Czapek

[Gebbeth]

Collective is always sort of an offshoot limited edition. The had one with Moser and the Pioneer with full metal bracelet, green gradient dial, and 12 hour rotating bezel, and the IWC Pilot Chronograph in grey/black dial tone.

They had a recent one as well.

Not all have been successful in my opinion.

Czapek is too young to say they are doing one thing or another.

But, too many limited editions may lead to people “waiting” on the purchases of their usual line, hoping for another special limited edition.

Please don’t turn into Grand Seiko though. They have lost complete control over the term “limited edition.”

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

From the Collective.

I saw this at watches and wonders. Great looking dial in the flesh.

[mikemargolis]

Originally Posted by manoop1856

I saw this as well. At the risk of offending someone - it appears Czapek's emerging portfolio strategy is a hybrid of something like AP and H Moser & Cie. Why?

* AP in terms of similarities with having two predominant model families (the Antarctique and the Quai Des Bergs)
* Moser in terms of having similar-ish annual production volumes w/a non-trivial % of that volume tied to 'limited edition' variants of the main model line

I'm hoping its a good strategy for them, and of course this is a complete outsider opinion!

It is a good question.

The answer is : there is a mix of managing avalanche of requests + trying to keep the control + following a clear strategy. Nothing to do with our fellow watchmaking companies (for whom we have a lot of love too!).

Our strategy is to explore Haute Horology (as if it was a galaxy) with original models and launch one new model every other year (on average). Our commitment to our retail partners is to do one limited edition with each of them. Our reality is that since 2021 we have been overwhelmed by requests and orders. We ‘funnel’ them and launch them one by one, to make everyone happy while keeping control.

Our future is that we will do “limited production” on most “high demand” models to not get buried under orders, and a few limited editions on very precise models.

It is very difficult to manage expectations, wait and happiness, and we hope that we do not generate frustration as our aim is exactly the opposite! 😁

[mikemargolis]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

Collective is always sort of an offshoot limited edition. The had one with Moser and the Pioneer with full metal bracelet, green gradient dial, and 12 hour rotating bezel, and the IWC Pilot Chronograph in grey/black dial tone.

They had a recent one as well.

Not all have been successful in my opinion.

Czapek is too young to say they are doing one thing or another.

But, too many limited editions may lead to people “waiting” on the purchases of their usual line, hoping for another special limited edition.

Please don’t turn into Grand Seiko though. They have lost complete control over the term “limited edition.”

Yes Sir! You are right. We feel the same and have taken measures already, but we still need to honor our past commitments. (We are like this, if we take a commitment, we honor it.)

So it will take 2023 and 2024 to get these pass commitments executed and after we’ll only have a few very very special pieces in LE. The ones that are so special that they deserve to be LE.

[manoop1856]

Originally Posted by mikemargolis

It is a good question.

The answer is : there is a mix of managing avalanche of requests + trying to keep the control + following a clear strategy. Nothing to do with our fellow watchmaking companies (for whom we have a lot of love too!).

Our strategy is to explore Haute Horology (as if it was a galaxy) with original models and launch one new model every other year (on average). Our commitment to our retail partners is to do one limited edition with each of them. Our reality is that since 2021 we have been overwhelmed by requests and orders. We ‘funnel’ them and launch them one by one, to make everyone happy while keeping control.

Our future is that we will do “limited production” on most “high demand” models to not get buried under orders, and a few limited editions on very precise models.

It is very difficult to manage expectations, wait and happiness, and we hope that we do not generate frustration as our aim is exactly the opposite! 😁

Mike, very much appreciate the reply! Yes, totally understand that sometime in the 2012-2015 zone that Czapek did not intentionally say "let's take some of what AP has done and some of what Moser has done and that's our strategy!".

As with the majority of modern watchmaking, its interesting to spot sources of inspiration from other brands. I did not realize there were individualized commitments with each retail partner - that makes it a bit more understandable and equitable when thinking about distribution channels. Cool!

And yes - wishing you and the team continued luck with order fulfillment in a way that sustains the haute horology standards to which Czapek aspires. Thanks again.

[Gebbeth]

Originally Posted by mikemargolis

Yes Sir! You are right. We feel the same and have taken measures already, but we still need to honor our past commitments. (We are like this, if we take a commitment, we honor it.)

So it will take 2023 and 2024 to get these pass commitments executed and after we’ll only have a few very very special pieces in LE. The ones that are so special that they deserve to be LE.

Thanks for the insight. I do believe Czapek is in the right hands.

[cy888]

Originally Posted by mikemargolis

It is a good question.

...Our commitment to our retail partners is to do one limited edition with each of them. Our reality is that since 2021 we have been overwhelmed by requests and orders. We ‘funnel’ them and launch them one by one, to make everyone happy while keeping control.

Each retail partner will be getting their own limited edition model?
Will there be an expansion of dealers from the current in US/Canada?

[ap1]

So who is in on the collective version?

[dchang81]

I like the collective version but my wife said hm no way...curious them mentioning upgraded bracelet and integration if that's the same upgrade that's been out, or something different.

[mikemargolis]

Originally Posted by dchang81

I like the collective version but my wife said hm no way...curious them mentioning upgraded bracelet and integration if that's the same upgrade that's been out, or something different.

It is the current bracelet we are shipping, with the wiggle free spring bars, screws rather than push pins, and micro adjusters.

[mikemargolis]

Originally Posted by cy888

Will there be an expansion of dealers from the current in US/Canada?

We have a very slow and careful expansion plan in place. Since we can't ship enough product to the existing retailers, it doesn't make sense to open new ones.

Nonetheless, we honor our commitments, and so we will open one new door in North America this year, which has been in the works literally since April 2019. More details later on that.

[uscmatt99]

Originally Posted by mikemargolis

It is the current bracelet we are shipping, with the wiggle free spring bars, screws rather than push pins, and micro adjusters.

Mike, are you able to source the wiggle-free spring bars? I'd like to replace mine. I can PM or email you if that's possible.

[mongrelnomoad]

Is there any change in comfort with the updated spring bars?

[Gebbeth]

You know, I was thinking about the Collective model, but on second thought, I think the dial is too specific to location. Meaning, I get the aesthetic, and there is certainly a sense of "place" when you see the dial, but for me, that means the summer and the beach, someplace tropical with clear blue waters, and ripples of the sand underneath.

That's not a watch I feel I can wear everyday or in every occasion. The Passage De Drake Glacier Blue is that watch with some of the same summery vibes.

If I'm gonna plop over 20k for a watch, it just has to be more versatile, and I don't get that feeling from the Collective dial. If had money to burn, and needed a summer vacation watch for trips to St. Barts or Bora Bora, I'd probably pull the trigger on one. I might not wear it in Hawaii though for fear of it getting stolen (joke there).

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by mongrelnomoad

Is there any change in comfort with the updated spring bars?

Same difference comfort-wise, though the new spring bars have a beefier body and stronger end-bits. Feels the exact same on my 6.75" wrist. The physical connection feels a bit more solid as well.

[Bug04]

Wow, did you eventually manage to get the oem orange rubber? If so, compliments and hope you will share some on the wrist picts!

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Same difference comfort-wise, though the new spring bars have a beefier body and stronger end-bits. Feels the exact same on my 6.75" wrist. The physical connection feels a bit more solid as well.

Attachment 1361809

[enjoythemusic]

Waiting on center clasp as got the incorrect part. No worries. Wrist shots soon.

Orange straps are available, get one as the orange color they chose is perrrrrfect! :)

[sk00]

Originally Posted by uscmatt99

Mike, are you able to source the wiggle-free spring bars? I'd like to replace mine. I can PM or email you if that's possible.

I'd be interested as well. I have a Terre Adelie and how the bracelet moves around a bit on the lugs has always bothered me a bit. I think it's the same for the rubber strap connection to the lugs. Assume these spring bars fix this issue?

[gm58]

Hi all been digging into Czapek recently and really love the video interviews done by the CEO, really insightful.

To those who know or have the watch in hand, I remember the CEO mentioning how the lines on the watch case (top and bottom) is actually curved (dual curves or something) but when viewed at 45 degrees, it appears completely straight (visual illusion). Does anyone have more info on this? Does this mean that in person, the case is actually curved?

[mikemargolis]

Originally Posted by sk00

I'd be interested as well. I have a Terre Adelie and how the bracelet moves around a bit on the lugs has always bothered me a bit. I think it's the same for the rubber strap connection to the lugs. Assume these spring bars fix this issue?

I ordered some, will PM when I have them.

[MRBolton]

That new Lanikai dial is INCREDIBLE! Would love to own that piece. I don’t know if it sold out quickly or not, but at any rate, I didn’t see it until after. I put my name down the waiting list.

[Chiboy]

Lanikai Acknowledgements:
"First, we want to thank all Collective members – both current and new – for supporting these projects and contributing to our community. Without you, none of this is possible. We of course want to thank the team at Czapek – especially Xavier de Roquemaurel and Mike Margolis – for believing in Collective and teaming up with us on this creative endeavor. We must also acknowledge Czapek's incredible artisan partners who worked with us over years to perfect this watch – Claude-Eric of Donzé Cadrans and master engraver Michèle. Thanks as well to our incredible team without whom we would not have been able to bring this project into the world: Zach Piña (photography), Ed Rhee (video), Geoff Allen (design), Mike Margolis (import) and Laetitia Hirschy (communications). Finally, we'd be remiss not to acknowledge the friends and mentors who have supported Collective from the very start: Josh Shapiro, Danny Goldsmith, Thierry Collot, Romain Marietta, Mike DiMartini, Josh Licht, Mike Margolis, and especially Rob Caplan of Topper Jewelers. Thank you. Collective is our labor of love, and you make that a reality."

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Wow, three mentions!

[mikemargolis]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

Lanikai Acknowledgements:
"First, we want to thank all Collective members – both current and new – for supporting these projects and contributing to our community. Without you, none of this is possible. We of course want to thank the team at Czapek – especially Xavier de Roquemaurel and Mike Margolis – for believing in Collective and teaming up with us on this creative endeavor. We must also acknowledge Czapek's incredible artisan partners who worked with us over years to perfect this watch – Claude-Eric of Donzé Cadrans and master engraver Michèle. Thanks as well to our incredible team without whom we would not have been able to bring this project into the world: Zach Piña (photography), Ed Rhee (video), Geoff Allen (design), Mike Margolis (import) and Laetitia Hirschy (communications). Finally, we'd be remiss not to acknowledge the friends and mentors who have supported Collective from the very start: Josh Shapiro, Danny Goldsmith, Thierry Collot, Romain Marietta, Mike DiMartini, Josh Licht, Mike Margolis, and especially Rob Caplan of Topper Jewelers. Thank you. Collective is our labor of love, and you make that a reality."

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Wow, three mentions!

Is there a blushing emoji?

🥹

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by mikemargolis

is there a blushing emoji?

🥹

[gm58]

Originally Posted by gm58

Hi all been digging into Czapek recently and really love the video interviews done by the CEO, really insightful.

To those who know or have the watch in hand, I remember the CEO mentioning how the lines on the watch case (top and bottom) is actually curved (dual curves or something) but when viewed at 45 degrees, it appears completely straight (visual illusion). Does anyone have more info on this? Does this mean that in person, the case is actually curved?

Anyone?

Also does anyone know which version this pic is of? A no date, teal/turquoise model!

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by gm58

Anyone?

Also does anyone know which version this pic is of? A no date, teal/turquoise model!

Attachment 1363018

Good eye. I emailed this same picture to Czapek and asked about this one. They told me It was a prototype they were working on. Never went to production.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bug04]

Frankly, I am happy about it. Not keen on multiple / fashion dial color releases (and, for my taste, there are already a lot of Antarctique’s dial colors) … the Tiffany would be riding such fashion wave

Originally Posted by charger_vital

Good eye. I emailed this same picture to Czapek and asked about this one. They told me It was a prototype they were working on. Never went to production.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[gm58]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

Good eye. I emailed this same picture to Czapek and asked about this one. They told me It was a prototype they were working on. Never went to production.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ahh good to know! Well the latest Collective version is amazing with that teal/turquoise colour just without the indices and better dial ;)

Can anyone who has this particular watch let me know re the case finishing? Whether the edge of the case is actually curved? I saw that the case is supposedly finished with 2 curves.

[RolexSimon]

A new Czapek Antarctique clone has arrived from Christopher Ward Watches (those of Bel Canto fame)..........! It was probably only time.......

[Bug04]

This looks very (too?) similar indeed!
Apart from the general features (case shape, bracelet, dial), the pattern on the dial seems really picked from the Czapek unique “Drake” shape.

Originally Posted by RolexSimon

A new Czapek Antarctique clone has arrived from Christopher Ward Watches (those of Bel Canto fame)..........! It was probably only time.......