Sunday Morning Showdown: Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus Vs. Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm In Rose Gold

Welcome to another installment of Sunday Morning Showdown. Last week, we threw two fairly affordable dress watches into the ring. This week, we’re going to do something completely different. Recently, both the Czapek Antarctique and Girard-Perregaux Laureato came out in new full-gold versions. Most of us will probably never seriously consider buying either of today’s contenders, but let’s just pretend you’re in the market for a full-gold sports watch with an integrated bracelet. Which one would you pick?

Read on to see how Thomas defends the Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus and Daan fights for the Girard-Perregaux Laureato’s honor. But before we let these two heavyweights — the watches, I mean — fly at each other’s throats, we’ll take a quick look at what happened last week.

Last week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…

As mentioned, last week, we put two more affordable dress watches up against each other. Both the Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Moonphase and the Raymond Weil Millesime received quite some praise when they were introduced. They’re both elegant watches that look a lot more expensive than they are. But apart from their similarities, there’s also one big difference: the Frederique Constant is powered by a quartz movement, whereas the Raymond Weil has a more traditional mechanical power source. However, based on your comments, it seems this showdown was more about appearance than internal mechanics. In the end, the Frederique Constant Classic Moneta Moonphase took the win with 54% of the votes.

Daan: Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm in 18K rose gold

I’ll admit, this week, my preference for the Girard-Perregaux Laureato in 18K rose gold isn’t based on the actual watch at hand. For a few years now, I’ve had my eyes on the classic Laureato ref. 80100.1.11.254. It’s dubbed the 8010 and features a 36mm stainless steel case. I still haven’t gotten a chance to try it on, but I’m almost certain that it’s the ideal integrated-bracelet watch for my 17cm wrist. So when we discussed the idea of putting the full-gold Czapek Antarctique and Girard-Perregaux Laureato up against each other, I was certain I was going to defend the latter.

That’s mainly because I’m such a fan of the Laureato in general, but it’s also because I don’t feel that attracted to the Antarctique. I appreciate its modern take on the concept of a sports watch with an integrated bracelet, but its lines are a bit too straight and clean for me. Yes, I like the original construction of the bracelet, but other than the high-level finishing and the impressive micro-rotor movement, there’s not much to get excited about. I also feel the Antarctique’s dial is a little out of proportion. There’s just too much blank space in the center.

The curvy and subtle Laureato

But rather than bashing my opponent, let me concentrate on why I like the Laureato so much. First of all, I love how simple the designs of the case and bracelet look. There aren’t any crazy or very original shapes here, but it’s the combination of the curvy lugs and the angular bezel that makes it look so good. The same goes for the combination of the sharp H-links and the polished center links of the bracelet. I also adore the polished bevel on top of the case sides and the bracelet links. It accentuates the Laureato’s sexy lines so well. It’s nothing revolutionary, but when you look at it, it feels just right.

And so does the Laureato’s hobnail dial. With a texture like that, it’s very easy to overdo it. The designers have to make sure not to make it look too busy, but it also shouldn’t look too clean or bland, like the dial of the Antarctique does. Luckily, the dials of these rose gold Laureato models are perfectly balanced. The raised chapter ring nicely takes over from the hobnails, and the applied indexes are exactly the right size, just like the GP logo at 12. In addition, the Sage Green and Ultramarine Blue hues have been chosen with absolute precision. They complement their rose gold surroundings so well and add a playful touch to otherwise very serious-looking sports watches.

No micro-rotor, no problem

Now, I know what you’re going to say, Thomas. If I choose the Laureato, I’ll forever be jealous of the Antarctique’s micro-rotor movement, right? Well, there might be some truth to that. But even though I think the Antarctique’s open-worked movement is impressive, I’m not a huge fan of its more modern look. Sure the more basic-looking movement inside the Laureato might not take your breath right away. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll certainly be able to enjoy the beautiful finishing of the bridges, the brushed barrel cover, and, of course, the rose gold rotor.

In the end, these are both very impressive, well-finished, and good-looking watches. I simply feel more attracted to the Laureato due to its more classic styling and the signature hobnail dial. I’m curious to see what you, Thomas, have to say about the Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus.

Thomas: Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus

Thanks, Daan! Today’s watches are a very close match in many ways. Of course, they share the recipe of an integrated-bracelet sports watch executed in rose gold and fitted with a blue dial. But we should certainly mention the prices as well because there is a negligible €300 between the two. Your Laureato costs €54,700, while my Czapek comes in at €55,000. All in all, I think it is safe to say these two are truly at each other’s throats, vying for the same lucky buyers.

Now, I reviewed the gold Laureato quite recently, and I was very impressed. I certainly understand the allure it has for you, Daan. However, the Laureato pales a bit in comparison to the Czapek Antarctique. I don’t think Laureato owners will enjoy spotting an Antarctique when they walk into a room. “Argh! I thought I would be top dog!”

Why? Well, there is plenty to unpack, so let me try to cover the most important points.

Specs-wise, the Czapek Antarctique wins hands down

When you spend this much money, you are no longer looking for “something nice.” At these prices, you want the best there is. So, by what objective measures does the Czapek Antarctique beat the Laureato?

For starters, its water resistance rating is nearly two and a half times greater — 120 versus 50 meters — despite it being 0.08mm thinner. Next, its indices and hands are solid gold rather than plated. Third, the caliber is significantly more modern and, although I am straying into the subjective here, much more impressive. I know you like classical watches, Daan, and so do I. But just look at that micro-rotor and those awesome finger bridges. I just want that beauty in my life.

Looking at design

Next, we should revisit the designs. You speak of the blank space on the dial, Daan. I keep looking at it, and I just don’t see the issue you have here. To me, the dial is just perfectly balanced, and the negative space is just right. I would go one step further to say it is a veritable masterclass in proportion and space. The deep, rich brushed texture is extremely pretty as it catches the light.

Keep in mind that the Czapek Antarctique is 1.5mm smaller in diameter and 4.1mm shorter. It still has plenty of wrist presence, but it looks less overpowering on smaller to average wrists. I get why you lean towards the 36mm Laureato, Daan, as the 42mm version is simply a bit too large for you and me.

Another design element I love is the bracelet — more specifically, the fact that you get to choose whether you would like the bridge-shaped intermediate links brushed or polished. I like polished accents to be subtle, so I would opt for a fully brushed bracelet. This drastically lowers the bling factor, which I like. Now, if you prefer your gold shiny, you simply tick a different box on the order form. Nice!

Time to vote: Czapek Antarctique or Girard-Perregaux Laureato?

Okay, dear Fratelli, now it is up to you. How would you spend your €55,000? Would you get a Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus? Or would you buy a Girard-Perregaux Laureato and a nice pair of shoes? Cast your vote, and share your motivations in the comments section below!