Czapek

[Schweinwerfer]

How did U like salmon Vs ice

[usmc_k9_vet]

Can someone describe the difference between the standard Antarctique and the Passage de Drake? Is it just the dial? Movement, case, bracelet dimensions remain the same?


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[Schweinwerfer]

Originally Posted by usmc_k9_vet

Can someone describe the difference between the standard Antarctique and the Passage de Drake? Is it just the dial? Movement, case, bracelet dimensions remain the same?


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The standard Antarctique didn't feature the recent dial pattern

[eiesh]

Originally Posted by GeraldGentaFan

Visited Czapek at W&W and tried on the new 38.5mm. For my 17cm wrist I feel it is just a bit too small. I prefer the 40.5mm.






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Since you tried both watches, I've got to ask a tough question. Czapek Antarctique or Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto Blue.

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[GeraldGentaFan]

Originally Posted by Schweinwerfer

How did U like salmon Vs ice

I wasn’t very impressed by the ice blue in real and will cancel my order for it. Not exactly sure why because I like it on my platona, but here I feel that the dark blue, black, salmon and white dials just work better.

[GeraldGentaFan]

Originally Posted by eiesh

Since you tried both watches, I've got to ask a tough question. Czapek Antarctique or Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto Blue.

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Easy answer for me. LF sport auto. It is in a different league, but also more than 2x the price. The quality and finishing is much higher and the design language might be more controversial than Czapek, but I love it.

In all honesty, the quality of the bracelet with Czapek is an issue for me. It is far from what you expect on a 20k watch. I like the Czapek movement, but they need to fix the quality of bracelet and how the endlinks connect with the case. The dial quality was a bit hard to assess as they had some prototype watches whereby the quality of the dial wasn’t great: the Czapek name was not very well printed on the dial and I felt that the date opening was a bit rough. Not sure what final production quality is, but it reminds you this is still a very young company and not yet comparable to the likes of LF.

I do feel that Czapek is charging a very high price for what you get, and they get away with it because it is the only watch in this category you can actually order…

And they have a very nice CEO and team, that also helps sales as many people are tired of the arrogance with many of the other brands. But make no mistake: an Antarctique is not (yet?) at the quality level of a RO, Nautilus, Laureato or Overseas. If you expect that, you will be disappointed…

[CasinoRoyale_007]

Originally Posted by GeraldGentaFan

Easy answer for me. LF sport auto. It is in a different league, but also more than 2x the price. The quality and finishing is much higher and the design language might be more controversial than Czapek, but I love it.

In all honesty, the quality of the bracelet with Czapek is an issue for me. It is far from what you expect on a 20k watch. I like the Czapek movement, but they need to fix the quality of bracelet and how the endlinks connect with the case. The dial quality was a bit hard to assess as they had some prototype watches whereby the quality of the dial wasn’t great: the Czapek name was not very well printed on the dial and I felt that the date opening was a bit rough. Not sure what final production quality is, but it reminds you this is still a very young company and not yet comparable to the likes of LF.

I do feel that Czapek is charging a very high price for what you get, and they get away with it because it is the only watch in this category you can actually order…

And they have a very nice CEO and team, that also helps sales as many people are tired of the arrogance with many of the other brands. But make no mistake: an Antarctique is not (yet?) at the quality level of a RO, Nautilus, Laureato or Overseas. If you expect that, you will be disappointed…

Very much agree re: the LF and Czapek comparison…(although I love both)

[GeraldGentaFan]

For around CHF20k, the Moser Streamliner and the Tonda PF offer amazing quality and offer the best value in that segment in my opinion. But even those are nowadays not that easy to get…and Czapek is capturing all that excess demand in a very smart way.

[rag5178]

Interesting to get a harsher, more critical perspective. It seems like this thread has mostly been a love affair with the brand. I’m surprised you also put the Laureato in a class above the Antarctique though given the retail price disparity between the two.

[eiesh]

Originally Posted by GeraldGentaFan

Easy answer for me. LF sport auto. It is in a different league, but also more than 2x the price. The quality and finishing is much higher and the design language might be more controversial than Czapek, but I love it.



In all honesty, the quality of the bracelet with Czapek is an issue for me. It is far from what you expect on a 20k watch. I like the Czapek movement, but they need to fix the quality of bracelet and how the endlinks connect with the case. The dial quality was a bit hard to assess as they had some prototype watches whereby the quality of the dial wasn’t great: the Czapek name was not very well printed on the dial and I felt that the date opening was a bit rough. Not sure what final production quality is, but it reminds you this is still a very young company and not yet comparable to the likes of LF.



I do feel that Czapek is charging a very high price for what you get, and they get away with it because it is the only watch in this category you can actually order…



And they have a very nice CEO and team, that also helps sales as many people are tired of the arrogance with many of the other brands. But make no mistake: an Antarctique is not (yet?) at the quality level of a RO, Nautilus, Laureato or Overseas. If you expect that, you will be disappointed…

Thanks for the honest assessment

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[EdwardC]

Originally Posted by GeraldGentaFan

Easy answer for me. LF sport auto. It is in a different league, but also more than 2x the price. The quality and finishing is much higher and the design language might be more controversial than Czapek, but I love it.

In all honesty, the quality of the bracelet with Czapek is an issue for me. It is far from what you expect on a 20k watch. I like the Czapek movement, but they need to fix the quality of bracelet and how the endlinks connect with the case. The dial quality was a bit hard to assess as they had some prototype watches whereby the quality of the dial wasn’t great: the Czapek name was not very well printed on the dial and I felt that the date opening was a bit rough. Not sure what final production quality is, but it reminds you this is still a very young company and not yet comparable to the likes of LF.

I do feel that Czapek is charging a very high price for what you get, and they get away with it because it is the only watch in this category you can actually order…

And they have a very nice CEO and team, that also helps sales as many people are tired of the arrogance with many of the other brands. But make no mistake: an Antarctique is not (yet?) at the quality level of a RO, Nautilus, Laureato or Overseas. If you expect that, you will be disappointed…

I had the opportunity to try out a number of integrated bracelet watches at the same time and I agree with the assessment. I would even say the newly released Zenith Defy Skyline has a better bracelet than the Antarctique. The movement from Czapek is definitely more special, but the dial and bracelet finishing do raise some concern on the price they are charging. I think the best buy they have right now is the rattrapante - if you can a hold of it.

[Finly]

Originally Posted by EdwardC

I had the opportunity to try out a number of integrated bracelet watches at the same time and I agree with the assessment. I would even say the newly released Zenith Defy Skyline has a better bracelet than the Antarctique. The movement from Czapek is definitely more special, but the dial and bracelet finishing do raise some concern on the price they are charging. I think the best buy they have right now is the rattrapante - if you can a hold of it.

Wouldn't the Rattrapante have the same bracelet?

[EdwardC]

Originally Posted by Finly

Wouldn't the Rattrapante have the same bracelet?

It is. But for the movement and the whole package that's reasonably priced.

[mrclam]

Originally Posted by Finly

Wouldn't the Rattrapante have the same bracelet?

I would think so. The bracelet was a deal breaker for me personally. My understanding is that the quick release feature is what resulted in some of the play where the bracelets meets the lugs. I would have preferred a less elegant quick release and tight tolerances around the bracelet.

Fwiw I was offered a tonda pf same day with no prior relationship with an AD, and other ADs have said getting one would be a 1-3 month wait.

[GB-man]

I think it’s important for people to get into these pieces because they want a quality watch at an acceptable price and good service. Anyone buying a parmigiani or czapek or name your sports watch not from AP/PP/R and thinking they might be catching the next train is going to get the old WIS wake-up call. (That’s TRF for you just lost 5k)

There isn’t another Rolex. Patek is Patek. GP isn’t AP. There is no next FPJ.

Good news is that if you can afford to lose some money on a watch the choices are strong.

[rag5178]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I think it’s important for people to get into these pieces because they want a quality watch at an acceptable price and good service. Anyone buying a parmigiani or czapek or name your sports watch not from AP/PP/R and thinking they might be catching the next train is going to get the old WIS wake-up call. (That’s TRF for you just lost 5k)

There isn’t another Rolex. Patek is Patek. GP isn’t AP. There is no next FPJ.

Good news is that if you can afford to lose some money on a watch the choices are strong.

Interesting take considering the fact non Rolex/AP/PP brands including Czapek, PF, Moser, GP, Lange, Gronefeld, and VC have flagship watches selling for significantly over retail price. It’s not hypothetical that they will have models demanding a premium, it’s already happening. I think several of those brands are riding the coattails of AP/Rolex/PP but that doesn’t mean that demand for those watches is going to suddenly dry up or supply is suddenly going to explode.

I wholeheartedly agree though that people should ALWAYS buy a watch because they want a quality watch at an acceptable price and good service, but I also think the days of being afraid to buy from smaller brands due to depreciation may be coming to an end.

[AlyRba]

Originally Posted by rag5178

Interesting take considering the fact non Rolex/AP/PP brands including Czapek, PF, Moser, GP, Lange, Gronefeld, and VC have flagship watches selling for significantly over retail price. It’s not hypothetical that they will have models demanding a premium, it’s already happening. I think several of those brands are riding the coattails of AP/Rolex/PP but that doesn’t mean that demand for those watches is going to suddenly dry up or supply is suddenly going to explode.

I wholeheartedly agree though that people should ALWAYS buy a watch because they want a quality watch at an acceptable price and good service, but I also think the days of being afraid to buy from smaller brands due to depreciation may be coming to an end.

Agree. Czapek is now sold out for 20 months. You can’t get a Streamliner Green dial, apparently Moser ADs asking for a bundle Moser purchase, and even then there will be some wait. Gronefeld Principia cannot be had unless GF open orders again and even then, there will be queues.

All brands you mentioned have either collection(s) or few watches that require a bundle or 12-24 months wait. So pretty sure anyone getting a Czapek Antarctique 41.5mm glacier blue or salmon right now will be able to flip it for some profit it they don’t like it. Don’t see anyone losing money with Antarctique or any of the other desired watches from Lange, Moser, GF, and Czapek.

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by eiesh

Since you tried both watches, I've got to ask a tough question. Czapek Antarctique or Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto Blue.

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Originally Posted by GeraldGentaFan

Easy answer for me. LF sport auto. It is in a different league, but also more than 2x the price. The quality and finishing is much higher and the design language might be more controversial than Czapek, but I love it.

In all honesty, the quality of the bracelet with Czapek is an issue for me. It is far from what you expect on a 20k watch. I like the Czapek movement, but they need to fix the quality of bracelet and how the endlinks connect with the case. The dial quality was a bit hard to assess as they had some prototype watches whereby the quality of the dial wasn’t great: the Czapek name was not very well printed on the dial and I felt that the date opening was a bit rough. Not sure what final production quality is, but it reminds you this is still a very young company and not yet comparable to the likes of LF.

I do feel that Czapek is charging a very high price for what you get, and they get away with it because it is the only watch in this category you can actually order…

And they have a very nice CEO and team, that also helps sales as many people are tired of the arrogance with many of the other brands. But make no mistake: an Antarctique is not (yet?) at the quality level of a RO, Nautilus, Laureato or Overseas. If you expect that, you will be disappointed…

Spot on! I could not agree more about the comparison between the Czapek and Laurent Ferrier Sport (also having tried both on extensively). The Ferrier feels like a different kind of beast when you look at it and wear it. Every detail from the weight, to the finishing, to the fitment, to its unique design language is planned, subtle, and near flawless.

That said, I still find the Czapek a compelling watch in its own right. I grew up on vintage Rolex and Speedmasters, so the "loose jangle" on the Czapek bracelet/end links doesn't bother me. I don't find it to be a matter of quality as much as a design element - and it has a certain charm in my eyes. But I certainly take the point about the more sturdy feel of other integrated bracelets (i.e. Overseas, Streamliner, LF, etc.).

[Finly]

The GP Laureato literally 3x in price since August 2021 till now. I know because I bought a Laureato 42mm for $5.6k.

[mongrelnomoad]

I really don’t get the dumping on the bracelet. Don’t like it? Fair enough, but it is of exceptionally high quality, and if there is a lack of complicated bevelling, it is a clear design decision - sharp and angular - rather than a lack of craftsmanship. the flexibility and articulation means it is incredibly comfortable (not Oyster, but not far off) and after a year, it is holding up admirably.

I do agree that the gap at the end lug that renders a portion of the quick release system visible from some angles is an oversight. I don’t mind it - it clearly is what it is - though given the option I’d probably prefer they hide it better.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by rag5178

Interesting take considering the fact non Rolex/AP/PP brands including Czapek, PF, Moser, GP, Lange, Gronefeld, and VC have flagship watches selling for significantly over retail price. It’s not hypothetical that they will have models demanding a premium, it’s already happening. I think several of those brands are riding the coattails of AP/Rolex/PP but that doesn’t mean that demand for those watches is going to suddenly dry up or supply is suddenly going to explode.

I wholeheartedly agree though that people should ALWAYS buy a watch because they want a quality watch at an acceptable price and good service, but I also think the days of being afraid to buy from smaller brands due to depreciation may be coming to an end.

Gronefeld is a much smaller (and higher end) outfit and VC is a big three powerhouse. I would not group either of them with czapek or PF. I mean also PF really has nothing in common with czapek either when you consider they have opposing business models (Vertical integration vs sourcing/partnerships).

I stand by my theory that if you’re buying a czapek or Parmigiani thinking it’s going to be a the next 5711 you’re in for a treat.

I still choose to put my money on brands like this because it’s fun and actual customer service is nostalgic at this point lol

[Nicof]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Gronefeld is a much smaller (and higher end) outfit and VC is a big three powerhouse. I would not group either of them with czapek or PF. I mean also PF really has nothing in common with czapek either when you consider they have opposing business models (Vertical integration vs sourcing/partnerships).

I stand by my theory that if you’re buying a czapek or Parmigiani thinking it’s going to be a the next 5711 you’re in for a treat.

I still choose to put my money on brands like this because it’s fun and actual customer service is nostalgic at this point lol

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[rag5178]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Gronefeld is a much smaller (and higher end) outfit and VC is a big three powerhouse. I would not group either of them with czapek or PF. I mean also PF really has nothing in common with czapek either when you consider they have opposing business models (Vertical integration vs sourcing/partnerships).

I stand by my theory that if you’re buying a czapek or Parmigiani thinking it’s going to be a the next 5711 you’re in for a treat.

I still choose to put my money on brands like this because it’s fun and actual customer service is nostalgic at this point lol

You’re kind of moving the goalposts with this response. Your first post said if it’s not Rolex/AP/PP or FP Journe, be prepared to lose $5k and I’m merely pointing out that there are many brands with watches selling above retail on the secondary market.

We are both in agreement that you shouldn’t buy a watch for hype or for profit, but I’m of the opinion that you can feel rather safe in your purchase of an Antarctique or Streamliner of Tonda PF or Overseas etc whereas you warned people they may very well lose money on anything that isn’t Rolex/AP/PP or Journe.

Apologies if I missed the point of your first post as your response is quite different and I wouldn’t argue that the Czapek is most definitely not the next 5711.

[Patek_collector]

Pulled the trigger on 40.5mm antractique dark blue (i am already waiting for the glacier blue) as i felt the 38.5 salmon is small…

Delivery is Dec 2023!!!

I agree you dont buy those for resale value. I feel with the no access to PP/AP/overseas, this is one of the best sports options.


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[enjoythemusic]

Agreed, if you're buying only for 'resale value' then please move along to some other brand. Cancel your Czapek order ASAP. Stick with the outdated Old School Holy Trinity as that's without a doubt for you. Please visit your local AD for those brands :)

Please let us true enthusiasts enjoy and support the creativity of 'working together' with Czapek (plus MB&F and others). Timepieces created by Torsti Laine is certainly not for you either. Same with Kari, RR, etc. So please stay with the same old three brands you think / herd-mentality is the best. That's a great choice for you flippers for many years.

Flippers, please 'stay in your lane' and leave us true enthusiasts to enjoy the timepieces we desire, without the troubles caused by flippers for you 'resale value' oriented buyers. If you reserved a spot for a Czapek timepiece with the mind of flipping it, karma will one day....

There are, of course, enthusiasts such as myself who abandoned those old-school ways as there's so much to enjoy within the art and craft of horology as the years pass.

Please also avoid FPJ, as they are tracking flippers.

Am relying on the next big downturn to churn you flippers out, frankly, as we all know these things ebb and flow. Have already seen big downturns two or three times over the decades. YOU're just one stock market crash, one big war, one petro-dollar elimination away from 'losing'. When everyone like you is running for the exits (and you're stuck at work), it'll be too late for you. So give up now, let us enthusiasts have fun :)

For the true enthusiast who loves what Czapek is doing, welcome to the fun! The future looks bright for us... and this is just the beginning :)

[BrunoMalik]

Originally Posted by GeraldGentaFan

Easy answer for me. LF sport auto. It is in a different league, but also more than 2x the price. The quality and finishing is much higher and the design language might be more controversial than Czapek, but I love it.

In all honesty, the quality of the bracelet with Czapek is an issue for me. It is far from what you expect on a 20k watch. I like the Czapek movement, but they need to fix the quality of bracelet and how the endlinks connect with the case. The dial quality was a bit hard to assess as they had some prototype watches whereby the quality of the dial wasn’t great: the Czapek name was not very well printed on the dial and I felt that the date opening was a bit rough. Not sure what final production quality is, but it reminds you this is still a very young company and not yet comparable to the likes of LF.

I do feel that Czapek is charging a very high price for what you get, and they get away with it because it is the only watch in this category you can actually order…

And they have a very nice CEO and team, that also helps sales as many people are tired of the arrogance with many of the other brands. But make no mistake: an Antarctique is not (yet?) at the quality level of a RO, Nautilus, Laureato or Overseas. If you expect that, you will be disappointed…

As a long term Antarctique owner (1 year+), I have to agree with you regarding the loose connection between the bracelet and the case. I have flagged this to the team at Czapek and have received the following reply:

“Hi, the first berets connecting the bracelet and the case were ok but could be improved. We have reworked the concept and ordered new ones to Capsa. We should receive them any time now and they will be added to the new pieces delivered... And we will also send to every Antarctique owner or retailing partner the 2 new berets for each watch. This is a journey that we make together."

Regarding the rest of your comment, I wholeheartedly disagree. The finish on the bracelet on the outside and inside is on par with the big 3 and vastly superior to the lesser brands like GP. The integration of the links with each other and the brushing and polishing are very high quality.
The case is better designed than my RO 15500 and wears smaller and thinner despite similar specs.
The execution on the dial is spot on even under loop. There are no issues whatsoever with the date window opening. You likely just saw a rough prototype.
The movement speaks for itself and is best in class.

I have never tried the LF, but I have had a RO 15500 and I can say the Czapek feels just as much of a luxury watch as the AP and is even superior in certain areas such as movement, case design and overall wearability.
Perhaps you need more time with a production model for proper assessment. Would be interested to hear the experience from other long term Antarctique owners on TRF.


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[justcruisin]

This conversation so far has been very enlightening. Keep it up! I'm sure we'll get more opinions as people are delivered their pieces.

[sk00]

Do you know what they mean by "berets"? Wonder what this actually does and if it's free to existing owners.

Originally Posted by BrunoMalik

As a long term Antarctique owner (1 year+), I have to agree with you regarding the loose connection between the bracelet and the case. I have flagged this to the team at Czapek and have received the following reply:

“Hi, the first berets connecting the bracelet and the case were ok but could be improved. We have reworked the concept and ordered new ones to Capsa. We should receive them any time now and they will be added to the new pieces delivered... And we will also send to every Antarctique owner or retailing partner the 2 new berets for each watch. This is a journey that we make together."

Regarding the rest of your comment, I wholeheartedly disagree. The finish on the bracelet on the outside and inside is on par with the big 3 and vastly superior to the lesser brands like GP. The integration of the links with each other and the brushing and polishing are very high quality.
The case is better designed than my RO 15500 and wears smaller and thinner despite similar specs.
The execution on the dial is spot on even under loop. There are no issues whatsoever with the date window opening. You likely just saw a rough prototype.
The movement speaks for itself and is best in class.

I have never tried the LF, but I have had a RO 15500 and I can say the Czapek feels just as much of a luxury watch as the AP and is even superior in certain areas such as movement, case design and overall wearability.
Perhaps you need more time with a production model for proper assessment. Would be interested to hear the experience from other long term Antarctique owners on TRF.


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[enjoythemusic]

The email came... Monochrome is headed my way. <happy dance>

[dchang81]

Just curious when your build date was?