Czapek Quai des Bergues No.25 Review
Review

Czapek Quai des Bergues No.25 Review

By watchestolove · Jun 9, 2018 · 19 replies
watchestolove
WPS member · Independents forum
19 replies4596 views25 photos
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Watchestolove introduces their new Czapek Quai des Bergues No.25, offering a detailed look at their chosen configuration. The author provides exceptional photography and insights into the design elements that drew them to this specific independent watchmaker's piece.

I've been following Czapek for a while and really like their design and the attention to details for each component, from the movement to hands to case. Initially I was stunned by the Aqua guilloche dial, but wasn't sure if I would enjoy it as much after a few years, and plus I really love the elongated Roman numerals of the printed dials. In the end I decided to go for the classic solid silver dial, which is the No.25 and is just so elegant. As for the Fleur de Lys hands, they are the symbol of Czapek from the pocket watch days and a must have, Czapek was kind enough to put them on my model instead of the standard arrow hands.

Anyway here comes the photos!

Beautiful piano gloss wooden box:


Love the compact size, doesn't take up a lot of room in the closet. Starting to become a problem after 10 or so pieces...




Each watch comes with a hand signed certificate and wax seal.


Such an elegant design!





Some closeups:

Check out the insanely sharp print on the dial, and also the extremely fine grain of the solid silver dial.

The dual sub-dial design, reminds me a lot of the 1815 Up/Down, a watch that I dearly love. However I find that cutting off of Roman numerals is more pleasant than the slightly cut off Arabic numerals on the Lange.

The signature Czapek design paying homage to the pocket watch days. Power reserve is mechanically tied to the day of the week, so I'm supposed to fully wind it every Sunday to keep the day correct. A bit quirky but I don't mind it at all. 


Close up of the "Fleur de Lys" hands. It is carved out of white gold, then blue plated. Also note that the minute hand perfectly touches the railway track, and the hour hand stops at the Roman numerals.


So delicate 😍



Movement

The movement is designed with Chronode, also known for creating MB&F movements. 






The finish is beautiful, frosted (sandblasted) bridge plates with hand anglage to create a beautiful contrast of textures. From most photos online it's hard to see the fine finish and had me worry as too plain. In person it's a thing of beauty and invites a closer look.


Twin barrel provides 7 day power reserve, and interestingly only requires under 50 turns of the crown to fully wind it (My PAM422 is only 3 days but requires 90 turns). The open worked ratchet wheels are also signature of the Czapek pocket watch movements.



Case

The case is finely polished with three textures: gloss, brushed, and sandblasted. The case side lines are sexy.

The other side also has approximately 1mm of recessed sandblasted strip.

The crown is big and easy to wind with plenty of grip. The winding feel is smooth and satisfying, with just the right amount of resistance. 


All the Czapek pieces have an integrated crown guard, which I think is a great modern touch to an otherwise classic design. The alternate polish looks beautiful here.


One thing worth noting is the overall polish is very close to Grand Seiko's Zaratsu polishing, the reflections are almost without distortion. Will post a better photo of that in the future.







Overall I'm absolutely thrilled with this watch, and really enjoyed looking at it under a loupe. Not many watches can survive the brutality of a loupe, but this is one of them. One really needs to behold it in the metal to fully appreciate all the thought that went into it. 

Thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed the photos! 


About the A. Lange and Söhne Emil Lange Ref. 1815

The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 reference 206.032, introduced in 1999, is a notable example of the brand's commitment to traditional watchmaking principles. This model is part of the 1815 collection, which pays homage to the birth year of Ferdinand Adolph Lange and emphasizes classic design elements such as Arabic numerals and blued hands, drawing inspiration from historical Lange pocket watches. It represents a more understated and purist aesthetic compared to some of the brand's more complex offerings, focusing on fundamental horological excellence.

This particular reference features an 18k rose gold case measuring 36mm in diameter and 7.5mm in thickness. It houses the manually wound L941.1 caliber, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front, protecting a solid silver dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.

The 1815 206.032 appeals to collectors who appreciate classical proportions and a focus on fundamental watchmaking without excessive complications. Its smaller case size reflects a more traditional approach to men's wristwatches, making it a desirable piece for those seeking a discreet yet highly refined timepiece. The combination of rose gold and a silver dial offers a warm and legible presentation, consistent with the collection's historical inspirations.

Specifications

Caliber
L941.1
Case
18k rose gold
Diameter
36mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
KI
KIH
Jun 9, 2018

.. and must be thanks to your photo skills, too! Great shots of a great watch. Congratulations! What a watch! I think I will show mine one day.... ) Ken

AU
AuHavrePro
Jun 9, 2018

Fantastic images as well, they really do the watch justice . Cheers, Filip

LU
Luis6
Jun 9, 2018

Your photos always bring out the best of your watches. I must admit that I haven’t paid enough attention to Czapek before. But I certainly will follow the brand keenly from now on.

WA
Watchonthewrist
Jun 9, 2018

By your Photos The watch comes to life imho . Very elegant and well Thought-out version of the Quia des Bergues 👌🏻😘. I know you love it and wear it with pride like i do with mine . Again a Excellent choice 👍🏻🤗. HAGW 🙏🏻

11
111forza
Jun 10, 2018

And congrats on your wonderful photographic skills 👌

WA
watchestolove
Jun 10, 2018

I also have the shiny grey strap as well, they have lovely straps for sure. Would love to see your piece, please do show!

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