Introducing Czapek Unveils the Antarctique Plique-à-Jour Polar Blue

Since its revival in 2015, Czapek has built its identity around the union of traditional craftsmanship and modern horology. The independent Swiss maison, originally founded in the 19th century, has been driven by a mission to bring centuries-old decorative arts into the contemporary world of fine watchmaking. Among the brand’s most emblematic lines, the Antarctique collection embodies this vision with its blend of elegance, sportiness, and technical sophistication.

To mark its tenth anniversary since the relaunch, Czapek introduces a masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates this philosophy, the Antarctique Plique-à-Jour Polar Blue. Presented for the first time at WatchTime New York 2025, it showcases one of the most demanding enamelling techniques ever developed.

The watch is housed in a 40.5 mm stainless steel case measuring 10.6 mm thick. Its sharp geometry and fluid lines are enhanced by alternating brushed and polished surfaces that reflect light from every angle. The sapphire crystal features anti-reflective coating on both sides to ensure maximum clarity, while the screwed-down crown guarantees 120 meters of water resistance. Turning the watch over reveals a sapphire caseback engraved with Czapek’s tenth-anniversary logo, celebrating a decade of the brand’s rebirth.

The dial is where this timepiece truly shines. Crafted from 18k white gold, it features a translucent blue gradient Grand Feu enamel created using the ancient plique-à-jour technique, an enamelling method whose name translates to “letting in the daylight.” Developed in the Byzantine Empire during the 6th century, this process involves filling open metal cells with enamel and firing them at nearly 900°C without any backing plate. The result is a dial that behaves like a miniature stained-glass window, allowing light to pass through and reveal the skeletonized movement beneath.

To achieve the extraordinary transparency and depth of color, Czapek collaborated with renowned dial specialist MD’Art for the metal framework, Bagues-Masriera for the enamel work and firing, and finishing specialist PBMC for the delicate polishing and thickness adjustments. Each dial requires the creation of more than sixty individual enamel cells, each filled, fired, and polished by hand. The dial is completed with luminescent sword-shaped steel hands.

Powering the watch is the Calibre SXH7, a skeletonized automatic movement developed and assembled in La Chaux-de-Fonds, where the brand is based. The movement incorporates a recycled platinum micro-rotor mounted on ball bearings for optimal efficiency. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and provides a power reserve of 60 hours.

The watch comes on an integrated stainless steel bracelet equipped with Czapek’s exclusive “Easy Release” system and a micro-adjustment feature for a precise fit. An additional rubber strap is also included. It is produced in a limited edition of 10 pieces, each slightly unique due to natural variations in the enamelling process. It is priced at CHF 61,200, approximately AED 282,100.

For more information, visit Czapek’s official website.