ANTARCTIQUE
PASSAGE DE DRAKE
Following the success of its Antarctique Terre Adélie collection in May, Czapek & Cie is proud to present a brand new version featuring a distinctive dial motif and the exquisite final version of its new 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, 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. Today, 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 of 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. 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.
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
PASSAGE DE DRAKE
Terre Adélie
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 > 56 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
- 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 Roaring Forties grey (limited to 40 pieces) Luminescent, steel "Sword" hands
- Luminescent, rhodium plated steel hour makers
Production
- The Roaring Forties grey dial is limited to 40 pieces only
Our Partners
- Conception: Daniel Martinez, Adrian Buchmann, Emmanuel Bouchet, Patrick Rossi & Xavier de Roquemaurel
- 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, Wolf.
TERMS & CONDITIONS AND PRICES
In this section you will find all the useful information about pre ordering your Antarctique Passage de Drake. This model comes with four different dial colours: Ice White, Deep Blue, Black Ink and the limited edition “Roaring Forties” grey. Only 40 pieces are available via this 40-days-long online subscription.
ROARING FORTIES (GREY DIAL) SUBSCRIPTION IS NOW CLOSED, ALL THE PIECES ARE SOLD OUT.
Price & Pre-order:
All Passage de Drake models are priced 18’000.- CHF excluding VAT. It does include international shipment with a secured carrier.
We kindly ask you to proceed to a down payment of 1000.- to confirm your order. In case of cancellation, 50.- CHF will be deducted from your refund. To ensure your absolute satisfaction with your Czapek watch, you will be able to modify your order with our concierge before your watch is entirely produced. 10 business days before we will start the manufacturing of your watch, we will send you your invoice and ask you to proceed with the final payment. The deposit will be deducted from this invoice.
If you have questions about our terms and conditions simply click on the dedicated button below or send us directly an email at customercare@czapek.com.
Customization, Manufacturing date & Delivery:
Czapek & Cie offers you a few options to customize your watch. Of course, you will be able to choose your additional strap but also the central second style (plain, with a red tip or fully red) and a personal engraving on the back ring of your watch. All watches come with a box where you will find your second strap with its folding buckle, a screwdriver, two extra links to adjust your metal bracelet and the special tool to easily add or remove them.
As you may know, it takes time to make beautiful watches. So currently our assembly capacity is only one timepiece a day for the Antarctique collection… So we decided to let our customer choose their manufacturing date. What does it mean? It means that you can now book the exact day we will assemble and encase your watch and that you can expect to be shipped approximatively 3 days after! Isn’t it great? But be aware that this is limited to only one day per person! You will find a calendar to book your manufacturing date in the pre-order section.
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
