SpotlightCzapek’s Antarctique Polar Sky And Flying Diamonds: Where Sporty Chic Meets Celestial Elegance
Czapek prove that even sports watches can dream of red carpet moments
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Stargazing in a tuxedo might seem unconventional, but the latest Czapek Antarctique models make a compelling case for it. The Geneva-based watchmakers have taken their quintessential sports watch and dressed it for a gala, introducing aventurine dials and diamond indexes to the collection. This unexpected twist transforms the Antarctique from a versatile daily wear into a statement piece that wouldn’t look out of place at a red carpet event.
From Ice To Diamonds: The Antarctique Journey
When Czapek unveiled the Antarctique in May 2020, it was a bold entry into the competitive luxury sports watch market. The 40.5mm stainless-steel timepiece, with its integrated bracelet and distinctive case shape, quickly carved out its own niche. It balanced rugged durability with refined elegance, powered by the brand’s first in-house movement, the Calibre SXH5.
Two years later, responding to demand for a more compact option, Czapek introduced the 38.5mm Antarctique S. This smaller sibling retained the collection’s DNA while catering to those with slimmer wrists or a preference for more modest proportions.
Now, in 2024, Czapek are pushing the boundaries of the Antarctique’s design language even further. The new Polar Sky and Flying Diamonds editions elevate the collection from sporty chic to haute horlogerie territory, all while maintaining the Antarctique’s core identity.
Starry Nights: The New Dials
At the heart of this transformation is the use of aventurine for the dial. This glass material, accidentally discovered by a 17th-century Murano glassmaker, brings the vastness of a star-filled sky to the wrist. Its deep blue hue, flecked with shimmering metallic inclusions, creates a mesmerising depth that seems to change with every shift of light.
Complementing the celestial aventurine are the Antarctique-cut diamond indexes. This proprietary cut features 24 facets, significantly more than a standard baguette. The result is a brilliant play of light that stands out against the starry backdrop of the dial.
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, Czapek offer versions with diamond-set cases and bracelets, transforming the sporty Antarctique into a true jewellery watch. It’s a bold move that showcases the versatility of the design and Czapek’s willingness to push boundaries.
The new Antarctique models are available in both the original 40.5mm case and the more recent 38.5mm ‘S’ variant. As Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek & Cie, puts it, “At Czapek we like to dream with our feet on the ground and our heads in the stars, and the sparkle of these new dials expresses that idea in a delightful and surprising way.”
Running The Show: Calibre SXH5
Powering these celestial timepieces is Czapek’s in-house Calibre SXH5. It was first introduced with the original Antarctique and its architecture, inspired by 19th-century pocket watches, features seven skeletonised bridges that create a visually striking landscape visible through the sapphire caseback.
The SXH5 blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. A variable inertia balance wheel ensures precise timekeeping, while a micro-rotor crafted from recycled 950 platinum provides efficient winding. The finishing is equally impressive, combining hand-bevelled internal angles with state-of-the-art laser engraving. This interplay of textures and techniques results in a movement that’s as captivating as the dial it powers.
The Four New References
Czapek’s new Antarctique collection introduces four limited series, catering to different preferences in size and luxury. The Polar Sky models, featuring aventurine dials without diamonds, come in two sizes: 99 pieces of the 40.5mm version and 77 pieces of the smaller 38.5mm ‘S’ model. For those seeking extra sparkle, the Flying Diamonds editions offer diamond indexes, with just 8 pieces of the 40.5mm size and 18 of the 38.5mm ‘S’ variant.
The Flying Diamonds versions also offer the option of diamond-set cases and bracelets, pushing the Antarctique into high jewellery territory. These limited numbers ensure exclusivity, a key factor for many collectors in the haute horlogerie space.
Head In The Stars
By embracing the concept of établissage—collaborating with specialist artisans and workshops—Czapek ensure that each component of their watches, from the aventurine dials to the diamond settings, meets the highest standards of quality and creativity.
With these watches, Czapek demonstrate their ability to innovate within the established codes of luxury watchmaking. The addition of aventurine dials and diamond indexes to a sports watch collection is a bold move, one that challenges traditional categorisations. While these pieces may not be for everyone, they undoubtedly showcase Czapek’s technical prowess and design vision.
