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Czapek Quai des Bergues “Sursum Corda”
The Quai Des Bergues was Czapek's first model for the modern rebirth of the brand in 2015 and it has always been my personal favorite.
credit: Monochrome & The naked watchmaker
credit: Lunar Oyster
Now, for the 180th anniversary of the brand (first founded in 1845) and 10th anniversary of its modern rebirth in 2015, Czapek introduces a 10-piece limited edition Quai des Bergues “Sursum Corda”.
credit: Monochrome & Czapek
It is inspired by the pocket watch ref. 3430 crafted by François Czapek (1811-1871) in the 1850s, which features historical ‘Fleur-de-Lys’ hands and a dual de-centred sub-dial layout:
- a small seconds subdial at 7:30
- and a very original 7-day power reserve subdial doubling as a day indicator at 4:30.
credit: Monochrome & The naked watchmaker
In 2016, the Quai des Bergues ref. 33bis was awarded the Public Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
The red gold case measured 42.5 mm, the dial was white Grand Feu enamel and the watch was powered by caliber SXH1.
The reference was limited to 188 pieces.
credit: Lunar Oyster
Now, for the 180th anniversary of the brand (first founded in 1845) and 10th anniversary of its modern rebirth in 2015, Czapek introduces a 10-piece limited edition Quai des Bergues “Sursum Corda”.
The case has been downsized to 40.5 mm (with 11.9 mm thickness).
The white Grand Feu enamel dial features three secret writings:
- The Latin phrase “Sursum Corda” (“Lift up your hearts”) is discreetly integrated under the enamel between the logo and the cannon pinion.
- Under the canon pinion, a laser-engraved “10 / 180” logo marks the dual anniversaries.
- A secret “Czapek” signature - a faithful reproduction of François Czapek’s historical signature from the Geneva archives - lies within the small-seconds subdial.
The watch is powered by an updated variant of caliber SXH1 with openworked bridges and refined finishes.
I personally like this watch and find this new variant appealing.
But I know that many here like white metals better.
So, here's something that might interest some of you: Czapek is also releasing a stainless steel variant referenced as Quai Des Bergues no. 25 (the rose gold variant is also released as a regular variant, referenced no. 33, which is just a little less costly than the "Sursum Corda").
And, in case you prefer a more modern look and a smaller size, I also include some photos of the Black enamel small model (38.5 mm) which was released a few years ago.
But, for me, the most desirable variant remains the new rose gold "Sursum Corda" or, possibly, an even smaller 38.5 mm variant (they have been made).
credit: Monochrome & Czapek
What do you think of the Quai Des Bergues and of this recent release?
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
PS: more info here Monochrome.
Yes, these new iterations are all cool and the mid-size 40.5 mm is spot on...
But, I still prefer the blue dial I tried on a couple weeks ago.
I liked the blue dial variant very much too,
when I tried it on in April 2023.
But the rose gold white enamel dial remains my favorite.
Have a great weekend.
Best, Emmanuel
But the rose gold white enamel dial remains my favorite.
Have a great weekend.
Best, Emmanuel
Beautiful watch
I had the blue dial in the smaller size and it was gorgeous! Even more impressive was the customer care. Mike Margolis is a watch enthusiast and understands how to treat people very well.
In the end I decided to sell mine because I found the day/power reserve frustrating. For me a watch like this is a dressy watch for special occasions, and those are often on weekends. So I would find myself grabbing my 7 day watch on Friday or Saturday and winding it for a day or two. I believe the concept works better for an era where a gentleman had one watch and winding it before church could be a ritual.
In the end I decided to sell mine because I found the day/power reserve frustrating. For me a watch like this is a dressy watch for special occasions, and those are often on weekends. So I would find myself grabbing my 7 day watch on Friday or Saturday and winding it for a day or two. I believe the concept works better for an era where a gentleman had one watch and winding it before church could be a ritual.
I liked the blue dial variant very much when I tried it on in 2023.
But my favorite version remains the rose gold with white enamel dial.
I fully understand your frustration, but if I had such a watch I would wear it daily, as I do my other rose gold watches, so I think I would enjoy the 7-day power reserve just as I enjoy the 8-day power reserve of my LUC Quattro Spirit 25.
Anyway, have a great weekend and thanks for chiming in.
Best, Emmanuel
I fully understand your frustration, but if I had such a watch I would wear it daily, as I do my other rose gold watches, so I think I would enjoy the 7-day power reserve just as I enjoy the 8-day power reserve of my LUC Quattro Spirit 25.
Anyway, have a great weekend and thanks for chiming in.
Best, Emmanuel
Always been and still am a fan of the brand and their watches.
This model was one that drew me in to the brand back in 2016 and i ordered a PU back then .
Black enamel 38, 5 mm case for me. Good to see the link between the wrist watch and the pocket watch!