A brooding, ultralight Antarctique limited edition

Every watch is essentially subjected to two sets of fundamental laws. The first is mechanics, which means everything must function like clockwork, quite literally. The second is aesthetics and is far more subjective: a watch must be visually attractive, provocative, seductive. Czapek’s latest launch, the Antarctique Titanium ‘Dark Sector’, strikes a perfectly symbiotic balance between these two poles. It is driven by the tried-and-true SHX5, and its dial was designed for excellent readability and viewing pleasure.

The key to this Antarctique’s appeal is in the careful use of space. A traditional minute track has been discreetly placed around the edge of a smooth anthracite dial. It surrounds a double row of lightly arched parallel segments that are interrupted at each numeral. The sword hour hand points to the gaps like a ship seeking entrance into a harbor, while the minute and second hands sweep the dial each at their own pace, closing the gaps for a moment. The Antarctique Titanium ‘Dark Sector’ emerged naturally from the collection’s elegant case and bracelet of brushed titanium with the sensually rounded crown protector. These shades of grey inspired the model’s overall monochrome scheme, which highlights the two touches of colour on the dial, namely the red dot at twelve o’clock, and the tip of the second hand.

 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 skeletonized 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.

In fine watchmaking, every little detail counts. Besides the exceptional SHX5 movement and the sleek and sharp design of the case or the dial, a great deal of attention was put on the bracelet. The feeling when placed on the wrist, the comfort in every situation and lightness are as important as the timepiece visual and technical qualities. The capability to be forgotten by its wearer and to suddenly reveal its stunning beauty create an intensely pleasurable dichotomy. This is why the Antarctique Dark Sector is equipped by an ergonomic brushed integrated bracelet in Grade 5 Titanium, whose links mesh to form a brushed "C" for Czapek. This bracelet also features a micro-adjustment system, allowing the wearer to extend its length by few millimeters in an instant.

Limited Edition: 100 pieces

Specifications

Functions

• Hours, Minutes, Seconds

Movement

• Calibre SXH5: Czapek's in house self-winding mechanical movement
• Diameter: 30 mm – 13 lines 1⁄4
• 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

Case

• 40.5mm Grade 5 Titanium
• 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

Bracelet

• Integrated Grade 5 titanium bracelet with Czapek exclusive "Easy Release" system and micro adjustment
• Optional leather or rubber strap

Dial

• Anthracite dial with 'sector' applied markers
• Luminescent, steel "Sword" hands