Introduction
Amongst the plethora of iconic brands within the watchmaking industry, few have the ability to create timepieces quite to the level of the independent watchmaker Czapek. Founded in 1845 by one of Patek Philippe's original founders, Czapek's long heritage as a watchmaker for nobility and royals has ingrained a longstanding tradition within the brand to create some of the finest watches on the market, a tradition that still rings true to this day. Case and point is their sports model, the Antarctique. Inspired by a trip to Antarctica that one of the company's historical shareholders took, the Antarctique stands as a monument to Czapek’s dedication to the preservation of nature and Swiss watchmaking’s traditional crafts. Offered here we have the Antarctique Rattrapante Ice Blue, a limited edition variant of the Antarctique of just 99 pieces. Featuring a captivating 42.5mm stainless steel case that provides the perfect backdrop for its intricate ice blue dial. This stunning dial is an exercise in contrast, with its underlying movement’s distinctive construction on show as a result of its skeletonized nature with a ice blue backdrop and selection of chapter rings providing the necessary area for numerals and minute-tracks. Made of stainless steel featuring Czapek’s own in-house automatic rattrapante cal. SXH6 movement with some truly incredible hand-finishing and an ingenious quick-release system on its bracelet, the Antarctique Rattrapante is a superb sports watch in and of itself, but with its stunning side blue, the variant we have here is just as superb and stunning as its limited edition status of just 99 pieces may suggest.
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Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, Papers, Winder, Extra Rubber Strap
Est. value range
$30,000 – $50,000
The Details
Brand
Czapek
Dimensions
42.5mm x 15.3mm
Model
Antarctique Rattrapante
Movement
Automatic cal. SXH6
Reference
H5XS51
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
2022
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box, guarantee, WOLF watch winder, screwdrivers and additional folding clasp
Dial Color
Ice blue skeletonized
THE DIAL
With its blued steel hands providing a bright burst of color for its ice blue skeletonized dial, the Antarctique Rattrapante shows Czapek's understanding that less is more and they needn't go overboard with color for such a visually-stimulating display.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Sized at 42.5mm in diameter the Antarctique Rattrapante certainly would seem large but with its sharply-downturned lugs its bracelet hangs straight down to wrap around the wrist comfortably, thus making it easier for smaller wrists to enjoy while maintaining its impressive wrist presence.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in near-mint condition, exhibiting only minor signs of use. Bracelet previously sized but removed links are included.
Our Perspective
An extremely exclusive watch from an independent watchmaker famed for its low production numbers, exquisite craftsmanship, and intriguing designs, the Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante has everything a watch lover would want in a luxury timepiece with its intensely complicated movement, good looks and artisanal craftsmanship.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
