The Czapek Antarctique S is a fever dream of light and colour you won’t want to wake from
D.C. Hannay- Czapek continues to shake up the integrated bracelet watch space with stunning new versions of their 38.5mm Antarctique S
- The Sashiko variants feature dials in Azure or Lotus Pink, inspired by Edo-period Japanese stitching
- The Carte de Nuages versions are available in two cloudlike mother-of-pearl dial colours, with brilliant diamond accents
I’ve never seen a watch from Czapek that wasn’t exquisitely crafted, and these new additions to the sleek Antarctique integrated model line are no exception. The soft, ever-shifting colours and captivating textures are easy to get lost in, and they come wrapped in Czapek’s sleek 38.5mm Antarctique case, a true unisex sweet spot. Let’s look further into the new Czapek Antarctique S models first introduced at Watches & Wonders.
First up is the “Sashiko” model, and the stars of an already-brilliant show are the softly coloured dials in Azure and Lotus Pink. Both feature a three-dimensional stamped pattern meant to evoke Japan’s Edo period. Sashiko stitching was developed then, and the dial pattern is based on a stylised lotus flower, catching the light from a multitude of angles as your wrist moves, thereby changing not only reflections, but colour as well. And those colours?
The soothing Azure version leans hard into still-trendy light blue, gaining dimensionality from the texture that allows the colour to shift from powder blue to almost grey. The Lotus Pink changes from a candy colour to mauve depending on how the light hits, and both dials are quite striking, featuring a contrasting brushed outer ring and trapezoidal indices. The Sashiko can also be had with diamond indices, adding CHF4,000 to the price. All that beauty is encased by a gleaming boxed sapphire crystal.
The dial work of the dreamy “Carte des Nuages” (Map of the Clouds) versions couldn’t be more different, rendered in two shades of mother-of-pearl, Misty White and Stormy Grey. Pearl is a notoriously fragile material, but Czapek aced it in their execution. The almost paper-thin dials are cut into an attractive grid pattern, and set with brilliant diamonds in a proprietary Czapek cut.
They’re both wonderfully animated with their light play, the white giving a softer glow, and the grey a more dramatic moodiness. Thankfully, nothing extraneous pollutes these dials, and nothing so vulgar as a date window. Both the Sashiko and Carte des Nuages models allow ample room for the colours and textures to take top billing.
The visually stunning dials are perfectly framed by the sinuous 38.5mm integrated Antarctique case. True to its sporting nature, the watch has a 120 metre water resistance rating. The slinky, angular visage is sculptural yet trim, with a clean look that suits the overall aesthetic. And if you desire a bit more flash, the Carte des Nuages model can be had with a diamond-paved bezel, lugs, and crown for an extra 10K.
Both the Sashiko and Carte des Nuages models share the SXH5 in-house automatic movement, and I’m happy to report that it’s as captivating as the dials are. It features 28 jewells, a beat rate of 4Hz, and a 60 hour power reserve. The blackened finish of the bridges and plates looks downright decadent, and the micro-rotor is made from recycled platinum.
The bracelet is the familiar Antarctique design, with brushed outer links and polished U-shaped centre links. It flows like a Coltrane solo, smooth, yet with a fiery virtuosity. Par for the course, Czapek never lets one detail of the timepiece outdo another. And although swapping out this bracelet would be akin to hobbling a thoroughbred, buyers are offered an extra strap in their choice of leather or rubber, a breeze to change with Czapek’s easy release system.
Czapek Antarctique S pricing and availability:
The Czapek Antarctique S Sashiko “Azure” and “Pink Lotus” versions are available to preorder now with first deliveries in 2025, limited to 99 pieces per variant, and priced at CHF24,000, or CHF28,000 with diamond indices. The Czapek Antarctique S Carte de Nuages “Misty White” and “Stormy Grey” versions are available to preorder now with first deliveries in 2025, limited to 50 pieces per variant, and priced at CHF26,000, or CHF36,000 with diamond-set case.
| Brand | Czapek |
| Model | Antarctique S Sishiko, Antarctique S Carte de Nuages |
| Case Dimensions | 38.5mm (D) x 10.6mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 120m |
| Dial | Pink or blue patterned (Sishiko), mother-of-pearl (Carte de Nuages) |
| Crystal | Sapphire, boxed/sapphire caseback |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless integrated, leather or rubber second strap |
| Movement | In-house SXH5 automatic |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Preorders now for 2025 delivery, limited to 99 each variant (Sishiko), 50 each (Carte de Nuages) |
| Price | Sishiko: CHF24,000, or CHF28,000 with diamond indices, Carte de Nuages: CHF26,000, or CHF36,000 with diamond-set case |