Introducing the Czapek Antarctique Passage De Drake in Glacier Blue and Salmon
Czapek has just extended its Antarctique Passage De Drake collection, with two new models, and now also with the possibility of “customizing” the dial and not only!
Until now, the collection that had three models, with colour variants on the dial in navy (deep blue), white (ice white) and black (black ink), now also has two variants in light blue (glacier blue). and salmon, although the latter is a limited edition of 99 pieces.
The two most recent elements of the collection, have the same characteristics as the previous variants, thus they come with a stainless steel case of 40.5mm in diameter and 10.6mm in thickness, with a finish that alternates between brushed and polished, smooth bezel, sapphire glass on the front and case back, screwed-down crown with crown guards, 120 meters water resistance and integrated bracelet with a brushed finish and polished centre links.
Although both dials feature the traditional Czapek ‘Stairway to Eternity’ registered pattern, an atypical trapezoid motif whose three-dimensional stamped surface creates a play of shadows across the dial, the techniques used in each of the new variants were different, while the salmon colour is created by “galvanoplaste”, galvanic treatment, the glacier blue hue is produced with a PVD (physical vapour deposition) treatment.
Inside on the dial an inner minute ring, applied steel hour markers and central hour and minute hands filled with lume, second hand in centre with a red tip, date window at 6 o’clock followed by the black inscription of “Fabriqué En Suisse” and finally, applied the brand logo at 12 o’clock.
Inside it operates the In-house automatic movement Caliber SXH5, the brand’s first, which comes with an off-centre micro-rotor, made of fully recycled platinum 950, with a gear train system held by seven skeletonized bridges and which offers up to 56 hours of power reserve.
But now let’s get to the news, which is not limited to the two new additions to the collection but extend to the entire collection. As we have already mentioned, the dial can now be “personalised”, with the possibility of choosing between the “12” in Arabic numeral with a red triangle inverted above or the double index “II” at 12 o’clock. The other possibility of customization concerns the second hand, which can now be completely red, silver or with a red tip. Personalization also extends to the watch case, with the possibility of adding an engraving on the case back, as well as for opting for a stainless steel bracelet with a fully brushed finish, and a complimentary additional strap in rubber or leather.
Our Opinion
Although the year is just beginning, and after 2021 marked by green dials, a new trend seems to be starting to take shape, the light blue dial, and with prices skyrocketing.
Undoubtedly, the two new additions bring a freshness to the collection, inviting us to spring, we liked the new possibilities for personalization and, above all, keeping details such as the date disc in the colour of the dial, after all, it is small details that make great brands. But as we all always have one more favourite than others, our choice would be the glacier blue with double index “II” and the plain second hand, because less is always more.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Czapek
Model: Antarctique Passage de Draque
Reference: Glacier blue, salmon
Dial: Blue, salmon
Lume: Yes
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 40.5 mm Diameter, 10.6 thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 120 Meters
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Calibre: SXH5
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 28
Power Reserve: 56 Hours
Parts: 199
Price: € 19,000 (without tax).
Limited Edition: Yes, the salmon variant, 99 pieces
