The Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante Sunrise for Only Watch 2021

Presented recently, the Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante was definitely one of the highlights for the MONOCHROME team during Geneva Watch Days.  And clearly, we were eager to discover the unique Antarctique Rattrapante created by Czapek for the Only Watch 2021 charity event. Indeed, up until now, it was only presented as a sketch in the auction’s catalogue. The wait is over, and we have a look at the bold, modern and colourful Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante Sunrise for Only Watch 2021.

Presented during the 2021 edition of Geneva Watch Days, the Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante is a beautiful and interesting, openworked, split-seconds monopusher chronograph. The upper part of the dial reveals the chronograph mechanism with its column wheel and horizontal clutch. The lower part of the dial features the split-seconds chronograph mechanism with a second column wheel and the rattrapante clamp. For Only Watch 2021, Czapek has created a unique version of this spectacular movement combining the vivid yellow, orange and red colours of this year’s Charity Auction.

The concept of Czapek’s timepiece for the Only Watch auction took shape in collaboration with Positive Coating, the CVD “NanoDeCo” technology experts in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The special gradient metallic coating on the chronograph mechanism plate required six months of work to achieve the desired colour and effect. The minutes ring and sub-dials are in sapphire crystal with a smoked coating. Last, just like the previous Czapek for Only Watch unique pieces, the Antarctique Rattrapante Sunrise features the caption ‘Courage Every Second’ between 12 and 2 o’clock.

Turning the watch over, the exhibition caseback reveals the other side of the SXH6 calibre with its openworked rotor and dark grey shot-blasted bridges. This proprietary calibre was developed and is manufactured together with Chronode. Running at 4Hz, it comes with a 60-hour power reserve. The engraving mentions ‘Only Watch – Pièce Unique – 1/1’ and ‘Rattrapante Sunrise’.

Just like the classic Silver Grey edition, the Only Watch Sunrise unique piece is presented in a 42.5mm x 15.3mm steel case with an integrated steel bracelet. The pusher at 2 o’clock in the crown guard allows you to operate the start-stop-reset functions. The split-seconds function is actuated using the 10 o’clock pusher. Water-resistance is rated 120m. The steel bracelet features links shaped like a stylized letter C and is closed by a folding buckle. Last, the brand’s interchangeability system lets you swap the bracelet for a rubber or a leather strap in seconds.

The estimate for the Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante Sunrise for Only Watch 2021 is CHF 60,000 – CHF 90,000. This is to be compared to a retail price of CHF 46,000 for the Silver Grey limited edition presented in late August. Given the success of this limited edition of 77 pieces (sold-out in minutes), we would not be surprised to see the watch hammered for a 6-digit price.

For more information, please visit www.czapek.com.

Created in 2005, Only Watch is a biennial fundraiser for research on muscular dystrophy – Association Monégasque Contre les Myopathies (AMM). Organized under the patronage of HSH Albert II de Monaco, the watches of the 9th edition will be auctioned by Christie’s on Saturday 6 November 2021. More details at www.onlywatch.com.