ANTARCTIQUE S LA CARTE DES NUAGES STORMY GREY DIAMOND CASE

An outstanding addition to a highly desirable collection, the Czapek Antarctique S La Carte des Nuages Stormy Grey with diamond-set case features an exquisite mother-of-pearl dial decorated with a subtle guilloché motif and diamond-set hour markers. A luxurious timepiece that is both aesthetically pleasing yet also highly technical in its arrangement, this stunning model which is strictly limited to only 50 pieces in this dial variation is powered by the acclaimed Czapek SXH5 in-house mechanical calibre which features an upgraded power reserve of 60 hours.

Crafted from a sliver of mother-of-pearl in a muted grey shade, the dial of the Antarctique S La Carte des Nuages Stormy Grey shimmers with every subtle wrist movement. Translating literally as ‘map of the clouds’ it has an ethereal appearance, and its sheen is further enhanced by a duo of diamonds in the company’s proprietary “Antarctique Cut” at the 12 o’clock, accompanied by a princess cut diamond at each of the other hour markers. Evoking cartography, the surface has been decorated with a grid line motif, rendered with six lines of guilloché. This subtle detail presents a high degree of challenge to the artisan given the frangible nature of the mother-of-pearl, however it contrasts beautifully with the luxuriant elements on the dial surface. Finishing this magnificent façade are luminescent sword-shaped hour and minutes hands and a slender elongated seconds hand.

Perfectly proportioned, the Czapek Antarctique S La Carte des Nuages Stormy Grey Diamond Case carries a stainless steel case measuring 38.5mm across, and a height of 10.6mm. It’s pronounced edges and angles are accentuated by diamond-setting on the bezel and the integrated lugs with grainy brushed polishing on the sides. 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 alternative which is also supplied. Complementing the case, the first C-link of the bracelet is also diamond set.

Inside beats the superb SXH5 in-house calibre, designed and developed by Czapek. Finished to the exacting standards of Haute Horlogerie, it features black sandblasted bridges, bevelling, straight-grained edges and six hand-chamfered inward angles. Visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback, it is a breathtaking display of mechanical architecture, distinguished by a series of seven angular skeletonised bridges which are directly inspired by the 19th century pocket watches of François Czapek. 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 an upgraded power reserve of hours of 60 hours when fully wound.

The Czapek Antarctique S La Carte des Nuages Stormy Grey Diamond Case has the advantage of a  water resistance of 120m, ensuring added practicality for its wearer. This superlative edition which is also available with a steel case is presented in a strictly limited release of only 50 pieces in this dial variation.