Hong Kong, November 2024 – Czapek & Cie is thrilled to announce the launch of the Antarctique Purple Storm, a mesmerizing addition to its iconic Antarctique collection. This 18-pieces limited edition will debut at The Horology Club’s 3rd Anniversary event in Hong Kong on November 20, 2024.
With a one-of-a-kind hand-varnished dial crafted by Swiss dial specialist Metalem, each Antarctique Purple Storm watch reflects Czapek’s commitment to self-expression, artistry, and its collaborative spirit.
The project began when Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek & Cie, discovered the work of an artist collaborating with Metalem who was creating uniquely hand-varnished dials. These dials were so original and distinctive that they did not dare offer them to any of the brands they worked with. One particular dial even resembled a nebula in the space. Later, Xavier met a collector known as ‘@Tranqated’ on Instagram during a dinner at Dubai Watch Week. They enjoyed a lively conversation about their shared passion for astronomy, and Xavier learned that this collector dreamed of a space-inspired dial.
In May 2020, Czapek was preparing to launch its Antarctique collection for the first time, and this conversation inspired the creation of the Antarctique Orion Nebula special series. This limited series of 10 unique pieces featured hand-varnished dials inspired by the galaxy and quickly sold out. It was followed by other unique designs, including the turquoise Abyss, the green Emerald Iceberg, and the Celestial. The latest release, the Antarctique Purple Storm, is the first to employ vivid violet tones using this distinctive dial-making technique.
Each dial features a mesmerizing violet gradient crafted with precision and artistry. Individually created to capture the mood and depth of a natural storm, each dial evokes a sense of mystery and movement. As light touches the surface, swirling, layered shades of purple are revealed, reminiscent of storm clouds rolling across the sky.
At the heart of this stainless-steel timepiece is Czapek’s in-house SXH5 caliber, a high-performance automatic movement that embodies both power and precision. The SXH5 caliber boasts a 60-hour power reserve and features a variable inertia balance wheel, designed to maximize timekeeping accuracy and efficiency. The microrotor, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, is crafted from recycled platinum, aligning with Czapek’s dedication to sustainability in fine watchmaking. The movement’s intricate architecture and handmade finishing provide a visual testament to the brand’s vision of contemporary haute horlogerie.
“This watch is a celebration of art, craftsmanship and individuality,” said Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek & Cie. “We’ve combined the exceptional talent of our partners at Metalem with the power and precision of our SXH5 caliber, resulting in a piece that truly stands out. The Antarctique Purple Storm is a reflection of our mission – creating unique watches for Rare People, with their own dreams and passions. We’re excited to be launching it at such a momentous occasion as The Horology Club’s anniversary, surrounded by those who share our love of horology.”
The Antarctique Purple Storm will be unveiled in avant première at The Horology Club’s 3rd Anniversary event in Hong Kong on November 20, 2024. It will be available on pre-order via the brand’s official retailers worldwide, the Czapek boutique in Geneva, and via czapek.com.
