At GT Cadrans, near Lausanne, each slice of Gibeon meteorite is acid-washed and polished by hand to reveal its Widmanstätten lines before any tint is applied.
Czapek today introduces two limited editions of the Antarctique: the Frozen Meteor in 40.5mm, limited to 38 pieces, and the Antarctique S Frozen Meteor in 38.5mm, limited to 25 pieces. They follow the Antarctique Green Meteor of 2024.
A light blue lacquer, applied in layers and polished, turns the silvery-grey meteorite a denim blue that shifts as the light changes. Because the pattern comes from natural crystal formation, no two dials are the same. Both come on the new V2 integrated steel bracelet, with a push-button clasp released by the thumb, without tools.
Through the sapphire caseback is Calibre SXH5, the first movement conceived entirely in-house by Czapek, introduced in 2020. Its off-centre micro-rotor is made of 100% recycled 950 platinum, and the movement holds 60 hours of power reserve.
The colour, Czapek says, calls to mind raw denim and polar ice at dusk — cut from a meteorite that fell to Earth some 600 million years ago.
The Basics
Brand: Czapek
Model: Antarctique Frozen Meteor (40.5mm); Antarctique S Frozen Meteor (38.5mm)
Diameter: 40.5mm or 38.5mm
Thickness: 10.6mm
Case material: Stainless steel; sapphire glass-box crystal and sapphire caseback, anti-reflective; screwed-down crown
Dial: Gibeon iron meteorite with light blue polished lacquer, made with GT Cadrans
Water resistance: 12 atm
Bracelet: V2 integrated stainless steel bracelet with push-button release; rubber strap included
Limited edition: 38 pieces (40.5mm); 25 pieces (38.5mm)
The Movement
Calibre: SXH5, in-house
Functions: Hours, minutes and central seconds
Winding: Self-winding, off-centre micro-rotor in 100% recycled 950 platinum
Power reserve: 60 hours
Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 vph)
Jewels: 28
Images courtesy of Czapek.