Introducing: The Space-Inspired Czapek Antarctique Purple Storm Limited Edition

The shape of the case and bracelet on Czapek’s Antarctique has remained unchanged since its introduction in 2020. There are versions in stainless steel, gold, and titanium, for example, but they all share the same attractive and popular integrated construction. The Antarctique’s dial, on the other hand, seems more like a blank canvas that gets a complete overhaul every time a new version comes out. The same goes for today’s new revelation, the Czapek Antarctique Purple Storm. Its space-inspired purple dial represents a fascinating stardust storm.

This new limited edition joins the lineup of other Antarctiques with galaxy-inspired and hand-varnished dials. Take a look, for example, at the Emerald Iceberg version in green. The artisans at Swiss dial maker Metalem make these dials, and they are a joy to look at, especially because each one is unique. Let’s take a quick look at the new Czapek Antarctique Purple Storm.

The Czapek Antarctique Purple Storm

As you might expect, the 40.5mm stainless steel case remained the same. It’s still 10.6mm thick, and its lugs span 45mm from tip to tip, although that is less relevant on a watch with an integrated bracelet. The case and bracelet have a brushed finish except for the polished bezel and the connecting links in the bracelet. But yes, the real star of the show here is the purple dial.

As mentioned, every dial of this 18-piece limited edition is unique. Also, just like the Emerald Iceberg dials, these Purple Storm versions come from the renowned dial maker Metalem. This company also works with well-known, demanding clients, including Audemars Piguet, IWC, and Chopard. Metalem applies the purple gradient by hand, which results in different cloudy shapes on a deep black base. As you can see, there are no indexes on it, and the Czapek logo hovers over the dial on the underside of the sapphire crystal. It’s almost as if you’re looking into a black hole with purple stardust swirling inside. Of course, the pattern doesn’t change, but you can certainly imagine it moving around the dial. In that way, it’s just as mysterious as looking at a pitch-black sky at night while you imagine all that’s going on above us.

A picture of the Czapek SXH5 micro-rotor movement inside the Antarctique Aventurine

A micro-rotor-driven caliber

As expected, Czapek’s SXH5 micro-rotor movement powers the Antarctique Purple Storm. This automatic caliber runs at a frequency of 28,800vph, features 28 jewels, and holds a power reserve of 60 hours. The micro-rotor is platinum, and the movement displays contemporary finishing, such as sandblasted black bridges. These bridges also feature hand-applied polished chamfers, and the skeletonized bridges give you a good look at the movement’s internals. You wind and set the watch with the screw-down crown at 3 o’clock. It’s protected by two crown guards and helps to keep the Antarctique water resistant to 120 meters.

Final thoughts

The 18 pieces of the Czapek Antarctique Purple Storm cost CHF 25,000 each, excluding taxes. In addition to the stainless steel bracelet, buyers will get a matching purple leather strap with it.

I’d love to get a good look at that mysterious-looking purple dial in person. But I’m afraid all 18 pieces will quickly sell out to a group of avid collectors. Therefore, it will be hard to get my hands on one of these. Nevertheless, I like how different the Czapek Antarctique looks every time it gets a new dial. The clean case and bracelet allow for so many different and interesting combinations. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for the Antarctique’s dial.

Let me know in the comments below what you think of the new Czapek Antarctique Purple Storm.