Capek has unveiled a special model that will be appreciated by both regular and unusual watch enthusiasts. Equipped with an in-house movement and boasting sophisticated style and aesthetics, the Antarctique has the potential to make a major impact in today's popular luxury sports watch segment.
A new luxury sports watch that represents Antarctica
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Comes with a calfskin or rubber strap featuring the unique "Easy Release" system
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Stainless steel bracelet with carefully polished "C" links
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Sword-shaped hands coated with Super-LumiNova
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Hand-decorated dial by Metalem
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Case incorporates original double "trompe l'oeil" curves
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Thin and edgy finish that fits comfortably even with cufflinks
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Seven skeletonized bridges reminiscent of 19th-century pocket watches
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Free-sprung balance with four gold inertia weights (maslots)
Automatic (Cal. SXH5.01). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Stainless steel case (40.5mm diameter, 10.6mm thick). Power reserve: approximately 56 hours. Water resistant to 120m. Limited production of up to 99 pieces, available for order by July 15, 2020. Price: 235 million yen (excluding tax). Comes with an easily interchangeable calfskin or rubber strap.
What does Capek think are the qualities of a luxury watch?
Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel stated that the goal of the new Antarctic was to "create a watch that not only exudes luxury, but can also be worn every day and admired." To that end, Czapek focused on the following four points. The company is already known for its excellent finishing, but this seems to have been further emphasized. These are certainly important elements that increase the value of a watch and are essential for what is known as "luxury sports."
・Movement design
- Delicate finish using rare techniques
- Intricate case finishing using carefully selected materials
・Attention to detail
The dial uses glitter technology developed 30 years ago
Automatic movement (Cal. SXH5.01). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 56 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40.5mm, thickness 10.6mm). Water resistant to 120m. Limited production of up to 99 pieces, available for order by July 15, 2020. Price: 235 million yen (excluding tax).
The dial uses a unique glittering technique developed 30 years ago by Capek's partner Metalem, which has been revived for this project. The distinctive hand-applied stripes give the color depth and a reflective effect. From what I can see in the photos, this is a type of striated pattern created with sandpaper. However, the big difference is that the pattern has been strengthened, as is typical of a sports watch. Since I haven't seen the actual watch, the details are unknown, but the surface is likely to have been coated with a thick layer of clear lacquer, in the Metalem style. This means that the appearance of this watch will be very different from the so-called luxury sports watches.
The case design of this watch is also unique. The crown guard and 120m water resistance are in line with other luxury sports watches. However, like a dress watch, the bezel is extremely thin, and the sides of the case are also slightly tapered, which makes it significantly different. Also, judging from the photos, the crystal is dome-shaped. This makes it appear thinner than it actually is. Contrary to the name "Antarctica," Capek has crafted this model into a versatile watch that can also be used in business situations. Assuming it is as good as the photos show, the case finish appears to be quite good.
Automatic movement (Cal. SXH5.01). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 56 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40.5mm, thickness 10.6mm). Water resistant to 120m. Limited production of up to 99 pieces, available by July 15, 2020. Price: 235 million yen.
Automatic movement (Cal. SXH5.01). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 56 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40.5mm, thickness 10.6mm). Water resistant to 120m. Limited production of up to 99 pieces, available for order by July 15, 2020. Price: 235 million yen (excluding tax).
Automatic movement (Cal. SXH5.01). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 56 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40.5mm, thickness 10.6mm). Water resistant to 120m. Limited production of up to 99 pieces, available for order by July 15, 2020. Price: 235 million yen (excluding tax).
The new SXH5.01 caliber, perfect for sports watches
The highlight of the new caliber (Cal. SXH5.01) is its free-sprung balance with four gold inertia weights (mass slots). This not only reduces the risk of deterioration in portable accuracy even in the event of a strong shock, but also, in theory, improves isochronism when the mainspring unwinds. With a vibration frequency of 28,800 vph, it's a befitting heart for a sports watch. The micro-rotor, manufactured from 18K gold that is "certified as 100% recycled," is supplied by the only non-Swiss partner, AGOSI of Germany, and machined in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Its thickness, which is unusual for a micro-rotor, is likely intended to improve winding efficiency.
Additionally, Capek has included several other highlights in this movement. The movement's gear train is held in place by seven hollowed-out bridges inspired by 19th-century pocket watches. A skeletonized movement might not seem like a good fit for a sports watch, but perhaps the reason for this is to showcase the gears, which are finished in the "Cappek style." The sides of the bridges are hand-chamfered and decorated with a striated pattern, reminiscent of ultra-luxury watches.
This movement, unusually for current models, employs an indirect center-seconds gear train, with the fourth wheel not centered. This gear train, along with the small (but likely high-inertia) micro-rotor, indicates that Czapek aimed for a slimmer watch. Generally, gear trains with a non-centered fourth wheel are prone to second hand skipping. However, Czapek appears to be extremely confident in its control of the second pinion, employing an extremely long second hand. One drawback of gear trains with a non-centered second wheel, like this one, is that they tend to skip when setting the hands. However, Czapek is particularly adept at offset-second-wheel gear trains, so there should be no issues with setting the hands. The movement's winding mechanism is unidirectional. Assuming unidirectional winding, this seems like a safe choice, achieving both thinness and winding efficiency.
"Orion Nebula" is a special limited edition item inspired by the Orion Nebula.
Automatic (cal. SXH5.01). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 56 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40.5mm, thickness 10.6mm). Water resistant to 120m. Limited to 10 pieces worldwide (sold out). Price: 2.5 million yen (excluding tax).
The special edition Orion Nebula, with its hand-varnished dial, is limited to just 10 pieces and highlights the watch's distinctive thin bezel and large aperture.
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