An evolutionary inflection point for Czapek
Powered by Czapek's first independently developed calibre SXH1, the ‘Quai des Bergues’ represents the brand's origin story, as it pays tribute to the location where François Czapek founded the company in Geneva in 1845.
However, new for 2022, Czapek has dramatically overhauled the handwound SXH1 movement, creating a stunning new aesthetic without disturbing the spirit or capability of the 7-day calibre. The end result is the visibility of deep chamfering and extensive openwork, which clearly delineates a full-fledged three-quarter plate and exposes the geartrain. The bridge plate and balance bridge have also been hollowed out and seem to face each other like two shooting stars about to cross paths, giving the movement a more dynamic look. The mainplate now has a small triangular hole cut in the middle, a cursory punctuation on the matte grey rhodium-plated surface.
The reworked calibre differs from the first-generation SXH1 in other ways, namely the regulation which now has an annular balance wheel with weights for variable inertia and a Breguet terminal curve balance spring. The balance cock has also been finely skeletonised and streamlined to give the whole balance greater transparency.
Characterizing this highly evolved new Quai des Bergues is a dazzling handmade "Ricochet" pattern dial in flinqué enamel, produced by Czapek partner Donzé Cadrans. Available in two dreamy, iridescent tones, each dial lends an unusual intensity and contrast to this archetypical Czapek silhouette.