A truly stunning wristwatch, the Faubourg de Cracovie Sockeye chronograph by Geneva based Czapek combines an irresistible contrast of colour with intricate detailing and exceptional hand craftsmanship in a setting which is contemporary, yet true to the traditions of classical watchmaking.

One of four special eighteen-piece editions with a salmon theme, each named after a different species, the Sockeye is a quite outstanding piece, with deep blue subdials and detail providing a perfect complement to the remarkable brassy-gold ‘salmon’ dial. Specially manufactured for Czapek by Swiss dial maker Metalem, each one is produced in a proprietary alloy of gold, platinum, palladium and silver, with electro plated colouring, and the overlapping rings of deeply engraved Résonance guilloché which radiate out in a ripple from the subdials, create a pattern of individual quadrilaterals to mesmerising effect.

The hands and applied hour markers are flame blued and then coated with powerful Super LumiNova and the central chrono seconds pointer is tipped with red. The recessed blue subdials have circular snailing and display the 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters, while the small constant seconds is displayed at the six, with shared date window.

The stainless steel case of the Faubourg de Cracovie measures 41.5mm across, and features a tall-sided ‘box’ style sapphire crystal, while either side of the crown the chronograph pushers are discreetly integrated and disguised as crown protection.

Through the sapphire glass caseback, the solid gold oscillating mass rotates above the openworked architecture of the anthracite plate of the self winding within. A bespoke collaborative project with complications specialist Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, the Calibre SXH3 is state of the art Haute Horlogerie, as it is a beautifully executed integrated chronograph movement, which features linear hammer and vertical clutch innovations which deliver smooth activation and resetting of the chronograph function. Beating at 5Hz, or 36’000vph, it is COSC chronometer certified and from a single barrel, its 65 hour power reserve is impressive.

Overall the Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie Sockeye is a beautifully engineered piece, with meticulous hand craftsmanship inside and out. Stylish and individual it is presented on a black alligator leather strap with folding clasp.