgraph]

Originally Posted by rag5178

Much better to underpromise and over deliver versus the alternative.

Not sure where I stand on this. If they decide to specify a date of production, a brand new transparency known to a watch brand, there is no way to over deliver when the order book is completely filled. You either succeed or fail in my opinion, and as the promises are already made they are likely to fail badly with 'the end of 2024' being another 12 months delay.

I would say the order stop is in their favor but another 1-year delay certainly is not.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Noahgraph

I would say the order stop is in their favor but another 1-year delay certainly is not.

It's seems to be a pause as only a certain amount can be produced. Unless you have a great hookup with talented watchmakers, the support team to create the parts by hand, construct and test each piece....

This isn't a Swatch Sistem51.

[Noahgraph]

Obviously, and I am hoping that my Antarctique isn't going to look like one. Therefor I am applauding them for this decision.

I also ordered a Quai des Bergues No.25 and I am really curious how that delivery time will develop..

[rag5178]

Originally Posted by Noahgraph

Not sure where I stand on this. If they decide to specify a date of production, a brand new transparency known to a watch brand, there is no way to over deliver when the order book is completely filled. You either succeed or fail in my opinion, and as the promises are already made they are likely to fail badly with 'the end of 2024' being another 12 months delay.

I would say the order stop is in their favor but another 1-year delay certainly is not.

Were they specifying production dates for AD orders or only for orders direct from Czapek? My AD did not guarantee me a production date, just a range of likely delivery dates.

[Noahgraph]

You are absolutely right the AD did not disclose an exact production date but technically the back order from the AD has a set production date as well. My AD ordered over 60 pieces so they give an estimated range.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by Noahgraph

Never was I ever more underwhelmed by a watch than the 5711. So I guess I am in for a treat then. Mind you the first time I stumbled across a 5711 it was already around 100 large. In that narrative I was no impressed. Czapek brings up a different interpretation in my head so hopefuly it will live up to my expectations.

Just curious... Do you think you'd have been impressed by the Czapek if it was 100 large when you saw it for the first time? In my eyes both are nice watches with quite different strengths and weaknesses but certainly worth their MSRP.

[ckmcknight]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

The email came... Monochrome is headed my way. <happy dance>

I'm jealous. I appear to be in the second group of the 33 with no eta in sight.

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by Noahgraph

You are absolutely right the AD did not disclose an exact production date but technically the back order from the AD has a set production date as well. My AD ordered over 60 pieces so they give an estimated range.

60, that's nuts.

[Noahgraph]

Originally Posted by ts3

Just curious... Do you think you'd have been impressed by the Czapek if it was 100 large when you saw it for the first time? In my eyes both are nice watches with quite different strengths and weaknesses but certainly worth their MSRP.

To be honest I don’t know. I have never seen an Antarctique in the flesh ironically enough. Also the realm of 100 grand is out of my league so I only like to stretch my budget to 25k if I feel as if the juice is worth the squeeze. Maybe I will be completely underwhelmed with the Czapek as well.

@dchang81 all models considered including some special editions of the faubourg de cracovie, the rattrapante and the place vendome. So not only Antarctique’s.

Cheers guys.

[Finly]

In 2019 they said in Fall 2022 they'll release a minute repeater. Can't wait to see that. Also wondering if they'll go with the Antarctique case or something more dressy.

[Chiboy]

I saw a Czapek at a dealer here in Naples. It was a used, 2x MSRP model. It was certainly pretty. I knew nothing of it, and came here to learn more. I found this thread and have been really enjoying reading it. It's nice to learn more about a brand I wasn't even aware of. Do you think that Czapek has too many models and versions for such a small company? I have never bought a watch for collectibility, but wonder about this. I don't know ANY details, but it seems like Czapek has a limited edition "collaboration" with a number of different websites, they have new dials and colors all the time, a number of different models. And they don't really make many watches. So around every corner is a new variation. Thoughts?

[BrunoMalik]

Im just hoping this decision moves the spotlight to the other models in the Czapek line, especially the excellent Faubourg de Cracovie. In my opinion, the best Chrono designed in recent memory. Proportions are spot on and it just sits on the wrist like a dream. I have the purple Panda on order and im so looking forward to it.

Patek can learn a thing or two from this model. The 5172 is…meh


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[rag5178]

Based on what I’m hearing from one of Czapek’s ADs, they may have had an issue where the AD orders and the production calendar on Czapek’s website were not in sync. I suspect they are going to have some real problems meeting some of the production dates that they promised.

[Noahgraph]

So would you guys be out of the door if they don't deliver as promised or would you say the watch is worth the two year plus?

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Noahgraph

So would you guys be out of the door if they don't deliver as promised or would you say the watch is worth the two year plus?

I am fine with this and wish more manufactures would do the same thing.

I can plan, budget and be prepared for the payment. I would order a Gronefeld if they had an open order book with a deposit and a time frame for delivery.

Pushing it out just gives me more time to keep my capital working.

[bibbi]

Originally Posted by Noahgraph

So would you guys be out of the door if they don't deliver as promised or would you say the watch is worth the two year plus?

There is no sensible alternative anyway (or is there?). So I would wait.

[rag5178]

Originally Posted by Noahgraph

So would you guys be out of the door if they don't deliver as promised or would you say the watch is worth the two year plus?

I ordered back in late December/early January and was quoted 6-9 months wait time. For me, it is all about communication. If the AD/Czapek are proactive about alerting me to potential delays and are able to provide an updated timeline, then I'm happy to wait. If 9 months comes and goes and I do not hear anything or am not provided a response when inquiring about the status, I would probably grow frustrated and would consider cancelling my order.

Production delays are part of the industry and are often times out of the brand's control. Transparent and frequent communication are ALWAYS within the brand's control and my experience with Czapek suggests that they will be both transparent and responsive so I do not have any major worries.

[Noahgraph]

Yeah that makes sense. I was told mine would arrive around September 2023. I haven't even seen the watch so hopefully they manage to get a piece in as a demonstration model before that. I'm with you on the comms though. If they are sufficient I would probably stick with it. That is if I really like the watch but I am really confident about that. To make the wait easier and to start my Czapek-journey I also ordered a dress piece that should arrive within 6 months. If all these dates shift I would be really disappointed to be honest.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Noahgraph

So would you guys be out of the door if they don't deliver as promised or would you say the watch is worth the two year plus?

Yes worth the wait imho. Many industries are experiencing delays. Another month or three is fine by me. Heck, am already part way into a nearly year and a half wait for an MB&F LM101. It's the sign of the times.

These great independents are not churning out 50,000 pieces a year, you can't just 'rush' production or cut corners (or substitute an inspiring design for a much simpler fast-production movement). jmho

[rag5178]

Agree with your first point, but regarding the second point about limited production capacity, I feel like that is somewhat irrelevant as it relates to delays. Whether a brand makes 50,000 or 50 pieces a year, if they provide a timeline for delivery during the order process, I would hold the independent just as accountable as the big brand to reach that timeline.

That is not to say that delays are inexcusable, just that the number of pieces a brand makes per year should not, in my opinion, affect their accountability in the event of delays.

[enjoythemusic]

Excellent point, orders taken versus production ability. Am glad they paused taking orders for some models, and I have faith in Xavier and his friends. Talking about what might happen is a bit premature.

Am hoping they deliver early to those with Q4 2022 and beyond dates, it'll be interesting revisiting this thread.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I am fine with this and wish more manufactures would do the same thing.

I can plan, budget and be prepared for the payment. I would order a Gronefeld if they had an open order book with a deposit and a time frame for delivery.

Pushing it out just gives me more time to keep my capital working.

Agreed. Waiting doesn’t stink half as bad as I had imagined it would. If you want the watch and trust your sales rep then go for it. I do it with Journe and for someone with little patience it’s been surprisingly enjoyable.

[Amanubis]

I really want to like the Czapek. It has a great history, the movements are ace, and they have some very nice dials. But (and this is a big but) these aside, the design is fairly bland, functional, and looks more like a Tissot Powermatic than something i would expect paying this amount of money - the emotive pull of something that feels truly special is somewhat lacking. Unfortunately, this meant that I had to let go of my Czapek. That said, the Antartique looks tempting, and it would be good to witness this in the flesh.

Not sure if anyone has the same sentiment?