Czapek & Cie’s Antarctique Révélation: Exquisite Skeletonization

The art of skeletonization is a timeless tradition that allows watch enthusiasts to appreciate the inner workings of a timepiece. The intricate interplay of hollowed-out bridges, wheels, and hands around a filigree mainplate is a sight to behold for both connoisseurs and novices alike. However, Czapek & Cie takes this concept to a whole new level with its Antarctique Révélation timepiece.

Unlike other skeletonized watches that place the movement on the back of the dial, the Antarctique Révélation’s movement is showcased on the front of the watch. This unique design allows the wearer to enjoy a fascinating animation of the intricate inner workings of the watch. Inspired by the success of the Antarctique Rattrapante, which featured the first split-seconds chronograph to appear on the dial, Czapek & Cie’s CEO, Xavier de Roquemaurel, set out to create a new timepiece that would showcase the remarkable design of their SXH5 movement.

The watch boasts a durable and stylish stainless steel case that is 40.5mm in diameter and has a height of 10.6mm. The case is complemented by a sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective treatment ARDur©, which ensures maximum clarity and scratch resistance. Additionally, the sapphire crystal case-back with anti-reflective treatment provides a clear view of the inner workings of the watch. The watch is water-resistant up to 120 meters (12 atm), making it suitable for swimming and diving activities. The screwed-down crown further enhances the watch’s water-resistance, ensuring that the watch remains secure and functional even in challenging conditions. The stainless steel case not only provides a sleek and modern look but also ensures that the watch can withstand everyday wear and tear.

What started as a simple request to engrave a drawing of the movement onto the dial quickly turned into a three-year exploration of aesthetics and engineering. The decision to skeletonize the main plate and reverse the escapement posed significant challenges, requiring the team to rework the crown mechanism and engrave the oscillating mass on both sides. The seconds hand could no longer be connected to the center by a bridge, so a small seconds dial was added at 4:30. To maintain transparency, a sapphire crystal ring was used for the seconds, discreetly attached to a larger sapphire ring carrying the hours and minutes.

As the new movement, the SXH7, evolved, elements from other Czapek models found their place, such as the central tripod from the Antarctique Rattrapante holding together the finely cut-out bridges. The small seconds’ position is reminiscent of the famous day-date subdial of the Quai des Bergues.

Besides its exceptional movement and sleek design, the Antarctique Révélation is equipped with an ergonomic brushed integrated bracelet. Its links mesh to form a highly polished “C” for Czapek, creating a stunning visual effect on the wrist. To further enhance its versatility, Czapek has developed an exclusive quick-change system that allows wearers to switch from one strap to another in just a minute. There are seven different rubber straps options in black, white, dark blue, light blue, dark grey, sporty red, or orange. Additionally, a selection of soft calf straps with contrasting topstitches is available.

The Czapek & Cie Antarctique Révélation is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and innovation. With its unique front-facing skeletonized movement, sleek design, and versatile strap options, this timepiece is a must-have for any watch enthusiast.