Capek is introducing new models to its chameleon-like, sporty-chic Antarctic collection, featuring four different sizes with aventurine dials and diamond indices, adding an unexpected new twist to the "dressed for a gala" look.
Special Antarctic S models available in 40.5mm and 38.5mm cases
The Capek Antarctic collection introduces four new models with 40.5mm and 38.5mm cases. The most distinctive feature of these new models is the use of aventurine for the dial and the indices with specially cut diamonds.
Automatic (Cal. SXH5). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40.5mm, thickness 10.6mm). Water resistant to 120m. Limited to 99 pieces worldwide. 583 million yen (tax included) *Scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 2025.
Automatic movement (Cal. SXH5). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve: approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 38.5mm, thickness 10.6mm). Water resistant to 120m. Limited to eight pieces worldwide. Price: 583 million yen (tax included). Scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 2025.
Automatic movement (Cal. SXH5). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve: approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40.5mm, thickness 10.6mm). Water resistant to 120m. Limited to eight pieces worldwide. Price: 935 million yen (tax included). Scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 2025.
Automatic movement (Cal. SXH5). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 38.5mm, thickness 10.6mm). Water resistant to 120m. Limited to 18 pieces worldwide. 935 million yen (tax included).
Czapek has a long-standing love for aventurine, harnessing its mystical beauty to create limited edition models such as the Quai des Berg Midnight in Geneva, which celebrated the opening of its Geneva boutique in 2019, and the Faubourg de Cracovie, which will be released in 2022. "Aventurine is a material we love, and its use in the Antarctic was a logical evolution and a natural progression. Plus, Antarctica is the best place in the world for stargazing!" said Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek.
Following the original 40.5mm Antarctic, which was released in May 2020, the 38.5mm Antarctic S will be released in 2022. This model features a smaller case size designed to fit slimmer wrists elegantly and comfortably. Both Antarctic models are equipped with the brand's first fully in-house developed movement, the Caliber SXH5.
What is Aventurine?
Aventurine, a type of glass developed in the 17th century when a glassmaker on the island of Murano accidentally dropped metal shavings into a cooling glass mixture, causing them to crystallize and sparkle in a multicolored glow. The name comes from the Italian "all'aventura," meaning "by chance," and it predates the discovery of the natural stone of the same name by at least a century.
Aventurine is inherently fragile and prone to cracking during processing, requiring highly specialized knowledge to work with. Czapek's collaborative approach - working with experts in various crafts in the traditional watchmaking spirit of établissage - once again proves a great asset in creating these dials.
Unique Antarctic Cut
Furthermore, Capek wanted the elongated trapezoidal diamond hour markers to be set "invisibly" into the aventurine, which presented a major challenge for his dial-making partner, GT Cadrans, to create a special setting for each of the 13 diamonds on the dial of the Flying Diamonds model.
Introduced in early 2023, the Antarctic cut with elongated indexes is an entirely new diamond cut, designed exclusively for Capek and officially registered. With 24 facets (14 pavilion facets and 10 table facets), the Antarctic cut captures and reflects far more light than a standard baguette cut (which may only have 14 facets). And the longer the diamond, the more valuable the dial.
In-house developed movement Cal.SXH5
The Caliber SXH5 is the movement for the first model of the Antarctic, released in May 2020. Its unique structure, with seven skeletonized bridges, inspired by the 19th-century pocket watches made by François Czapek, makes it instantly recognizable as a Czapek watch.
Drawing on the best of both watchmaking's past and present, the movement features a free-sprung balance and an elegant, highly efficient micro-rotor crafted from recycled platinum. Fine watchmaking finishing combines hand-chamfered edges with cutting-edge laser engraving to create a beautiful play of contrasts: light and dark, textured and smooth, matte and refined.
Notable details
