BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
It’s been a big year for Czapek as the brand marks 180 years since its inception in 1845 and 10 years since it was revived for the modern era. To mark the occasion, it has been busy working on several special new watches, including the Antarctique Tourbillon, we saw at Watches & Wonders, the Antarctique Plique-à-Jour, the avant-garde Time Jumper, and now this: the Quaides Bergues “Sursum Corda”.
The phrase “sursum corda” translates from Latin to mean “hearts up”. In Czapek’s context, it’s a phrase used by company CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel as a way to lift up spirits and lighten
everyone’s burden when the Czapek team is faced with a difficult task. A member of Czapek’s team suggested it be immortalised in a special edition watch with the words placed on the dial,
and here we are. In the case of the new Quai des Bergues, the Latin text has been laser etched into the watch’s white enamel grand feu dial as a secret signature. Underneath it is the special
10/180 logo that Czapek has been using on its anniversary watches. Also etched into the dial is Franciszek Czapek’s signature, as it would have been on his original pocket watches, it’s placed
in the subseconds dial on the lower left. Although there are no special signatures in the other subdials, which shows both the day of the week and how much is left in the watch’s seven-day power reserve, the layout remains faithful to the design of the reference 3430 which it draws its
design from.
Powering this is Czpek’s calibre SXH1, a slightly updated version of the original calibre used to revive the brand. The only major difference, as appearances go, between the original SXH1 and
what we see here is that more of the components have been openworked, allowing for a better view of the inner workings and a chance for Czapek to show off more of their finishing skills. The movement still has that long seven-day power reserve and is wound by hand. Czapek is offering this watch in a 40.5mm case made from 18k rose gold, and it will be presented on a leather strap.
Alongside the Quai des Bergues “Sursum Corda” are two other special watches, the Quai des Bergues No. 25 and No. 33. They also both measure 40.5mm in diameter, although the No. 25 is presented in a stainless steel case while the No. 33 has an 18k rose gold case. Like the “Sursum Corda”, these watches also feature redesigned cases compared to the original Quai
des Bergues, with extra details such as recessed and sandblasted flanks that modernise the look.
Both watches also feature the Calibre SXH1 inside, and the dials are also both in white grand feu enamel with Franciszek Czapek’s signature within the sub-seconds displays. They don’t
feature Xavier de Roquemaurel’s quote, although there is the option to have your own “secret sentence” laser-engraved into the enamel if you so choose. With these watches, you can also choose whether you want the classic Fleur-des-Lys hands or the more modern arrow-shaped hands. I’d lean towards the modern ones personally, but I’d understand if you wanted the others.
All three watches on offer here showcase Czapek’s confident creativity, using large and small details to make their watches stand out. We can’t wait to see where the brand’s energy and design ambition take them next. All three watches will be available through the brand’s worldwide retailer network, their flagship boutique in Geneva and from their website.
