Two years following the successful launch of the Antarctique line, Czapek has returned with a refined smaller 38.5 mm version that's a perfect fit for smaller wrists. The entire case had to be redesigned while retaining the same characteristics that have made the Passage de Drake a glowing success. Czapek's attention to detail has triumphed again resulting in a visually balanced masterpiece, available here in Glacier Blue with Arabic "12" numerals and a red-tipped seconds hand.
The Passage de Drake's namesake is courtesy of the body of water connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Cape Horn (the southernmost point of South American) and the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic. Known for its tumultuous oceans and icy conditions, the Drake Passage is thought to be one of the most treacherous bodies of water to traverse, and only suitable for those with the greatest sense of adventure. Fittingly, the creation of Czapek & Cie's Antarctique Passage de Drake has been an adventure of technical magnitude and human endeavors, bringing rare and fine finishing to the fore front. The attention to detail is unparalleled from the "Stairway to Eternity" intricate three-dimensional dial motif to the 38.5 mm stainless steel case integrated with an original double "trompe l'oeil" curve.
Powered by the first entirely in-house conceived calibre, the SXH5.01 automatic caliber, it features a free-sprung balance wheel with variable inertia provided by four gold adjustable weights enables the highest level of precision tuning. The gear train is held in place by a series of seven handsome skeletonized bridges. The movement has superlative finishing on the bridges that merges Haute Horlogerie angling techniques with state-ot-the-art laser engravings. Every facet of this watch was considered with great attention. An exclusive quick-change system allows the wearer to switch out straps in nearly the blink of an eye. Effortlessly change the mood of your Passage de Drake S with a sleek stainless steel bracelet, or sporty rubber strap.
To inquire about availability please phone 303.572.1111
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Calibre
- SXH5: Czapek's in house self-winding mechanical movement
- Swiss lever escapement
- Variable-inertia balance fitted with four gold inertia blocks
Diameter
30mm - 13 Lines 1/4
Height
4.2 mm
Number of parts
193
Jewels
28
Barrel torque
8.8 Nmm
Frequency
4Hz - 28,800 VpH
Power Winding System
Micro rotor with an 18k recycled gold mass
Power reserve
>60 hours on one single barrel
Functions
- Hours, minutes & seconds
- Date at 6 o'clock
Case
- Stainless steel
- 38.5 mm diameter
- Screwed down crown
Finish
- Open ratchet
- Sandblasted black bridges
- Bevelling
- Straight-grained sides
- Six hand-chamfered inward angles
Diameter
40.5mm
Height
10.6 mm
Glass
Sapphire crystal glass-box with anti-reflective
Treatment
Sapphire case back with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side
Water resistance
120 m
Dial
- Glacier blue stamped "flinique" dial with the exclusive, officially registered "Stairway to Eternity" pattern
Hands
- Luminescent, steel "Sword" hands
- Luminescent, rhodium plated steel hour maker
- Red tipped seconds hand
Strap
- Integrated stainless steel bracelet with Czapek exclusive easy release system
- Additional calf leather or rubber strap
Oster Jewelers is an Authorized CZAPEK Retailer