With its stunning dial surface, the Antarctique Passage de Drake S Salmon watch is an exciting addition to the portfolio of Czapek of Geneva. Housed in an all-steel case, and with a beautifully executed integrated bracelet, this is a modern sports timekeeper for the discerning collector who places a value on contemporary Haute Horlogerie craftsmanship. Not limited to its sharp styling, this model has the additional prestige of a sophisticated in-house mechanical calibre.

Exhibiting perfect proportions throughout, the piece carries a case measuring 38.5mm. Superbly crafted, it has a combination of gently curving lines, pronounced edges and angles and flat surfaces, further  enhanced with grainy brushed finishing and contrasting high-polishing. Adhering to the case architecture, the integrated bracelet meets the case seamlessly, adding to the sleekness of this entirely wholistic design. An integral part of the Antarctique styling codes, the bracelet, which consists of a series of polished C shaped links, features a folding clasp, and is also easily removed to be replaced with a rubber or leather alternative.

Beneath the subtle convex curve of the sapphire crystal, the textured surface of the Salmon dial is extraordinary. A highly original colour tone, it is elegant yet contemporary and it immediately catches the eye.  Achieved using Czapek’s signature ‘Stairway to Eternity’ pattern it is rendered in a three dimensional stamped flinqué finish, which plays with the light and casts tiny shadows with each subtle movement of the wrist.

Standing out clearly against this striking trapezoidal backdrop, the steel hour indices are applied to the dial and have luminous inserts. The hour and minute hands and central seconds hands are long and elegant, and a generous application of powerful Super-LumiNova ensures excellent legibility in all light conditions, while a date window at the six o’clock position with a colour matched date disc completes the functions.

Inside the watch beats the superb SXH5 in-house calibre, designed and developed by Czapek. 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 56 hours of power reserve when fully wound.

Demonstrating design finesse and craftsmanship throughout, the Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake S Salmon has the advantage of a water resistance of 120m.

Subscription piece: reserve now at info@thelimitedediton.co.uk for delivery commencing end 2023.