Czapek & Cie, a name with a rich history in watchmaking, has unveiled a new timepiece that is sure to set pulses racing among watch collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Antarctique Mount Erebus
Deep Blue is the latest addition to the brand's popular Antarctique collection, and it is a watch that is both stunning in its design and innovative in its technology.
Czapek & Cie has been around for over 150 years, and the company has a long history of producing high-quality watches. The company was founded in 1845 by two Polish watchmakers, Jan Antoni
Czapek and Franciszek Trepinski, in Geneva, Switzerland. Czapek quickly made a name for itself for its precision timepieces, and the company's watches were worn by some of the most famous people in the world, including Napoleon III and Pope Pius IX.
Courtesy of Czapek
In the early 20th century, Czapek & Cie fell on hard times, and the company eventually went out of business. However, the Czapek name was revived in 2012 by a group of investors, and the company has since begun to re-establish itself as a leading manufacturer of luxury watches.
The Antarctique collection was first launched in 2020, and it was an instant success. The collection is inspired by the rugged beauty of Antarctica, and the watches are designed to be both stylish and functional. The Antarctique Mount Erebus Deep Blue is the latest addition to the collection, and it takes its name from Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth.
The Antarctique Mount Erebus Deep Blue is crafted from 5N rose gold, and it features a stunning blue lamé dial. The lamé dial is a unique feature that is sure to turn heads. It is created using a special process that results in a textured finish that is both beautiful and eye-catching. The watch also features luminescent sword hands and indexes, which make it easy to read the time in low-light conditions.
Courtesy of Czapek
The Antarctique Mount Erebus Deep Blue is powered by Czapek's SXH5.01 automatic caliber. The SXH5.01 is the first movement to be entirely conceived in-house by Czapek, and it is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation. The movement is visible through the watch's sapphire crystal caseback, and it is a sight to behold. The movement is decorated with intricate engravings, and it is clear that a great deal of care and attention has gone into its creation.
The Antarctique Mount Erebus Deep Blue is a truly special watch. It is a watch that combines cutting-edge technology with timeless design. It is a watch that is sure to be appreciated by watch collectors and enthusiasts for generations to come.
The watch's 'Deep Blue' lamé dial is a captivating spectacle that immediately draws the eye. This distinctive finish shimmers and ripples with light, bringing thoughts of ice, fire, and the vastness of Antarctica. The dial's creation is a delicate process, where a specialized comb creates a textured effect. This satin-like surface is further transformed into an icy blue canvas using CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), a technique more commonly seen in scientific laboratories than watchmaking workshops.
Complementing the volcanic gold case and the icy dial are the 'sword' style hands and applied hour markers. These glow with luminescence, ensuring that even when you find yourself in the depths of an unexplored cave or on a late-night dive, the time is always clear.
Courtesy of Czapek
The case itself is a work of art. Its 40.5mm diameter in 5N rose gold finds a beautiful middle ground – a statement on the wrist without being overbearing. Intricate polishing, purposeful angles, and sharp lines showcase a level of craftsmanship that demands a second glance, or even a third.
The profile of the watch has a sporty edge, yet the overall look exudes a luxurious feel that whispers rather than shouts. Czapek has even added a thoughtful touch: a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback that showcases the star of the show, the SXH5.01 caliber movement.
The SXH5.01 is a true feat of engineering and where Czapek really shines. This in-house automatic movement is a visual and technical marvel. The microrotor, crafted with recycled platinum, is placed off-center to provide an uninterrupted view of the inner workings of this watchmaking masterpiece.
Courtesy of Czapek
Seven beautifully finished, skeletonized bridges hold the gear train in place. Their open, lace-inspired design blends traditional watchmaking aesthetics with the modern flair synonymous with Czapek. The movement's finishing is a feast for the eyes – from classic hand-bevelled techniques to state-of-the-art laser engravings, it's clear no detail has been overlooked.
The movement boasts a free-sprung balance wheel with four gold adjustable weights, allowing for extremely fine-tuned precision – a level of accuracy that adventurous watch enthusiasts crave. This watch isn't just about looks; it's a technical powerhouse designed to accurately track the passing of seconds, minutes, hours, and even the date displayed discreetly at the 6 o'clock position.
A luxury watch isn't complete without a bracelet worthy of its beauty. The Antarctique Mount Erebus Deep Blue comes with an ergonomic and integrated rose gold bracelet. It complements the watch perfectly, with its brushed links interspaced with those iconic, highly polished 'C' shapes for Czapek. This bracelet isn't just eye candy; its design was meticulously thought out for comfort on the wrist. It's crafted to be a part of your everyday adventures without being a burden. Plus, the included 'Easy Release' system means switching the bracelet to a stylish rubber strap (with a matching rose gold deployant buckle) is effortless, making this watch incredibly versatile.
Courtesy of Czapek
Like the volcano it's named after, the Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus Deep Blue is rare and precious. Limited to just 100 pieces, this isn't a watch you'll see on every wrist. This exclusivity, paired with its stunning design and technical ingenuity, makes it a highly collectible timepiece. Its price tag of around 52,300 Swiss francs (on the bracelet) reflects that.
The Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus Deep Blue is undoubtedly a luxurious object, a work of horological art even. But its true charm lies in the spirit of the collection itself. The Antarctique line is a tribute to exploration, to pushing boundaries. It's a reminder that the world still holds pockets of the unknown, from the vast Antarctic icescapes to the fiery heart of Mount Erebus itself. It's a testament to those who dare to seek and those who craft the tools of the modern adventurer.