The Czapek Antarctique is a hot property, and the sporty integrated watch, first released in 2020, has become increasingly popular. Until now, the model has only been offered in utilitarian case materials, but the call of heavy metal proved impossible to resist. “The demand for an Antarctique model in a precious metal, and more specifically in gold, was so strong among a certain type of collectors that we could not ignore it,” says Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek & Cie. “To create this new model, we went to explore not only the origins of this successful collection but also the geography of Antarctica.” 

On the geographical front, the inspiration comes from Mount Erebus, the world’s southernmost active volcano and one of the few constantly active volcanos in the world. On its own, this is remarkable, but even more notable is the fact that within the lava of Mount Erebus is gold — it is estimated that 80 grams of gold a day is dissolved into the atmosphere, which is impossible to recover. Czapek is offering a 5N rose gold case, limited to 100 pieces, and a 2N yellow gold version, limited to 50 pieces only. 

The inspiration for this case is both symbolic and apt, but it’s the dial that speaks to the origins of the Antarctique design. The lamé dial is a throwback to the original model, the limited edition Terre Adélie. Created in collaboration with Metalem, Czapek’s long-time manufacturing partner, it is crafted using a special kind of comb that creates an effect like a highly textured satin finish. The final effect, brushed blue dial and brushed gold case, makes for a stunning example of an integrated sports watch.

Movement: Calibre SXH5, automatic with 60 hours of power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: 40.5 x 10.6mm, rose gold or yellow gold, water-resistant to 120M
Dial:Blue with lamé finish
Bracelet: Gold bracelet, matching the case or rubber strap
Price and Availability: Yellow gold model 54,000 CHF with bracelet, 32,200 CHF on rubber (limited to 50 pieces), rose gold 52,300 CHF with bracelet, 31,000 CHF on rubber (limited to 200 pieces)