Hands-On: The New Czapek Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector

An unexpected success for the young independent watchmaker (maybe a bit too much of a success…), the Antarctique is a very appealing vision of a luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet, combined with high-end watchmaking credentials. Following multiple stainless steel editions, such as the Passage de Drake or the recent 38.5mm edition (and of course, our own Montre de Souscription), Czapek now introduces a new iteration of the Antarctique in titanium. For the occasion, the brand’s sporty-chic watch opts for a monochromatic grey look and for a new dial design. Meet the Czapek Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector.

The Antarctique Titanium model uses most of the design cues we loved in the steel models, but adds a contemporary touch with a new dial design and a full grey attire. The grade 5 titanium case retains the exact same dimensions at 40.5mm x 10.6mm. Its design is based on a barrel-shaped flat surface framing a round, sloped polished bezel and a box-shaped sapphire crystal slightly protruding from the case. The brushed finish radiating from the watch centre adds a refined touch. The use of titanium adds strength, comfort, and lightness (the watch weighs just 96 grams) as well as the signature grey colour. The crown screws down and the water resistance is rated at 120m.

The sleek anthracite dial complements the case beautifully. It features a traditional minute track that surrounds two rows of arched parallel segments, which are interrupted for each hour. These are paired with sword-shaped luminescent hands. The only touches of colour are brought by the red tip of the sweep second hand and the red dot at 12 o’clock. Up until now (and except for a few exclusive editions), the Czapek Antarctique had been released with two types of textured dials: the inaugural Terre Adélie collection decorated using the lamé technique and the Passage de Drake with its flinqué dial.

Flip the watch over and the exhibition case makes a formidable impression. It allows you to discover the automatic calibre SHX5. 30mm in diameter, this micro-rotor calibre is the first to have been developed and to be manufactured in-house by the brand. Its architecture features seven bridges, 5 of which are skeletonized, offering a captivating perspective on the inner workings. The variable inertia balance is held under a transversal bridge and ticks at 4 Hz. The micro-rotor is fashioned out of platinum and the watch has 60 hours of power reserve when fully wound. It displays the hours, minutes, seconds and no date here. The elaborate decoration plays on contrasts. It includes sandblasted black bridges with hand-chamfered angles and straight-grained flanks. The central bridge is in black-polished steel.

The Antarctique Titanium is worn on a matching titanium bracelet – besides the new material, its specs are similar to these of the steel bracelet with its distinctive C-shaped centre link. It is fitted with the brand’s “easy-release” interchangeability system that allows you to swap to a leather or rubber strap in seconds (the additional strap is included). There is also a micro-adjustment system for the last links, with an extension released by a pair of pushers. This allows you to adapt your bracelet for a perfect fit on the wrist.

The Czapek Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector retails for CHF 32,000. It will be available in a limited yearly production of 100 pieces – Like anything from Czapek recently, these will probably be difficult to get given the high demand. The brand is expected to open again their order book on the occasion of Watches and Wonders this year. For more information, please visit www.czapek.com.