Horologii

Hands-on with the Czapek Quai des Bergues Sapphire Blue L and Emerald Green L Watches

Czapek & Cie revisit their first in-house calibre with the launch of two Czapek Quai des Bergues watches, one in a gorgeous sapphire blue and the other in emerald green. Both maintain the brand’s rare talent for timeless profiles and intricate dials, boasting stunning flinque enamel displays composed by Czapek partner Donzé Cadrans.

From the outside, the new Czapek Quai des Bergues Sapphire Blue L and Emerald Green L watches appear exactly how we left them. The stainless steel cases measure to 42.5mm in diameter, living up to the “L” at the end of their name compared to the reduced “S” models which offer the same architecture but at 4mm smaller. The smooth and clean stainless steel housing includes a smooth, fixed bezel, a knurled crown at 3 o’clock with subtle guards and sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective treatment. We’re also warranted a water resistance of 50 metres.

For many, the almost iridescent flinque guilloche dials of the new Czapek Quai des Bergues Sapphire Blue L and Emerald Green L watches will steal the show. The familiar “ricochet” pattern is coloured in two new shades, sapphire blue and emerald green, both conceived by Czapek’s dial-making partner Donzé Cadrans. The Czapek Quai des Bergues Sapphire Blue L watch takes inspiration from its 2019 predecessor, the Sapphire Blue S, while the undeniably intense Czapek Quai des Bergues Emerald Green L watch is a new colour and mimics closely to the shade of British racing green. Both displays maintain the elongated Roman numerals, rhodium-plated Fleur de Lys hands and the two subsidiary dials for the small seconds, day of the week and power reserve indicator.

The spirit of the watch has not been touched,” says Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel, “but we have had a second look at the movement and identified what you might call evolutionary inflection points.” He also adds, “When we released the Antarctique with its lacy bridges and complex architecture, people were amazed. So, we realized we had to harmonize all of our movements along those lines.”

While the addition of a sapphire blue and emerald dial is nice, the main changes to the new Czapek Quai des Bergues watches are housed within. Following the release of the proprietary SXH5 movement in the Czapek Antarctique two years ago, the Swiss watch manufacturer set a new standard for themselves in their manufacture. Now, lovers of Czapek watches everywhere are wanting the same quality of movement in all their designs. Thankfully, it appears Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel has listened and a refreshed SXH1 calibre makes its way into the two Czapek Quai des Bergues Sapphire Blue L and Emerald Green L watches.

The overall result is a more open-worked movement, but one still benefits from impressive levels of accuracy and a 168 hour power reserve. The balance wheel displays several upgrades including a weight-controlled variable-inertia balance and a Breguet overcoil hairspring. The balance cock has also been cut away to give a clearer view of this component. Overall finishing has improved including deeper chamfering, triangular cut outs below the barrels and the regular jewels have been replaced with “mi-glace” rubies. These have a rounded relief for improved lubrication. You can enjoy much of this through the Czapek Quai des Bergues watch’s exhibition case backs.

Finishing off the Czapek Quai des Bergues Sapphire Blue L and Emerald Green L watches is a premium alligator leather strap. The former model opts for a strap in dark navy blue while the latter elects one in dark brown. Both close by classic stainless steel pin buckles. The watches are available to order now and retail at £20,900.

If you’d like to learn more about the new Czapek Quai des Bergues Sapphire Blue L and Emerald Green L watches and shop the collection for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.

Specifications:

  • Case Size: 42.5mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Bezel: Fixed
  • Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
  • Crown: Non-screw locked
  • Case Back: Exhibition
  • Water Resistance: 50 metres
  • Movement: Calibre SHX1 manual winding
  • Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator, day of week
  • Power Reserve: 168 hours
  • Jewels: 31
  • Frequency: 21,600vph
  • Dial: Blue or green handmade flinqué enamel
  • Strap: Alligator leather
  • Buckle: Pin
  • Limited: No
  • RRP: £20,900