Swiss luxury watch brand Czapek & Cie presents Antarctique Rattrapante, the latest model in its Antarctique family, the modern and sportive line introduced in 2020.
The Czapek & Cie Antarctique Rattrapante is the first split-second chronograph whose fascinating mechanism is visible from the dial side.
A split-second chronograph is one of the most complex horological mechanisms. The Calibre SHX6, Czapek’s proprietary movement created in collaboration with Chronode, is a work of art from the mechanical and aesthetic standpoint. For one, the number and thickness of the main components had to be reduced to make sure the timepiece would keep its streamlined look and feel and fit well into the 42.5-millimeter case.
The focus of the movement is the tripod bridge in the centre that holds down a patented satellite minute train and the patent-pending split-second mechanism just below.
The two column wheels, one at the top (for the chronograph) and the bottom (for the split-second mechanism) divide the movement into two halves. The minute totaliser at four o’clock and the small seconds at seven o’clock serve as visual anchors to this high flying, modern and dynamic timepiece, and maintain the link to the company’s spiritus rector, the great nineteenth-century watchmaker, François Czapek, who was using vertical symmetry as an aesthetic guide.
The Antarctique Rattrapante comes with Czapek’s bespoke stainless-steel bracelet, whose links are shaped as a stylized letter C. It will be available at the brand’s boutique in Geneva, official retailers and online at Czapek.com as a subscription in a limited edition of 77 pieces.
Technical details
Model: Czapek & Cie Antarctique Rattrapante Limited Edition
Case
42.5mm stainless-steel case
Height (with glass-box): 15.3mm
Perceived height (bezel to case-back): 10.5mm
Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment
Sapphire case back with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side
Water resistance: 120m
Functions
Split-second monopusher chronograph, hours, minutes & seconds
Chronograph’s minutes at 4:30
Small seconds at 7:30
Split-second pusher at 10:30
Movement
Calibre SXH6: haute horlogerie automatic power-horse movement with a split-second monopusher chronograph module
Power reserve: 60 hours
Frequency: 4 Hz – 28’800 VpH
Variable inertia balance wheel
Two column wheels, chronograph horizontal clutch, patent-pending split-second clamp
49 jewels, 292 components
Recycled 5N rose gold rotor with Czapek logo
Diameter: 34mm
Finish
Finely shot-blasted bridges with hand-polished chamfers
Linear satin-finished chronograph levers with hand-polished chamfers
Circular satin-finished wheels
Black-polished screws, studs and column wheels
Dial
Open-worked split-second chronograph on the dial side (world première)
Sword hours and minutes hands with SuperLuminova treatment
Split-second hand with red tip
Diamond-chamfered rhodium-plated minutes ring and counters
Bracelet
Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive “Easy Release” system
Optional leather or rubber strap
Edition
Limited to 77 pieces
Retail price
46’000 CHF or 43’400 EUR (no tax) or 51’900 USD (US taxes included)
