Czapek hides a Latin phrase under the white enamel of its newest Quai des Bergues, visible only when light catches the dial at a certain angle.
Czapek introduces the Quai des Bergues “Sursum Corda”, limited to 10 pieces in 18-carat rose gold. It is the closing piece in a quartet marking 180 years since the brand’s founding and a decade since its 2015 revival. Czapek also introduces two continuative versions, the N° 33 in rose gold and the N° 25 in steel.
“Sursum Corda”, Latin for “lift up your hearts”, sits under the grand feu enamel and reveals itself only in certain light. A laser-engraved “10/180” marks the two anniversaries, and a copy of François Czapek’s own signature is hidden within the small-seconds subdial.
The 40.5mm case holds the hand-wound calibre SXH1, built on two barrels for a 7-day power reserve, in the spirit of pocket watches once wound every Sunday. Blued steel Fleur-de-Lys hands and elongated Roman numerals carry over from the original 2015 Quai des Bergues.
The phrase is one Xavier de Roquemaurel, Czapek’s CEO, has leaned on through the brand’s hardest moments. The idea to put it on the dial, though, came from someone else on the team.
The Basics
- Brand Czapek
- Model Quai des Bergues “Sursum Corda”
- Diameter 40.5mm
- Thickness 11.9mm (9.5mm perceived)
- Case material 5N 18k rose gold; curved sapphire crystal and sapphire case back, anti-reflective
- Dial White grand feu enamel; hidden “Sursum Corda” and “10/180”; hidden Czapek signature; elongated Roman numerals; blued steel Fleur-de-Lys hands
- Water resistance 50m (5 atm)
- Strap Alligator, 18k rose gold pin buckle
- Limited edition 10 pieces
The Movement
- Calibre SXH1, hand-wound
- Functions Hours and minutes, small seconds (7:30), power reserve with weekday indication (4:30)
- Winding Manual, two barrel springs
- Power reserve More than 168 hours (7 days)
- Frequency 3Hz (21,600 vph)
- Jewels 31
Images courtesy of Czapek.
