SpotlightA Volcano Of A Watch: Introducing The Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus
Inspired by the metallic gold dust in the lava of the world’s southernmost active volcano in Antarctica, Czapek & Cie present the stunning Antarctique Mount Erebus timepiece in rose and yellow gold, with a deep blue textured dial that beautifully offsets the precious metal
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The latest Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus timepieces in gold, which will be showcased at Watches and Wonders in Geneva next month, are inspired by metallic gold eruptions by the earth’s southernmost active volcano, in Antarctica. In 2020, the brand released the first Antarctique timepiece, a luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet. This was the Antarctique Terre Adélie watch, a monochromatic stunner whose finishes on the dial matched those of the case and bracelet. Sure, the limited edition timepiece was luxurious, but in no way was its function compromised, with a water resistance rating of 120m, and a power reserve of 56 hours. The Antarctique Mount Erebus not only enhances the function of that first Antarctique but also raises the luxury quotient considerably. Its deep blue lamé dial beautifully complements both rose and yellow gold of the case and bracelet, with matching highlights on the textured watch face.
Antarctique Mount Erebus: Inspired By Geography, Geology
Although the modern-day Czapek are less than 10 years old, the legacy of Czech-born Polish watchmaker François Czapek, after whom the brand is named, dates back to the 1800s. The much younger Antarctique line’s distinct identifiers and in-house movements have earned the collection a place among prized Czapek watches. Most timepieces in the collection are named after landmarks on the frozen continent, each a distinct story that resonates with those who are explorers at heart. Mount Erabus on Ross Island is Antarctica’s second highest peak, and the highest active volcano known for tiny gold dust present in its lava.
Textured Darkness In The Gold Antarctique Mount Erebus
The Antarctique Mount Erebus features a 40.5mm 5N rose gold case in a limited 100-piece run, or a more exclusive 2N yellow gold version with only 50 timepieces. Alternating finishing on the case and bezel match the treatment on the integrated bracelet, where the brushed finish on the links are highlighted by the polished geometry of the C-shaped links connecting them. The watches are offered on an optional blue rubber strap in a shade that matches the dial. A transparent caseback reveals the in-house self-winding calibre SXH5 with a platinum micro-rotor, and a 60-hour power reserve.
Complementing the gold of the case is the deep blue lamé dial. The brushed texture on the satin finished dial is created using a “special kind of comb”, while CVD treatment gives it its blue hue. Matching rose or yellow gold sword shaped hands and indexes—all filled with Super-LumiNova—stand out against the deep blue. A discreet date window rests at six o’clock.
While the Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus timepiece may appeal to explorers, at just 10.6mm thick, it fits beautifully under a cuff, and in gold, it is perhaps better suited for the boardroom or ballroom than it is for exploration