Czapek names its first gold Antarctique after Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth, where an estimated 80 grams of gold a day escape in volcanic gases.
Czapek today introduces the Antarctique Mount Erebus Deep Blue, the first of its 2024 releases and, the brand says, the first Antarctique in 18-carat gold. It is limited to 100 pieces.
The volcano stands on Ross Island and takes its name from HMS Erebus, one of the ships that discovered the island. The gold in its lava is dissolved in the escaping gases, so it cannot be harvested.
The 40.5mm case is 5N rose gold, on an integrated rose gold bracelet; an optional rubber strap has a matching rose gold deploying buckle. The blue dial has the lamé finish first created for the 2020 Antarctique Terre Adélie. Metalem makes it with a special comb that gives an effect like a highly textured satin finish.
Inside is the in-house automatic SXH5, with a micro-rotor in recycled platinum and a 60-hour power reserve.
The volcano’s gold drifts away in its gases; this watch keeps its gold in the case and on the bracelet.
The Basics
Brand: Czapek
Model: Antarctique Mount Erebus Deep Blue
Diameter: 40.5mm
Thickness: 10.6mm
Case material: 5N rose gold; sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on both sides; screwed-down crown
Dial: Blue, lamé finish by Metalem; luminescent “sword” hands and indexes
Water resistance: 120m
Bracelet: Rose gold, integrated, with Easy Release system; optional rubber strap with rose gold deploying buckle
Limited edition: 100 pieces
The Movement
Calibre: SXH5, in-house, self-winding
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds; date at 6 o’clock
Winding: Automatic, micro-rotor with recycled platinum mass
Power reserve: 60 hours
Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 vph)
Jewels: 28
Images courtesy of Czapek.