Antarctique

Passage de Drake Afterglow

HUMAN ADVENTURE

The 26th of May 2020, Czapek released the Antarctique Terre Adélie, the very first model of the Antarctique collection, a new range of watches that exudes a feeling of preciousness but could also be worn and admired in everyday life. Now, Czapek & Cie is proud to present its new version: The Passage de Drake. Named after the English explorer Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Cape Horn (the southernmost point of South American) and the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic. The stormy seas and icy conditions make it one of the most challenging places to navigate and sailors say to prepare yourself for an experience somewhere between bad and terrifying!

The creation of these timepieces has not only been a technical adventure but a human one. Czapek & Cie considers its suppliers to be partners and refers to them as such. The brand is also truly appreciative of its 200+ shareholders, without whom the adventure would never have even started. And last but not least, it is grateful for all the watch connoisseurs who have chosen to purchase a Czapek & Cie timepiece, selecting something different from the mainstream. When it comes to collecting, Czapek collects rare people who have become part of the journey, every step of the way.

ALL ABOUT THE SHAPE

There's more to haute horlogerie than virtuosic complications. Movement design, rare and fine finishing, selected materials or intricate case surfaces, and attention to detail, are all key factors that increase a timepiece's value. On the dial, the date window is positioned at 6 o'clock to maintain the Czapek aesthetics based on vertical symmetry. The hands design is reminiscent of a sword, sporty and easy-to-read, as well as the three-dimensional indexes. The 40.5mm stainless steel case is integrated with an original double ‘trompe l'oeil’ curve, another unconventional design choice making this timepiece unique and exclusive.

STAIRWAY TO ETERNITY

The new Antarctique Passage de Drake collection takes the sport-chic case design of the Antarctique Terre Adélie line and pairs it with an atypical trapezoid dial motif whose three-dimensional stamped surface creates a play of shadows across the dial. “This unique dial design is called the ‘Stairway to Eternity’ and was actually our initial concept dial for the Antarctique, as we were looking for a signature dial design that would be very different from anything else, but it was such a lengthy process to perfect that we launched with another dial, based on a forgotten workmanship technique, the combed ‘lamé’ dials,” shares Czapek & Cie. CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel. “We finally discovered the perfect motif when our designer accidentally enlarged the trapezoids by 50% without realizing it, and it looked amazing. That’s the beauty of mistakes!” All Czapek designs are officially registered, demonstrating the company’s directional approach.

The SXH5.01 automatic caliber is the first to be entirely conceived in-house by Czapek from a blank page. Every part of it has been made with care to detail and with the help of the top Swiss manufacturing partners and craftsmen, la crème de la crème, the magnificent orchestra directed by Czapek in the We Collect Rare People spirit. The microrotor, is placed off-center to allow a plunging view into the mechanism and its exceptional architecture. A free-sprung balance wheel with variable inertia provided by four gold adjustable weights enables the highest level of precision tuning. The gear train is held in place by a series of seven handsome skeletonized bridges. Their original shape is reminiscent of lace, inspired on one side by XIX century pocket watches, and by the very modern Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph’s rotor. The movement has superlative finishing on the bridges that merges Haute Horlogerie angling techniques with state-ot-the-art laser engravings.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THIS CALIBER

EVERY DETAIL COUNTS

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 collection is equipped by an ergonomic brushed integrated bracelet, whose links mesh to form a highly polished "C" for Czapek.

But there’s more, this bracelet will also feature a micro-adjustment system mid-2024. An additional strap is provided, as Czapek has developed an exclusive quick-change system allowing the wearer to switch from one strap to another in a minute. A large choice of straps is now offered to provide a maximum versatility and playful experience. Four rubber straps whose pattern recalls the "Stairway to Eternity" design on the Passage de Drake dial are available in either black, white, dark blue or dark grey. A selection of soft calf straps with contrasting topstitches can be also order on demand.

40,5 MM DIAMETER

This watch has a diameter of 40.5 mm. The proportions of a watch are always very subjective, but we recommend this version if you have a wrist circumference greater than 16.5 cm. Don't hesitate to contact us or one of our retailers for more advice or simply trying it 'in the metal'!

MICRO-ROTOR

Thanks to a micro-rotor in recycled 950 platinum, this timepiece can be wound by the movement of your wrist (or your winder if you regularly change your watch). Why a micro-rotor? To reveal all the beauty of the gear train, of course!

WATER RESISTANCE

This watch is water-resistant to 120 meters (12 ATM). Thanks to its screw-down crown, you can safely swim in the pool or sea with it. But this is not a diving watch! We recommend that you wash it thoroughly in clear water afterwards to remove any sand, salt or chlorine!

STOP-SECOND

Thanks to this simple and useful mechanism that stops the movement when the crown is fully pulled, the time of your watch can be synchronized to a time signal with to-the-second precision.

LIMITED EDITION

This model is a limited edition of 100 pieces only. Once reached, it won’t be orderable nor produced anymore!

3 YEARS WARRANTY

Every Czapek timepiece goes through rigorous quality controls and extensive testing. Therefore, all our watches sold through our official retail partners or directly come with a 3-year international product warranty.

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Antarctique