Antarctique Passage de Drake | A limited edition stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet, Made in collaboration with Fratello Watches in 2021
Czapek
Dial: viridian green Caliber: cal. SXH5 automatic, 28 jewels Movement number: 0565 Case: stainless steel, sapphire crystal display back secured by four screws Case number: 13’841, 1 out of 50 Closure: stainless steel Czapek bracelet with double folding clasp Size: 40.5 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm Signed: case, dial, movement Box: yes Papers: yes Accessories: Czapek presentation box with outer packaging, Passport Booklet confirming Manufacture Date on 29 November 2021 and Purchase Date on 25 February 2022, operating instructions booklet, additional rubber strap with double folding clasp, two screwdrivers, and pin pusher The history of Czapek is one of true horology lore. A chance encounter in 1836 between two Polish immigrants François Czapek and Antoine Norbert de Patek changed the course of watch making history. Patek, Czapek & Cie was founded on May 1st. 1839 in Geneva. Although their partnership lasted only six years, the period saw the creation of several exceptional timepieces, and both continued producing horological masterpieces separately. Czapek & Cie. was founded on May 1st 1945 by François Czapek with a new partner Juliusz Gruzewski. The firm was quickly recognized as one of the greatest watchmakers of the period with boutiques in Geneva, Warsaw, and Paris, and was the court watchmaker to Emperor Napoleon III of France at its height. However, the company mysteriously disappeared in 1871. Xavier de Roquemaurel and the two other entrepreneurs revived the brand in 2012 and poured over the company archives for inspiration for their new timepieces. In 2015, when Czapek & Cie officially launched in Geneva fellow watch enthusiasts were given the opportunity to take part in Czapek’s renaissance by investing in the company by way of an equity crowdfunding campaign, becoming the first Haute Horlogerie brand revived by watch aficionados worldwide. The present timepiece pays homage to this spirit between maker and cognoscente that revived the Czapek brand. A collaboration between Fratello Watches and Czapeck, the limited edition Antarctique Passage de Drake was launched in 2021 and limited to only 50 pieces. The first model of the Antarctique collection, the Antarctique Terre Adélie was released in 2020, and it was quickly followed by the Antarctique Passage de Drake. Named after the English explorer Sir Francis Drake and his namesake Drake Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans between the southernmost tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic. Inspired by what is known as one of the most challenging places to navigate at sea, the watch embodies a spirit of exploration and adventure, much like the journeys undertaken by sailors who dare sail through the Drake Passage. The present timepiece sports a viridian green dial decorated with flinqué guilloche exclusive to the Fratello x Czapek collaboration. Powered by the in house calibre SXH5, the movement boasts a 56-hour power reserve, beats at 28800 vph, comprises 193 parts, and the recycled platinum micro-rotor is a sleek detail that adds a stylish touch. Known for their penchant for customization, the present timepiece is complete with its box and papers including the original additional rubber strap and tools for switching the bracelet at your leisure, giving the wearer the ability to sport two completely different looks.
