Czapek Embraces Titanium in New Dark Sector Antarctique

One of our favorite high-end independent brands of late has been Czapek, and their Antarctique collection, which has a seemingly endless range, from their remarkable openworked Rattrapante Chronograph, to the serene time-only Frozen Star. This week, the collection welcomes a new addition, in a new material, it’s the Titanium Dark Sector. This is a slightly different expression of the Antarctique design language that we’ve seen in the likes of the Passage De Drake, bringing a slate like appearance to the monotone frame with enough small details to capture your attention. It’s still a modern integrated design and houses the brand’s own showstopper movement, so if you’re a fan of the Antarctique but prefer toned down symmetry, this watch is likely to check all the boxes for you.

The Titanium Dark Sector features an integrated case and bracelet design that’s rendered fully in titanium, which should make the 40.5mm diameter and 10.5mm thickness all the more svelte on the wrist. The bracelet integrates to the case via articulating central link that fits into the center of the case, allowing for an even flow around the wrist. Unlike the 38.5mm case Antarctique, this titanium bracelet will not feature chamfers on the final production model. Additionally, there will not be customization options on this watch other than a trio of strap options.

The flat gray dial of the Dark Sector is sparse, with all the action happening toward the dial’s perimeter. Applied sections of an arc define 5 minute segments in parallel with one another, with actual indexes at the very edge of the dial. The total effect is striking, though potentially polarizing, which is always a good thing if you ask me, particularly in light of the materials and textures they’ve been known to play with. This is a further step in a new direction for the Antarctique that may open some interesting avenues in the coming months and years.

Inside sits Czapek’s own SXH5.01 micro-rotor movement, with beautifully structured and finished bridge work that provides a look at the gear train from mainspring to the hairspring. It’s a very modern, chic looking movement that’s visible through the caseback, and in that view you might notice some small upgrades in this particular example of the movement. Most notably is the bi-drectional winding system that’s been implemented for more efficient conversion of movement to power. You’ll also notice additional gear wheels stacked atop the train just north of the balance wheel in the spirit of reducing friction. The whole idea has been incremental improvements with this movement, and this is one of the larger factors in delaying production runs, and pushing delivery timelines into unfavorable territory. 

Nevertheless, it’s a visual spectacle from any angle, and we look forward to going hands-on with this watch next week during the Watches & Wonders fair in Geneva. The Titanium Dark Sector Antarctique is priced at CHF32,000 and will go on sale April 1st at 3pm CET. Czapek