Czapek has expanded its Artarctique collection with the addition of the new Polar Sky with Aventurine dials, including a Flying Diamonds version – both in 40.5mm and 38.5mm
Czapek’s Antarctique collection is one of their most popular, and for Geneva Watch Days 2024, the brand has released their latest collection – the Antarctique Polar Sky and Flying Diamonds in two size variants. Their common denominator is the beautiful Aventurine dial that is representative of, yes you guessed it, the Polar Sky. With little light pollution in places like the Antarctic, when you look up to the sky at night, you’re met with a sight like no other – hundreds of thousands of stars looking back at you, twinkling away, breaking up the dark void that is space. Czapek has captured this vision in their Aventurine dials, all a deep dark blue with thousands of small sparkling dots that “twinkle” as you catch the light. Make sure you watch below as Chamath showcases the new Polar Sky on our Instagram page.
Czapek has created two variants, in two different sizes for this release. You have both the Polar Sky models in a 40.5mm and 38.5mm size, and for those that want a little more sparkle, a Flying Diamonds model with 13 diamond hour indices (the 12 o’clock marker has 2) in both the 40.5mm and 38.5mm size variants. The special part of the Flying Diamonds models is the 13 diamond baguettes that have been cut with 24 facets to each, which look spectacular under a loupe and are invisibly set on the dial so as to not interfere with the dial’s aesthetics.
For the Polar Sky models, Czapek has designed the dials with the Aventurine glass, which is notoriously hard to work with, and the hour indices are cut and polished on all 12 sides of each index. This gives the impression of a precious stone on the dial, and when we saw these in person, admittedly, I mistook the non-diamond dial for the diamonds. An indication of how good the faceting and polishing is on the hour markers.
The bracelet and case are typically Czapek in their finishing. Brushed steel across the case and the bracelet to give the pieces that sporty look, and high polish on the inner links, and bezel. On the bracelet, Czapek has included a quick change mechanism, their patented “Easy Release” system to swap out for a strap, and in addition, something we’ve seen more of this year, micro-adjust on the bracelet allowing for an additional few millimeters each side for those hotter months of the year.
Inside beats the in-house SXH5.01 automatic caliber. This is the first movement to be entirely developed and made in-house by Czapek and incorporates a free-sprung balance wheel with variable inertia, which is provided by four gold adjustable weights. This effectively enables the highest level of precision. The movement’s aesthetics are enhanced by the series of seven skeletonized bridges which hold the gear train together, and according to Czapek, “their original shape is reminiscent of lace, inspired on one side by XIX century pocket watches”
The movement beats at 4Hz / 28,800 VpH, pivots on 28 jewels and has a power reserve of 60 hours coming from a single barrel and the finishing is absolutely gorgeous with a combination of sandblasting, anglage and open design as to showcase all the major elements of the movement, such as the micro-rotor made from recycled platinum.
Each model is limited in number. The 40.5mm Polar Sky is limited to 99 pieces, and the 38.5mm is limited to 77. For the Flying Diamonds, the 40.5mm is limited to just 8 pieces, and the smaller variant has 18 pieces. However, these are all sold out not surprisingly, so if you’re keen on these, then you will have to contact Czapek directly and try your luck.
Initial Thoughts
When Czapek released the Artartique, it was an instant hit with collectors. The design of the Antarctique struck a chord with many, and with several iterations over the past few years, have only got better. The introduction of the new Polar Sky and Flying Diamonds is no exception, and clearly, as all 202 models are sold within a week of being released, are as popular as ever.
In the hand, these pieces feel great, and on the wrist, even better. They are solid, sporty, and elegant all in one, and with the Aventurine dials, the level of class goes up a notch here. They look spectacular and the dials do evoke that feeling of looking up at the sky on a clear night, somewhere out of the way and with very little to obscure the view of the heavens. With a bracelet and rubber or leather strap options to change out, it makes these more versatile and very much everyday pieces.
References: Antarctique Polar Sky & Flying Diamonds
Specification:
- Case Size: 40.5mm & 38.5mm
- Case Thickness: 10.6mm
- Case Material: Brushed and polished stainless steel
- Dial: Dark blue aventurine dial
- Movement: In-house SXH5.01 automatic caliber. 28 Jewels with micro-rotor and free-sprung balance wheel with variable inertia.
- Movement Frequency: 38,800 VpH (4hZ)
- Movement Power reserve: 60hrs
- Water resistance: 12 bar (120 meters)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal glassbox with anti-reflective coating
- Case back: SSapphire case back with anti-reflective coating on inner side
- Bracelet/Strap: Integrated stainless steel bracelet with “Easy Release” mechanism, and micro-adjust. Additional calf or rubber strap included.
International RRP:
- 40.5mm & 38.5mm Polar Sky – 26,000 CHF
- 40.5mm Flying Diamonds – 42,800 CHF
- 38.5mm Flying Diamonds – 38,000 CHF
