Capek unveiled a new model, the Antarctic Rattrapante "RUR," equipped with a rattrapante (split-second chronograph). Inspired by the 1921 play "RUR - Rossum's Universal Robot" by Czech author Karel Capek, this unique timepiece incorporates a robotic head whose eyes change color in response to the movement of the chronograph. Only 77 pieces will be sold worldwide.
Text by Kento Nii
[Article published on January 9, 2025]
The rattrapante mechanism and robots that move with the dial
Capek presented the Antarctic Rattrapante "RUR" as a new addition to his iconic Antarctic collection. The piece was inspired by the 1921 play "RUR - Rossum's Universal Robot" by Czech author Karel Capek. The play uses the Czech word "roboti," which later became the English word "ROBOT" (the original manuscript used the Latin word "labori," but was changed to the Czech word at the suggestion of his brother Josef). Through this story of artificial beings rebelling against humans, the work sounds a warning about the dehumanization brought about by science and technology, and has become one of the works that has spread the meaning of modern robots as humanoid machines.
Automatic movement (Cal. SHX6). 49 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42.5mm, thickness 15.3mm). Water resistant to 120m. Limited to 77 pieces worldwide. Estimated price: 1485 million yen (tax included).
Like previous Antarctic rattrapante models, this model features a movement with a rattrapante mechanism on the dial side. Furthermore, it is packed with original and playful details, and its face boldly reflects a futuristic robot motif.
The heart of the design is a titanium robotic head that sits atop the chronograph column wheel at 12 o'clock. Crafted by Capek's partner, MD'Art, this miniature is meticulously crafted through milling, hand-polishing, and laser engraving. Its eyes are hand-painted in three neon colors and feature a mechanism that changes color in sync with the chronograph's movement.
The watch is powered by the automatic Caliber SHX6 movement, developed in collaboration with Chronode. From the dial side, you can observe the interlocking of the two column wheels for the chronograph and rattrapante, the engagement of the horizontal clutch, and the movement of the clamp. It also features an isolator mechanism that completely separates the two chronograph seconds hands, minimizing instability during measurement.
