Presented at the Geneva Watch Days 2021, the Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante is a beautiful and intriguing skeletonized chronograph with a mono-pusher split-seconds mechanism. The upper part of the dial showcases the chronograph mechanism with a column wheel and horizontal clutch. The lower part of the dial houses the split-chronograph mechanism with a second column wheel and rattrapante clamp. For Only Watch 2021, Czapek has created a unique version of this striking mechanism, combining vibrant yellow, orange, and red colors of this year's charity auction.
The concept for Czapek's watch for the Only Watch auction was developed in collaboration with Positive Coating, experts in CVD "NanoDeCo" technology in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The special gradient metallic coating on the chronograph mechanism's plate required six months of work to achieve the desired color and effect. The minute ring and additional dials are made of smoked sapphire glass. Finally, like previous unique models by Czapek for Only Watch, the Antarctique Rattrapante Sunrise features the inscription "Courage Every Second" between 12 and 2 o'clock.
If you turn the watch over, through the exhibition case back, you can see the other side of the SXH6 caliber with a skeletonized rotor and dark grey bridges with bead-blasted finish. This proprietary caliber was developed and manufactured in collaboration with Chronode. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a 60-hour power reserve. The engraving includes the inscriptions "Only Watch – Pièce Unique – 1/1" and "Rattrapante Sunrise".
Like the classic Silver Grey edition, the unique Only Watch Sunrise model is presented in a 42.5 mm x 15.3 mm steel case with an integrated steel bracelet. The button at the "2 o'clock" position on the crown allows you to control the start-stop-reset functions. The split-chronograph function is activated using the button at the "10 o'clock" position. Water resistance is 120 meters. The steel bracelet features links in the shape of a stylized letter C and closes with a folding clasp. Thanks to the interchangeability system, you can switch the bracelet to a rubber or leather strap in seconds.
The estimate for the Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante Sunrise for Only Watch 2021 is CHF 60,000 – CHF 90,000. This is comparable to the retail price of 46,000 Swiss Francs for the limited Silver Grey series presented in late August. Considering the success of this limited series of 77 pieces (they sold out in minutes), we wouldn't be surprised if the watch sells for a six-figure price.
For more information, visit www.czapek.com.
Founded in 2005, Only Watch raises funds every two years for research into muscular dystrophy – Association Monégasque Contre les Myopathies (AMM). The 9th edition, organized under the patronage of His Serene Highness Albert II of Monaco, will be auctioned at Christie's on Saturday, November 6, 2021. More details at www.onlywatch.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – CZAPEK ANTARCTIQUE RATTRAPANTE SUNRISE FOR ONLY WATCH 2021
Case: diameter 42.5 mm x height 15.3 mm – stainless steel case – sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating – sapphire case back with anti-reflective coating on the inside – water resistance up to 120 meters
Dial: openworked dial with CVD "sunrise" gradient coating – sword-shaped hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova coating
Movement: proprietary caliber SXH6 (made in collaboration with Chronode) – 34 mm – 28,800 vibrations/hour – 60-hour power reserve – 49 jewels – 292 components – mono-pusher chronograph with split-seconds hand, column wheels, and horizontal clutch
Bracelet: stainless steel bracelet with exclusive interchangeability system – folding clasp
Availability: Unique piece for Only Watch 2021
Price: estimated at 60,000 – 90,000 Swiss Francs