W&W 2024 Czapek & Cie. Antarctique Passage de Drake Afterglow

How can Antarctica be purple? Its skies, on rare occasions, can... like this new Passage de Drake model with its deep violet dial. And in a rare limited edition too... 

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. 

All about the shape

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. 

SXH5.01 automatic caliber

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.

Stairway to eternity

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."

Technical specifications

Czapek & Cie. Antarctique Passage de Drake Afterglow

Limited edition of 100 pieces

Case

• Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 40.5mm
• Thickness: 10.6 mm
• Glass: Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment
• Screwed-down crown
• Sapphire case back with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side
• Water-resistant to 120 meters

Dial and hands

• Stamped flinqué dial with the officially registered ‘Stairway to Eternity’ pattern
• Purple colour obtained with PVD treatment
• Luminescent steel sword hands

Movement

• Caliber SXH5: in-house self-winding mechanical movement
• Diameter: 30 mm – 13 ¼ lignes
• Height: 4.2 mm
• Number of parts: 193
• Number of jewels: 28
• Swiss lever escapement, variable-inertia balance wheel regulated by 4 small cylindrical inertia-blocks
• Frequency: 28'800 vph (4 Hz)
• Power winding system: micro-rotor with a recycled platinum mass
• Power reserve: 60 hours, one single barrel
• Barrel torque: 8.8 Nmm

Finishing

• Open ratchets, sandblasted black bridges, bevelling, straight-grained sides, handchamfering

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes and central seconds
• Date at 6 o’clock

Strap and buckle

• Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive ‘Easy Release’ system and microadjustment
• Additional calf leather or rubber strap

MSRP: CHF 23'000

For more information, please visit czapek.com