Czapek

[charger_vital]

My straps have not come yet. Not sure when they will arrive. But I was thinking light blue straps with the salmon dial… or white straps with salmon dial? What other colors (rubber) are available? Thoughts / opinions?


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[ap1]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

My straps have not come yet. Not sure when they will arrive. But I was thinking light blue straps with the salmon dial… or white straps with salmon dial? What other colors (rubber) are available? Thoughts / opinions?


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With salmon I would go grey

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by uscmatt99

I may have to treat myself to a second more colorful rubber strap. I cut mine one notch too short so it's great for cooler weather, but I could use another for hot climates. I like that getting an OEM strap in a different color doesn't require a personal statement essay and mooching with sales people to acquire. Enjoy that killer piece

Ha... SOOO can relate. Also cut the strap one too small on my first try. Sad thing is, years ago did the same thing when I wore the PP Aqua (so you'd think I'd know better, but nope!). And you're right, no need to promise your first-born to them to get a strap LOL

Originally Posted by charger_vital

What other colors (rubber) are available? Thoughts / opinions?

As the shameless strap whore that I am....

Straps_With_Watch1.jpg

Straps_With_Watch2.jpg

Straps_All.jpg

Monochrome_Blue_Rubber_Dial.jpg

Monochrome_Black_Leather_Strap_Side.jpg

Monochrome_Grey_Band.jpg

Monochrome_Orange_Side.jpg

Monochrome_White_Ron_Jon.jpg

Monochrome_Wrist_Black_Strap_diag_sun.jpg

[Wuls]

So after a year or so wait, the Glacier Blue finally arrived.

Some observations - as a package it’s a great looking watch, but the bracelet is a let down - if I compare to my VC Overseas, it has nothing like the refinement and the fact you can see the quick change device through the gaps in the bracelet is naff.

I also think the brushing/finishing on the case itself is a bit unrefined. The box itself with the accessories is fine, but again for a £20k watch I would expect either simpler but higher quality materials or more practical.

And yet…it is slimline, the dial fabulous and there’s something quite special about it as an ensemble.

Anyway look forward to getting my Revelation in a few years - I just hope Czapek keeps refining the product rather than new launches

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by Wuls

So after a year or so wait, the Glacier Blue finally arrived.

Some observations - as a package it’s a great looking watch, but the bracelet is a let down - if I compare to my VC Overseas, it has nothing like the refinement and the fact you can see the quick change device through the gaps in the bracelet is naff.

I also think the brushing/finishing on the case itself is a bit unrefined. The box itself with the accessories is fine, but again for a £20k watch I would expect either simpler but higher quality materials or more practical.

And yet…it is slimline, the dial fabulous and there’s something quite special about it as an ensemble.

Anyway look forward to getting my Revelation in a few years - I just hope Czapek keeps refining the product rather than new launches

Great review! I am digging the Czapek as well. I find it more sporty than I thought it would be, in a great way. Certainly more flashy with all the light that reflects off of the bracelet. I’ve been asked about it 3 times in the past 2 days by random folks curious what it is.

As far as the refinement… comparing it to a VC… my take is the Czapek is more comfortable to wear (less chunky) than the VC, while the VC has less sharp edges… also you can indeed see the quick release mechanism through the seem on the Czapek, which I would agree could have been conceived better. Ultimately, Czapek more sporty and alive on the wrist. VC more subtle and reinforced. Otherwise I find the quality of construction on par.

Speaking for a moment on the VC, however, I tend to agree with Saad Chaudhry’s take about the VC getting stuck in the middle at times: “The reason [VC is not as popular as Audemars and Patek] is related to its design rather than the quality of its construction. Possessing neither the sharp, angular purposefulness of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak nor the relaxed, organic sensuality of Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, the Overseas settles for overdoing it…” (https://thetruthaboutwatches.com/202...erseas-design/)

Czapeks design is where it shines. Less refined than the VC… perhaps… and I can see your argument. But in a lot of ways a Lamborghini is less refined than a 7 Series BMW… I guess it just depends on what you are looking for.


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[Bug04]

I agree, but with VC OS you took the top for comparison of refinements and solutions! (I believe that the quality and specs of VC OS are even better then the older RO or Nautilus, aesthetics being really comparable while subjective).

Antarctique-wise, its freshness and overall beauty inside and outside leads me to focus basically on the excellent overall result, almost indulging on the few areas for improvement.

Originally Posted by Wuls

So after a year or so wait, the Glacier Blue finally arrived.

Some observations - as a package it’s a great looking watch, but the bracelet is a let down - if I compare to my VC Overseas, it has nothing like the refinement and the fact you can see the quick change device through the gaps in the bracelet is naff.

I also think the brushing/finishing on the case itself is a bit unrefined. The box itself with the accessories is fine, but again for a £20k watch I would expect either simpler but higher quality materials or more practical.

And yet…it is slimline, the dial fabulous and there’s something quite special about it as an ensemble.

Anyway look forward to getting my Revelation in a few years - I just hope Czapek keeps refining the product rather than new launches

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by Bug04

I agree, but with VC OS you took the top for comparison of refinements and solutions! (I believe that the quality and specs of VC OS are even better then the older RO or Nautilus, aesthetics being really comparable while subjective).

Antarctique-wise, its freshness and overall beauty inside and outside leads me to focus basically on the excellent overall result, almost indulging on the few areas for improvement.

At the end, both are great!






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[gm58]

Interesting take on the quick release, havent handled in person yet but from photos it doesnt seem that the mechanism is that noticeable from the front? or is it just noticeable from the wearer's point of view?

[Bug04]

Ditto!

Originally Posted by charger_vital

At the end, both are great!



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[Bug04]

It is not that noticeable indeed.
If you know how it works the quick release, and with the “surgical” eye you know where to seek beneath the links, you may spy it, but again, not that noticeable.

Originally Posted by gm58

Interesting take on the quick release, havent handled in person yet but from photos it doesnt seem that the mechanism is that noticeable from the front? or is it just noticeable from the wearer's point of view?

[Wuls]

I don’t agree. It’s very noticeable, and much more so than quick releases on other makes!

[charger_vital]

Here is an enlarged image of the quick release together with a normal image. You be the judge.





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[Bug04]

Maybe you are referring to something different from what I intended (that is the “trace” of the quick release system that could be seen, from external but very near, between the last link and the case) .
Just take any of the snapshots of the Antarctique … just to mention a quick example, take any real life - on the wrist - snapshots within this last page … and check whether is noticeable in any manner the quick release system.
I hardly see it in real life and only from specific perspectives (basically it should be “captured” by ad hoc angles).
Different story is if reference is made to what could be seen from the interior side of the bracelet (but frankly I do not see it as something strange) or if reference is to the looseness of the last link connecting to the case, but this is deemed by me as another matter.

It is a matter of personal view. And, I catch the occasion to connect to this to mention that for me is much more noticeable (and not the best) the empty space left by the micro adjust system…

Originally Posted by Wuls

I don’t agree. It’s very noticeable, and much more so than quick releases on other makes!

[Bug04]

Thanks, you anticipated my above message with the “factual” image (and with the proper angle), useful and helpful for the own and personal interpretation of anyone.

Originally Posted by charger_vital

Here is an enlarged image of the quick release together with a normal image. You be the judge.


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[Heinb]

I suspect the smaller the wrist the more the quick release mechanism will show. The bracelet will drape more against a smaller wrist opening the links a bit more than on a bigger wrist.
Never handled one myself. Its just an logical assumption that might be wrong or right.
I have an 18cm wrist. So if my assumption is correct I will not notice it so heavily on my wrist.

[Wuls]

My wrist is 18.5, so unfortunately that thesis doesn’t work. Sorry!

[Heinb]

I would have suggested to fatten up a bit to push those links out a bit, but since my thesis is all wrong I will refrain from giving that kind of advice then.

[Wuls]

Another view of the watch link

[ap1]

^ I’m about as ocd and type A as you can imagine. You’d probably faint for some of the reasons I’ve sold my watches. This does not bother me at all and the fact it has a quick mechanism is a plus in my eyes. But do you, to each his own

[szabo_martin]

Im picky AF too and it doesn't even come up on my radar when I wear the watch tbh

[manoop1856]

Originally Posted by Wuls

Another view of the watch link

Are your links fully brushed Wuls?

[Wuls]

Originally Posted by manoop1856

Are your links fully brushed Wuls?

Yes they are.

[gm58]

Originally Posted by Wuls

Another view of the watch link

Thanks for the photos! Seems like it is only visible from certain angles and definitely not when looking at the time on wrist at least!

[jinp84]

My 40.5 on a 6.75 wrist. Visible but nothing to lose sleep about.20230519_180551.jpg

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[Bug04]

Fully agree

[Yobrooks]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

Here is an enlarged image of the quick release together with a normal image. You be the judge.





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I cannot "unsee it" now, uggh.

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[AlyRba]

Originally Posted by Wuls

So after a year or so wait, the Glacier Blue finally arrived.

Some observations - as a package it’s a great looking watch, but the bracelet is a let down - if I compare to my VC Overseas, it has nothing like the refinement and the fact you can see the quick change device through the gaps in the bracelet is naff.

I also think the brushing/finishing on the case itself is a bit unrefined. The box itself with the accessories is fine, but again for a £20k watch I would expect either simpler but higher quality materials or more practical.

And yet…it is slimline, the dial fabulous and there’s something quite special about it as an ensemble.

Anyway look forward to getting my Revelation in a few years - I just hope Czapek keeps refining the product rather than new launches

Having owned a VC Overseas before and now with two Antarctiques, I’d say both are comparable watches with the Overseas having an edge in case and bracelet finish but Antarctique closing the overall gap by edging ahead on movement finish and feel on the wrist.

Overseas case and the bracelet are finished slightly better than the Antarctique. Lack of chamfers on the Antarctique bracelet exaggerates the difference than it actually is. Mind you I am not comparing the density here but the finish. Overseas bracelet and case goes for a bulky and sturdy finish, comparable to let’s say a Rolex, whereas Czapek is comparable to a Nautilus in its jewelry like feel. And that’s fine as both brands are approaching it differently. Anyways, both Overseas and Antarctique dials are comparable for me. Antarctique has an edge on the Overseas for both movement finish and wearability for a wide range of wrists. So, as an overall package, Antarctique is pretty close to the Overseas.

[AlyRba]

Originally Posted by Yobrooks

I cannot "unsee it" now, uggh.

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Honestly it’s not even noticeable on the wrist. I had similar concerns before getting the watch. Admittedly Czapek could have done a better job But when you have the watch on the wrist, your eyes never notice the bracelet connectors.

[Yobrooks]

Good to hear.

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[manoop1856]

Pretty in depth review of the PDD Salmon 40.5 posted to YouTube within the past week. The comments section is quite active too. User “engineer wannabee”