Introducing | The Czapek Antarctique Titanium 'Dark Sector'

Since its launch in 2020, the Czapek Antarctique has steadily become one of the most sought-after references among watch collectors for its easy-to-read symmetrical dial designs, a case featuring soft round edges and sharp flat surfaces – which flow seamlessly into a double 'trompe l'oeil' curve integrated bracelet – and powered by Czapeks beautifully engineered in-house calibre SXH5. Today, Czapek unveils its latest addition to this evergrowing family: the Antarctique Titanium 'Dark Sector'.

The Movement

Continuing the brand's dedication to top-tier manufacturing and finishing, the design of Antarctique Titanium 'Dark Sector' was subject to two fundamental laws: mechanics and aesthetics – both of which needed to strike the perfect balance between function and beauty. Powering the Dark Sector is the calibre SXH5, the first to be entirely conceived in-house and driven by a micro-rotor of recycled platinum featuring 60 hours of power reserve on one single barrel. Holding the gear train in place are seven skeletonised bridges inspired by the pocket watch movements of the 19th century and the more modern Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph's rotor. Czapek has finished the bridges with superlative Haute Horlogerie angling techniques and state-of-the-art laser engraving – visible via the exhibition case back when turning the watch over.

The Dial

The visual aesthetic of the Titanium 'Dark Sector' is where things become a little different from the Antarctiques of the past. The most noticeable difference is the dial: where you would expect to see the unique atypical trapezoid motif called the 'Stairway to Eternity' found on the most recent models, the Titanium Dark Sector, instead, incorporates an Anthracite grey brass dial with a velouté finish and exclusive registered segment design.

Around the edge of the Anthracite dial, a traditional minute track subtly surrounds a double row of arched parallel segments separated at each numeral. As the sword hour hand points to these gaps – a comparison Czapek makes to ships seeking entrance to a harbour – it creates a kind of animation and a slight change in geometry. "The dial was designed in such a way that the marker becomes the void between each sector (an almost philosophical way of defining matter). This spontaneously inspired the model’s name 'Dark Sector', which comes from the Dark Sector Laboratory and telescopes at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. The skies over Antarctica are the clearest and darkest in the world. The idea is simple but requires great precision to execute", says CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel.

The Case

As you may have already guessed, the case and bracelet have been beautifully crafted and finished in brushed titanium. The grey hues of the case and dial increase the monochrome theme and highlight the two touches of colour on the dial, the red dot at 12 o'clock and the tip of the second hand.

The watch features a screwed-down crown, protected by rounded crown guards allowing 120 meters of water resistance. The case measures 40.5mm in diameter by 10.6mm thick and weighs only 95 grams, making this a great everyday piece – whether to slide under a suit jacket or wear by the swimming pool.

Pricing & Availability

The Czapek Antarctique Titanium 'Dark Sector' retails for £34,900.00 and will be available in a limited yearly production of 100 pieces.

Available to pre-order 1 April 2023.

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The Specifications

Reference: Antarctique Titanium 'Dark Sector'

Case: Grade-5 Titanium

Glass: Sapphire crystal glass box with anti-reflective treatment.

Diameter: 40.5mm.

Thickness: 10.6mm.

Water Resistance: 120 meters.

Dial: Anthracite grey brass with velouté finish.

Hands: Luminescent steel sword hands.

Strap: Integrated brushed titanium with Czapek "Easy Release" system and micro-adjust. Additional leather or rubber strap.

The Movement

Calibre: SXH5

Power Reserve: 60 hours.

Attributes: Swiss lever escapement, variable-inertia balance fitted with four gold inertia blocks. Micro-rotor with a recycled platinum mass.

Pricing & Availability

Price: £34,900.00

Availability: Limited to a yearly production of 100 pieces. Available to pre-order 1 April 2023.

Learn more about Czapek here.