At Watches & Wonders 2022 event in Geneva, Czapek & Cie launched the Antarctique S – a reinterpretation of its sporty-chic Antarctique watch in a new 38.5mm case.
To create this moderately sized Czapek watch, the case had to be totally re-engineered and the codes rewritten to ensure that all of the proportions work perfectly.
The 38.5mm case is defined by the same taut lines that characterize the original Antarctique but now the sides are flat, rather than cut away, and the shoulders protecting the crown have been subtly pared back – simplifications that achieve better visual balance in the smaller dimensions. And Czapek’s attention to detail went beyond just the visual: the weight of the watch on the wrist had to feel appropriate to its reduced size.
Czapek has also enhanced the design of the integrated bracelet. With less space between the lugs at the attachment point, the long, subtly curving line that tapers from the widest point of the case to the narrowest point of the bracelet had to be carefully studied and adjusted to achieve perfect harmony.
The bracelet of Antarctique S incorporates brushed steel links connected by highly polished links in the form of a stylized “C” for Czapek. Like its predecessor, it also features a quick-change system that enables owners to quickly and easily switch to the additional rubber or leather strap that comes with the watch.
On the dials, atypical colors and intriguing textures provide a perfect backdrop for strongly sculptured indexes. The Antarctique S will initially be offered with a choice of three dials, all created in partnership with the dial specialist Metalem.
Czapek’s signature ‘Stairway to Eternity’ pattern is presented in the Passage de Drake Glacier Blue and Salmon, the three-dimensional stamped surface of the trapezoidal motif creating a play of light and shadows across the dial. The former appears to alternate between pale blue and silver with the movement of the wrist, and latter from a soft peachy tone to a richer, almost honeyed shade of salmon.
The ‘Frozen Star’ dial is made from the rarest precious metal on Earth – osmium. Very hard, dense and heavy, and one of the six platinum group metals, it was discovered in 1803 by British chemist Smithson Tennant.
Shimmering as the light catches it – from a deep bluish-grey to almost white-blue – the osmium dial of the Antarctique S creates a dramatic contrast to the cool silvery tones of the steel case and bracelet.
The Antarctique S is powered by the SXH5 caliber, the first movement to be entirely conceived in-house by Czapek and launched in the original Antarctique in May 2020.
Inspired by the 19th century pocket watches of François Czapek, its distinctive architecture of seven skeletonised bridges is immediately recognizable.
Taking the best from both the past and present of watchmaking, it features a free-sprung balance and an elegant and highly efficient micro-rotor of recycled 950 platinum; the haute horlogerie finishes combine hand-bevelled internal angles with state-of-the-art laser engraving to create a beautiful play of contrasts: light and dark, textured and smooth, matte and polished.
The Antarctique S watch is available on Czapek.com, from the flagship Czapek boutique in Geneva, at 18 rue de la Corraterie, and from all Czapek & Cie official retailers.
Technical details
Model: Czapek & Cie Antarctique Passage de Drake Glacier Blue S
Movement
Calibre SXH5: Czapek’s in house self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 30 mm – 13 lines ¼
Height: 4.2 mm
Number of parts: 193
Jewels: 28
Swiss lever escapement, variable-inertia balance fitted with four gold inertia-blocks
Frequency: 4 Hz – 28800 VpH
Power winding system: Micro rotor with a recycled platinum mass
Power-reserve > 56 hours on one single barrel
Barrel torque: 8.8 Nmm
Finish
Open ratchets, sandblasted black bridges, bevelling, straight-grained sides, six hand-chamfered inward angles
Functions
Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
Dial
Stamped “flinqué” dial with the officially registered “Stairway to Eternity” pattern
“Glacier Blue” color obtained with PVD treatment
Luminescent, steel “Sword” hands
Bracelet
Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive “Easy Release” system and micro adjustment
Optional leather or rubber strap
Case
38.5mm steel case
Height: 10.6 mm
Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment
Sapphire case back with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side
Water resistance: 120m
Screwed-down crown
International retail price
CHF 19’500 or € 19’000 or $ 22’000
Model: Czapek & Cie Antarctique Passage de Drake Salmon S
Movement
Calibre SXH5: Czapek’s in house self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 30 mm – 13 lines ¼
Height: 4.2 mm
Number of parts: 193
Jewels: 28
Swiss lever escapement, variable-inertia balance fitted with four gold inertia-blocks
Frequency: 4 Hz – 28800 VpH
Power winding system: Micro rotor with a recycled platinum mass
Power-reserve > 56 hours on one single barrel
Barrel torque: 8.8 Nmm
Finish
Open ratchets, sandblasted black bridges, bevelling, straight-grained sides, six hand-chamfered inward angles
Functions
Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
Dial
Stamped “flinqué” dial with the officially registered “Stairway to Eternity” pattern
”Salmon” color obtained with galvanic treatment
Luminescent, steel “Sword” hands
Functions
Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
Bracelet
Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive “Easy Release” system and micro adjustment
Optional leather or rubber strap
Case
38.5mm steel case
Height: 10.6 mm
Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment
Sapphire case back with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side
Water resistance: 120m
Screwed-down crown
International retail price
CHF 19’500 or € 19’000 or $ 22’000
Model: Czapek & Cie Antarctique Frozen Star S
Movement
Calibre SXH5: Czapek’s in house self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 30 mm – 13 lines ¼
Height: 4.2 mm
Number of parts: 193
Jewels: 28
Swiss lever escapement, variable-inertia balance fitted with four gold inertia-blocks
Frequency: 4 Hz – 28800 VpH
Power winding system: Micro rotor with a recycled platinum mass
Power-reserve > 56 hours on one single barrel
Barrel torque: 8.8 Nmm
Finish
Open ratchets, sandblasted black bridges, bevelling, straight-grained sides, six hand-chamfered inward angles
Functions
Hours, Minutes, Seconds
Dial
Made of crystallised Osmium – the rarest precious metal on Earth
Luminescent, steel “Sword” hands
Bracelet
Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive “Easy Release” system and micro adjustment
Optional leather or rubber strap
Case
38.5mm steel case
Height: 10.6 mm
Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment
Sapphire case back with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side
Water resistance: 120m
Screwed-down crown
Edition
Limited edition of 38 pieces
International Retail Price
CHF 76’000 or € 74’100 or $ 85’700
