Czapek hides a Latin phrase under the white enamel of its newest Quai des Bergues, visible only when light catches the dial at a certain angle.
Czapek introduces the Quai des Bergues “Sursum Corda”, limited to 10 pieces in 18K rose gold. It is the closing piece in a quartet marking 180 years since the brand’s founding and a decade since its 2015 revival. Czapek also introduces two continuative versions, the N° 33 in rose gold and the N° 25 in steel.
“Sursum Corda”, Latin for “lift up your hearts”, sits under the grand feu enamel and reveals itself only in certain light. A laser-engraved “10/180” marks the two anniversaries, and a copy of François Czapek’s own signature is hidden within the small-seconds subdial.
The 40.5mm case holds the hand-wound calibre SXH1, built on two barrels for a 7-day power reserve, in the spirit of pocket watches once wound every Sunday. Blued steel Fleur-de-Lys hands and elongated Roman numerals carry over from the original 2015 Quai des Bergues.
The phrase is one Xavier de Roquemaurel, Czapek’s CEO, has leaned on through the brand’s hardest moments. The idea to put it on the dial, though, came from someone else on the team.
The Basics
Brand: Czapek
Model: Quai des Bergues “Sursum Corda”
Diameter: 40.5mm
Thickness: 11.9mm (9.5mm perceived)
Case material: 5N 18k rose gold; curved sapphire crystal and sapphire case back, anti-reflective
Dial: White grand feu enamel; hidden “Sursum Corda” and “10/180”; hidden Czapek signature; elongated Roman numerals; blued steel Fleur-de-Lys hands
Water resistance: 50m (5 atm)
Strap: Alligator, 18k rose gold pin buckle
Limited edition: 10 pieces
The Movement
Calibre: SXH1, hand-wound
Functions: Hours and minutes, small seconds (7:30), power reserve with weekday indication (4:30)
Winding: Manual, two barrel springs
Power reserve: More than 168 hours (7 days)
Frequency: 3Hz (21,600 vph)
Jewels: 31
Images courtesy of Czapek.