Czapek is at it again, and this time, it spins—literally! After delving into high complications with a split-seconds chronograph, the Geneva-based maison celebrates its 10th anniversary since its rebirth with a flying tourbillon that boasts both technical and visual elegance: the Antarctique Tourbillon. This model doesn’t just incorporate a grand complication—it reinvents it with a contemporary and audacious approach.
A Floating Tourbillon at the Heart of a Manufacture Caliber
The engine behind this new marvel? The Caliber 9, Czapek’s first movement designed, developed, and largely manufactured in-house. Its standout feature? A rare purity in architecture, where the tourbillon, gear train, and barrel align in a mesmerizing vertical layout on the dial side.
The ultra-thin, finely machined titanium flying tourbillon appears to float between the main plate and the dial, enhancing the impression of lightness and dynamism. The long, delicately curved minute bridge reinforces this sensation of weightlessness, while the suspended barrel at the top serves as a structural anchor. But make no mistake—behind this apparent simplicity lies a true horological feat, with breathtaking hand-finished details, including hand-beveled edges and satin-brushed surfaces that play with the light.
A Signature Aesthetic: The “Singularity” Guilloché
It’s impossible to discuss the Antarctique Tourbillon without mentioning its hypnotic dial. To complement this celestial mechanism, Czapek developed a new guilloché pattern in collaboration with Metalem. Its name? “Singularity,” a tribute to black holes where the laws of physics collapse. Its effect? A trompe-l’œil vortex that creates a dizzying visual depth.
Available in three shades—Glacier Blue, Photon Sphere (5N gold hue), and Dark Matter—this dial remains uncluttered: the indexes are positioned on the rehaut to keep the stage clear. Czapek even takes detailing a step further by engraving caseback inscriptions in reverse, making them appear as if they are floating. A demonstration of both technical mastery and artistic finesse.
A Redesigned Case for Optimal Wearability
While the Antarctique Tourbillon retains the recognizable silhouette of the collection, its stainless steel case has been redesigned to better integrate with the movement’s spirit. The curved “cheminée” crystal, introduced on the Antarctique Rattrapante, is further amplified here to enhance the impression of transparency.
On the practical side, the watch is delivered with the collection’s signature stainless steel bracelet, featuring a micro-adjustment system, as well as an additional rubber strap for greater versatility. Because, despite its flying tourbillon, this Antarctique remains a “sport-chic” timepiece, staying true to the collection’s DNA.
Availability and Price
That’s why the Antarctique Tourbillon will be available with a choice of three dial colors: Glacier Blue, Photon Sphere (5N gold hue), and the legendary Secret Alloy gray, in a limited edition of 50 pieces. All versions will be housed in a stainless steel case.
The price is 63,000 CHF excluding taxes.
Czapek: The Art of Staying Independent
With this new timepiece, Czapek proves its ability to blend heritage with modernity without ever being confined. Its in-house Caliber 9 is a testament to expertise, yet the brand continues to champion intelligent outsourcing, collaborating with the finest artisans for each key component. This philosophy ensures both valuable flexibility and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Czapek is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style. And if the Antarctique Tourbillon is just a taste of what the brand has in store for this milestone, the coming months promise to be exciting for haute horlogerie enthusiasts!
