Czapek concludes anniversary year with three new „Quai des Bergues“ models

The Geneva-based watch brand Czapek & Cie brought its first decade after being re-established by Harry Guhl and Xavier de Roquemaurel in 2015 to a close with a true highlight trio: „Quai des Bergues Sursum Corda“, „Quai des Bergues Nr. 33“ and „Quai des Bergues Nr. 25“.

Czapek is thus also celebrating its original founding in 1845 in Geneva by the master watchmaker François Czapek.

This final anniversary release follows the „Antarctique Tourbillon“ (the first in-house complication of the „Antarctique“ collection), the Antarctique Plique-à-Jour, and the recently introduced „Time Jumper“ with jumping hour, driven by the Czapek caliber 10.

Czapek anniversary: Quai des Bergues Sursum Corda

The „Quai des Bergues“ collection – first presented in 2015 – was named after François Czapek’s original workshop on the Quai des Bergues in Geneva, where he established his first atelier before opening boutiques in Paris at Place Vendôme and in Warsaw.

The founders of the modern Czapek delved deep into the heritage of the 19th century, researching pocket watches from the archives, including the reference 3430 from the 1850s, which inspired the original „Quai des Bergues“ wristwatches.

The first series-produced wristwatch – the „Quai des Bergues No. 33“ – faithfully reinterpreted the aesthetic features of historical pocket watches: elongated Roman numerals, a Grand Feu enamel dial, and the characteristic double-off-center dial layout (small seconds and power reserve), housed in a 42.5-millimeter case and powered by a proprietary caliber developed in collaboration with the movement specialist Chronode. In 2026, the model was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).

The new „Sursum Corda“ version in 18 karat rose gold with a white Grand Feu enamel dial takes up the aesthetic codes of the original collection with enamel, Roman numerals and delicate hands and expands them by a new dimension.

The Latin phrase „Sursum Corda“ („Lift up your hearts“) is discreetly hidden under the enamel and only becomes visible when light falls on the surface at the right angle.

„It is an invitation never to give up and always to give our best, even when hope has already disappeared in our minds. Those who know it, know it,“ explains Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel.

In addition, a laser-engraved "10/180" logo marks the two anniversaries: ten years since the revival and 180 years since the brand's founding. Furthermore, a hidden "Czapek" signature – a faithful reproduction of François Czapek's historical signature from the Geneva archives – is located in the small seconds hand.

Quai des Bergues Sursum Corda with in-house caliber from Czapek

The „Sursum Corda“ is powered by Czapek’s in-house hand-wound caliber SXH1 – the same family of movements that already equipped the original „Quai des Bergues“ wristwatches.

The movement, with a seven-day power reserve, is based on the architecture of mid-19th-century pocket watches, featuring two mainspring barrels, a symmetrical design, and open ratchet wheels. It is finished with traditional haute horlogerie techniques: circular brushing, hand-polished bevels, and sandblasted surfaces.

New case format for the „Quai des Bergues“ collection

While the original „Quai des Bergues“ models were available in 42.5 mm and later 38.5 mm diameters, the new „Sursum Corda“ is being launched with a 40.5 mm rose gold case. This will be the only size available in this collection going forward.

(RRP €46,900)

„Quai des Bergues“: Nos. 33 and 25

In addition to the anniversary edition „Sursum Corda“, Czapek also presents the new, continued models „Quai des Bergues No. 33“, also made of rose gold with white Grand Feu enamel, as well as „No. 25“, a combination of stainless steel and Grand Feu enamel.

Both feature new finishes – including sandblasted flanks – and offer personalization options such as historical fleur-de-lys hands or a modern arrow design, as well as the possibility of incorporating a „secret phrase“ into the enamel dial.

These models are also equipped with the 7-day caliber, whose generous power reserve can be read on the right subdial together with the day of the week display.

(RRP €43,700 (No. 33) or €24,700 (No. 25))

czapek.com