Introducing: The Czapek Antarctique Polar Sky And Flying Diamonds

Sometimes a watch release catches us by surprise. Other times, it triggers a response like “Didn’t that already exist?” To call it predictable would sound overly negative, but sometimes a release is just so perfectly on-brand and sensible that it doesn’t feel new, even if it is. This is one such release. Czapek marries its flagship sports watch, the Antarctique, with one of its signature dial materials, aventurine. The result, the Czapek Antarctique Polar Sky, looks as if it has been here all along. And that, my dear Fratelli, is a good thing.

Czapek releases the new Antarctique Polar Sky in four limited editions. There is a 40.5mm model as well as a 38.5mm Antarctique S with the new dial. Next, the same two models are also available with diamond indices in a rather special Antarctique cut with a hidden setting. Let’s dive in!

Aventurine for the Czapek Antarctique Polar Sky

Aventurine is a material with which Czapek is intimately familiar. These dials found their way into Quai de Bergues and Faubourg de Cracovie models before. As mentioned, it was only a matter of time before it would be introduced to the Antarctique. After all, it makes a ton of sense as the material closely resembles a starry sky, t and where else but over the (Ant)arctic do you get the best starry sky?

Though a mineral also named aventurine exists, the aventurine seen here is not a natural material. Or, I should say, it is a man-made one composed of several natural materials. Aventurine glass, sometimes also called goldstone, was discovered by accident in 17th-century Italy. A glassmaker from Murano accidentally dropped some metal shavings onto cooling glass, resulting in a shimmering, gem-like material. Additionally, the name reflects the origin story as it is derived from all’avventura, Italian for “by accident.”

Simply put, these are glass dials. The dark background with sparkling metal fragments in different hues closely mimics a night sky. As the flakes are in the glass, not on top of it, there is a real sense of depth to the aventurine. Like in a starry sky, some elements are further away than others. This makes for a very dynamic material for watch dials.

Czapek Antarctique Polar Sky Flying Diamonds

Now, if a Czapek Antarctique Polar Sky with an aventurine dial is still a tad mundane for your liking, you might want to check the box next to “Flying Diamonds” on the order form. This will get you the diamond indices introduced in 2023. No, these are not the same old baguettes you find on any other watch but, rather, Antarctique cuts in hidden settings!

This cut is uniquely developed for Czapek and officially registered. The shape mimics that of the original hour markers, but a total of 24 facets ensure maximum light reflection.

Czapek made a big deal of the way these indices are fixed to the dial. Most settings require visible prongs, which would ruin the intricate shape of these diamonds. However, dial maker GT Cadrans took on the challenge and created an invisible setting. I would love to take a loupe or even my microscope to the dial and see how it’s done. However, for now, it is something of a mystery as we only had hands-on time with the non-diamond-set version. It looks fantastic, though.

A familiar recipe in stainless steel

Beyond the dials, these four references follow the familiar Czapek Antarctique recipe. From the scalloped case to the integrated bracelet with its bridge-shaped centerlines, it is all how we know and love it.

As expected, we can find the brand’s caliber SXH5 inside. This is the first movement that Czapek developed completely in-house. It ticks at a 28,800vph frequency and it is a particularly good-looking mechanism. It justifies the use of a display case back, to put it mildly. This is largely thanks to the finger bridges and the micro-rotor made of recycled platinum. I particularly like the distinctly modern aesthetic of this caliber. While it is firmly rooted in watchmaking history, its translation of it is refreshing and new.

Pricing and availability

As mentioned before, these four new references are limited editions. The 40.5mm version without diamonds costs CHF 26,000 and is limited to 99 pieces. The 38.5mm “S” model costs the same but is limited to only 77 units. The 40.5mm Czapek Antarctique Polar Sky Flying Diamonds costs CHF 42,800 and is limited to only eight pieces. Lastly, the “S” model of the Flying Diamonds costs CHF 38,000 (due to fewer diamonds being used) and will see 18 pieces produced.

All four references can be purchased at authorized Czapek dealers and the brand boutique in Geneva. Deliveries will commence in Q4 of 2025.

What do you think of the new Czapek Antarctique Polar Sky and Flying Diamonds? Let us know in the comments below!