A 19th-century Polish watchmaker who lived in Switzerland, François Czapek became a partner of Antoine Norbert de Patek (their paths later diverged). His watches were highly coveted by the nobility of the time and the Emperor of France, Napoleon III, granted him the title of Watchmaker to the Imperial Court. From the idea of three Swiss entrepreneurs, who, as a tribute to the beautiful mechanics, wanted to revive the brand, Czapek & Cie was founded in 2015, respectfully taking over the name of the company created by François Czapek & Cie on 1 May 1845.
The Quai des Bergues collection is the first fruit of the renewed Maison and comprises six models that retrace the style of François Czapek. The inspiration is a pocket watch made by the Master around 1850, Ref. 3430: classically styled and elongated Roman numerals, slender hands and an unusual positioning of the additional subdials between 4 and 5 (power reserve and calendar) and between 7 and 8 (small seconds). The name, Quai des Bergues, is a tribute to the address of François Czapek's workshop. Inside beats the manual SXH1 calibre, developed by Jean-François Mojon's Chronode company based in Le Locle, finely decorated like the original 1850 calibre. The movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and is equipped with a double barrel, ensuring a power reserve of 168 hours (7 days). The case is available in pink or white gold, titanium or steel.
