Czapek Antarctique Purple Storm

Czapek & Cie has consistently distinguished itself as a purveyor of exceptional timepieces that capture the spirit of innovation and individuality. The brand's latest creation, the Antarctique Purple Storm, is a testament to this commitment, showcasing a mesmerizing fusion of technical prowess and aesthetic brilliance. This remarkable watch is not merely a timekeeping instrument; it's an expression of personality, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a testament to the enduring allure of horological artistry.



Czapek & Cie's journey began in the heart of Geneva, a city renowned for its rich watchmaking heritage. Founded in 1845 by François Czapek, a Polish watchmaker of Czech origin, the company quickly gained recognition for its exquisite pocket watches, favored by royalty and discerning collectors alike. Czapek's timepieces were characterized by their intricate movements, elegant designs, and unwavering commitment to quality. However, despite its early success, the company faded into the annals of history, only to be revived in 2011 by a group of passionate entrepreneurs and watch enthusiasts.



Today, Czapek & Cie carries on the legacy of its founder, upholding the traditions of fine watchmaking while embracing contemporary innovation. The brand's timepieces are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, combining traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to create watches that are both technically sophisticated and visually captivating. The Antarctique collection, launched in 2020, embodies this philosophy, offering a range of sporty yet elegant watches that are designed to accompany their wearers on life's adventures.



The Antarctique Purple Storm is a captivating addition to this esteemed collection, boasting a unique dial that is as mesmerizing as its namesake. Crafted by the Swiss dial specialist Metalem, each dial is hand-varnished, resulting in a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects the dynamism and depth of a swirling storm. The violet hues, ranging from deep indigo to vibrant amethyst, blend seamlessly, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow that evokes a sense of mystery and movement.



This distinctive dial-making technique was first introduced in the Antarctique Orion Nebula special series, a limited edition of 10 unique pieces inspired by the celestial wonders of the galaxy. The Orion Nebula watches quickly captured the attention of collectors, paving the way for other unique designs, including the turquoise Abyss, the green Emerald Iceberg, and the Celestial. The Antarctique Purple Storm marks the first time that vivid violet tones have been employed in this technique, further expanding the collection's palette of captivating colors.



The inspiration for these unique dials can be traced back to a conversation between Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek & Cie, and a collector known as '@Tranquated' at Dubai Watch Week. As they discussed their shared passion for astronomy, the collector expressed his desire for a space-inspired dial, sparking the idea for the Orion Nebula series. This encounter highlights Czapek & Cie's commitment to engaging with its customers and creating watches that resonate with their individual passions and aspirations.



The Antarctique Purple Storm is more than just a beautiful face; it's powered by the Calibre SXH5, the first movement to be entirely conceived in-house by Czapek. This exceptional calibre draws inspiration from the 19th-century pocket watches of François Czapek, featuring a distinctive architecture of seven skeletonized bridges that pay homage to the brand's heritage. The movement also boasts a free-sprung balance and an elegant micro-rotor made of recycled 950 platinum, showcasing Czapek's commitment to both precision and sustainability.



The finishing of the Calibre SXH5 is a testament to the brand's dedication to haute horlogerie craftsmanship. Hand-bevelled internal angles and state-of-the-art laser engraving create a stunning contrast between light and dark, textured and smooth, matte and polished surfaces. This meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the watch, from the intricately designed dial to the ergonomically crafted bracelet.



Speaking of the bracelet, it's worth noting that Czapek & Cie has paid particular attention to its design and comfort. The integrated brushed bracelet features links that mesh to form a highly polished "C" for Czapek, adding a subtle yet distinctive touch to the watch's overall aesthetic. Since January 2022, the bracelet has also incorporated a micro-adjustment system, allowing the wearer to fine-tune the fit for optimal comfort. Additionally, the Antarctique Purple Storm comes with an extra complimentary strap and an exclusive quick-change system, enabling the wearer to easily switch between the bracelet and a variety of rubber or calfskin straps for a personalized look and feel.



The most striking feature of the Antarctique Purple Storm is undoubtedly its mesmerizing dial. Crafted by the skilled artisans at Metalem, the dial is a testament to the art of hand-varnishing, a technique that requires exceptional precision and patience. Each dial is individually created, resulting in a unique tapestry of swirling violet hues that evoke the dynamism and depth of a natural storm.



The process begins with a brass base, which is meticulously prepared to ensure a flawless surface. Multiple layers of lacquer are then applied by hand, each layer carefully blended to create a seamless gradient of colors. The final layer is a transparent varnish that adds depth and luminosity to the dial, allowing the vibrant violet tones to truly shine.



The result is a dial that is both captivating and dynamic. As light plays across its surface, the swirling shades of purple seem to shift and dance, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that is sure to capture the attention of any onlooker. The Antarctique Purple Storm's dial is not just a time-telling canvas; it's a work of art that reflects the wearer's appreciation for beauty and individuality.



The Antarctique Purple Storm's 40.5 mm stainless steel case is a study in balanced proportions and refined aesthetics. Its design seamlessly blends sporty elements with classic watchmaking codes, resulting in a timepiece that is both robust and elegant. The case's gently sloping lugs ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist, while the polished bezel adds a touch of sophistication.



The crown, located at 3 o'clock, is adorned with the Czapek logo and features a screw-down design that guarantees water resistance to a depth of 120 meters. This makes the Antarctique Purple Storm suitable for everyday wear as well as recreational swimming, although it's not intended for deep-sea diving.



The case back, secured by six screws, is fitted with a sapphire crystal that offers a captivating view of the watch's intricate movement. The interplay of polished and brushed surfaces on the case further enhances its visual appeal, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that complements the mesmerizing dial.



At the heart of the Antarctique Purple Storm beats the Calibre SXH5, Czapek & Cie's first in-house movement. This self-winding calibre is a testament to the brand's technical expertise and commitment to horological innovation. Its architecture, inspired by the 19th-century pocket watches of François Czapek, features seven skeletonized bridges that add a touch of historical elegance to the movement's contemporary design.



The Calibre SXH5 is equipped with a micro-rotor made of recycled 950 platinum, a sustainable choice that reflects Czapek & Cie's commitment to environmental responsibility. The micro-rotor's off-center position allows for a clear view of the movement's intricate workings, showcasing the beauty of its mechanical components.



The movement's balance wheel is free-sprung, ensuring greater accuracy and stability over time. It also features variable inertia, thanks to four gold adjustable weights that allow for precise regulation. The Calibre SXH5 boasts a power reserve of approximately 56 hours, providing ample timekeeping autonomy for the wearer.



The movement's finishing is a testament to Czapek & Cie's dedication to haute horlogerie craftsmanship. Hand-bevelled internal angles and state-of-the-art laser engraving create a stunning contrast between light and dark, textured and smooth, matte and polished surfaces. This meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the movement, showcasing the brand's commitment to creating timepieces that are as beautiful inside as they are outside.



The Antarctique Purple Storm's integrated bracelet is more than just a means of securing the watch to the wrist; it's an integral part of its overall design. Crafted from stainless steel, the bracelet features a brushed finish with polished accents that complement the case's aesthetics. The links are meticulously articulated, ensuring a comfortable and flexible fit on the wrist.



One of the standout features of the bracelet is its micro-adjustment system, which allows the wearer to fine-tune the fit by a few millimeters. This is particularly useful for accommodating changes in wrist size due to temperature fluctuations or activity levels. The bracelet also features Czapek & Cie's exclusive quick-change system, making it easy to switch between the bracelet and a variety of optional straps.



Czapek & Cie offers a wide selection of straps to complement the Antarctique Purple Storm, including rubber straps with a "Stairway to Eternity" pattern that echoes the design of the Passage de Drake dial, as well as calfskin straps with contrasting topstitching. This allows the wearer to personalize their watch and adapt it to different occasions and styles.



The Czapek Antarctique Purple Storm is more than just a timepiece; it's an expression of individuality, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a testament to the enduring allure of horological artistry. Its captivating dial, meticulously engineered movement, and refined design make it a true standout in the world of haute horology.



With a retail price of 25,000 CHF (excluding VAT), the Antarctique Purple Storm is an investment-worthy timepiece for discerning collectors who appreciate the finer things in life. Its limited production run of 18 pieces ensures its exclusivity, making it a coveted addition to any watch collection.