Czapek & Cie has announced the release of two new models from its Quai des Bergues guilloché “Ricochet” line: Sapphire Blue L and Emerald Green L. In addition to the striking new enamel dials, they come with a redesigned mechanical movement.
The Quai des Bergues’ original SXH1 calibre had been designed in the spirit of the traditional Genevan craftsmen known as the cabinotiers. It was very technical and sober. Transforming an existing movement can be more difficult than developing a new one.
The most visible change on the SXH1 is the extensive openwork, which clearly delineates a full-fledged three-quarter plate and exposes the geartrain. The bridge plate and balance bridge have also been hollowed out and seem to face each other like two shooting stars about to cross paths.
This gives the movement a more dynamic look. The mainplate now has a small triangular hole cut in the middle, a cursory distraction on the rhodium-plated, matt grey surface, like a beauty mark on a pale face.
The reworked calibre differs from its predecessor in other ways, too. The original balance had a classic rack and index for regulation, for example. The new SXH1, on the other hand, has an annular balance wheel with weights for variable inertia and a Breguet terminal curve balance spring. The balance cock has also been finely skeletonised and streamlined to give the whole balance greater transparency.
Moreover, all the edges of the movement have been softened by deeper chamfering. The regular jewels were replaced with “mi-glace” rubies. These have a rounded relief that improves lubrication on the point of contact with the axes. They also give the movement a more fluid look and can, occasionally, catch incoming rays of light.
Technical details
Model: Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues Guilloché “Ricochet” Sapphire Blue L
Case
Exclusive stainless steel “Revolution” case
42.5 mm diameter
Thickness: 11.9mm (9.5mm perceived)
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside surface
Sapphire crystal case back with antireflective treatment on the inside surface
Water-resistance: 50 meters (5 atm)
Movement
Calibre SXH1: Haute Horlogerie proprietary mechanical hand-wound movement
Power-reserve > 168 hours (7 days) on two barrel springs
Variable inertia balance wheel
“Breguet” terminal coil
Frequency: 3 Hz – 21,600 VpH
Diameter: 32 mm – 14 lines 1⁄4
Height: 4.75 mm
Number of components: 160
Number of jewels: 31
Finish
– Partially open worked bridges on gear train
– Double open ratchets, sandblasted bridges and main plate
– Heat-blued screws, bevelling, final hand-chamfering, circular graining and snailing on wheels
Functions
Hours, minutes & seconds
Small second at 7h30
Power reserve indication with weekdays at 4h30
Dial
Blue handmade “Flinqué” enamel dial
Czapek exclusive Ricochet® design
Czapek typical elongated Roman numerals
Hands
Rhodium plated Fleur-de-Lys steel hands
Bracelet
Alligator strap with stainless steel pin buckle
International Retail Price (excl. taxes)
18’000 CHF
Model: Czapek & Cie Quai des Bergues Guilloché “Ricochet” Emerald Green L
Case
Exclusive stainless steel “Revolution” case
42.5 mm diameter
Thickness: 11.9mm (9.5mm perceived)
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside surface
Sapphire crystal case back with antireflective treatment on the inside surface
Water-resistance: 50 meters (5 atm)
Movement
Calibre SXH1: Haute Horlogerie proprietary mechanical hand-wound movement
Power-reserve > 168 hours (7 days) on two barrel springs
Variable inertia balance wheel
“Breguet” terminal coil
Frequency: 3 Hz – 21,600 VpH
Diameter: 32 mm – 14 lines 1⁄4
Height: 4.75 mm
Number of components: 160
Number of jewels: 31
Finish
– Partially open worked bridges on gear train
– Double open ratchets, sandblasted bridges and main plate
– Heat-blued screws, bevelling, final hand-chamfering, circular graining and snailing on wheels
Functions
Hours, minutes & seconds
Small second at 7h30
Power reserve indication with weekdays at 4h30
Dial
Green handmade “Flinqué” enamel dial
Czapek exclusive Ricochet® design
Czapek typical elongated Roman numerals
Rhodium plated Fleur-de-Lys steel hands
Bracelet
Alligator strap with stainless steel pin buckle
International Retail Price (excl. taxes)
18’000 CHF
