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Geneva, August 2021 – Czapek & Cie has released the latest model in its Antarctique family of timekeepers. The split-second chronograph takes this modern and sportive line deeper into grande complication territory. The Antarctique Rattrapante is the first split-second chronograph whose fascinating mechanism is visible from the dial side.
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Ever since its launch in 2015, Czapek & Cie has relentlessly sought to maintain a delicate balance between high-end mechanics and refined aesthetics. The brand new Antarctique Rattrapante, a split-second mono-pusher chronograph with a unique, dial-side mechanism, embodies these ideals.
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The roots of the project trace back to the founding of the company, Xavier explains. “In 2012, we launched a limited-edition chronograph run on a small series of vintage Valjoux 7733 as part of the re-registration of the name Czapek, and then sold a few pieces to friends as a way to raise funds for the project.”
One buyer noted the hypnotic beauty of the cams as they pivoted. This sparked the idea of making a Czapek chronograph with the mechanism exposed on the dial side.
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This was 2015, and good concepts often take time to mature. The difficult equation of putting together creativity, R&D, and volume could not be resolved initially, however, over the years, the chronograph idea kept recurring.
The eureka moment was a combination of serendipity and stubbornness. At one point the split-second idea emerged, while manufacturing partner, Chronode, was now ready to produce a viable split-second chronograph.
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A split-second chronograph is, in fact, a quite complex mechanism, a grande complication, the pinnacle of mechanical creativity. The most noticeable element is the clamp, which will instantly immobilize one of the chrono wheels when the split-second pusher is activated.
Meanwhile, the other chronograph hand must continue its time-counting undisturbed. When the clamp is released, the immobilized hand will “catch up “ (rattraper in French) to its companion. Each part must be manufactured to the highest specifications to ensure absolute precision.
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The focus of the movement is the tripod bridge in the centre that holds down a patented satellite minute train and the patent-pending split-second mechanism just below. The two column wheels, one at the top (for the chronograph) and the bottom (for the split-second mechanism) divide the movement into two halves.
The minute totaliser at four o’clock and the small seconds at seven o’clock serve as visual anchors to this high-flying, modern and dynamic timepiece, and maintain the link to the company’s spiritus rector, the great nineteenth-century watchmaker, François Czapek, who was using vertical symmetry as a visual guide.
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The Antarctique Rattrapante comes with Czapek’s bespoke stainless-steel bracelet, whose links are shaped as a stylized letter C. It will be available at the brand’s boutique in Geneva, official retailers and online at Czapek.com as a subscription in a limited edition of 77 pieces.
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TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Limited to 77 pieces
– Calibre SXH6: haute horlogerie automatic power-horse movement with a split-second monopusher chronograph module
– Power reserve: 60 hours
– Frequency: 4 Hz – 28’800 VpH
– Variable inertia balance wheel
– Two column wheels, chronograph horizontal clutch, patent-pending split-second clamp
– 49 jewels, 292 components
– Recycled 5N rose gold rotor with Czapek logo
– Diameter: 34mm
Finish
– Finely shotblasted bridges with hand-polished chamfers
– Linear satin-finished chronograph levers with hand-polished chamfers
– Circular satin-finished wheels
– Black-polished screws, studs and column wheels
- Split-second monopusher chronograph, hours, minutes & seconds
- Chronograph’s minutes at 4:30
- Small seconds at 7:30
- Split-second pusher at 10:30
Stainless Steel
Diameter: 42.5mm
Height (with glass-box): 15.3 mm
Dial
– Open-worked split-second chronograph on the dial side (world première)
– Sword hours and minutes hands with SuperLuminova treatment
– Split-second hand with red tip
– Diamond-chamfered rhodium-plated minutes ring and counters
Bracelet
– Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive “Easy Release” system
– Optional leather or rubber strap
International retail price – 46’000 CHF or 43’400 EUR (no tax)or 51’900 USD (US taxes included)
Limited Edition to 77 exemplaires
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Press Release - 2021
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Czapek & Cie – 2, Rue Saint-Léger, 1205 Genève Suisse
Contact presse: Valeria Garavaglia Pedroni
Email: valeria@czapek.com | +41 79 314 08 54
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