INTRODUCING: The Czapek Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector
Fergus Nash- The Czapek Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector brings attention to negative space in a refreshing way.
- The new anthracite dial is inspired by the clear and dark skies of Antarctica.
- The use of titanium means the whole watch weighs only 95g.
Reviving an extinct watch brand can often lead to the creative trap of rehashing vintage designs, but there’s a refreshing freedom that comes with reviving one that was already finished by the late 19th century. While Czapek & Cie. was renowned for their pocket watches, operating stores across Geneva, Paris, and Warsaw as well as being watchmaker to the Court of Emperor Napoleon III, the modern Czapek that was relaunched in 2012 operates by breaking new barriers of design with Czapek’s original personality intact. The new Czapek Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector blends elements of art and science together in a captivating display of shadow.
The Czapek Antarctique collection is their take on an integrated-bracelet sports watch with 1970s style, gaining some inspiration from the Antarctic region and the barriers of science that are pushed there. Although previous models have featured intricately textured dials and multi-faceted markers, the Titanium Dark Sector provides an alternate approach of exploring negative space. The most apparent feature is the use of long, curved applied indices which split the dial up into sectors. The gaps between these lines then form the hour markers, which may take a little bit of brain training to read quickly. The name Dark Sector is derived from a laboratory and 394-inch diameter telescope at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, where some of the Earth’s darkest and clearest skies can be observed.
Aside from the new anthracite dial which is tremendously sleek, the Czapek Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector remains in the same fantastic 40.5mm case. The staunch and hunkered-down lugs are decorated with a subtle but radiant sunburst brushing, while the polish on the bezel and bracelet mid-links offers the perfect balance of contrast for a sporty yet sophisticated luxury watch. It’s 10.6mm thick and clings to the wrist comfortably, and the use of titanium brings the weight down to only 95 grams for the whole watch. If you feel like taking the plunge into Antarctique waters, it’s more than capable of swimming with 120m of water resistance and a screw-down crown for peace of mind.
Blending styles from contemporary industrial designs and antique pocket watches, the Czapek Calibre SXH5 is a bold and beautiful movement to be stared at from the sapphire display caseback. Skeletonised bridges and glorious contrast between the different metallic and jewel components are all elevated by a backdrop of black-coated sandblasting, with the micro-rotor of recycled platinum keeping the mainspring wound. The beat rate is a smooth 4Hz across a 60-hour power reserve.
The Czapek Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector pricing and availability:
The Czapek Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector will be available from Czapek’s website as well as their flagship boutique in Geneva as of April 1, 2023 at 3pm CET. It will have a yearly limited production of 100 pieces, and also includes an additional calf leather or rubber strap with a quick-change system. Price: CHF32,000
| Brand | Czapek |
| Model | Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector |
| Case Dimensions | 40.5mm x 10.6mm |
| Case Material | Titanium |
| Water Resistance | 120m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Anthracite |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | Titanium bracelet, plus an additional calf leather or rubber strap. |
| Movement | SXH5 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Availability | Limited annual production of 100 pieces |
| Price | CHF32,000 |