The Czapek Antarctique is in gold for the first time with the Mount Erebus
Borna Bošnjak- The first Czapek Antarctique in solid gold, the Mount Erebus models are inspired by the southernmost active volcano.
- Vertically brushed blue dials contrast against the mixed finishing of the 40.5mm cases.
- The SXH5 micro-rotor calibre continues to be a mainstay of the collection, allowing a height of just 10.6mm
I’m sure you’re already familiar with the tale of the integrated-bracelet sports watch. Wherever you look, brands were launching high-end steel pieces, rivalling the prices of some solid gold ones in a revolutionary twist. With the trend catching on, it was only a matter of time before we saw integrated-bracelet sports watches take on an even more luxurious look, and that’s exactly what’s happened with the new Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus. Available in solid rose or yellow gold, these two limited editions take inspiration from the eponymous mountain, the southernmost active volcano on the planet.
Xavier de Roquemaurel, Czapek CEO, explains: ““The demand for an Antarctique model in a precious metal, and more specifically in gold, was so
strong among a certain type of collectors that we could not ignore it. To create this new model, we went to explore not only the origins of this successful collection but also the geography of Antarctica.” Fitting, consider the name of the model, but even more so for the chosen volcano. Its unique characteristic is that it spews gold into the atmosphere daily, though the 80 or so grams get dissolved in other gaseous expulsions.
At 40.5mm x 10.6mm, the Antarctique is perfectly sized for the current market, though I wouldn’t be surprised seeing both the 2N yellow gold nor the 5N rose gold alloys in the smaller, 38.5mm variant of this watch.
The blue dials are a nod to Czapek’s very first Antarctique model, the Terre Adélie. Created in partnership with Metalem, the effect is achieved by using a comb, so calling it brushed doesn’t quite reveal the depth of the dial’s texture. The indices are applied, tapering from their ends until they’re almost at the same level as the dial, with only the 6 o’clock index truncated due to the date window. Having said that, Czapek went to the trouble of bevelling the window and colour-matching the date wheel, so there’s not much to complain about.
Finally, for those who want the luxurious feeling of the solid gold but don’t want to worry about the heft (literal and monetary), Czapek is also offering the Mount Erebus on a rubber strap in multiple colours, with a lovely integration using their signature C-shaped link. If you’re brave enough to test out the 120-metre water resistance, this may just be the option for you.
Finally, I’ve got to mention Czapek’s in-house SXH5 calibre that powers these Antarctique models. For starters, I’ve always found its decoration to be particularly pleasant, both for the fact that it’s a micro-rotor, allowing you to see the skeletonising work on the cocks and ratchets, but also because it’s a good example of what a “non-traditionally” decorated movement can look like. I’m sure some of the expertise was thanks to the brand’s previous partnership with Chronode, the workshop behind many high-end movements, who also lent a hand with the polishing of the jewel countersinks in the SXH5. Spec-wise, it provides a 60-hour power reserve at 4Hz, topped up by the aforementioned gold-plated platinum micro-rotor.
Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus pricing and availability
The Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus is limited to 50 pieces in yellow gold, and 100 pieces in rose gold. Deliveries are expected in the second quarter of 2024. Price: US$35,000, CHF 31,000 (rubber strap), US$59,000, CHF 52,300 (gold bracelet)
| Brand | Czapek |
| Model | Mount Erebus Deep Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 40.5mm (D) x 10.6mm (T) |
| Case Material | 5N rose gold 2N yellow gold |
| Water Resistance | 120 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Dial | CVD blue lamé texture, made with Metalem |
| Bracelet | Integrated, case-matching gold bracelet, folding clasp Optional rubber straps with case-matching pin buckle |
| Movement | Calibre SXH5, in-house, micro-rotor automatic |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | 50 pieces (yellow gold) 100 pieces (rose gold) |
| Price | US$35,000, CHF 31,000 (rubber strap) US$59,000, CHF 52,300 (gold bracelet) |