Czapek Antarctique Frozen Star S Limited Edition

A dial from the rarest precious metal on Earth

Osmium. Very hard, dense and heavy, and one of the six platinum group metals, it was discovered in 1803 by British chemist Smithson Tennant. Found mostly in the Americas and in the Russian Federation, and 11 times rarer than gold, osmium is the least abundant stable element in Earth’s crust. Moreover, pure osmium does not occur in nature; it can be obtained only as a by-product from processing nickel or copper ore and, it is estimated, only about one tonne is produced globally each year.

Twice as dense as lead, hard yet brittle, unstable unless crystallised, and resistant to extremely high temperatures (with a melting point of 3,000 C), osmium is notoriously difficult to work with. However, with a pronounced structure that creates a unique surface texture, and an intense natural brilliance, crystallised osmium has a profound and intriguing beauty. Shimmering as the light catches it – from a deep bluish-grey to almost white-blue – the osmium dial of the Antarctique S creates a dramatic contrast to the sculptured indexes and the cool silvery tones of the steel case and bracelet.

Like the best-selling Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake S, the Frozen Star is built around Czapek's 38.5mm stainless steel case, and equipped with the brand's intensely creative and comfortable integrated bracelet. 

The Antarctique S is powered by the SXH5 caliber, the first movement to be entirely conceived in-house by Czapek and launched in the original Antarctique in May 2020. Inspired by the 19th- century pocket watches of François Czapek, its distinctive architecture of seven skeletonized bridges is immediately recognizable. Taking the best from both the past and present of watchmaking, it features a free-sprung balance and an elegant and highly efficient micro-rotor of recycled 950 platinum; the haute horlogerie finishes combine hand-bevelled internal angles with state-of-the-art laser engraving to create a beautiful play of contrasts: light and dark, textured and smooth, matte and polished.

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. Yet, with less space between the lugs at the attachment point, the long, subtly curving line that tapers from the widest point of the case to the narrowest point of the bracelet had to be carefully studied and adjusted to achieve perfect harmony. Like its predecessor, the bracelet of the Antarctique Frozen Star S – with its brushed steel links connected by highly polished links in the form of a stylised “C” for Czapek – it features a quick-change system that enables owners to quickly and easily switch to the additional rubber or leather strap that comes with the watch, and a micro-adjustment system, allowing the wearer to extend or retract its length with ease.

Specifications

Functions

• Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date

Movement

• Calibre SXH5: Czapek's in house self-winding mechanical movement
• Diameter: 30 mm – 13 lines 1⁄4
• Height: 4.2 mm
• Number of parts: 193
• Jewels: 28
• Swiss lever escapement, variable-inertia balance fitted with four gold inertia-blocks
• Frequency: 4 Hz – 28800 VpH
• Power winding system: Micro rotor with a recycled platinum mass
• Power-reserve > 56 hours on one single barrel
• Barrel torque: 8.8 Nmm

Finish

• Open ratchets, sandblasted black bridges, bevelling, straight-grained sides, six hand- chamfered inward angles

Case

• 38.5mm steel case
• Height: 10.6 mm
• Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment
• Sapphire case back with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side
• Water resistance: 120m
• Screwed-down crown

Bracelet

• Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive "Easy Release" system and micro adjustment
• Optional leather or rubber strap

Dial

• Stamped “flinqué” dial with the officially registered “Stairway to Eternity” pattern
• ”Salmon” color obtained with galvanic treatment
• Luminescent, steel "Sword" hands