We are proud to announce our latest collaboration with Swiss watchmakers Czapek, to bring you the Fratello × Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake with a rich, green "flinqué" dial. Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide.
The three-dimensional “flinqué” pattern and minuterié of the Passage de Drake feature here, but the hour markers are the longer, extended versions we see from the Terre Adelie. Gone is the Arabic “12” from the Passage de Drake. It is replaced with the double-claw index. You may notice too that all the indices are set further back and cut into the minuterié. What may seem like a simple and easily achieved tweak actually required an entirely new component to be manufactured, especially for Fratello.
The color of the dial is the result of countless variations we prepared with Czapek. The final shade — “Viridian Green” — was chosen due to its enigmatic nature: in combination with the flinqué dial, it changes its appearances quite dramatically depending on the light. The deep teal perfectly complements the optional — you have three options to choose from — orange seconds hand. We hope you'll agree that the “Viridian Green” fliqué dial is one of the finest yet to walk out the doors of Czapek’s atelier.
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Powering the Fratello × Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake Viridian Green is the SXH5. Czapek went with sharp angular lines and a combination of frosted and brushed black surfaces, and the multi-bridge layout of the movement creates a lot of visual depth. The final result is stunning, with an almost industrial vibe that simultaneously pays attention to form and function.
It is an aesthetic that works very well alongside the angular, scalloped case, and the recycled platinum micro-rotor is another visual delicacy. The movement offers a 56-hour power reserve, beats at 4Hz, and comprises 193 parts.
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Should you wish to change things up a little bit, we have an option for you right out of the box: included with every Fratello × Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake is an additional black rubber strap. As excellent as the bracelet is, sometimes it’s nice to have another option to turn to.
Ultimately, a watch should reflect your personality and your style. We get that. Therefore, you can choose how to make the overall aesthetic a little more personal:
1. A full steel seconds hand
2. Steel seconds hand with an orange tip
3. Full orange seconds hand (for the very bold among you)
In 1832 François Czapek, a 21-year-old watchmaker, fled to Switzerland from Poland after a failed revolution. In 1839, he and fellow Polish exile, Antoine Norbert de Patek, founded Patek, Czapek & Cie. After six years the two parted company. Antoine went on to found Patek Philippe, while François continued to astonish the watchmaking world with his horological creations. Purveyor to the Imperial Court, and Watchmaker of His Imperial Highness, Prince Napoleon, Czapek quickly became recognized as one of the greatest watchmakers of the 19th century. In 1869 the company ceased to operate and François disappeared from the industry. The Czapek brand was re-established in 2012 where it has since gone on to become a well-respected name in the independent watchmaking scene.
Launching on July 8th 2021, the Fratello × Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake Viridian Green Limited Edition will cost €17,206.61 (excluding VAT). To reserve yours, you will be able to place a pre-order with the balance to be collected towards the end of October 2021, with delivery starting shortly thereafter.
Dial: Viridian Green
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 40.5mm × 45mm × 11.3mm (including crystal)
Lug width: 20mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Case Back: Sapphire
Movement: Czapek Caliber SXH5
Power reserve: Up to 70 hours
Water Resistance: 12 atm (120 meters)
Strap: Steel bracelet and rubber strap included
Functions: Hours, minutes, central second hand, date
Price excluding VAT: €17,206.61
Limited to 50 pieces