Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus

In the sphere of independent watchmaking, Czapek & Cie. has carved out a distinct identity by blending historical reverence with a forward-looking approach to design and mechanics. The brand's Antarctique collection stands as a testament to this philosophy, a line of sport-chic timepieces that has captured the attention of enthusiasts since its inception. Now, this collection is enriched with a new chapter, the Antarctique Mount Erebus series, which elevates the design with precious metals and dials crafted from some of nature’s most extraordinary materials. These new models are not merely extensions of a successful line; they are a profound exploration of the intersection between geological art and horological craftsmanship.

The inspiration for this new trio of watches is as compelling as their construction. The collection is named after Mount Erebus, an active volcano in Antarctica that is remarkable for a unique phenomenon: it releases microscopic particles of gold into its volcanic plume. This natural marvel provided a powerful narrative for Czapek, inspiring a series dedicated to precious gold executions. The concept draws a parallel between the volcanic forces that forge treasures deep within the Earth and the meticulous human effort required to transform these raw materials into objects of refined beauty. The Mount Erebus line, therefore, is a celebration of this transformation, showcasing rare stones and extraterrestrial material within the lustrous confines of gold cases.



This venture into rare materials is a natural progression for a brand guided by the motto, "We Collect Rare People." Czapek has long fostered a community-driven spirit, and this ethos now extends to the materials it sources. CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel’s fascination with these materials began during a visit to their partner, Gemmes-Tech, a Swiss atelier specializing in hard stone dials. The raw, untamed beauty of lapis lazuli, falcon eye, and meteorite sparked the vision for the Mount Erebus line. The process of shaping these inherently fragile and unpredictable substances into perfectly finished watch dials is a humbling one, a reminder that each piece carries a unique identity bestowed by nature itself. This inherent singularity ensures that no two watches in this collection will ever be identical.

The first creation in this series is the Antarctique Mount Erebus Lapis Lazuli. This model is housed in a 5N rose gold case, a material whose warm, reddish hue provides a stunning frame for the dial. The dial itself is carved from a carefully selected piece of lapis lazuli, a stone prized for millennia for its intense coloration. Czapek’s artisans specifically choose specimens with a deep, electric blue base, which serves as a canvas for discreet golden sparkles of pyrite. These inclusions are not flaws, but rather integral parts of the stone's character, reminiscent of a star-dusted night sky. The mineral's composition, a mix of lazurite, pyrite, and sometimes white calcite veins, makes each slice a unique geological portrait.

Working with lapis lazuli is an exercise in patience and precision. The selection process is rigorous, as the quality is determined by the vibrancy of the blue and the minimal presence of calcite. The stone’s medium hardness presents a challenge in machining; cutting and polishing the thin disc required for a dial without causing it to fracture is a task that demands immense skill. The successful result is a dial of profound depth and color, one that creates a powerful visual dialogue with the warm tones of the rose gold case and hands. The finished watch is a study in contrasts, where the cool, celestial blue of the stone is perfectly balanced by the earthy warmth of the precious metal.



The second model, the Antarctique Mount Erebus Falcon Eye, continues the exploration of rare stones within a 5N rose gold case. The dial is crafted from falcon eye quartz, a captivating material known for its mesmerizing visual effect. Sourced from South Africa, this stone is a microcrystalline quartz that exhibits a unique interplay of bluish, anthracite-gray, and golden hues. This optical phenomenon, known as chatoyancy, gives the dial a sense of movement and life, as shimmering bands of light glide across its surface with the changing angle of view. The effect is created by its internal fibrous structure, a remnant of its formation process where crocidolite fibers were gradually replaced by quartz.

This same fibrous structure that gives the stone its beauty also makes it exceptionally fragile and difficult to work with. The failure rate in crafting these dials is remarkably high, with only one flawless dial emerging from every five that are cut. Rather than shying away from the stone's natural variations, Czapek embraces them. The brand deliberately selects pieces with distinctive orangish stripes and inclusions, celebrating the idea that true beauty often lies in imperfection. This approach ensures that each Falcon Eye dial is not just a component, but a vibrant, one-of-a-kind work of art, full of character and individuality.

The final timepiece in the trio is the Antarctique Mount Erebus Green Meteor, which pairs a 2N yellow gold case with a dial of extraterrestrial origin. This model uses a slice of the Gibeon meteorite, which was discovered in Namibia. Unlike the other two models, the defining feature here is not the material's color but its structure. The surface of the dial is distinguished by its crystalline Widmanstätten patterns, an intricate network of interlocking metallic bands. This unique geometry is only found in certain iron-nickel meteorites that cooled over millions of years in the vacuum of space, a structure impossible to replicate on Earth.



To create the dial, the meteorite is first etched with acid to reveal these otherworldly patterns. It is then coated with a translucent green lacquer, which adds a layer of vibrant color while allowing the underlying texture and depth of the meteorite to shine through. This green execution follows a highly sought-after steel version, but the move to yellow gold creates a distinctly different feel. While the steel model had a cooler, greenish-blue hue, the warmer tone of the Mount Erebus Green Meteor dial harmonizes perfectly with the radiant, classic beauty of yellow gold, magnifying the material's richness and creating a compelling visual statement.

At the heart of all three Mount Erebus models beats the Calibre SXH5, the first automatic movement to be entirely conceived and developed in-house by Czapek. This caliber is a mechanical marvel and a clear statement of the brand's technical capabilities. The architecture of the movement is immediately striking, visible through the sapphire crystal case back. Rather than a large central rotor, the SXH5 employs an off-center micro-rotor made from recycled platinum, a dense material that ensures efficient winding while allowing for an expansive, unobstructed view of the intricate mechanics beneath.

The gear train is secured by a series of seven gracefully skeletonized bridges. Their design is a fusion of influences, with shapes reminiscent of the delicate lace-like bridges found in 19th-century pocket watches, yet executed with a modern sensibility that also calls to mind the rotor of Czapek's Faubourg de Cracovie chronograph. This blend of classic and contemporary is a hallmark of the brand. The finishing on the movement is superlative, combining traditional high-horology angling techniques with state-of-the-art laser engravings. The bridges feature sandblasted, blackened, and satin-finished surfaces, with drawn flanks and six hand-bevelled concave angles, showcasing a commitment to detail at every level.

The technical performance of the SXH5 matches its aesthetic sophistication. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), providing a smooth sweep of the seconds hand. The movement is regulated by a free-sprung balance wheel with variable inertia, which is adjusted via four small cylindrical gold inertia-blocks. This system is favored in high-precision chronometry for its stability and resistance to shocks. A single barrel provides a substantial power reserve of 60 hours. The entire construction, comprising 193 parts and 28 jewels, is a testament to the collaborative "We Collect Rare People" spirit, bringing together the skills of top Swiss manufacturing partners under Czapek’s direction.



A watch of this caliber is more than just a case and a movement; the tactile experience is equally critical. A great deal of attention was paid to the integrated bracelet, designed to be a seamless extension of the case. The ergonomic, brushed gold bracelet feels substantial yet comfortable on the wrist. Its links are designed to mesh perfectly, with the central links forming a series of highly polished "C" shapes for Czapek. This interplay of brushed and polished finishes adds visual dynamism and catches the light beautifully. The goal was to create a watch that is so comfortable it can be forgotten by its wearer, only to reveal its stunning details upon a closer look.

The case of the Antarctique measures a contemporary 40.5 mm in diameter with a relatively slim profile of 10.6 mm, striking a balance between presence and wearability. The sharp, angular design of the case is softened by flowing lines and expertly finished surfaces. Practicality is not overlooked, as the watch features a screwed-down crown and a water resistance of 120 meters, making it a capable companion for daily wear and aquatic activities. For added versatility, the bracelet features Czapek's exclusive "Easy Release" system, allowing the owner to swap it for an optional rubber strap quickly and without tools, completely changing the watch's character.

The dials of all three models are designed for clarity. Applied, luminous "sword" hands and indexes ensure legibility in all lighting conditions. The hands and indexes are rendered in the same gold as the case, providing a cohesive and luxurious aesthetic. Each element is carefully proportioned to complement the unique background of lapis lazuli, falcon eye, or meteorite, ensuring that the primary function of time-telling is never compromised by the artistic nature of the dial. The sapphire crystal over the dial has an anti-reflective treatment on both the inside and outside surfaces, minimizing glare and providing a crystal-clear view of the masterpiece within.



The Czapek Antarctique Mount Erebus collection represents a new peak for the brand, a confident expression that brings together noble metals, exceptional in-house mechanics, and dials of rare natural beauty. Each model offers a distinct personality, from the celestial depth of the Lapis Lazuli to the dynamic shimmer of the Falcon Eye and the extraterrestrial pattern of the Green Meteor. These watches are a bold statement about the possibilities that arise when high-end watchmaking dares to embrace the raw, untamed artistry of the natural world.

Availability for these exceptional timepieces is, by their very nature, limited. The Antarctique Mount Erebus Lapis Lazuli in 5N rose gold is limited by production to just 10 pieces per year, with a price of 66,000 CHF on the integrated gold bracelet. Similarly, the Antarctique Mount Erebus Falcon Eye, also in 5N rose gold, is limited to 10 pieces annually and is priced at 62,000 CHF. The Antarctique Mount Erebus Green Meteor in 2N yellow gold was produced as a limited edition of only 8 pieces, and due to its high demand and unique appeal, this version is now completely sold out, underscoring the strong resonance these creations have had with collectors.

Case: 5N rose gold (Lapis Lazuli, Falcon Eye) or 2N yellow gold (Green Meteor); 40.5 mm diameter; 10.6 mm height; Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides; Water-resistance of 120 m; Screwed-down crown.

Movement: Calibre SXH5 in-house self-winding mechanical movement; 30 mm diameter; 60-hour power reserve; 4 Hz (28,800 VpH) frequency; 193 parts with 28 jewels; Recycled platinum micro-rotor; Variable-inertia balance wheel.

Dial: Natural Lapis Lazuli, Falcon Eye quartz, or Gibeon meteorite with green lacquer; Luminescent "sword" hands and applied indexes in case-matching gold.

Strap: Integrated bracelet in matching 5N rose gold or 2N yellow gold with Czapek exclusive "Easy Release" system; Optional rubber strap available with a matching gold deploying buckle.

Price: Lapis Lazuli: 66,000 CHF; Falcon Eye: 62,000 CHF; Green Meteor: Sold Out.

Notes: The Lapis Lazuli and Falcon Eye models are limited by production to 10 pieces per year. The Green Meteor was a limited edition of 8 pieces. Each dial is made from a unique piece of natural stone or meteorite, ensuring no two watches are identical.