ANTARCTIQUE
PASSAGE DE DRAKE
Discover the Czapek's Antarctique Passage de Drake line, a collection combining sophisticated style and look with a genuine in-house automatic movement. The four versions can be pre-ordered directly on this page, at Czapek & Cie official retailers, and at the Geneva boutique in rue de la Corraterie 18 in Switzerland.
presentation
The 26th of May 2020, Czapek released the Antarctique Terre Adélie, the very first model of the Antarctique collection, a new range of watches that exudes a feeling of preciousness, but could also be worn and admired in everyday life. Now, Czapek & Cie is proud to present its new version: The Passage de Drake. Named after the English explorer Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Cape Horn (the southernmost point of South American) and the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic. The stormy seas and icy conditions make it one of the most challenging places to navigate and sailors say to prepare yourself for an experience somewhere between bad and terrifying!
The creation of these timepieces has not only been a technical adventure but a human one. Czapek & Cie considers its suppliers to be partners and refers to them as such. The brand is also truly appreciative of its 200+ shareholders, without whom the adventure would never have even started. And last but not least, it is grateful for all the watch connoisseurs who have chosen to purchase a Czapek & Cie timepiece, selecting something different from the mainstream. When it comes to collecting, Czapek collects rare people who have become part of the journey, every step of the way.
design
There's more to haute horlogerie than virtuosic complications. Movement design, rare and fine finishing, selected materials or intricate case surfaces, and attention to detail, are all key factors that increase a timepiece's value. On the dial, the date window is positioned at 6 o'clock to maintain the Czapek aesthetics based on vertical symmetry. The hands design is reminiscent of a sword, sporty and easy-to-read, as well as the three-dimensional indexes. The 40.5mm stainless steel case is integrated with an original double ‘trompe l'oeil’ curve, another unconventional design choice making this timepiece unique and exclusive.
The new Antarctique Passage de Drake collection takes the sport-chic case design of the Antarctique Terre Adélie line and pairs it with an atypical trapezoid dial motif whose three-dimensional stamped surface creates a play of shadows across the dial. “This unique dial design is called the ‘Stairway to Eternity’ and was actually our initial concept dial for the Antarctique, as we were looking for a signature dial design that would be very different from anything else, but it was such a lengthy process to perfect that we launched with another dial, based on a forgotten workmanship technique, the combed ‘lamé’ dials,” shares Czapek & Cie. CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel. “We finally discovered the perfect motif when our designer accidentally enlarged the trapezoids by 50% without realizing it, and it looked amazing. That’s the beauty of mistakes!” All Czapek designs are officially registered, demonstrating the company’s directional approach.
The new Antarctique Passage de Drake collection takes the sport-chic case design of the Antarctique Terre Adélie line and pairs it with an atypical trapezoid dial motif whose three-dimensional stamped surface creates a play of shadows across the dial. “This unique dial design is called the ‘Stairway to Eternity’ and was actually our initial concept dial for the Antarctique, as we were looking for a signature dial design that would be very different from anything else, but it was such a lengthy process to perfect that we launched with another dial, based on a forgotten workmanship technique, the combed ‘lamé’ dials,” shares Czapek & Cie. CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel. “We finally discovered the perfect motif when our designer accidentally enlarged the trapezoids by 50% without realizing it, and it looked amazing. That’s the beauty of mistakes!” All Czapek designs are officially registered, demonstrating the company’s directional approach.
movement
The SXH5.01 automatic caliber is the first to be entirely conceived in-house by Czapek from a blank page. Every part of it has been made with care to detail and with the help of the top Swiss manufacturing partners and craftsmen, la crème de la crème, the magnificent orchestra directed by Czapek in the We Collect Rare People spirit. The microrotor, is placed off-center to allow a plunging view into the mechanism and its exceptional architecture. A free-sprung balance wheel with variable inertia provided by four gold adjustable weights enables the highest level of precision tuning. The gear train is held in place by a series of seven handsome skeletonized bridges. Their original shape is reminiscent of lace, inspired on one side by XIX century pocket watches, and by the very modern Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph’s rotor. The movement has superlative finishing on the bridges that merges Haute Horlogerie angling techniques with state-ot-the-art laser engravings.
Since the unveiling of its base movement in May, Czapek & Cie has been continually making improvements to its automatic caliber SXH5 to enhance its precision, performance, and aesthetic. The first upgrade has been to the micro-rotor that was previously in recycled 18-karat gold. Our watch’s designer and constructor decided to try a slightly larger rotor in platinum – 100% recycled - which brought 25% more power to the movement. The second upgrade came with a complete change of ball bearings under the micro-rotor. Both upgrades raised the train efficiency to 90% to fully wind the single barrel and deliver the impressive 60 hours of power reserve. This is a significantly longer autonomy than the average high-end sports watches
Since the unveiling of its base movement in May, Czapek & Cie has been continually making improvements to its automatic caliber SXH5 to enhance its precision, performance, and aesthetic. The first upgrade has been to the micro-rotor that was previously in recycled 18-karat gold. Our watch’s designer and constructor decided to try a slightly larger rotor in platinum – 100% recycled - which brought 25% more power to the movement. The second upgrade came with a complete change of ball bearings under the micro-rotor. Both upgrades raised the train efficiency to 90% to fully wind the single barrel and deliver the impressive 60 hours of power reserve. This is a significantly longer autonomy than the average high-end sports watches
STRAPS
In fine watchmaking, every little detail counts. Besides the exceptional SHX5 movement and the sleek and sharp design of the case or the dial, a great deal of attention was put on the bracelet. The feeling when placed on the wrist, the comfort in every situation and lightness are as important as the timepiece visual and technical qualities. The capability to be forgotten by its wearer and to suddenly reveal its stunning beauty create an intensely pleasurable dichotomy. This is why the Antarctique collection is equipped by an ergonomic brushed integrated bracelet, whose links mesh to form a highly polished "C" for Czapek. Since January 2022, this bracelet also features a micro-adjustment system, allowing the wearer to extend its lenght by few milimeters in an instant.
But there’s more. An additional strap is provided, as Czapek has developed an exclusive quick-change system allowing the wearer to switch from one strap to another in a minute. A large choice of straps is now offered to provide a maximum versatility and playful experience. 4 rubber straps whose pattern recalls the "Stairway to Eternity" design on the Passage de Drake dial are available in either black, white, dark blue or dark grey. On top of that, a selection of soft calf straps with contrasting topstitches can be chosen. You can discover them all in this section gallery but also enjoy a nice preselection on the 3D rendering in the “Models” section right below.
But there’s more. An additional strap is provided, as Czapek has developed an exclusive quick-change system allowing the wearer to switch from one strap to another in a minute. A large choice of straps is now offered to provide a maximum versatility and playful experience. 4 rubber straps whose pattern recalls the "Stairway to Eternity" design on the Passage de Drake dial are available in either black, white, dark blue or dark grey. On top of that, a selection of soft calf straps with contrasting topstitches can be chosen. You can discover them all in this section gallery but also enjoy a nice preselection on the 3D rendering in the “Models” section right below.
COLLECTION
Antarctique
PASSAGE DE DRAKE
Technical Details
Swiss made
Functions
- Hours, Minutes & Seconds
- Date at 6 o'clock
Movement
- Calibre SXH5: Czapek's in house self-winding mechanical movement
- Diameter: 30 mm – 13 lines ¼
- Height: 4.2 mm
- Number of parts: 193
- Jewels: 28
- Swiss lever escapement, variable-inertia balance fitted with four gold inertia-blocks
- Frequency: 4 Hz – 28800 VpH
- Power winding system: Micro rotor with an 100% recycled platinum mass
- Power-reserve > 60 hours on one single barrel
- Barrel torque: 8.8 Nmm
- Finish: Open ratchets, sandblasted black bridges, bevelling, straight-grained sides, six hand-chamfered inward angles
Hands
- Luminescent, steel "Sword" hands
Case
- Stainless steel case
- 40.5 mm diameter
- Height: 10.6 mm
- Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment ARDur©
- Sapphire crystal case-back with anti-reflective treatment
- Water-resistance: 120 meters (12 atm)
- Screwed-down crown
Bracelet
- Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive "Easy Release" system and micro-adjustment device
- Additional calf leather or rubber strap
Dial
- Stamped “flinqué” dial with the exclusive, officially registered “Stairway to Eternity” pattern
- Available in Ice White, Deep Blue, Black Ink and Glacier Blue.
- Luminescent, rhodium plated steel hour makers
- Luminescent, steel "Sword" hands
Our Partners
- Components and movement manufacturing: AB Product, Arcofil, Atokalpa, Ceramaret, Chronode, CMT-Rickenbach, Comblemine, Crelier, Generale Ressort, Inca, Inodeco, Inhotec, MLV, MPS, Novasort, Precipro, Risa, Stocco and as well a few standard components.
- Habillage: AB Product, Capsa, Econorm, Gravages, HMS Waeber, Jean Rousseau, Metalem
TERMS & CONDITIONS AND PRICES
PRICE OF THE ANTARCTIQUE PASSAGE DE DRAKE IS 22’000.- CHF EXCL. TAX
TO CONFIRM YOUR ORDER A 7’000.- CHF DEPOSIT IS KINDLY REQUESTED.
ONLY 99 PIECES WILL BE PROPOSED ONLINE.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT PLACING AN ORDER ONLINE, PLEASE CHECK BELOW, VISIT OUR FAQ PAGE AND READ CAREFULLY OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS
DEPOSIT AND ORDER CONFIRMATION
To order your watch, a deposit representing approximately 30% of the final price is required to confirm your interest. As soon as your deposit is executed, we will send you an advance payment receipt and an order confirmation. It is your responsibility to review the order confirmation. If you have any questions or concerns or if an order confirmation does not reflect your intentions, you should contact us at [email protected] without delay.
It can take up to 72 hours (3 days) to process an order and for the customer to receive its order confirmation. However, you will receive a Stripe payment confirmation within 24 hours.
If you have questions regarding orders please contact us by email only at [email protected]. It might take up to 72 hours to get an answer. We will answer questions based on the request urgency level.
PRICE
The relevant prices are our international prices in CHF and do not include any taxes.
In case your purchase is delivered in another country than Switzerland, you might be requested by your country’s customs authorities to pay local VAT or/and other taxes before delivery can occur. This is usually collected by our carrier during the importation process but also by your country authorities.
For US customers, an additional 3% is added to the total amount to cover the cost for US importation duties, directly paid by Czapek.
Shipping and insurance are included in the price.
LIMITATION
If the model is sold out, you can send us an email to [email protected] to be placed on a cancellation list. In case of cancellation, we will contact customers on a FIFO basis.
DELIVERIES
First deliveries will start in 2025. Within 7 months of the Order Confirmation Date and at least 6 months before your manufacturing date we will inform you about the tentative manufacturing date that we have allocated to your order.
Your manufacturing date is the date we proceed to the final encasing of your watch. It will be stated in your timepiece passport (the ID card for a watch, to prove its authenticity, record services and repairs but serves also as a warranty card). Once this operation is completed, your watch will be tested for a couple of weeks. Therefore, you can expect a delivery 3 to 4 weeks after your manufacturing date.
CANCELLATION
Should you change your mind and cancel your order within 14 days, we will refund the full amount.
If you decide to cancel your order later, part of your deposit will no longer be refundable according to the following scale:
After 14 days, your deposit minus 10% and inherent banking fees is refunded.
6 months before your manufacturing date: 50% of your deposit minus inherent banking fees is refunded.
3 months before your manufacturing date: your deposit is forfeited.
To cancel your order, you must contact us at [email protected].
If you have any questions regarding this subscription or the models available, don’t hesitate to contact us or one of our agents using the form below. Simply choose your country or area and send your message. They will come back to you quickly to assist you.
how to place your order
