There’s a recent entrant into the field of stainless-steel sport watches, the Antarctique that comes from the brand Czapek, a Maison whose name goes back all the way to 1839 when it was founded by Franciszek Czapek in partnership with Antoine Patek.
The independent watchmaker was known for its bespoke timepieces manufactured for the European Nobility in the 19th century: at its height, the watchmaker worked for Prince Napoleon and had boutiques in Geneva, Warsaw and Place Vendôme in Paris.
The brand was reestablished and relaunched again in 2015 with the introduction of the new Quai des Bergues model, which saw an impressive response among enthusiasts and collectors, so much that it won the highly wished Public Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
In recent years, we have witnessed a remarkable trend in the watchmaking industry, with prestigious maisons expanding their portfolios to include sport watches within their offer, since they have recognized the growing demand for such models and the unique appeal they hold for aficionados.
When we talk about sport watches, stainless steel has emerged as the best material of choice for many watch enthusiasts and non, and their popularity can be attributed to a combination of factors that make them highly sought after in the market.
One of the key reasons behind the widespread popularity of stainless-steel sport watches is their exceptional durability. Indeed, this material is renowned for its resistance to corrosion, scratches, and dents, making it ideal for timepieces that are subjected to rigorous activities.
Nowadays, almost all the watchmaking maisons offer sports watches models; while some have a longer history as the famous Rolex submariner, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus, other have been recently presented, such as the Chopard Alpine Eagle or Lange & Söhne with the Odysseus.
The Antarctique is a new player within the industry that was introduced in 2020 only, and it wants to embrace modernity while honoring tradition.

From a design perspective, the it undoubtedly joins the esteemed ranks of the classic steel sport watch segment, inevitably comparing itself to the most famous models. Its fusion of innovation and design has a kind of ’70s-style shape that reminds of the Vacheron Constantin’s 222 or the Overseas, as well as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, but updated to the modern era by exploiting the 40.5mm diameter, the moderate thickness of 10.6mm and 120m of water resistance.
Going into details, with the Antarctique, Czapek didn’t simply present a new line of watches, they unveiled a groundbreaking movement as well. The SXH5, meticulously crafted in-house by the talented Czapek team in collaboration with other Swiss artisans, is a true marvel that shows 56 hours of power reserve and 4 Hz oscillating organ. This remarkable micro-rotor automatic movement boasts an exquisite finish, featuring meticulous hand-chamfering on six interior angles. Beyond the micro-rotor, crafted from recycled gold, what captures immediate attention is the intricate network of skeletonized bridges, reminiscent of 19th-century pocket watches, that allows for a captivating view of the entire gear train. Contributing to its exceptional performance, the escapement is provided by Atokalpa and features a substantial variable-inertia balance.
By introducing the Antartique, Czapek seeks to offer a modern sports watch that captures the essence of its heritage. While the timepiece is a departure from the brand’s traditional offerings, Czapek has carefully designed the Antartique to pay homage to the iconic steel sport watches that have come before it.
The independent watchmaker’s decision to introduce this model reflects the brand’s willingness to adapt to the evolving preferences of watch enthusiasts. In fact, by combining state-of-the-art technology, intricate design elements, and a deep appreciation for traditional watchmaking, Czapek has created a timepiece that fulfills the desires of many collectors. The Antartique embodies the spirit of adventure, elegance, and exceptional craftsmanship that has been synonymous with this watchmaker throughout its illustrious history. It goes without saying that this model represents a new chapter in Czapek’s legacy, solidifying its position as a visionary brand in the ever-evolving world of high-end watchmaking.
We at Watchype are convinced that this design from Czapek has a great potential for the brand’s time to come as it marks a turning point both in the brand identity and in its reputation, for these reasons the Antartique will most likely be a sought-after piece by the collectors for the future. Although it didn’t get a lot of love at the beginning, the watch does such a great job in being simple and elegant, and at the same time standing out in a very competitive world where being unique and elegant is every year more tough.
