Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante Silver Grey 1st series

Description

• Open Split

Czapek & Cie, an independent watchmaker with Swiss-French roots and deep Polish heritage, made a remarkable statement in 2022 with the launch of the Antarctique Rattrapante – an exceptional timepiece that fuses cutting-edge mechanics with contemporary haute horlogerie. This Silver Grey version, strictly limited to just 77 pieces, stands out as one of the most refined and modern interpretations of the split-seconds chronograph, housed in a 42.5 mm stainless steel case with an integrated bracelet design.

At the heart of this creation lies the SHX6 calibre, developed in collaboration with Chronode : a monopusher split-seconds automatic chronograph movement, purpose-built to offer a full frontal view of its mechanics. This spectacular movement, composed of 292 parts, reveals the full complexity of the rattrapante function on the dial side: dual column wheels (located at 12 and 6 o’clock), horizontal clutch, patent-pending clamp system, and a fully open three-dimensional architecture. A central rotor in recycled 5N rose gold, visible through the sapphire caseback, ensures a 60-hour power reserve.

The Silver Grey minute track and counters, with their sunray-brushed finish, add a cool, contemporary elegance that contrasts beautifully with the sandblasted skeletonized bridges and thermally blued hands. Chronograph minutes are displayed at 4:30, small seconds at 7:30, and the split-seconds hand is activated via a dedicated pusher at 10:30. Despite the wealth of mechanical detail on display, legibility remains excellent, and every component showcases the finishing quality of a true haute horlogerie piece – including black-polished screws, satin-finished levers, and hand-bevelled edges.

The integrated stainless steel bracelet is fluid yet sharply defined, and features Czapek’s exclusive Easy Release system for quick interchangeability with the included rubber strap. It also features a fast micro-adjustment clasp for optimal comfort.

Offered here in excellent condition, this watch, individually numbered 1/77, comes with its complete original set. A rare opportunity to acquire the very first edition of the Antarctique Rattrapante: one of the most visually striking and technically impressive chronographs of the past decade, and a milestone in the evolution of contemporary independent watchmaking.