Czapek-Cie-Quai-des-Bergues-aBlogtoWatch-17

The 42.5mm Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues case, with its clean lines and classical appearance, comes in either rose gold, white gold, titanium, or XO steel, and is manufactured by LAB in La Chaux-de-Fonds. XO steel is highly resistant to corrosion and is an apparent first for watchmaking. As a fan of new materials (and a slight aversion to lugging that much gold around on my wrist) I think this provides a tantalising option. Normally when a watch is available in gold or steel, choosing the steel on the basis of cost alone might leave you feeling a bit put-out; in this instance, there is at least a genuine source of interest in the cheaper option, not to mention its laudable resistance to wear.

Czapek-Cie-Quai-des-Bergues-aBlogtoWatch-35 Czapek-Cie-Quai-des-Bergues-aBlogtoWatch-18

Taking inspiration from the unusual sub-dial positioning seen on the historical pocket watches by Czapek, the Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues dial has sub-dials at 4:30 and 7:30, giving this piece its own look. At 4:30, the day of the week and the power reserve are displayed, and at 7:30, the running seconds hand completes the time-telling interface. The elongated Roman numerals are also an homage to the original wares of the antecedent company. Although the font for the brand name has clearly been chosen to fit with the hour markers, I can’t say I’m a huge fan. It looks a little bit like it’s been stretched on WordArt, but doesn’t detract from the cleanliness of the dial, at least.

Advertising Message

Czapek-Cie-Quai-des-Bergues-aBlogtoWatch-32 Czapek-Cie-Quai-des-Bergues-aBlogtoWatch-33

The dial on the gold versions of the Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues watches is is a brass base, coated with grand feu enamel, which is a real treat. I am a big believer in the use of enamel in wristwatch decoration and often lament its omission in other plain-dialled watches that could add a touch of elegance by going for this material. The steel and titanium versions use a more modern finish, which I don’t like as much, but it does result in a much sportier look and presumably appeals to a different demographic from the dressier variants. The hands of the gold versions are either blued steel or forged gold with a lanky Fleur de Lis tip. The standard hands are generously sized arrows, colour-matched to each watch’s individual colour scheme.

Czapek-Cie-Quai-des-Bergues-aBlogtoWatch-16
Czapek-Cie-Quai-des-Bergues-aBlogtoWatch-34

The case is water resistant to 30 metres and held on the wrist by an alligator strap with a deployant buckle matching the case material. The research and development of the proprietary calibre featured in the Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues watch, the case, and production of the first series, was financed by friends and private investors to the tune of half a million Swiss Francs. The next step of this brand’s growth will be in the hands of eager backers on the European crowd funding portal, Raizers. The aim is to raise one million Swiss francs to expand the range and intensify production of the Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues watch. A second platform will be débuting in the UK soon. Price for the Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues watch is €9,950 in steel, €14,900 in titanium, €24,300 in rose gold, and €24,900 in white gold. czapek.com


Advertising Message

Subscribe to our Newsletter