Czapek Returns to the Quai des Bergues—With Two Special Editions

Czapek returns to the Quai des Bergues. On the banks of Lake Geneva, where François Czapek began a significant part of his career in the 19th century, the brand’s current manufacture is opening its new flagship store. Two limited-edition watches mark this milestone: the Quai des Bergues “Midnight in Geneva” and the Place Vendôme Complicité Glacier Blue.

A historic address in Geneva

In 1839, François Czapek founded a company at 29 Quai des Bergues with two partners. After that partnership ended, Czapek & Cie was established in 1845; a boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris followed later. The brand, which was revived in 2015, is now moving to 27 Quai des Bergues. The boutique has been open since July, and the official grand opening will take place at the start of Geneva Watch Days.

^{Czapek Boutique on Quai des Bergues, Geneva}

Quai des Bergues “Midnight in Geneva”

The first special edition is based on a model that Czapek introduced in 2019 to mark the opening of its first modern boutique in Geneva. The dark blue Aventuringlas dial is now housed for the first time in the new 40.5-millimeter stainless steel case. The small seconds and power reserve are displayed as separate indicators beneath precisely cut-out openings in the dial, which is just 0.4 millimeters thick.

The SXH1 hand-wound caliber offers a seven-day power reserve. Like its predecessor, this edition is limited to 18 pieces and costs 22,500 euros before tax.

Place Vendôme Complicité Glacier Blue

The second innovation is more technically complex. Two independent balance wheels, each with its own escapement, beat in opposite directions. A differential at 12 o’clock combines their rate values. The design is the result of a collaboration between Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel and independent watchmaker Bernhard Lederer.

The hand-wound Caliber 8 comprises 293 components and offers a 72-hour power reserve. Two sapphire bridges offer a view of the gear train; on the back, the movement features 18 hand-finished internal angles. The light blue PVD-coated, grained mainplate serves as the backdrop for the two visible regulating organs.

Ten pieces of the Glacier Blue with a platinum case will be produced. The price is 113,000 euros before tax. Both special-edition models are available through the new Geneva boutique and select authorized dealers.