Antarctique S "Ice Cloud" Limited Edition

Traverse an icy, ethereal landscape

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. 

The Czapek Antarctique S Ice Cloud presents a poetic interpretation of cloud formations in an icy landscape through a rare technique known as nacre brouillée, or scattered mother-of-pearl. This uncommon decorative method, rarely seen in contemporary watchmaking, creates an ethereal effect reminiscent of wisps of clouds drifting across a
pale sky. The process begins with a base of polished white mother-of-pearl, which is then worked to an incredibly thin 0.2mm—roughly the thickness of two sheets of paper. The artisan then applies varnish to the underside of the nacre using a horsehair brush, creating random, cloud-like patterns by hand. Each brushstroke is unique, ensuring
every dial possesses its own distinctive character. For the Ice Cloud, a cool, blue-tinted varnish evokes the icy atmosphere of Antarctic skies, perfectly complementing the watch's sporty-elegant aesthetic.

Once the decoration is complete, the dial is fired in an oven at over 100°C for hours to permanently set the varnish. Prior to this curing process, mistakes can be corrected by cleaning and restarting; afterward, the work becomes irreversible. At GT Cadrans, only one specialist artisan possesses the skill to execute this delicate nacre brouillée technique among their workshop of specialized craftspeople. The rarity of this expertise underscores the exclusivity of these timepieces.

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 38.5mm stainless steel case is integrated with an original double ‘trompe l'oeil’ curve, another unconventional design choice making this timepiece unique and exclusive.

The transparent case back reveals the model’s beating heart, the vigorous 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.

Perfectly fitted to the case is an integrated bracelet, which now is equipped with a special micro-adjustment system, unique to Czapek. 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: 10 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
  
• 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

• Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive "Easy Release" system
• Additional calf leather or rubber strap

Dial

• "Nacre brouillée" mother-of-pearl
• Luminescent, rhodium plated steel hour makers