You can't resist touching them, playing with and caressing them.
The cosmic Half-Hunter Czapek Time Jumper is a tactile work of art that literally begs to be held. When the model was presented last year at Czapek's grand anniversary in Geneva, I didn't have the opportunity to fully acquaint myself with it, but later I did - and it was immensely enjoyable.
Modern Interpretation of Classics: History and Concept
The Time Jumper is a modern interpretation of 19th-century pocket watches created by Francois Czapek, the founder of the brand. The diameter of these wristwatches is 40.5 mm, and the half-hunter cover adds a fresh touch to the traditional guilloché, partially concealing the new skeletonized caliber 10.01. In honor of the brand's tenth anniversary, 100 pieces were released in steel and 30 in yellow gold. Each watch is equipped with a patented jumping hour mechanism that displays 24 hours on two discs, complemented by minute indication on the peripheral ring.
If looking at the closed watch gives you a slight dizziness, it's due to the three-dimensional guilloché creating an optical illusion of a black hole; the central lens symbolizes the event horizon, revealing the view of the complex mechanism. Moreover, the design and construction of the watch evoke an irresistible desire to touch them again and again.
First Impression: Interaction with the Cosmic Watch
My first contact with the watch was with the cover closed. I didn't want to rush and tried to show respect for the piece. The modern Czapek has indeed created an attractive model for its first decade. The case shape resembles a flying saucer - a nod to CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel's teenage fascination with science fiction.
Interestingly, this shape is not foreign to tradition: flying saucers resemble pebbles, and pebble-shaped watches have long existed. The result is a case that seems both futuristic and rooted in tradition - a duality reflected in the half-hunter design. Danish designer Thomas Funder used a combination of smooth curves and sharp angles to convey this heritage in an unexpected way.
The design process began with the jumping hour indication, which ultimately defined the placement of the minute scale. This required windows - portholes, which inspired the half-hunter concept and created the perfect surface for the hypnotic guilloché. With the cover closed, attention is focused on the hour indicator under the bubble lens in the center of the case. Tell me, doesn't it remind you of a spaceship cockpit? Opening the cover reveals the front of the mechanism - we'll return to that later.
Smooth Lines and Aerodynamics: Design That Inspires Admiration
Straight lines and flat surfaces are almost absent. The sleek, streamlined case, developed by AB Concept studio, showcases soft curves that literally drive me crazy - in a good way. There is not a single sharp or aggressive line. All the elements of the case are soft and pleasant to touch: the oval cover-opening button, polished strap ends, and neatly rounded crown. Even the buckle on the blue rubber strap is free from sharp edges.
The guilloché on the cover gives the watch a final, almost paradoxical accent. Crafted by Metalem workshop, the Singularité pattern resembles a vortex - similar to that used in the Antarctique Tourbillon model - creating the illusion of spiral depth. At first glance, the watch may seem traditional due to its shape and decor, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear: this is not classic, but a quiet revolution. Such an unexpected approach indicates that Czapek has much creative potential ahead.
Unique Mechanism: Innovations and Versatility of Caliber 10.01
An unusual time indication requires a corresponding mechanism. This is true, but at the same time, the caliber in the Czapek Time Jumper is versatile and not limited to just jumping hours and peripheral minutes. Let me explain. The new skeletonized caliber 10 has become the basis for a series of proprietary mechanisms with a wide range of complications. The Time Jumper uses version 10.01. The base mechanism is designed so that each complication can be fully integrated. In addition to the high adaptability of the architecture, the caliber is compact enough to fit in a 36 mm diameter case. Naturally, Czapek also took care of the mechanism's appearance.
The mechanism is driven by a central skeletonized rotor made of recycled platinum 950 with open arrow-shaped arms. After touching the watch, studying the smooth curves, concentric forms, and airy bridges of the mechanism, a feeling of complete satisfaction with the product arises. The layout is typical for Czapek, if you know what I mean. Similarly, the way time is displayed: the caliber 10.01 provides jumping hours on a 24-hour scale and minute indication on a rotating peripheral ring. The hours are shown by two sapphire discs - one for tens, the other for units. Inspired by the case shape, the display resembles an astronaut's dashboard.
The finish meets Haute Horlogerie standards. Rhodium-plated bridges contrast with blackened plates, creating depth and dynamic light effects. Traditional negative engraving on the rotor is complemented by laser engraving of the hour and minute scales filled with Super-LumiNova. Caliber 10.01 is developed, designed, assembled, and 75% manufactured in-house, which is a significant step forward for Czapek. It combines in-house competencies and innovations with the traditions of établissage, supported by collaboration with specialized partners.
Wearing and Operation: Comfort and Aesthetics on the Wrist
As you probably guessed, it's not difficult for me to wear the Time Jumper. But sometimes they distract me, for example, when I need to write text. The flying saucer-shaped case has a diameter of 40.5 mm, a lug-to-lug length of 42.4 mm, and a thickness of 12.35 mm with the magnifying lens and 10.5 mm without it, providing a perfect fit. The proportions are thought out in detail. A comfortable, soft rubber strap with a simple buckle also contributes to the ease of wearing this miniature flying saucer.
The problem is not in the fit, but in the fact that the watch constantly draws attention. You want to examine them over and over, as they have so many details. Opening the cover with the reliable oval button at the “6 o'clock” position triggers a constant movement of eyes and fingers. You open, close with a characteristic click, open again, and study the mechanism that makes your gaze glide over its details. Closing the cover, you again touch the surface and look at the transparent bubble in the center, reminiscent of the mysterious mechanism inside. And again, you open the cover to examine all the components of the caliber, admiring them. You won't notice how 30 minutes pass...
Conclusion: Originality and Responsibility of the Brand
The steel Czapek Time Jumper (42,000 Swiss francs excluding taxes) is one of the most original models I've come across recently, and undoubtedly the most “contagious.” Fortunately, all 100 steel pieces are sold out, as such “contagious” watch mechanics should stay away from the masses.
Nevertheless, you can still sign up on Czapek's website for a waiting list in case of a sudden opportunity to purchase the watch. During the presentation at Watches and Wonders, a future Time Jumper version without a cover was also mentioned. This will be a less “contagious” model and a sign that, despite its young age of 10 years, Czapek acts responsibly, releasing watches that are impossible not to touch, caress, and admire.
