Introducing the Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante Ice Blue

Background of the Brand

With the recent trend towards stainless steel wristwatches by the public whether it is the Patek Philippe Nautilus or any modern Rolex models in the catalog, many other watch brands have since taken notice and made their own spin on it from the redesigned Overseas collection from heritage brand Vacheron Constantin to a whole new timepiece by German watch brand A. Lange & Söhne in the Odysseus. But there are several watchmakers today who took up the challenge and made something incredible out of it. Take for instance, the independent watch brand Czapek & Cie. made waves last year, when it released the Antarctique Rattrapante, its very first split-seconds chronograph featuring an openworked dial during the 2021 edition of the Geneva Watch Days. First launched as a subscription model of only 77 pieces, the model returns for this edition of Watches and Wonders featuring a stellar ice blue dial configuration that is sure to be a win for watch brands.

The New Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante Ice Blue is the latest iteration of its sportier brother that was launched last year as a subscription model of only 77 pieces.

What is the Deal?

The Antarctique Rattrapante Ice Blue combines the qualities seen in its sportier predecessor that was given an airy flare by using fine tones of blue featured on the minute track and the two totalizer tracks of the dial. This is due to the careful process done by its treatment of the sapphire crystal rings that are applied with metal oxides resulting in a lovely fumé openworked dial. Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of the brand mentioned that they took inspiration from nature with their chosen color scheme stating in a press release: “…Adding the blue is like a signature for the whole collection: Antarctica, blue sky, blue sea, blue ice…” as a companion to the successful time-only series Passage de Drake with their captivating textured dials.

The watch features a rattrapante complication (French for “to catch up”) where an additional seconds hand is placed atop the normal seconds hand and powered by an additional pusher on the side. Typically, the chronograph function of a watch is activated when one presses on a pusher usually placed at the two o’clock position. With this complication, one can easily record their time down to the mere seconds. Because of the complexities in building a rattrapante chronograph, fewer than a handful of watch brands ever produce them, especially those that are made in-house.

To solve this problem, Czapek teamed up with movement specialists Chrononde to produce the caliber SHX6, an automatic chronograph with a split-second monopusher module. Built with a high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour or 4 hertz (Hz), the watch runs at a power reserve function of at least 60 hours. Typically, a chronograph would be encased in a much thicker case to hold the movement. Hence, the brand and its partner reduced the overall number of parts in order to be fitted in a slimmer 42.5 mm stainless steel case and chose a horizontal clutch instead of a vertical modem to reduce the reliance of the complication towards the watch’s mainspring. Like the earlier Antarctique Rattrapante, its main rotor is also made out of recycled 5n rose gold that has been cultivated from electronics as part of the brand’s identity of being a “green watch brand”.

The New Czapek Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante Ice Blue comes in a much slimmer 42.5 stainless steel case fitted with an openworked dial with fine tones of blue on its counters.

What Do We Think?

It cannot be discounted that for a young independent watch brand now developing their respective complications in just ten years is an achievement in itself. It is wise that Czapek has created a timepiece that upgrades traditional haute horlogerie by giving a tasteful modern twist. Seeing the renderings for the first time came as a surprise given the success that the original model brought last year. Though this plays into the hand of collectors who yearn for that grail sport watch, the Antarctique Rattrapante Ice Blue can be seen as a conversation piece that shouldn’t be ignored.

Specifications

Our coverage of the various Watches and Wonders continues into the week of 30 March-5 April 2022. To keep yourself informed of the latest releases at the event on our website.

Find out more at the Vintage Grail website. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or contact us at (+63) 917 159 1211.