Showing posts with label Czapek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Czapek. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Czapek & Cie. – ANTARCTIQUE Tourbillon Edition


Czapek & Cie.ANTARCTIQUE Tourbillon – Secret Alloy 10th Anniversary Edition 2025

CZAPEK & CIE UNVEILS THE LIMITED 50-PIECE ANTARCTIQUE Tourbillon  EDITION

Czapek & Cie introduces the Antarctique Tourbillon, driven by the new in-house Calibre 9 with a flying tourbillon regulator. The watch features a dramatic new guilloché pattern on the dial – the ‘Singularité’, and a striking architecture. This launch marks the beginning of the 10th anniversary year since the revival of Czapek & Cie, which coincides with the 180th anniversary of the namesake watchmaking Maison founded in 1845 by François Czapek, whose spirit continues to guide the company today.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

When Czapek conceived the Antarctique as the quintessentially modern sporty-chic watch, it was always intended as a canvas for creativity, to be constantly revisited and renewed.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

    Our collectors are always asking us ‘what’s next?’ with the Antarctique,” explains Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel. “After the Rattrapante, we decided to take a perhaps unexpected direction: creating a new and sophisticated expression of a two-century-old regulator: the tourbillon. Our starting point was, as always, to play with the clash between legacy and avant-gardism and this new in-house tourbillon calibre is the outcome.”

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

Taking advantage of the form of the new tourbillon, Czapek has introduced a daring movement architecture with slender bridges revealing the beauty of the underlying mechanics and coupled it with a dial that harnesses classical métiers d’art in a new and contemporary ‘vortex-style’ guilloché design.

The new in-house Calibre 9: defined by purity of line

Reflecting Czapek’s unwavering pursuit of Beauty, the purity of the mechanism became the main design driver for the new in-house movement, Czapek Calibre 9. The fundamental principle was that that the three key elements – tourbillon, gear train and barrel – should be revealed on the dial side, perfectly aligned on the vertical axis and appearing as airy and light as possible.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

The open-worked flying tourbillon appears to hover between the main plate and dial, directly connected to the gear train, which floats in the centre of the dial beneath an extremely long and finely curved minutes bridge. The barrel dominates the upper section of the dial, floating in an aperture beneath an open-worked bridge.

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    Our pursuit of aesthetics drives us to create mechanical beauty,” says Xavier de Roquemaurel. “It’s an iterative process, where changing a line changes both mechanics and aesthetics, which can lead to an intense ping-pong between the constructor-engineer and the designer-artist …with me playing the wild card in the middle.”

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

The result is amplified by great visual depth, with curves and convex surfaces complemented by slender bridges; all angles are hand-polished and the top arms of the tourbillon cage are satin-polished, creating fascinating plays of light and shadow.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The new calibre also testifies to significant technical prowess from the new geometry for the tourbillon, which dictated a finely machined convex titanium cage, to the anticlockwise crown wheel that required the development of a new proprietary toothing.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

Calibre 9 is the first Czapek calibre not only designed, conceived and constructed in-house but also machined mostly in-house. However, as Xavier de Roquemaurel points out, this does not signify a wish for full vertical integration. Emphasising that Czapek will always defend the principle of établissage, he explains: “We want freedom – hence the capacity to produce elements in-house. But we don’t want to make everything ourselves; for us, freedom also means the ability to choose and collaborate with the best specialist partners in any given area. That is what enables us to maintain agility and independence.” He also points out the invaluable sense of ‘family’ among the Maison’s regular partners. “These values are deeply embedded in the philosophy underlying our 10th anniversary celebration and our future,” he says.

The mechanics and aesthetics: an immutable bond

To amplify the beauty of the mechanics, Czapek called on Metalem, with whom Czapek has been collaborating since the beginning, to develop a new, trompe l’oeil guilloché design. The result is a dramatic vortex effect, giving the impression of infinite depth.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Czapek has named the new pattern Singularité – from the astronomical term singularity, meaning those places in the universe where the standard laws of physics break down, making space and time infinite and undifferentiated – best exemplified by black holes.

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The pattern may look deceptively simple but is very difficult to execute: unlike a classical guilloché pattern, in which the guillocheur cuts lines at different angles that always start from a single point, in Singularité, the starting point moves with each passage of the lathe.

Enhancing the purity of the mechanical structure and the infinity effect of the guilloché, the hour markers are not set on the dial but are part of the flange. The bridges – including the soaring curve of the gear train bridge – are integrated to the main plate through the guilloché dial plate.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

Since its very beginning, Czapek has always liked to offer collectors a certain freedom of personalization, so that they can wear a watch that's just like them. That's why,
the Antarctique Tourbillon will be offered in a choice of three dial colours: Glacier Blue, Photon Sphere (a 5N gold hue) and the mythical grey Secret Alloy, a limited-edition of 50 pieces. All iterations will be proposed in stainless steel.

Redesigning the case: an ode to transparency and curves

The case has been redesigned to echo the curvilinear aesthetic of the mechanism and dial. Taking the curved glass box principle of the Antarctique Rattrapante as the starting point, the front and back sapphire crystals have been subtly raised. On the reverse side, this creates the impression that there is no bezel and, indeed, the engravings that would normally appear on a caseback bezel are done inside the crystal by metallisation – executed in mirror style so as to read ‘true’ from the outside.

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To amplify the trompe l’oeil effect and create the impression that it is floating in the air, the surface of the gold winding rotor is also convex. Moreover, Michèle Rothen, Czapek’s cherished independent master engraver, hand-engraved it with a black-hole-inspired pattern similar to the guilloché Singularité.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The Antarctique Tourbillon will be offered with the same stainless-steel bracelet as other models in the collection, with a micro-adjustment, a quick-change system and a second rubber strap included.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

The Antarctique Tourbillon will be available for pre-order at the brand’s authorised dealers worldwide, the boutique in Geneva at rue de la Corraterie 18, and at Czapek.com.

=======================
About Czapek & Cie
 

François Czapek was a Czech-born Polish watchmaker who fled to Geneva in 1832 after fighting in the Polish uprising. He immediately started his own atelier and in 1839 entered into a partnership with Antoine Norbert de Patek, introducing him to the world of watchmaking. In 1845, at the end of their partnership, he created Czapek & Cie and achieved considerable success. He became the official watchmaker of Napoleon III and opened, what was most likely the first watchmaking boutique on the Place Vendome in Paris

Click, to see the large size. ▶  BIG FOTO    

He wrote a book about watchmaking, but unfortunately, he died before publishing a second one. Czapek & Cie has been revived in 2015 with an exceptional collection, whose leading model won the Public Prize in the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie in Geneva in November 2016. This collection takes its inspiration from an 1850’s Czapek time piece. It features a beautiful enamel dial and a 7-day proprietary movement perfectly combining craftsmanship with design and exclusivity with rarity. The Company second collection, a suspended Tourbillon with a second time-zone, was launched one year later in 2017, while the first Czapek chronograph Faubourg de Cracovie was unveiled at Baselworld 2018. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

=============================
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Model name:   GARRICK ANTARCTIQUE Tourbillon – Secret Alloy 10th Anniversary Edition

Case
    Material: Stainless steel
    Diameter: 40.50 mm
    Height: 11.50
mm
    Sapphire crystal glass box with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side
    Sapphire case back glass box with antireflective treatment on the inner side
    Water-resistant to 50 meters
Dial and hands

– Secret Alloy

  • Hand-guilloche, registered ‘Singularity’ dial in 401 ‘Secret Alloy’ original grey colour
  • Blued hour-markers with Superluminova
  • Blued hands with Superluminova

– Glacier Blue

  • Hand-guilloché, registered ‘Singularity’ dial in 401 ‘Secret Alloy’ with PVD-made Glacier Blue hue
  • Blued hour-markers and hands with Superluminova
  • Rhodium-plated hour-markers and hands as a made-to-order option

  – Photon Sphere

  • Hand-guilloche, registered ‘Singularity’ dial in 401 ‘Secret Alloy’ with PVD-made 5N gold hue
  • Rhodium-plated hour-markers and indexes with Superluminova
  • Blued hour-markers and hands as a made-toorder option

Movement
    Calibre 9: Czapek
manufacture tourbillon movement, mechanical with automatic winding
    Diameter: 32.4mm
    Height: oscillating weight/bottom dials 3.79mm
    oscillating weight/centre bridge 7mm
    Number of parts: 191
    Number of jewels: 20

    Swiss lever escapement, variable inertia balance (8mg per cm²) via 4 gold inertia weights
    Frequency: 3 Hz, 21’600 vph
    Hand-engraved 5N gold oscillating weight
    Power reserve of 72 hours
Finishes
    Openwork ratchets, sandblasted, blackened, satin-finished and hand-bevelled bridges, six inward angles
Functions
    Hours, minutes & 60 seconds flying tourbillon
Strap and buckle
    Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek
    Exclusive ‘Easy Release’ system and microadjustment device
    Additional rubber strap

🔰Edition - Only of ✅ 50 pieces
🔴INTERNATIONAL RETAIL PRICE without tax CHF 63'000 (including GST).

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Press Release - 2025
---------------------------------
Czapek & Cie – 2, Rue Saint-Léger, 1205 Genève Suisse
Contact presse: Valeria Garavaglia Pedroni
Email: valeria@czapek.com | jane@czapek.com (UK)
Tel.  +41 79 314 08 54
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Czapek.com

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Czapek & Cie. – ANTARCTIQUE ‘Artists & Artisans - Piece N°1’ - Unique Piece


Czapek & Cie.ANTARCTIQUEArtists & Artisans - Pièce1- Unique Piece TimeForArt Special Edition 2024

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

Czapek & Cie is proud to announce the creation of an extraordinary and exclusive Antarctique timepiece, titled ‘Artists & Artisans - Pièce N°1’, for the prestigious TimeForArt auction. This unique watch showcases the artistry of master engraver Michèle Rothen, in collaboration with Czapek’s long-term partner, Metalem.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

At the heart of this exceptional creation lies the dial, made from a rare gold alloy, Alloy 401, which Czapek has branded as the ‘Secret Alloy.’ The dial features a hand-decorated engraving, artfully blackened to highlight the intricate design representing Czapek's SXH5 caliber. This detailed engraving with a striking ‘trompe l’oeil’ effect resembles the aesthetics of a skeleton watch. Complementing the design, the dial is fi nished with three-dimensional indexes, adding depth and sophistication. The sword-shaped hands add a sporty elegance while ensuring optimal readability.

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Speaking about the collaboration, Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel reflected on the brand’s motto, We collect rare people, and how this project is a true embodiment of that philosophy. “This unique piece is the first of a series that will bring together the rare talents of artists and artisans, in this case our historical manufacturing partner Metalem and our dear friend and master engraver Michèle Rothen. Their artistry and craftsmanship are the perfect reflection of our commitment to preserving and promoting the rare individuals who contribute to the art of watchmaking. We are honored to donate this unique creation to benefit the Swiss Institute, and to demonstrate once again that luxury is about not just rare crafts, but the people behind them”.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

The 40.5mm stainless steel case showcases another layer of visual intrigue with its unique double ‘trompe l’oeil’ curve, an unconventional yet iconic design of this collection. The stainless steel integrated bracelet features a stunning contrast of brushed and highly polished links shaped like a ‘C’ for Czapek. Additionally, the bracelet is equipped with a quick-change system, off ering versatility with an easy switch to a rubber or leather strap, and a micro-adjustment.

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But there’s more, this bracelet will also feature a micro-adjustment system mid-2024. An additional strap is provided, as Czapek has developed an exclusive quick-change system allowing the wearer to switch from one strap to another in a minute. To provide a maximum versatility and playful experience, rubber straps whose pattern recalls the "Stairway to Eternity" design on the Passage de Drake dial, are available in a large choice of colors. A selection of soft calf straps with contrasting topstitches can be also order on demand.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The SXH5.01 automatic caliber is the first to be entirely conceived in-house by Czapek from a blank page. Every part of it has been made with care to detail and with the help of the top Swiss manufacturing partners and craftsmen, la crème de la crème, the magnificent orchestra directed by Czapek in the We Collect Rare People spirit. The microrotor, is placed off-center to allow a plunging view into the mechanism and its exceptional architecture. 

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

A free-sprung balance wheel with variable inertia provided by four gold adjustable weights enables the highest level of precision tuning. The gear train is held in place by a series of seven handsome skeletonized bridges. Their original shape is reminiscent of lace, inspired on one side by XIX century pocket watches, and by the very modern Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph’s rotor. The movement has superlative finishing on the bridges that merges ‘haute horlogerie’ angling techniques with state-ot-the-art laser

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

The Artists & Artisans - Pièce N°1 is powered by the SXH5 automatic caliber, boasting a 60-hour power reserve and a micro-rotor crafted from recycled platinum. This caliber blends the elegance of traditional haute horlogerie fi nishing techniques with cutting-edge laser engravings, ensuring both sophistication and high reliability.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

TimeForArt is a curated benefit auction of exceptional timepieces from the world’s greatest watchmakers, with 100% of the proceeds directly enabling today’s most visionary artists through the Swiss Institute’s exhibitions, public programs, education, and community engagement workshops – all of which are free of charge. The biennial auction also serves as a year-round platform for exchange between the horological and visual arts.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The inaugural edition of TimeForArt was held as part of the Phillips New York Watch Auction: SEVEN in 2022. The second edition will take place during the live Phillips New York Watch Auction in December 2024, giving collectors another chance to acquire extraordinary timepieces while supporting the art world.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

This one-of-a-kind timepiece, the Antarctique “Artists & Artisans - Pièce N°1,” has been generously donated by Czapek to support the Swiss Institute’s mission. The watch will be available at the upcoming TimeForArt auction.

=======================
About Czapek & Cie
 

François Czapek was a Czech-born Polish watchmaker who fled to Geneva in 1832 after fighting in the Polish uprising. He immediately started his own atelier and in 1839 entered into a partnership with Antoine Norbert de Patek, introducing him to the world of watchmaking. In 1845, at the end of their partnership, he created Czapek & Cie and achieved considerable success. He became the official watchmaker of Napoleon III and opened, what was most likely the first watchmaking boutique on the Place Vendome in Paris. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶  BIG FOTO    

He wrote a book about watchmaking, but unfortunately, he died before publishing a second one. Czapek & Cie has been revived in 2015 with an exceptional collection, whose leading model won the Public Prize in the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie in Geneva in November 2016. This collection takes its inspiration from an 1850’s Czapek time piece. It features a beautiful enamel dial and a 7-day proprietary movement perfectly combining craftsmanship with design and exclusivity with rarity. The Company second collection, a suspended Tourbillon with a second time-zone, was launched one year later in 2017, while the first Czapek chronograph Faubourg de Cracovie was unveiled at Baselworld 2018. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

=========================
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Model name:   GARRICK Antarctique Artists & Artisans - Pièce N°1Edition

🔰LIMITED EDITION    1 watches - Unique Piece

  Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

 
MOVEMENT
Calibre SXH5.01: Czapek's in house self-winding
mechanical movement
- Diameter: 30 mm – 13 lines ¼
- Height: 4.2 mm
- Number of parts: 193
- Jewels: 28
- Swiss lever escapement, variable-inertia balance
fitted with four gold inertia-blocks
- Frequency: 4 Hz – 28’800 VpH
- Power winding system: Micro-rotor with a recycled platinum Pt 950  mass
- Power-reserve > 60 hours on one single barrel
- Barrel torque: 8.8 Nmm
FINISH
Open ratchets, sandblasted black bridges,
bevelling, straight-grained sides, six hand-chamfered inward angles
FUNCTIONS
Hours, minutes and central seconds
CASE
Case bi-metallic stainless steel - No: 17133
- Diameter: 40.50 mm steel case bi-metallic stainless steel
- Height: 10.6 mm
- Sapphire case back with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side
- Glass: Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment
- Water resistance: 120m
- Screwed-down crown, guards and C links on integrated bracelet
DIAL
Dial engraved by hand by Swiss artisan M. Rothen with a trompe l’oeil effect representing the SXH5 caliber
Dial, made from a rare gold alloy, Alloy 401, which Czapek has branded as the ‘Secret Alloy.’
BRACELET
Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive ‘Easy Release’ system and microadjustment mechanism
 
• Accessories: Accompanied by Czapek Passport, instruction manual, additional deployant clasp, additional rubber bracelet, three setting tools, setting pins, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

 PRODUCTION

🔰Edition - Only of ✅ 1 - Unique piece donated to TimeForArt
🔴 PRICE Estimate: USD 40'000 - 80'000 (including GST).
 
For more information, visit 👉 www.timeforart.ch 

---------------------------------
Press Release - 2024
---------------------------------
Czapek & Cie – 2, Rue Saint-Léger, 1205 Genève Suisse
Contact presse: Valeria Garavaglia Pedroni
Email: valeria@czapek.com | jane@czapek.com (UK)
Tel.  +41 79 314 08 54
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 www.facebook.com - Czapek Geneve
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Czapek.com

Monday, July 22, 2024

Czapek & Cie. – Place Vendome Complicite Stardust Cobalt Edition


Czapek & Cie.PLACE VENDÔME Complicité – “Stardust Cobalt” Edition 2024 

 PLACE VENDÔME COMPLICITÉ Stardust Cobalt: A Symphony In Blue

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

Geneva 2023 – Czapek & Cie unveils Place Vendôme Complicité, a unique reinterpretation of a double escapement combination initially created in 1930 and very rare in wristwatches. Two independent oscillators beat at their own pace, with any rate variations balanced by a differential at 12 o’clock, all beautifully laid out on the dial side.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

This exquisite timepiece, limited to just 13 pieces of the 100 comprising the first edition, is the result of a collaboration with renowned watchmaker Bernhard Lederer. It embodies the perfect fusion of stunning beauty and masterful engineering.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The Place Vendôme Complicité Stardust Cobalt continues the legacy of the Complicité Stardust and Harmony Blue editions, launched in August 2023, featuring a double escapement that epitomizes precision and reliability. 
 
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This sophisticated mechanism is elegantly showcased beneath a butterfly-shaped sapphire glass bridge positioned prominently at 12 o’clock, a signature element that enhances the watch's allure and technical intrigue.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The design follows the layout of the original Place Vendôme, with sub-dials forming a pyramid structure. The double escapement with a central differential creates a stunning kinetic sculpture. 
 
 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 
 
The watch features the manually wound Calibre 8, providing a 72-hour power reserve visible on the dial through sapphire bridges. The aesthetic blends modern and traditional elements, with detailed hand-finishing, such as 18 manually chamfered internal angles, and contemporary decoration.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

As its name suggests, the Place Vendôme Complicité combines a story of friendship with high horology excellence. Rooted in the concept of établissage, or horizontal manufacturing, Czapek collaborates with the best independent specialists, as a conductor leads an orchestra, to create extraordinary watches. 

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Master watchmaker Bernhard Lederer’s expertise in escapements and his visionary approach have significantly contributed to the creation of this collection.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Initially introduced in grey with a white gold case (Stardust) and sapphire blue with a rose gold case (Harmony Blue), the Stardust Cobalt version is also crafted in white gold, but features shimmering blued indexes and hands contrasting with the circular-grained grey minutes and hours track. 

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

To ensure a clearer view of the dial side mechanism, the glass-box of the original collection has been replaced with a domed sapphire crystal.  

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

 At Czapek & Cie, we believe in the enduring appeal of exceptional craftsmanship and striking design," said Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek & Cie. “We are confident that with the newly implemented dazzling domed sapphire crystal, the Place Vendome Complicité Stardust Cobalt represents the twist in the white gold model that many had been waiting for”.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The Place Vendôme Complicité Stardust Cobalt is available through Czapek & Cie’s official boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide. The first deliveries of the Complicité collection begin in July 2024.

 ==============================
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Model name:  Place Vendôme Complicité Stardust Cobalt

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

  • Open-work double-escapement with differential gearing at 12 o'clock. 
  •  Created with the 'Complicité' of Bernhard Lederer.
  • Limited edition of 13 pieces.

FUNCTIONS
Hours, Minutes, Seconds & Power reserve indicator
MOVEMENT
· Calibre 8 created in collaboration with Bernhard Lederer
· Number of parts: 293
· Open-work
· Double escapement with differential gearing and central second
· Power-reserve: 72 hours
· Frequency: 3Hz - 21,600 VpH

· Two variable inertia balance wheels oscillating in opposite directions, with fours adjustment screws and four weights
Balance springs with Breguet terminal curves
· Two sapphire bridges with six rubies set in gold chaton
FINISH
· Hand-beveling on bridges and main plate
· 18 inward angles hand-chamfered
CASE
18K white gold case with domed sapphire and sandblasted hollowed-out lugs
Crown protectors
Diameter: 41,8 mm (lugs to lugs 48,22 mm)
Height: 14,8 mm (height on the wrist: 13.3 mm; perceived height without glass 8.8 mm)
Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside and outside surfaces
Water-resistance: 50m (5 atm)
DIAL
Open-worked with double escapement on a “Graine” main plate with silver galvanic treatment
Circular-grained minute and hour track
Partially skeletonised blued swords hands
Faceted blued indexes
BRACELET
Alligator strap with 18K white gold folding buckle

🔴INTERNATIONAL RETAIL PRICE without tax
GBP 77,300 · CHF 85'000 or $ 100'000 or € 89'000 or £ 77'300

🔰Edition     Limitation: of 13 pieces 

#czapekgeneve #czapekwatches #czapek #wecollectrarepeople #independentwatchmaking #czapekplacevendome #czapekcomplicite

 ---------------------------------
Press Release - 2024
---------------------------------
Czapek & Cie – 2, Rue Saint-Léger, 1205 Genève Suisse
Contact presse: Valeria Garavaglia Pedroni
Email: valeria@czapek.com | jane@czapek.com (UK)

Tel.  +41 79 314 08 54
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Czapek.com