Underrated High Horology - Czapek Antarctique
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- čas přidán 18. 08. 2024
- Today we take a look at the Czapek & Cie Antarctique. I share my thoughts on the quality, level of detail, and how it compares to my own VC Overseas. This Czapek is a really lovely watch, and I feel it is underrated in the watch community. I hope the quality comes across in this video, and that you enjoy my perspective on this piece. Thanks for watching
For those interested in this watch, or possibly one of the Passage de Drake editions, here is my AD contact recommendation:
Nick Lukas - 443-655-4800 ©
nick@exquisitetimepieces.com
www.exquisitet... - Zábava
Proud owner of two Czapeks. Brand recognition will come with time. With their level of quality, I'm sure of it.
Agreed
I’m with you. I have six all together
It will come. He used to be with Patek.
@@piotrkonieczynski lol if that tie in recognition hasn't made it to the public consciousness in the last 150+ years I'd get comfortable while waiting.
@@Cannibalsnacks very few like it this way. They would even pay extra not to show. Only poor people have those needs to show how good they are and how good they doing.
Isn’t it strange being in the hobby for two years, watching tons of videos and reading lots of articles it’s for the first time I hear this brand name? Right after this video I’ve read the Wikipedia article on Czapek. Quite an impressive history.
Thank you Bruce.
A fantastic review of an incredible watch. This watch is high horology in every regard -- movement architecture and finishing, dial design and execution, case and bracelet. Czapek contends with the best that the industry has to offer. This is serious, no holds barred, horology. Another in-depth, detailed review. Thank you, Bruce.
The rotor reads pt 950 which is platinum, I think. Another excellent review Bruce!
Correct. Also heavier which makes sense for a rotor.
Nice video, but some misinformation in both video and comments:
- 60 hrs power reserve, not 56; increased from the initial prototype
- winding mass is Pt, not Au; increased mass from prototype for more efficient winding. In the video you'll see "Pt 950" written on the winding mass
- winding mechanism for strap change is incorrect. You turn a full 180 degrees to secure and release, not 90 degrees
- this was a limited subscription run of 99 (aggregate of all 4 dial color variants) that sold out in 14 days. So comments about how you would or would not get this watch is meaningless. FYI, the next version of this watch with a new dial called Passage de Drake had a limited run of 40 for the grey, and that sold out recently in 1-2 days. Also the entire Antarctique collection is limited in production to no more than 1 per day, basically guaranteeing perpetually short supply
- No, this watch (and the brand) is not comparable to GP Laureato or Zenith Defy. Pretty clear they're not in the same league when you compare in the metal. Do think GP and Zenith are great value
That said, I really enjoyed the video. I own both this and the the exact same VC featured here and must say I echo similar sentiments when it comes to the comparison of the two. Realistically, VC OS in blue is at least 20-30% more expensive than the Czapek, so the Czapek represents amazing value. Would be interesting to see how it trades in the secondary market.
I can actually shed some light on the winding, I had the same remark when I tried the watch in their Geneva boutique. Apparently they plan this movement to be the base for future complications, so they use a high torque barrel in order to power the upcoming modules. Clearly they could have used a a more appropriate gearing to make the crown experince better but oh well. That's the explanation I was given.
Thanks for sharing that, it makes sense
Dear Gordon and Bruce. We have been discussing about the torque of this crown for quite some time now. It was a sort of "Gulliverian egg war" internal debate. We have a very strong barrel to enable to power any kind of module keeping over 60h of power reserve, yet we felt the torque at the crown could be a bit high. So measured it with a torquemeter and the result is 5.88Nmm. It is high, but not crazy high, in the range of many models. Yet there is nothing better than fellow watch lovers feedback to make a decision. After hearing Bruce, reading you, and putting together other comments, we have decided today to increase the number of teeth of one wheel to reduce the torque. Thanks for the constructive feedbacks... always very much appreciated. Xavier
@@xavierderoquemaurel2390 just amazing that the CEO of the company is interacting directly with the community.
Xavier, I recently took delivery of this exact watch and am thoroughly enjoying it. I'm a big fan of you and Czapek!
@@xavierderoquemaurel2390 Dear Xavier. It is this personal involvement that is driving many of savvy collectors away from the mainstream and toward small independents. Despite this being the wrong place for such a topic I would like to humbly offer one aesthetic remark on the watch, clearly personal, so do take with a grain of salt. This case design with very short and downturned lugs often causes the bracelet to flare out when worn on a larger wrist; I think apparent also in some of Bruce's photos. Mostly visible where the bracelet and the case meet, the C insert and the first link create a step compared to the lines of the case, in my opinon disrupting the fluidity of the design. Looking forward to seeing the Passage de Drake in the flesh as soon as travel restrictions allow. Good chance that today you made a few new customers. Best of luck.
@@xavierderoquemaurel2390 My hat is off to you Xavier. The fact that you are connected with with your customers/potential customers at this level is highly commendable. Congrats on the amazing product. I will certainly consider a Czapek for my collection. Cheers!
It's great to see less well known brands. It makes the hobby interesting. Seeing the same brands/models again and again make the hobby monotonous and boring.
It’s gorgeous! Love it, such a crazy movement on the backside. But something about that Oberseas and that blue dial that every time I see it I absolutely can’t take my eyes off of it. Thanks Bruce, great video.
Just to let you know? All of 99 pieces were sold in few weeks under lockdown
You lucky you! This to me is the exit watch, the one..... Perfection. It’s classy, sporty, elegant, simple, original.
The Ceo is an overly passionate guy from what I have seen in their stories about this watch.
Thanks for the nice video man, it’s nice you reviewed this not so well known brand.
I own the Quai des Bergues from Czapek and I can attest to how excellent the watch is, from design to overall finish, to movement... its incredible. The manual movement winds buttery smooth so I'm surprised to hear that this one is stiff to wind. Great review!
Theres a whole world beyond rolex, thanks for making me discover this beauty!
Let's get real. Most people haven't still scratched the Holy Trinity + A.Lange & Söhne itch, so how will they go for this instead? Bvlgari Octofinissimo has a micro rotor in platinum as well for half the price and much cooler. And Czapek uses the same 3rd party clasp as my Longines.
At the end of the day if you’re into watches and have ample funds then you go with your heart not your head. Personally I prefer the look of this (including the movement architecture) to any sports watch that the big three have to offer, but each to their own.
@@jacc88888 I think you are 100 percent correct. People who can afford a 20k watch buy things for themselves and not for what other people think they should do. They may even have a few others at this price and higher. They would wear this one day and a Bvlgari or FP Journe the next
I agree with you. This is a valid point. Sadly, with luxury goods are less about inherent value and more about perceived value. As a luxury item, value is perceived in the brand name, exclusivity, and preferred tastes of the buyers.
@@pibblesnbits very well said and sadly correct. I will say one thing. The demand for Rolex has left other higher grade brands available at times for some bargain second hand deals on auction sites and even discounted from ad’s
@@theonlyredspecial So true!
Thank you for this video Bruce, I really love this watch and appreciate your sincere comments on it.
Your VC Overseas is fantastic!
has to be one of the most stunning watches you have shown us lately. So cool to see something out of the blue we don't get to see anywhere else👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Love the look, but the Overseas pulls it off better.
Wow! This is a gorgeous watch!
Looks just amazing. Love that bracelet, my gosh.
Love this Czapek. I would definitely buy this over the Overseas. Technology is just far superior.
Very nice. Design has It’s own personality, Great calibre, great finish...
Well done Czapek!
And, of course, great review Bruce! Thanks for sharing
Seriously gorgeous watch and in my ignorance, I never knew the brand. It’s magnificent but my grail is your VC Overseas in blue. That’s still awesome
Awesome review, and truly appreciate you introducing it to me/us. As beautiful as it is, it’s your VC for me!
ETP in Naples, exactly where I ordered my Roaring Forties, with the even more stunning dial...
The Overseas was in my consideration also, but I had no doubt in deciding for a Czapek.
So anxiously awaiting this beautiful piece.
Great review Bruce. This is a beautiful watch. One of the best I’ve seen on your channel. Love the movement design, fantastic finishing and the design of the bracelet too. Feel a little embarrassed that I don’t know anything about this brand.
hmm I think I'll just go for the Tissot PRX
My man thanks for bringing this up
I am waiting Tissot PRX automatic..
I love that you covered this amazing brand. Great video
brilliant and fair review of this watch. Thank you for making this video.
This is what separates the wheat from the chaff. Most watch guys pretend talk to me how they like rolexes and other well marketed brands then I tell them how I like the czapeks and the laureato.
Have you seen the reflection of the second hand on the markers ? Seems that the red tip is not painted on the back. 10:42
Therse won't be a Patek without the Czapek! Greetings from Poland 😀
The Overseas is in a different league. It has a water resistance of 150 meters, a power reserve of 60 hours, a magnetic resistance of 15,000 gauss, a gorgeous lacquered dial and a Geneva Seal finish. To top it all off it has a quick change bracelet system with the best steel bracelet in the business as well as both an alligator and rubber straps. Sorry but no dice.
No hacking tho 😅
Absolute stunner. After W&W this year; I’m feeling I’m going to cache in on a Salmon run!
I’m equally intrigued by the Czapek. By the way, I just picked up a Parmigiani Tonda GT with the black guilloche dial and big date 60 days ago. It definitely competes well in this luxury sports watch category.
amazing shot of the ceramic balls in the micro rotor, great video and watch!
The only watch company that is truly in house is Seiko. Even Rolex still outsources production of it's hands and crystals.
Seiko is KING !!
Not really. Debuthene, bovet, h Moser, fp journe, gronefeld, greubel forsay.... I love gs but things have been crazy recently in terms of in house
Only grand seiko. Seiko outsources from China and Malaysia and everywhere else.
Very handsome looking watch.
Oh, great Bruce, now I have to consider this one too as my final grail!
Big fan of Czapek, I have a Drakes Passage with Roaring Forties grey dial (LE of 40 pieces) arriving soon.
The Czapek Antarctique is a beautiful watch. The bracelet resembles the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak bracelet and the case looks like the Vacheron Constantin Overseas case. The transparent case back showing the micro-rotor, balance wheel and gear train is awesome. The dial is nice and well illuminated. For $20,000 a luxury watch buyer will rather buy an AP Royal Oak, a Rolex Daytona or a Vacheron Constantin Overseas that are more popular and have a high resale value instead of the less popular Czapek. I think collectors that already own AP. VC and Rolex will buy a Czapek.
It‘s kind of a „necessary development“ in watch collecting. Yes...been there done that
Beautiful movement! Wow! But for the rest, I prefer my Grand Seiko.
Wow, gorgeous watch!
Looks really great and classy, but at that price would expect to have an applied logo - find the print less than perfect - and a clasp that allows some micro-adjustment to accomodate for minor changes of you wrist.
Royal oak still doesn’t have micro adjustment. Applied logo is nitpicking.
There is Adjustment within the last Links next to the Clasp: The Elements can be distracted both Sides by appr. 0,6 Cm.
Great Construction!
That movement is a beauty!
Good Lord what a beauty. However, no micro adjustment. Yes i mention that a lot, but i cannot live without a adjustment on a clasp. I just do not understand it
There will be a micro adjustment clasp coming shortly as per CEO. The existing owners will be able to get it at cost while it will come as standard in all future Antarctiques
I understand your point... and we are working on it. It appears that a man's wrist inches twice per 24h (once per day and once per night) which makes it really better to have this micro adjust... Just be patient! Of course it will be offered at cost price to all the first owners...
@@xavierderoquemaurel2390 That will be a welcomed feature.
I LUV the dimensions it's to bad the bracelet couldn't be modified to drop down more for sub 7inch wrists.
Don't think I read one person complimenting the dial. I think it's beautiful!
Very beautiful and nicely made watch. Love the movement and bracelet. This watch is not for the masses.
Great watch. I love this elegant sportswatches. A hidden genre for itself.
Beautiful watch, and the movement only adds to its allure (that rotor is platinum, not 18K). The level of finishing is just ridiculous. I would love to have one, but available resources won't allow it. Hopefully their recognition increases to a deserved level. Anyone, though, who would buy a watch just to impress other people really needs to reevaluate his position in this hobby and life in general. Rolex is a very high quality product and well respected in horology, but if asked to describe their product in one word, that word would be: pedestrian. Honestly, they're the most counterfeited brand in the world. At least with a Czapek you won't see one on every third wrist in public, and that fact makes it a conversation starter. More than enough reason to choose it, IMHO. Just my two cents.
BW don't you think its a distant cousin of the zenith defy???
I think there is easily $20K of horology in this watch, went to their website, seen other models, some which I would prefer, but I think if I was to buy I'd go pre-owned and not take the hit. Great video. FWIW you'd be lucky to get the Rolex new inside of 2 years, so hard comparison, outside of grey, reseller, or pre-owned.
...and the millions that are wearing a Rolex, most of them just because of brand recognition/status. I agree with your comments: buy because you like it! In one year, just one person asked about my Glashutte Original, but it doesn’t matter, because the pleasure that it gives me every day is what is really important. I did not know Czapek, but I am really impressed by this review. Love the movement and overal quality. Thanks for sharing!!
I’ve handled this watch personally; the reviewer isn’t lying, the hand winding is VERY stiff. It almost feels like you’re worried you’re going to break something. About three times the torque of the already stiff ETA 2824. Luckily you only have to turn it a handful of times to get it going before letting the automatic rotor take it from there
This is another watch which looks better at the back rather than the front.
Never heard of it. Liked it a lot. Might grab one.
😅
Love this watch. But still no brand recognition. But do we always need brand recognition in every watch?
A new brand........to me anyway and a real joy to see! However the question is would I? I would like to think I would/will but I don’t have the full Trinity yet so when before or after? Do I redirect my saving plan? Help!
That bracelet effects! I feel you, when I put Miltat Super Jubilee Bracelet to my Seiko Skx, it makes the watch bigger, adding the lugtip to lugtip distance.
Iinitially 46mm, but because of the solid endlink it becomes around 49-50mm)
Thats a beautiful watch. Out of my price range, but I can see your point regarding the quality compared to the Holy Trinity....
Great review - love this watch, not the best dial configuration though. Thank you Bruce 👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿.
Build quality cannot be denied here, that's for sure. I'm more skeptical about the dial design.which is quite random.
Czapek is no H Moser despite the similar pricing.
It's similar in the way all integrated bracelet watches tend to looks alike.
But it's still it's own thing.
Well, the nature of integrated bracelet sport steel watches...as all divers kind of lookalike.
The mirco rotor says its PT950
and it is... we switched Au750 to Pt950 to get more winding power. But we kept our commitment of using recycled precious metal. The Platinum is coming from Agosi's fully recycled high furnaces. X
Great review of a great watch!
Nice review, I might have missed it but you did not talk about the case design much which had a crown guard look or the other side which had a pattern like crown guards shaved off.
LUV the watch as a whole just wish the bracelet draped down more for smaller wrists.
Beautiful open back design to look at.
It's a platinum rotor, not gold :) Great video, as always!
A Zenith Defy Classic homage...
Second one to claim that. Sorry, just a totally different appearance with many different details up front, sideways and (hell) from the back.
Now this is some original content
Great review, thank you much, Bruce. Got a little Zenith and RO look to it, but still nice design. Love the domed crystal! Fully bridged movement is gorgeous, but think the RO and your Overseas have a more appropriate, sturdy looking movement for a luxury-sport watch. Watch is beautiful, think I'd still pick the Overseas.
The Czapek is a beautifully made watch, I do think the quality really is there but I'm just in love with your VC Overseas as that would be my personal choice if I were to buy a watch in this genre, only difference is I'd go black dial but that's obviously a personal color choice, great review Bruce.
If you have a huge pocket load of cash to splash and want to add something not too common then perhaps an option . It’s definitely attractive but probably you would only add if you had a bit of a collection going on and have added trinity pieces .. Don’t think there’s enough for me to choose it over the oversees .
Great video and review. Great finishing and dial. Proprietary movement - not in-house. It’s an attractive watch at a price where there’s competition, and I am not sure a ‘me too’ design raises the brand’s profile. I prefer their chronos, great finishing and looks and less derivative design. PS: Rotor reads Pt. 950.
Dear Roberto, May I try to give an alternative view? A proprietary movement is a new movement that a third party makes for you as a whole (and according to your briefing and ideas). An in-house movement is a movement for which the watchmaking company is going to takes the responsibility of the full design, testing and orchestration of the watch in all his details and for all its components. Indeed many key components are nearly always manufactured by supplying partners. For example in Switzerland 99% of the barrels are produced by two companies only, the balance wheels and springs are produced by 5 companies, etc... (You can see the names of these partners in our website as we are proud of them and of our collaboration.) So it is the quality of one conception, design, testing and coordination that will make a caliber amazing or not. It is really a Team work. Now regarding the "me too" design comment I am afraid you'll have to be more precise as Czapek is renowed for the authenticity and uniqueness of its designs... and so far it applies also to the Antarctique. Yet again, we are always happy to read constructive comments. Xavier
@@xavierderoquemaurel2390 thanks Xavier. Point taken on the movement. I don’t mind proprietary or in-house, in the end it’s about quality and finishing. I like the brand and the designs. I’m not sure yet about the Antarctique (on looks, admittedly a subjective thing). I look forward to checking Czapek pieces again in the near future. I liked the chronographs I saw at the last WatchTime. Thanks
Bruce. Pronounce it like PATEK. soft cha... cha-peck
Looks great. It’s blue dial version will compete with my holy grail VC Overseas when I am next in Geneva.
Does it hack? Any quick wrist adjustment eg. like the VC?
on the wish list!
Rotor is made of platinum 👍
Obviously not close to VC as a brand, no where near, but I actually like it better than the Overseas. Sporty yet classy, and that movement is beautiful!!!
I think the quality of finish of the handset could be improved (take a lesson from Grand Seiko).
Simply Lovely!
Looks great ! A quick google search and it’s out of my budget by a lot 😭
Your pronounciation of the Czapek name is fine ;) I really like the watch, however I think that it pales in comparison to the rest of the Czapek range.
How would you compare the uniqueness/quality of this Czapek vs H.Moser ???
Reminds me of 80's Seiko 5
Bruce, are these your macro photos? they are amazing!
🤯🤯🤯 GORGEOUS
I may have missed this detail, but does the movement offer hacking seconds?
Really amazing piece.
Nothing is silly. Infact its a big deal. I have claimed warranty on a £650 ETA 2824-2 watch and waited 25days to get the date wheel centered.
For a brand like this, it would definitely take longer to get your watch back from the maker.
It depends on the model. Yet if we have the components, then we should be trying to remain in the same time frame... at least that's now a good and memorable target! Xavier
The Antarctique is an amazing timepiece - now sold out until 2025. As info, you have the bracelet releases set incorrectly. They should be parallel to the attachment bar, not perpendicular to it. You rotate them 180º.
Love the braslet . Can you please recommend any what which has something like this braslet
So what’s your cut?
Platinum micro rotor
The OC looks better but Czapek movement looks gorgeous. I believe czapek released a blue dial as well? Great review.
yes indeed. Deep Blue... X
The edges of the case are not as well finished as the overseas. The angles are sharper and not as well bevelled.
One could argue the ink work isn’t quite as crisp as say Lange.
But these comparisons are actually complements. If your watch is being compared to best in the world and you’re struggling to find fault that says a lot.
I personally think this is utterly exquisite.
its so interesting that some people can and will spend the amount of money it takes to buy a brand new car on a watch
2020s watch of the year
Your intro was very TTWC retro Oisi'n will be pleased
Case styling straight out of the 1970s Seiko Grand Quartz/King Quartz catalogue.
At least there will be no fake. Good luck for mimicking the movement.
A nice looking watch for sure. I prefer it to the VC which I think is over rated like the AP RO is. I prefer a more traditionally finished movement like the Tonda PF than this Czapek. I dont like the received cocks nd plates The bracelet release I'd like to see, its a pricey watch to be held with a 180 degree turn, would prefer hidden push buttons. But good to see a high end alternative to the usual suspects.
Can't wait to get myself a chaapok
The only negative for me is the dial/bezel ratio. Too thin bezel for a sports watch IMHO
As I had this kind of ratio on my former Milgauss, it was quit nice in comparison to the Submariner, also 40 mm.
I can only recommend trying it on your wrist, you would like it
@@Elektrisch-seit-2015 still it's out of my league for now :D