It still amazes me how many original and high quality watchmakers there are located outside Switzerland. Prokop & Brož is a luxury brand situated in the beautiful city of Praha, Czech Republic. The exceptionally progressive Jan Prokop and Martin Brož, established the company in 2012. Within a very short period of time they have made their mark on the competitive world of horology.
Like most great partnerships the two founders have combined their enormous skills to realise a shared dream. Jan Prokop has vast knowledge of PR and strategic marketing. His career began in 1992 where he gained experience in commercial interior design. Subsequently this led to a long-term alliance with the watch company Elton. The role mainly involved product development of exclusive high-end timepieces. Martin Brož is a master watchmaker who also has a passion for mechanical tower clocks. His incredible ability to customise movements is integral to the success of the company.
Recently I contacted Jan Prokop to access information about the company. He recommended I write an editorial about the superb Frantisek Kupka Salon d’Automne-Paris 1912. This exquisite flagship model celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the Paris Autumn exhibition where Frantisek Kupka unveiled his Amorpha, Fugue in Two colours and Amorpha- Warm Chromatics abstract paintings. The wonderful Salon d’Automne-Paris 1912 measures 44.4mm (49mm including the crown) x 12mm. These classical proportions should attract the attention of a wide variety of buyers. I would also imagine this watch would feel pretty comfortable to wear as well. Primarily this is down to the elegant shape of the case (constructed by Jan Prokop) and choice of luxurious 4 carat gold in production. Even though the timepiece could be worn on a daily basis I suspect it would be reserved for special occasions. This watch would look really classy with a black dinner suit.
Visually the Frantisek Kupka Salon d’Automne-Paris 1912 is absolutely stunning and incredibly refined. Jiri Lammel has devised the bold and distinctive graphics for the dial. I love the simplicity of the façade that has been designed by the immensely talented Michael Jelinek and Petr Kubik. I feel it gives the watch an understated and sophisticated appearance. The dual retrograde display is a revelation and unlike anything else I have seen. Other successful elements include the patented steel lugs, elongated asymmetrical black (PVD coated steel) hands and classically formed bulbous 14-carat white gold crown. Overall the composition has been well executed and flawlessly finished.
To power the timepiece Martin Brož has developed the highly complex Calibre PB 1201. This mechanical movement has been meticulously assembled, finished and decorated by Martin personally. Impressively the mechanism has been adapted to facilitate the unconventional placement of the retrograde hands. The Frantisek Kupka Salon d’Automne-Paris 1912 features retrograde hours, minutes and seconds.
With a limited production of only 12 pieces the Frantisek Kupka Salon d’Automne-Paris 1912 has been created for the connoisseur. The watch is presented with an Itaco leather strap and premium leather upholstered wooden box. Priced for the discerning at: €27,200 (approximately $37,334).
