Czapek Antarctique Plique-à-Jour Enamel: A Transparent Masterpiece

Czapek has unveiled a remarkable new interpretation of its integrated-bracelet sports watch, the Antarctique Plique-à-Jour Enamel. This release marks the second special series celebrating the brand's tenth anniversary since its rebirth in 2015, following the Antarctique Tourbillon introduced earlier in the year. The new model showcases an exceptional dial crafted using the ancient and demanding technique of plique-à-jour enamel, which produces a luminous, stained-glass-like effect.

The Art of Plique-à-Jour Enamel

Plique-à-jour is a form of enameling distinguished by its transparency. Unlike traditional enamel techniques that are fused onto a solid metal backing, plique-à-jour enamel is suspended within a delicate metal framework, allowing light to pass through the glassy surface. The result is reminiscent of a miniature stained-glass window, with fine wires or thin sheets of metal forming a network of small cells, or cloisons, that define the design. These cells are filled with translucent enamels made from ground glass mixed with metal oxides to achieve the desired hues.

For the Antarctique Plique-à-Jour, Czapek collaborated with three specialist artisans: MD'Art crafted the metal structure, Bagues-Masriera executed the enamel work, and PBMC performed the delicate polishing and thickness adjustments. According to Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel, "What makes this dial so extraordinary and unique is precisely its transparency. Indeed, unlike traditional plique-à-jour enamel, which is often slightly opaque due to air bubbles that form within the enamel, the technique used for the Antarctique Plique-à-Jour allows for complete transparency. The subtle colour gradient adds yet another layer of complexity to what was already a true tour de force."

Movement and Design

To enhance the sense of transparency and allow light to pass through the dial, Czapek opted for the skeletonized version of its in-house calibre SXH7. This self-winding movement features a micro-rotor made of recycled platinum and retains its well-known technical specifications: a 4Hz frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour), a 60-hour power reserve, and 152 components with 25 jewels. The movement is elegantly decorated with open ratchets, sandblasted rhodium-plated bridges, bevelling, straight-grained sides, hand chamfering, and a total of 18 inward angles.

The watch is presented on the Antarctique C-link integrated steel bracelet, which includes Czapek's exclusive "Easy Release" system for effortless strap changes and a micro-adjustment mechanism for enhanced comfort. A spare rubber strap is also supplied.

Limited Edition and Pricing

The Antarctique Plique-à-Jour Enamel is released in an exclusive limited edition of 10 pieces, with a price set at CHF 61,200 before taxes. This rarity and the complexity of the dial make it a highly sought-after collector's piece.

Technical Specifications

• Case: 40.5mm diameter x 10.6mm height – stainless steel, brushed and polished – sapphire crystals with AR coating, front and caseback – water-resistant to 120m
• Dial: 18k white gold dial with cloisonné plique-à-jour gradient blue enamel – hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova
• Movement: Czapek in-house calibre SXH7 – self-winding with micro-rotor – Swiss lever escapement, variable-inertia balance wheel regulated by 4 gold inertia blocks – 28,800 vibrations/hour – 60-hour power reserve – 152 parts – 25 jewels – hours, minutes, small seconds
• Bracelet: stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp – micro-adjustment device – additional rubber strap
• Availability: limited edition of 10 pieces
• Price: CHF 61,200 before taxes

The Czapek Antarctique Plique-à-Jour Enamel is a testament to the brand's commitment to haute horlogerie and artistic craftsmanship. Its transparent dial and skeletonized movement offer a unique visual experience, celebrating a decade of Czapek's renaissance with a piece that is both technically impressive and visually stunning.