September 2 2025

A New Chapter For The Antarctique Rattrapante: Czapek’s Limited Edition R.U.R

MRSTATELESS CZAPEK, NEW RELEASES 2025, Integrated Bracelet, Limited Edition, Skeletonized, Split Second 0

Czapek expands its Antarctique collection with a striking new creation, the Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R, an evolution of the brand’s dial-side split-seconds chronograph first introduced in 2021. Limited to 77 pieces, this new edition combines high-end chronograph engineering with a bold artistic twist that gives the movement a personality of its own.

The Concept Behind R.U.R.

The name R.U.R. refers to Rossum’s Universal Robots, a 1920 play by Czech writer Karel Čapek, who is credited with popularising the term “robot.” In this edition, a miniature robot is integrated into the movement itself, acting as a visual indicator of the chronograph’s status. The colour of the robot’s eye changes depending on the mode: it turns yellow when the chronograph is running, red when stopped, and blue when reset.

The robot head, crafted by MD’Art, is meticulously cut, polished, engraved, and hand-painted, adding a playful yet artisanal detail to an otherwise technical timepiece.

The Movement: SXH6 Calibre with Upgrades

At the heart of the Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R is the automatic SXH6 calibre, developed with Chronode. Like the original 2021 model, the movement displays its split-seconds chronograph mechanism on the dial side, offering an open view of its complex construction. It is a monopusher chronograph equipped with two column wheels, one for the chronograph and another for the rattrapante, while a horizontal clutch ensures smooth engagement of the functions. Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz, the calibre provides a power reserve of 60 hours.

Finishing is equally impressive: the matte sandblasted mainplate contrasts with mirror-polished bevels, and the sub-dials are decorated with stylised “XX” symbols to echo the robot-inspired theme. On the reverse, the oscillating weight is made from 5N recycled rose gold, while the bead-blasted bridges are highlighted with hand-polished chamfers.

Case and Bracelet

The stainless steel case retains the proportions of its predecessor, measuring 42.50 mm in diameter and 15.30 mm in thickness, while offering a water-resistance of 120 meters. The chronograph is operated by a pusher at 2 o’clock integrated into the crown guard, while the split-seconds function is controlled via the pusher at 10 o’clock.

Completing the design is Czapek’s integrated steel bracelet, with its stylised C-shaped links, bright polished surfaces, and practical features such as a quick-change system and micro-adjustment for comfort. The watch is also supplied with a spare rubber strap.

Limited Edition Availability

The Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R is produced in a limited series of 77 pieces and is priced at CHF 58,000. Orders opened on September 5, 2025.