First unveiled in 2020, the Antarctique collection by Swiss independent watchmaking company Czapek has become highly desirable series that is renowned amongst collectors. Cool, stylish and sophisticated, this stunning all-steel Antarctique Flying Diamonds edition wristwatch with integrated bracelet blends a distinctly sporty character with the elegance of a beautiful Aventurine dial with the prestige of the watch elevated by the addition of diamond hour indices in the proprietary Antarctique cut of the company. 

Measuring 40.5mm across and only 10.6mm tall, the Antarctique is a thoroughly modern design with sleek lines and a wrist-hugging slender profile. Thanks to its flat surfaces, pronounced edges and angles which complement the gentle ‘trompe l’oeil’ curve which flows around the case, and the contrast between the grainy brushed finish and the highly polished detail, it is a piece of reserved quality designed for comfort and practicality. The styling continues almost seamlessly from case to bracelet as the brushed stainless steel links attach to each other and to the case itself via a series of polished C shaped links. An integral part of the Antarctique design, the bracelet features a folding clasp, and is also easily removed to be replaced with a rubber alternative which is also supplied.

Beneath the subtle convex curve of the sapphire crystal, the surface of the deep blue Aventurine glass immediately catches the eye, playing with the light as the watch moves with the wrist. Standing out clearly against this shimmering backdrop, the diamond hour indices are invisibly set into the Aventurine despite the challenges posed by working with the frangible glass surface. Furthermore, each of the 13 markers is individually worked with the proprietary Czapek Antarctique-cut, which enables the diamonds to have astounding light reflection qualities, and the effect of the against the Aventurine is spectacular. Finishing the arrangement, the hour and minute hands are long and elegant, while the sweeping seconds is elongated and slender, and a generous application of powerful Super-LumiNova ensures excellent legibility in all light conditions.

Inside the Antarctique beats the refined SXH5 self-winding calibre, a fully in-house designed and developed movement. Finished to the exacting standards of Haute Horlogerie, it features a sandblasted black German silver mainplate, with mirror polishing, anglage and bevelling applied by hand to its components. Visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback, it is a breathtaking display of mechanical architecture, distinguished by its angular semi-openworked bridges which are directly inspired by the 19th century pocket watches of François Czapek. Beneath the cascading series of skeletonised bridges, the inner workings and the detailing of the free sprung balance and going train of interconnecting wheels and gears are revealed. Offset and fitted flush onto the main plate to shave excess height off the movement and allow for a compact profile, the energy for the single barrel comes from the 100% recycled solid platinum micro rotor, whose constant free spinning rotations provide the chronometer-rated 28’800vib/h mechanism with a minimum of 60 hours of power reserve when fully wound.

With a water resistance of 120m the Czapek Antarctique Flying Diamonds is as practical as it is a handsome looking and highly technical contemporary wristwatch. A piece which is equally at home on the quayside or manning the helm, at work or at play, it successfully captures the spirit of the active, outdoor life.