The new Czapek Antarctique Plique-a-Jour Enamel

Czapek unveils the second special series created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the brand’s rebirth in 2015. Following the Antarctique Tourbillon introduced in April, this new release presents an exceptional interpretation of the maison’s integrated-bracelet sports watch, distinguished by a plique-à-jour enamel dial. 

Plique-à-jour is an intricate and delicate enamelling technique distinguished by its luminous transparency. Unlike other forms of enamel that are fused onto metal backings, plique-à-jour enamel is suspended within a delicate metal framework, allowing light to pass through the glassy surface. The effect is similar to that of a miniature stained-glass window. Fine wires or thin sheets of metal are shaped to create a network of small cells, or cloisons, which define the design. These cells are carefully filled with translucent enamels made from ground glass mixed with various metal oxides to achieve the desired hues. The dials are made with MD’Art, creating the metal structure, while Bagues-Masriera is responsible for the enamel work, and PBMC carries out the delicate polishing and thickness adjustments.

“What makes this dial so extraordinary and unique is precisely its transparency,” explains Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel. “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”.

To allow the light to pass through and enhance the sense of transparency, Czapek naturally opted for the skeletonised version of their micro-rotor movement, the in-house calibre SXH7. It retains its well-known technical specifications – a 4Hz frequency, a 60-hour power reserve and a recycled platinum micro-rotor. The decoration of the movement is elegant with open ratchets, sandblasted rhodium-plated bridges, bevelling, straight-grained sides, hand chamfering and a total of 18 inward angles.

The watch comes on the Antarctique C-link integrated steel bracelet that includes Czapek’s exclusive “Easy Release” system for effortless strap changes and a micro-adjustment mechanism for enhanced comfort. A spare rubber strap is supplied. The Antarctique Plique-à-jour is released in an exclusive limited edition of 10 pieces. Price is set at CHF 61,200 before taxes.

For more information, please visit czapek.com.