Carl Suchy & Sohne Belvedere Bordeaux and Champagne

Steeped in a rich legacy of Viennese watchmaking tradition, Carl Suchy & Söhne has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and elegance, crafting timepieces that are as technically impressive as they are aesthetically captivating. With the introduction of the Belvedere Bordeaux and Champagne, Carl Suchy & Söhne once again demonstrates its mastery, offering two watches that are a celebration of color, craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of time.



Before we delve into the intricacies of the Belvedere Bordeaux and Champagne, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the historical tapestry that underpins Carl Suchy & Söhne's creations. The brand's roots trace back to 1822, when Carl Suchy, a talented watchmaker, established his workshop in Vienna. The city, then a thriving hub of culture and commerce, provided the perfect backdrop for Suchy's horological pursuits. His dedication to precision and artistry quickly earned him a loyal clientele, and the brand soon became synonymous with Viennese watchmaking excellence.



Over the years, Carl Suchy & Söhne has weathered the storms of history, navigating two World Wars and the shifting tides of the watch industry. Yet, through it all, the brand has remained steadfast in its commitment to its founding principles. Today, under the leadership of a passionate team of watchmakers and designers, Carl Suchy & Söhne continues to carry the torch of Viennese watchmaking tradition, infusing each timepiece with a unique blend of heritage and modernity.



The Belvedere series, to which the Bordeaux and Champagne belong, is a testament to Carl Suchy & Söhne's ability to strike the perfect balance between sportiness and elegance. Inspired by the Belvedere Palace in Vienna, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the Belvedere watches embody a sense of refined dynamism. The cases, crafted from stainless steel, are at once robust and graceful, their lines flowing seamlessly from lug to lug. The dials, adorned with intricate guilloché patterns and luminous indices, are a feast for the eyes, offering a harmonious blend of legibility and aesthetic appeal.



But it's the subtle details that truly set the Belvedere series apart. The unique date display, a hallmark of the collection, adds a touch of playful sophistication. The date window, rather than being static, moves across the dial, creating a sense of visual rhythm and dynamism. It's a testament to Carl Suchy & Söhne's commitment to innovation, a reminder that even the most traditional complications can be reimagined in a fresh and exciting way.



With the Belvedere Bordeaux and Champagne, Carl Suchy & Söhne introduces a new dimension to the Belvedere series: color. The Bordeaux, as its name suggests, features a deep, luxurious burgundy dial that evokes images of fine wine and autumnal sunsets. It's a bold yet sophisticated choice, one that is sure to turn heads and spark conversations. The Champagne, on the other hand, shimmers with a soft, golden hue, reminiscent of the celebratory bubbly. It's a color that exudes warmth and optimism, a perfect complement to the watch's elegant design.



Both watches feature a luminous golden second hand that gracefully sweeps across the dial, its motion a mesmerizing reminder of the passage of time. The Super-LumiNova filled indices, meanwhile, ensure that the watch remains legible even in low-light conditions, a practical touch that enhances its everyday wearability.



While the color schemes of the Bordeaux and Champagne are undoubtedly eye-catching, it's the meticulous attention to detail that truly elevates these watches to the realm of horological artistry. The cases, crafted from 316L stainless steel, are subjected to a pearl-blasting process that creates a subtle, matte finish. This contrasts beautifully with the polished bezel, lugs, and case back, creating a play of light and shadow that adds depth and dimension to the watch.



The dials, as mentioned earlier, are adorned with intricate guilloché patterns that create a sense of visual texture and complexity. The skeletonized Dauphine hands, rhodium-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova, are a study in minimalist elegance, their slender forms perfectly complementing the watch's overall design.



The integrated rubber straps, available in a range of colors to match the dials, are both comfortable and stylish. They feature quick-release spring bars, allowing for easy interchangeability, and a micro-engraved Belvedere Garden on the inside, a subtle nod to the watch's Viennese heritage.



Beneath the sapphire crystal case back of the Belvedere Bordeaux and Champagne lies the heart of these exceptional timepieces: the CSS201 caliber. This automatic movement, based on a Dubois Dépraz, is a testament to Carl Suchy & Söhne's commitment to horological excellence. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring precise timekeeping, and boasts a 42-hour power reserve, allowing the watch to continue running even when not worn for a day or two.



But it's not just the technical specifications that impress. The movement is beautifully decorated, with a gold-plated movement ring and perlage finishing. It's a sight to behold, a reminder that even the hidden parts of a watch can be works of art in their own right.



The Belvedere Bordeaux and Champagne are not just beautiful objects; they are also highly versatile timepieces that can be worn in a variety of settings. Their 40.8mm cases strike the perfect balance between presence and wearability, making them suitable for both men and women. The 100-meter water resistance ensures that they can handle splashes and brief immersions, making them ideal for active lifestyles.



The Belvedere Bordeaux is a watch that commands attention. Its deep burgundy dial, reminiscent of a fine vintage wine, is both bold and refined. The color, achieved through a meticulous lacquering process, shimmers and shifts in the light, creating a sense of depth and dynamism. It's a dial that invites contemplation, drawing the wearer into its rich tapestry of hues.



The skeletonized Dauphine hands, rhodium-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova, stand out against the burgundy backdrop, ensuring excellent legibility. The same can be said of the concave rhodium-plated indices, which are also filled with Super-LumiNova, guaranteeing that the watch remains readable even in the dimmest of lighting.



But it's the unique date display that truly sets the Belvedere Bordeaux apart. The date window, rather than being fixed in a single position, moves across the dial each day, following a carefully choreographed path. It's a playful touch that adds a sense of animation to the watch, transforming its appearance with each passing day.



The 40.8mm stainless steel case, with its combination of polished and satin-finished surfaces, is a masterpiece of understated elegance. It sits comfortably on the wrist, its dimensions striking the perfect balance between presence and wearability. The screw-down crown, adorned with a black lacquer filling, adds a touch of visual intrigue while ensuring water resistance up to 100 meters.



Turning the watch over, we are greeted by the sapphire crystal case back, which offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the CSS201 caliber. The movement, with its gold-plated movement ring and perlage finishing, is a testament to Carl Suchy & Söhne's dedication to horological craftsmanship. The golden rotor, embellished with a finely micro-engraved facade of the Belvedere Palace, is a particularly delightful touch, adding a touch of Viennese charm to the watch's mechanical heart.



The integrated rubber strap, in a matching burgundy hue, completes the Belvedere Bordeaux's ensemble. It's supple and comfortable on the wrist, its textured inner surface ensuring a secure fit even during vigorous activity. The quick-release spring bars allow for easy strap changes, should the wearer wish to switch things up.



If the Belvedere Bordeaux is a bold statement, the Belvedere Champagne is a celebration of understated luxury. Its champagne-colored dial, with its subtle golden shimmer, evokes images of celebratory bubbles and sun-drenched afternoons. It's a color that exudes warmth and optimism, a perfect complement to the watch's refined design.



Like its burgundy counterpart, the Belvedere Champagne features skeletonized Dauphine hands and concave rhodium-plated indices, all filled with Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility. The unique moving date display, a hallmark of the Belvedere series, adds a touch of dynamism to the dial, ensuring that the watch never looks quite the same two days in a row.



The 40.8mm stainless steel case, with its blend of polished and satin-finished surfaces, is a study in refined elegance. It's a case that feels substantial on the wrist without being overly bulky, its proportions carefully calibrated to ensure maximum comfort and wearability. The screw-down crown, with its black lacquer filling, is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a subtle touch of contrast to the watch's overall design.



The sapphire crystal case back reveals the beautifully decorated CSS201 caliber, its golden rotor adorned with the micro-engraved facade of the Belvedere Palace. It's a reminder that even the hidden parts of a watch can be works of art, a testament to Carl Suchy & Söhne's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.



The integrated rubber strap, in a complementary champagne hue, provides the perfect finishing touch. It's soft and pliable, conforming to the contours of the wrist, and its quick-release spring bars make it easy to swap out for a different strap should the occasion demand it.



The Belvedere Bordeaux and Champagne, with their exquisite craftsmanship, unique features, and undeniable aesthetic appeal, are priced at €7,900. It's a price that reflects the quality and exclusivity of these timepieces, positioning them firmly in the luxury watch segment. But for those who appreciate fine watchmaking and seek a timepiece that is both technically impressive and visually captivating, the Belvedere Bordeaux and Champagne represent an investment that is sure to bring years of enjoyment and satisfaction.