The story behind Czapek & Cie. is a rather intriguing one: the company was revived just four months back, through a crowdfunding project where fans and collectors can invest and own a portion of this Geneva-based watchmaker. In Baselworld 2016, they have decided to unveil three new variants of the Quai des Bergues collection.
The Quai des Bergues collection is inspired by a particular pocket watch that François Czapek had produced back in the nineteenth century. It features certain unique traits, such as the positioning of the twin sub-dials. In addition to that, one of the sub-dials features a rather unique-looking day indicator, which makes it a tad even more special.
The Czapek & Cie. Quai des Bergues N.27, with the Diamondblack ADLC case.
Out of the three new releases, two of them feature a Grand Feu white enamel dial. The last one, however, features a contrasting Carbon “Vinyl” dial. One interesting point to note would be the “Secret Signature” that is found on the small seconds counter of the Grand Feu dials. This is an anti-counterfeit measure that François Czapek had devised, and the signature is only visible at certain angles. To add on to that, customers can also request for a “Secret Sentence” to be placed on the dial. And specially for the models presented in Basel, the brand had also included a “Secret Quote” from the late David Bowie on the dial as well.
The watch is powered by the Caliber SXH1, a movement that is produced in collaboration with Chronode. This manual-winding movement features a twin barrel system, and hence boasting a power reserve of around 7 days. In addition, it features a myriad of finishing, such as anglage and sand-blasting.
The Czapek & Cie. N.31. This one features a Grand Feu white enamel dial.
As mentioned, the watchmaker had released three variants in this Baselworld. The one that features the Carbon “Vinyl” dial, also known as the N.27, features a matching “Diamondblack” ADLC finishing on its 42.5mm Grade 5 Titanium case. The other two (N.31 and N.33) are cased in either 4N Rose Gold (with black rhodium plating for the N.33). Additionally, for the N.33, the watch comes with the “Fleur de Lys” and Trident shaped-hands that are featured on the original 1850’s 3430 pocket watch. As for the N.31, the watch is fitted with blued-steel hands instead.
An obligatory wristshot of the N.33.
The recommended retail price for the N.27 is at CHF 14,900, while the 4N Red Gold models (N.31 and N.33) are priced at CHF 23,900. For more information, please check out Czapek and Cie.’s website here.
