Introducing: The Czapek Antarctique Passage De Drake Afterglow And Antarctique Green Meteor

Only a few weeks have passed since Czapek introduced the Antarctique Mount Erebus Deep Blue models. Both of them presented a familiar aesthetic in precious metals. I love the Antarctique, and a yellow gold version made me fall in love with the watch all over again. For this year’s Watches and Wonders, the brand releases two more Antarctique models. The first is the Antarctique with a green meteorite dial. The second model is the Passage de Drake Afterglow with a spectacular purple dial. Both watches are a testament to the brilliance of the Antarctique collection.

Ever since Czapek unveiled the first Antarctique, I have been a fan. I still remember that Gerard came out of the presentation of the Antarctique Terre Adélie and was seriously impressed. After he shared the images and technical details of the watch, I was too. The ’70s-influenced design and the brilliant movement made this an instant winner in my book. We have seen several variations of the Antarctique in size and dial design in almost four years. I find some of them brilliant, and some of them are less up my alley. But what has always remained is that deep love for the Antarctique, a seriously impressive collection of watches that shows great versatility. The two new releases show that once more.

The new Czapek Antarctique Green Meteor

Let’s kick things off with the Czapek Antarctique Green Meteor. It is a new dial variation of that first Antarctique I love so much. I prefer the initial dial layout of the Antarctique over the variations with the large “12” that debuted with the Passage de Drake models. However, as you may know, Czapek lets you pick your favorite dial variation (with or without the numeral), your preferred version of the seconds hand (full steel, red tip, or full red), and your preferred bracelet either without or without polished center links. Call me an Antarctique purist (if there is such a thing), but I like my Antarctique dial with full markers and a silver seconds hand.

How about combining that with a spectacular green meteorite backdrop? This new dial is rather stunning. The watch features the usual 40.5mm stainless steel case that is 10.6mm thick and 45mm from lug to lug. It flows effortlessly into the integrated bracelet to complete that beautiful ’70s aesthetic.

The combination with the green meteorite dial is beautiful. The color and texture of the material are exquisite and match the watch’s design perfectly. Combining the two elements gives the watch an even greater 1970s presence, and I love that.

The brilliant in-house-developed caliber SXH5

The brand equips the watch with its brilliant caliber SXH5. The modern automatic micro-rotor movement is visible through the sapphire crystal on the back and has impressed fans from the moment it was unveiled. The movement consists of 193 parts, operates at 28,800vph, and has 60 hours of power reserve. The finish of the movement is modern in color and impressive in its details. It is a joy to see with the sandblasted black bridges, fully recycled platinum micro-rotor, beveling, straight-grained sides, and manual chamfering.

It makes this new Antarctique Green Meteor an impressive new release. As mentioned, you can pick your preferred details on the dial side to make this watch exactly the way you want it to be. Czapek will produce 100 pieces of this limited edition, and each will cost CHF 25,000 (before taxes). What you get in return is an impressive version of the Czapek Antarctique that shows the great versatility of this special watch.

The new Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake Afterglow

The second new Antarctique is the Passage de Drake Afterglow. It comes with the same 40.5 × 45mm × 10.6mm case and 120m water resistance rating. This version, however, features a stamped flinqué dial with the officially registered “Stairway to Eternity” pattern. The dial is a beautiful purple color thanks to a PVD treatment. It is a standout color that is definitely not for everyone. But if you like distinctive hues, this might be the Antarctique for you.

Once again, you can choose your favorite dial configuration, seconds hand, and bracelet finishing. But I must say that the red details on the dial and seconds hand, as seen in the pictures, combine well with the purple dial. It makes this new Passage de Drake Afterglow attractive in all its configuration options. On top of that, the dark purple color looks super classy, so it is by no means a flashy dial. It perfectly matches my Deep Purple iPhone and Dark Purple Secrid Card Protector. Yes, I have a thing for purple, so this Passage de Drake Afterglow is right up my alley.

Technically, the watch is similar to the other models. So it also comes with the SXH5 movement that offers 60 hours of power reserve from one barrel. Just like the other models, the brilliant bracelet features a micro-adjustment system. On top of that, it has the brand’s “Easy Release” system that will allow for an easy swap with the additional calfskin or rubber strap that comes with the watch. The Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake Afterglow will be available for CHF 23,000 before taxes. That is 1,000 Swiss francs more than the currently available Passage de Drake models. But that will get you a special color that will once again show the brilliance of Antarctique.

Final thoughts on the new Czapek Antarctique models

While these two new models do not bring us anything revolutionary in design or movement, they are perfect proof of what makes the Czapek Antarctique so special. The purple Passage de Drake Afterglow is one of my favorite models in the lineup. Together with the recently introduced yellow-gold Mount Erebus model, it is another one of my personal favorites. Additionally, the Green Meteor presents a great seventies aesthetic that will surely find its way to Antarctique fans. I have nothing but good things to say about the Antarctique, so my compliments go to Czapek for creating two more impressive variations of its deservedly popular watch.

For more information, visit the official Czapek website. Let us know which of these two versions of the Antarctique you prefer in the comments.