Introducing: The Czapek Antarctique Tourbillon

With all the craziness set to occur next week in Geneva, Czapek has made the wise move to release a stunning new collection a bit early. The new Antarctique Tourbillon is a tour de force. It showcases a new movement and an impressive dial design. Before the onslaught of new releases begins, take the time to enjoy these beauties.

At Fratello, we’re big fans of Czapek. As a result, we’ve released two collaboration models with the Genevan brand. The resurgent company is 10 years old and makes lovely watches with impressive movements and beautifully finished cases. Now, with the Antarctique Tourbillon, Czapek adds a new in-house movement to its most renowned model line.

The Czapek Antarctique Tourbillon

For now, the Antarctique Tourbillon is a three-watch collection with one limited edition. All variants are stainless steel and 40.5mm in diameter. Then, each model comes equipped with a stainless steel bracelet and an additional rubber strap. In support of the sporty looks, the watches have a 50m depth rating and are fitted with a box-style sapphire crystal. Now, with the basic details out of the way, let’s get into what makes these watches special.

The new Czapek caliber 9

The heart of the Antarctique Tourbillon is the brand-new manufacture caliber 9 with a flying tourbillon. Interestingly, this is the first caliber constructed and machined primarily in-house. A new movement is a large undertaking, and Czapek embraced the challenge by creating a powertrain with exceptional performance. Perhaps just as crucially, the caliber also meets certain aesthetic requirements. The tourbillon mechanism has existed for over two centuries, and many look quite traditional. For Czapek, it was key to create a caliber harmonious with the Antarctique’s design. Regarding the specs, the automatic 20-jewel movement has a 72-hour power reserve and a 21,600vph frequency.

Czapek’s caliber 9 has its key elements — the tourbillon, gear train, and barrel — vertically aligned and visible on the dial side. A long, hand-polished minute bridge bisects the dial, running horizontally across it. Then, open-worked bridges connect the large barrel on the upper portion. The tourbillon cage is titanium and sits below a mix of polished and brushed arms. Czapek worked hard to create a movement worth viewing.

If there are concerns about the movement’s obverse not stacking up with the dial side, don’t fear! The Antarctique Tourbillon is stunning from all angles. A box-style sapphire crystal protects the caliber 9 and provides a clear view of the inner workings. While it looks like stainless steel with a typical display, the metal “ring” is applied to the underside of the crystal. Sexy! The other outstanding detail is the 5N gold oscillating rotor. Michèle Rothen, the brand’s master engraver, has created a guilloché effect on the rotor that mirrors the dial’s pattern.

The Singularité hand-guilloché dials

Aside from the movement, the guilloché dials are the most arresting feature of the new Antarctique Tourbillon. To create the mesmerizing dial pattern, Czapek partnered with Metalem, a noted Swiss dial manufacturer. The result is a new “Singularité” motif that resembles a vortex. In this hand-guilloché process, the engraver must change the starting point of the engraving tool with each pass. This differs from the typical form where the pattern emanates from the same point. It’s beautiful and draws the eyes toward the center of the watch with all the mechanical details. Rhodium-plated or blued hands and hour markers are filled with white Super-LumiNova. Notably, the outer ring is the flange and not part of the guilloché dial.

Availability and pricing of the Antarctique Tourbillon

Czapek is offering the Antarctique Tourbillon in three dial colors. A silvery Secret Alloy version is available as a limited edition of 50 pieces. Then, a 5N-gold-plated Photon Sphere variant joins a Glacier Blue option as regular production models. Regarding pricing, there is no difference between the variants, with each coming in at CHF 63,000. Compared to other integrated-bracelet tourbillon models that reach the six-figure mark, such as versions of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the Antarctique Tourbillon represents a relative bargain. Of course, it’s still an expensive watch, but I like that Czapek has blended a traditional complication with a modern design. In my view, it’s beautiful and a fitting way to celebrate a decade since the return of Czapek.