Antarctique S Sashiko Azure Blue

Unique colors, intriguing textures, delightful details

With a contemporary twist on traditional crafts and materials and a new approach to texture, each Czapek Antarctique S "Sashiko" dial has been designed to capture the light in a particular way, creating a sense of movement and vitality through a play of constantly changing colors.

The name ‘Sashiko’ pays homage to the geometric lines and three-dimensionality of the traditional Japanese stitching of the same name, developed in Japan during the Edo period. The three-dimensional stamped pattern – based on a stylised lotus flower and achieved by repeating squares set at 45 degrees to perpendicular, each comprising six facets. As the light plays across the dial, the lotus pink appears to alternate between a pure, almost sugary tone and a soft hint of mauve, while the blue dial changes from the clear colour of a springtime sky to the greyer tone of autumn.

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.

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

• Azure blue flinqué dial with Japanese embroidery-inspired pattern
• Luminescent, steel "Sword" hands