A notable collaboration in the sphere of independent watchmaking has emerged from the partnership between
Czapek & Cie. and the influential publication, Revolution. The result of this union is the Antarctique Révélation Spectrum, a timepiece that not only marks significant anniversaries for both entities but also pushes the boundaries of design within the popular integrated bracelet sports watch category. This watch builds upon an existing, highly regarded model and introduces a novel element of luminescence that redefines its character after dark.
The story of this particular timepiece is intrinsically linked to the history of its primary creator, Czapek & Cie. The name itself is a revival of a significant 19th-century watchmaking maison. Founded in 1845 by Franciszek Czapek, a Polish watchmaker of remarkable skill who later adopted the name François, the company quickly established a reputation for excellence. Czapek became a purveyor to the Imperial Court of Napoleon III, a testament to the quality and artistry of his creations. At its zenith, the brand operated prestigious boutiques in Geneva, Paris's Place Vendôme, and Warsaw, cementing its status as a prominent name in European horology. Franciszek Czapek even authored what is considered the first book on watchmaking in the Polish language, sharing his knowledge with a wider audience.
Courtesy of Czapek
For reasons that remain somewhat clouded by the passage of time, but likely related to the death of a business partner, the original Czapek & Cie. ceased operations in the early 1870s. The name lay dormant for nearly 150 years, a sleeping giant from a bygone era of watchmaking. Its reawakening occurred in 2012, when a trio of entrepreneurs, led by Xavier de Roquemaurel, undertook the ambitious project of resurrecting the brand. Their approach was not merely to reuse a famous name, but to deeply study the original Czapek timepieces, aiming to infuse new creations with the spirit and character of the founder.
The modern incarnation of Czapek & Cie. made a clear statement of intent by launching an equity crowdfunding campaign, a pioneering move in the traditionally conservative world of high-end watchmaking. This allowed enthusiasts and collectors to become direct stakeholders in the brand's rebirth, fostering a unique community around its revival. The effort was validated in 2016 when the company won the coveted Public Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), often called the "Oscars" of the watch industry. This award, bestowed upon their Quai des Bergues model, signified a powerful endorsement from the collecting community.
In the years that followed, the resurrected brand continued to build on this momentum, introducing new collections and complications that respected its historical roots while embracing contemporary design. The launch of the Antarctique collection in 2020, powered by the brand's first fully in-house developed movement, the Caliber SXH5, marked a pivotal moment. This model quickly became a cornerstone for the brand, and its success led to the development of more complex and visually expressive variations, including the fully skeletonized Antarctique Révélation.
It was this open-worked model that captured the attention of Revolution, a globally recognized voice in the watch community. As Revolution approached its 20th anniversary in 2025, the team sought to collaborate with brands that resonated with their passion for innovative and authentic watchmaking. Simultaneously, Czapek was preparing to celebrate its 180th anniversary since its original founding in 1845. This alignment of milestones created a perfect opportunity for a joint project, a "double celebration" that would result in a truly special and meaningful timepiece.
Courtesy of Czapek
The foundation for the collaboration was the Antarctique Révélation, a watch already celebrated for its intricate, dial-free design. The original model showcased the movement's architecture in varying monochromatic shades of gray, creating depth and legibility through contrasting finishes. The challenge for the collaborative team was to introduce a distinctive "Revolution twist" without compromising the watch's established identity. The creative solution was found not in adding material, but in illuminating what was already there.
This brings us to the Czapek x Revolution Antarctique Révélation Spectrum. At first glance, it presents a familiar profile. The 40.5mm stainless steel case, with its lean 10.6mm thickness, maintains the sleek and wearable dimensions of its predecessor. The interplay of brushed surfaces on the case body with the brightly polished bezel creates a dynamic visual texture that is characteristic of high-end sports watches. The overall form is modern and architectural, yet it sits comfortably on the wrist, a quality essential for a daily-wear timepiece.
The most defining feature of the Antarctique collection is its integrated bracelet, and the Spectrum is no exception. The bracelet’s links are crafted into a stylized "C" shape, an understated nod to the Czapek name, with polished center links that provide a sharp contrast to the brushed outer surfaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the bracelet is engineered for superior comfort and practicality. It incorporates a dual-sided micro-adjustment system within the clasp, a feature that allows the owner to make small, precise sizing changes on the fly. This is particularly useful for adapting to the natural expansion and contraction of the wrist due to changes in temperature or activity.
Further enhancing its versatility, the timepiece is supplied with an additional white rubber strap. The inclusion of a quick-release system means the owner can switch from the steel bracelet to the rubber strap in seconds, without the need for tools. This simple mechanism dramatically alters the watch's character, transforming it from a sophisticated steel sports watch into a more casual, vibrant companion. This adaptability aligns perfectly with the demands of a modern lifestyle, where a single timepiece might be expected to suit a variety of occasions.
Courtesy of Czapek
The visual heart of the watch is its fully skeletonized face. There is no traditional dial; instead, the owner looks directly into the intricate, multi-layered world of the mechanical movement. A subtle gray chapter ring at the periphery holds the hour markers and minute track, providing a frame for the mechanical ballet within. The bridges that secure the various components are not simple plates but have been sculpted into what can be described as architectural, flying buttress-like structures. This intricate open-working creates a profound sense of depth and transparency.
The true "revelation" of the Spectrum model, however, occurs when the ambient light fades. In a first for a skeletonized integrated sports watch, the collaborators made the audacious choice to apply "white" Super-LumiNova directly onto the surfaces of the movement's bridges. In daylight, this application is nearly invisible, preserving the watch's initial monochromatic aesthetic. But in the dark, the watch transforms. Nearly every visible surface of the movement, from the bridge over the mainspring barrel to the delicate finger bridges supporting the subsidiary seconds display, emits a powerful glow.
This widespread application of white lume is contrasted by the use of a vibrant blue-glowing Super-LumiNova on the hands. The result is an electrifying interplay of light. The glowing architecture of the movement becomes a luminous canvas, creating a unique and striking signature that highlights the complexity of the caliber in a way that is simply not possible in daylight. It's a design choice that is both spectacular in its effect and thoughtfully integrated into the watch's core concept.
Powering this luminous creation is the Czapek Automatic Caliber SXH7. This is not merely a skeletonized version of a previous movement but was meticulously re-engineered from the ground up specifically for this open-worked application. Composed of 152 individual components, the movement prioritizes aesthetic transparency. In a departure from more conventional layouts, the designers removed the central seconds hand and date function to create a cleaner, more minimalist display.
Courtesy of Czapek
In their place, a subsidiary seconds display is positioned at the 4:30 mark, set against a subtle black sapphire disc that seems to float within the movement's architecture. This decision enhances the sense of depth and allows for an unobstructed view of the mechanical components. One of the most captivating elements is the platinum micro-rotor. Intricately hand-engraved on both sides, it appears suspended within the movement, its perpetual oscillations providing both winding power and a constant source of visual animation.
Despite its artistic and open-worked nature, the Caliber SXH7 is a robust and reliable engine. It operates at a modern frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), which contributes to its chronometric stability, and it provides a healthy power reserve of 60 hours when fully wound. The level of finishing applied to the skeletonized components is exemplary, demonstrating a commitment to traditional haute horlogerie craftsmanship even in a thoroughly modern design. The watch also maintains a practical water resistance of 120 meters, ensuring it is more than capable of handling the rigors of daily life.
The Antarctique Révélation Spectrum is a piece that carries significant meaning for both of its creators. It stands as a tribute to two major anniversaries: the 20th of Revolution magazine and the 180th of the Czapek & Cie. name. To commemorate this special collaboration, each of the limited-edition timepieces is individually engraved with the words "Revolution Edition," permanently marking it as a product of this shared vision.
According to those involved in its creation, the watch wears exceptionally well across a wide range of wrist sizes. Its 40.5mm diameter and slim profile give it a refined presence, while the ergonomic design of the case and bracelet ensures it remains comfortable throughout the day. This focus on wearability and versatility is a key reason for the recent surge in popularity of this category of watch, and the Spectrum delivers on all fronts.
Courtesy of Czapek
The conceptualization and creation of this watch took over a year, a process of careful consideration aimed at respecting the original design while injecting a bold and meaningful new element. The result is a timepiece that successfully balances a refined daytime appearance with a dramatic and unforgettable nocturnal personality.
As a highly specialized and celebratory creation, the Czapek x Revolution Antarctique Révélation Spectrum is being produced in a strictly limited edition of just 20 pieces worldwide, a number thoughtfully chosen to align with Revolution's 20th anniversary. The watch is priced at $51,500 USD and is available exclusively through Revolution's own e-commerce platform. Deliveries for this exclusive timepiece are scheduled to begin in September of 2025, when a handful of collectors will be able to experience this luminous collaboration firsthand.
Case: Brushed stainless steel with polished bezel. 40.5 mm x 10.6 mm. Water resistance of 120m. Domed sapphire crystal.
Movement: Czapek Automatic Caliber SXH7. Fully skeletonised self-winding movement with a hand-engraved platinum micro-rotor. 60-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph (4Hz), 152 parts.
Dial: Fully skeletonised with a grey chapter ring. Subsidiary seconds at 4:30 on a black sapphire disc. "White" Super-LumiNova applied to movement bridges, hands feature blue Super-LumiNova.
Strap: Integrated brushed stainless steel bracelet with polished center links and micro-adjustment clasp. An additional white rubber strap with a quick-release system is included.
Price: $51,500.00 USD
Notes: Limited edition of 20 pieces. This is the first time "white" Super-LumiNova has been applied directly to the movement bridges in a skeletonised integrated sports watch. Collaboration celebrating Revolution's 20th and Czapek's 180th anniversaries.