In this video, John Reardon presents arguably one of the most important timepieces we have ever sold, but it is not a Patek Philippe. It is a carriage clock by one of Patek Philippe’s founders, François Czapek. Like Patek, Czapek was a dissident who had fled Poland in 1831. It was Czapek’s watchmaking skills that encouraged Patek to become partners and start the company in 1839. However, their relationship disintegrated and by 1845 Patek found another watchmaking genius to partner with: Adrien Philippe. Czapek moved to France and continued as a successful watchmaker opening a store in the same location where the Cartier boutique now stands on Place Vendôme. It was from this period, around 1860, that Czapek made this exquisite carriage clock. Only two other clocks by Czapek are known to exist as he would only have made one for a very special customer. Perhaps the client was Napoleon III for whom Czapek became Purveyor to the Imperial Court, Watchmaker of His Imperial Highness, Prince Napoleon? Rarely do we come across such an important piece from the past, and we hope enjoy learning about this clock and the man behind it.
Learn more about Collectability on our website: collectability.com
Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: / collectabil. .
Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: linktr.ee/Collectability
20 мар 2024
