Czapek Unveils A Flamboyant Version Of Its Antarctique For Milan’s GMT Great Masters Of Time

Whenever Czapek announces a new Antarctique, I am all ears. The brand’s take on a modern sports watch with an integrated bracelet and a touch of ’70s flair is one of my favorite models in this genre. The design, the movement, and the craftsmanship that goes into creating these watches make them stand out immediately. Over the past four years, we have seen several stunning dial variations that give every Antarctique a distinct look. With the Antarctique for Milan-based retailer GMT Great Masters Of Time, the brand adds a striking gold-plated dial. It’s another special take on a fantastic watch.

The event that sparked this new release is not merely a collaboration with the Milanese retailer GMT Great Masters Of Time. It also celebrates the inaugural Milano Watch Week, which took place this past weekend in Milan, Italy. Czapek was one of the participating brands, and for the event, the brand collaborated with its Milan-based retailer on a special gold-plated-dial version of its Antarctique. While the watch does not present anything new from a technical perspective, this lovely dial does put the spotlight on the Antarctique again.

The story of the Antarctique GMT Milano Edition

Before we get into the details of the watch, it’s good to tell the story of the dial. Czapek worked with renowned dial maker Metalem to create this stunning dial. The company has been one of Czapek’s long-time partners and has come up with something quite special this time. The dial features a matte, stamped grainy texture in the center and a circular-brushed finish on the periphery, which holds the minute track. The gold plating of the dial was achieved through galvanic treatment, which has given it a beautiful layer of 4N gold.

The choice of this tone of gold is not random. All of GMT Milano’s limited-edition dials feature the same 4N gold hue, which the folks there prefer to call “Franciacorta” after the sparkling wine of the same name. Picking this specific color is a connection to the family-owned company’s roots and heritage. Previous limited editions exclusively available through the retailer included special versions of the Sartory Billard SB07 and the stunning M.A.D.1 GMT Milano Edition. With this new Czapek Antarctique, that tradition continues.

The specs of the Antarctique GMT Great Masters Of Time Limited Edition

So, let’s look at the specs of this watch. The Czapek Antarctique features a 40.5mm stainless steel case that is 10.6mm thick and measures 45mm from lug to lug. It bears a predominantly brushed finish and a narrow, polished bezel on top. The watch comes with an integrated bracelet that looks stunning and is among the most comfortable in the industry. The bracelet is presented with brushed main links and polished intermediate links, creating a nice visual contrast in line with the case finishing.

Looking at the gold-plated dial, you will notice that it does not feature a date window, which I find a plus in terms of design. While a date window is certainly practical, I prefer the Antarctique’s dial without one. As shown on the otherwise stunning Antarctique Mount Erebus, the date window sits at 6 o’clock, which is not my favorite position. I much prefer a date window at 3 o’clock to maintain a clean vertical line. On the Antarctique GMT Milano Edition, the absence of a date guarantees perfect symmetry, and I’m always in favor of that.

The brilliant Czapek SXH5 caliber

If you turn the watch around, you get a good view of the beautiful SXH5 caliber. I remember quite vividly that when the first Antarctique Terre Adélie was presented. My Fratello colleague Gerard came out of the presentation telling us about the special movement. And while the images certainly didn’t disappoint, seeing this beautiful caliber in real life made all the difference for me. The caliber consists of 193 parts and offers great views of the open-worked gears, the platinum micro-rotor, and the sandblasted black bridges. With brushed bevels and hand-faceted concave angles, the finishing is impressive.

This micro-rotor movement operates at 28,800 beats per hour, features 28 jewels, and offers a power reserve of 60 hours. The modern caliber is a beauty to behold with its industrial architecture and modern-day finish. Seeing that series of finger bridges never ceases to impress. The stainless steel part of the case back also holds the engraved text indicating the watch’s status as a special edition.

A limited edition of 30 pieces

In addition to the stainless steel bracelet, Czapek offers calfskin or rubber straps that match the dial color. In my opinion, though, the bracelet is the only way to go. There is simply something magical about the contrast between stainless steel or white gold and a warmer gold/salmon tone. Another example that comes to mind is the Laventure Marine II with its gold dial.

Other watches with a similar aesthetic are the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS and the white gold Royal Oak with a salmon dial from 2019. Of course, there are more examples, but you get the idea. I simply love that aesthetic, and it’s what makes this new Antarctique GMT Milano Edition so stunning.

Czapek will produce 30 pieces of this limited edition for GMT Great Masters of Time, which will cost €23,420 before taxes. I do not doubt that all of the available pieces will find their way to enthusiasts rather quickly. This new limited edition is a great reminder of what makes the Czapek Antarctique such a special watch.

It makes me fall in love all over again, which is why I hope to see this version in reality soon. Compliments to Czapek and GMT Great Masters of Time for bringing it to life.

For more information on the Czapek Antarctique GMT Milano Edition, visit the retailer’s website. Let us know in the comments section what your thoughts are on this new Czapek Antarctique.