Lot Essay
Czapek’s ‘Antarctique Frozen Star S’ was launched at Watches and Wonders 2022. This stainless steel wristwatch has a spectacular dial made from one of the rarest precious elements on earth – Osmium. The present watch, the highly coveted no. 1 of a limited edition of only 38 pieces, is offered in mint condition and accompanied by the full set of accessories.
Due to the extreme nature of the manufacturing process for creating Osmium crystal material suitable for use by craftsmen, developed by Swiss scientists in 2013, each dial is unique and formed of almost pure crystalline Osmium which has a mesmerizing sparkling and glittering textural allure reminiscent of ice crystals, hence the model was christened ‘Frozen Star’.
Osmium is among the rarest elements in the Earth's crust, making up only 50 parts per trillion, it is also the densest stable element on earth and a formidably difficult material to work, with an extraordinarily high melting point of 3,033 degrees Celsius (5,491 degrees Fahrenheit). The bluish colour and rugged surface of the dial is entirely natural, derived from the Osmium crystals’ formation which reflects light extremely effectively.
The stainless steel case is deliberately understated to provide a perfect framework to allow the scintillating effect of the dial to focus the full attention of the observer.
Visible through the sapphire crystal display back, the superb SXH5 in-house automatic calibre exhibits an exacting standard of finishing with sandblasted black German silver mainplate, hand mirror polishing, anglage and bevelling. The solid platinum micro rotor is made from 100% recycled platinum and offers 56 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The strap features a patented quick-release system so that the bracelet can be easily exchanged for the additional rubber strap without the need for tools.
Czapek & Cie
Czapek & Cie traces its origins back to François Czapek, a watchmaker who established his atelier in Geneva in 1832. Partnering with Antoine Norbert de Patek in 1839, they achieved considerable success. After parting ways in 1845, Czapek founded Czapek & Cie, becoming the official watchmaker of Napoleon III. The company was revived in 2015 with exceptional collections inspired by its historical timepieces, winning accolades such as the Public Prize at the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie in Geneva in 2016. Their Antarctique collection, launched in 2020, showcases Czapek's first in-house movement, further solidifying the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, design, and exclusivity. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the company continues to innovate and uphold its legacy in the world of haute horlogerie. The ‘Antarctique Frozen Star S’ was launched at Watches and Wonders 2022.
Due to the extreme nature of the manufacturing process for creating Osmium crystal material suitable for use by craftsmen, developed by Swiss scientists in 2013, each dial is unique and formed of almost pure crystalline Osmium which has a mesmerizing sparkling and glittering textural allure reminiscent of ice crystals, hence the model was christened ‘Frozen Star’.
Osmium is among the rarest elements in the Earth's crust, making up only 50 parts per trillion, it is also the densest stable element on earth and a formidably difficult material to work, with an extraordinarily high melting point of 3,033 degrees Celsius (5,491 degrees Fahrenheit). The bluish colour and rugged surface of the dial is entirely natural, derived from the Osmium crystals’ formation which reflects light extremely effectively.
The stainless steel case is deliberately understated to provide a perfect framework to allow the scintillating effect of the dial to focus the full attention of the observer.
Visible through the sapphire crystal display back, the superb SXH5 in-house automatic calibre exhibits an exacting standard of finishing with sandblasted black German silver mainplate, hand mirror polishing, anglage and bevelling. The solid platinum micro rotor is made from 100% recycled platinum and offers 56 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The strap features a patented quick-release system so that the bracelet can be easily exchanged for the additional rubber strap without the need for tools.
Czapek & Cie
Czapek & Cie traces its origins back to François Czapek, a watchmaker who established his atelier in Geneva in 1832. Partnering with Antoine Norbert de Patek in 1839, they achieved considerable success. After parting ways in 1845, Czapek founded Czapek & Cie, becoming the official watchmaker of Napoleon III. The company was revived in 2015 with exceptional collections inspired by its historical timepieces, winning accolades such as the Public Prize at the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie in Geneva in 2016. Their Antarctique collection, launched in 2020, showcases Czapek's first in-house movement, further solidifying the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, design, and exclusivity. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the company continues to innovate and uphold its legacy in the world of haute horlogerie. The ‘Antarctique Frozen Star S’ was launched at Watches and Wonders 2022.