Antarctique S 'Frozen Meteor' Limited Edition

An icy blue, cast from the stars

Named after the English explorer Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Cape Horn (the southernmost point of South American) and the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic. The stormy seas and icy conditions make it one of the most challenging places to navigate. This adventurous and historic environment serves as the inspiration for the marquee Czapek sport-luxury collection of Antarctique watches. Czapek's Antarctique is a unique hybrid of sport, elegance and modern zeitgeist, where codes are broken and reconciled to better combine and highlight each other. A unique style that allows the wearer stylistic subtlety and, above all, endless freedom of expression. 

This reference is characterized by its remarkable Frozen Meteor dial, whereupon the meteorite's natural silvery-grey surface has been transformed by a light blue lacquer — applied in successive layers and polished to a precise finish — that shifts in tone as the light changes angle. The denim quality of this blue is deliberate: less saturated than Czapek's Cosmic Blue, colder than a the Aqua blue tone, it resonates with the brushed surfaces of the stainless steel case in a way that feels entirely coherent. The dial's faceted trapezoid indexes and signature sword-shaped hands are kept to their characteristic simplicity, leaving the meteorite's crystalline architecture to carry the dial.

Movement design, rare and fine finishing, selected materials or intricate case surfaces, and attention to detail, are all factors that have been carefully honed by Czapek designers and watchmakers. The hands design is reminiscent of a sword, sporty and easy-to-read, as well as the three-dimensional indexes. 

The transparent case back reveals the model’s beating heart, the vigorous, 30-millimeter SXH5 automatic calibre, conceived internally by a multifaceted team. Special attention was given to both performance and appearance, so the movement’s parts are arranged for visual harmony and transparency.

New to the 'Frozen Meteor,' Czapek has updated its signature integrated bracelet with tighter tolerances and sharper transitions at edges and angles, offering more than just a stylistic revision over its predecessor, while still retaining its distinctive C-shaped polished central links and brushed outer surfaces. Furthermore, the clasp has been completely redesigned, and a new V2 quick-change system replaces the previous rotating locking mechanism with an ergonomic push-button release operable directly with the thumb, without tools. In keeping with this interchangeability, an additional strap is provided, as Czapek has developed an exclusive quick-change system allowing the wearer to switch from one strap to another at a moment's notice. 

Limited Edition: 25 pieces

Specifications

Functions

• Hours, Minutes & Seconds
  

Movement

• Calibre SXH5: Czapek's in house self-winding mechanical movement
• Diameter: 30 mm – 13 lines ¼
• 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 100% recycled platinum 950 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

Hands

• Luminescent, steel "Sword" hands

Case

• Stainless steel case
• 38.5 mm diameter
• Height: 10.6 mm
• Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment ARDur©
• Sapphire crystal case-back with anti-reflective treatment
• Water-resistance: 120 meters (12 atm)
• Screwed-down crown

Bracelet

• "Mark II" Czapek integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek-exclusive "Easy Release" system
• Additional integrated rubber strap included

Dial

• Denim Blue Gibeon meteorite
• Luminescent, rhodium plated steel hour makers