Unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2023 in Geneva, the new Sashiko edition of the Czapek & Cie Antarctique S watch takes inspiration from the Japanese culture.
The ‘Sashiko’ dial pays homage to the geometric lines and three-dimensionality of the traditional Japanese stitching of the same name, developed in Japan during the Edo period. Two dial colour versions are available: Azure and Pink.
Based on a stylised lotus flower, the three dimensional stamped pattern of the dial is achieved by repeating squares set at 45 degrees to perpendicular, each comprising six facets.
Contrasting with the intricate texture of the dial, a velvet-brushed ring acts as the backdrop for the indexes. Simpler than the Antarctique’s signature sporty indexes, these finely sculpted, very elongated trapezoids lend an elegant refinement to the new dial. On request, each of the cardinal points can be marked by a diamond, cut to closely mimic the geometry of the steel indexes.
The watch comes with the signature Antarctique S sword-shaped hands, while eschewing the added visual complexity of the date display seen on previous Antarctique S dials.
The ‘Antarctique cut’ of the elongated index markers is an entirely new diamond cut, designed for Czapek by Adrian Buchmann of London-based studio Fuzion Ltd, and registered as a proprietary Czapek cut.
Each Antarctique S watch houses Calibre SXH5, the first movement to be entirely conceived and assembled in house by Czapek. It was 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 recognisable.
The Automatic Calibre SXH5 is equipped with a free-sprung balance and an elegant and highly efficient micro-rotor of recycled 950 platinum. Its high horology 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.
Each dial version of the Czapek & Cie Antarctique S Sashiko watch is limited to 99 pieces.
Technical details
Model: Czapek & Cie Antarctique S Sashiko
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
Movement
Calibre SXH5: Czapek’s in house self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 30 mm –13 lines¼
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: 60 hours on a single barrel
Finish
Open ratchets, sandblasted black bridges, bevelling, straight-grained sides, six hand-chamfered inward angles
Functions
Hours, Minutes & Seconds
Dial
Sashiko Azure: Light blue flinqué dial with Japanese embroidery-inspired pattern
Sashiko Pink Lotus: Pink flinqué dial with Japanese embroidery-inspired pattern
Luminescent, steel “Sword” hands
Luminescent, metal or diamonds hour markers
Bracelet
Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive “Easy Release” system and micro-adjustment device
Additional calf leather or rubber strap
Edition
Each dial version is limited to 99 pieces
