ANTARCTIQUE S SASHIKO AZURE

Blending the contemporary sports aesthetic of this desirable collection with a striking new dial surface and colour tone, the Czapek Antarctique S Sashiko Azure is outstanding in both its technical and aesthetic arrangement. Not limited to the alluring pleasure of its light blue dial, the model has the additional advantage of the acclaimed Czapek in-house SXH5 mechanical calibre which features an upgraded power reserve of 60 hours. Boasting exclusivity the model will be strictly limited to only 99 pieces.

The visual highlight of the Antarctique S Sashiko Azure is its beautifully executed dial surface, which is inspired by the Sashiko style of Japanese embroidery which translates as ‘little stabs’. Comprising of a flinqué motif of tiny faceted squares, it has a transformative character as depending on the light conditions, its azure tone switches from serene blue to a gentler grey blue reminiscent of autumnal hues. Incredibly detailed, the texture of the repeating pattern is mesmerising in the highest degree. In contrast, a velvet-brushed ring houses the applied indices which are rendered in the ‘Antarctique Cut’, and which for this model have proportionally been reduced so that their elongated forms are even more elegant than previous models in the collection. Against the three-dimensional aspect of the dial, the sword-shaped hour and minutes hands stand out beautifully, while the slender seconds hand reaches out to the edge of the brushed appliqué ring.

Perfectly proportioned, the Czapek Antarctique S Sashiko Azure carries a stainless steel case measuring 38.5mm across, and a height of 10.6mm. The housing exhibits a profile of gently curving lines, pronounced edges and angles, and flat surfaces, further enhanced with grainy brushed finishing and contrasting high-polishing. Adhering to the case architecture, the integrated bracelet meets the case seamlessly, adding to the sleekness of this entirely wholistic design. An integral part of the Antarctique styling codes, the bracelet, which consists of a series of polished C shaped links, features a folding clasp, and is also easily removed to be replaced with a rubber alternative which is also supplied.

Inside beats the superb SXH5 in-house calibre, designed and developed by Czapek. Finished to the exacting standards of Haute Horlogerie, it features black sandblasted bridges, bevelling, straight-grained edges and six hand-chamfered inward angles. Visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback, it is a breathtaking display of mechanical architecture, distinguished by a series of seven angular skeletonised bridges which are directly inspired by the 19th century pocket watches of François Czapek. Offset and fitted flush onto the main plate to shave excess height off the movement and allow for a compact profile, the energy for the single barrel comes from the 100% recycled solid platinum micro rotor, whose constant free spinning rotations provide the chronometer-rated 28’800vib/h mechanism with an upgraded power reserve of hours of 60 hours when fully wound.

The Czapek Antarctique S Sashiko Azure has the advantage of a water resistance of 120m, ensuring added practicality for its wearer. This edition is presented in a strictly limited release of only 99 pieces