Reflecting Time: Czapek & Cie’s tribute to 70 years of Sincere Fine Watches

At the heart of the Antarctique S Mirrored Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition lies a mirrored silicon wafer dial—Czapek & Cie’s first. This unique dial was born from a desire to craft something truly reflective, both literally and symbolically. The design process wasn’t straightforward; most dial makers turned down the challenge.

However, one embraced the ambitious vision, working with experts in microelectronic mechanical systems to create a dial with a perfect mirrored finish using PVD platinum coating. 

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The dial’s shimmering surface is created from a single silicon wafer, a material typically reserved for the world of microelectronics. Polished to a flawless sheen and coated in platinum,  de Roquemaurel explains how the dial is a testament to adapting techniques from other industries into watchmaking. “We really take elements and innovations from other industries and turn them into beauty inside watchmaking.”

The result is a dial that “feels strange—you don’t see the dial but also don’t see through it. It’s as if grabbing the time that you cannot grab, a reflection about the time that passes.” This visual paradox serves as a metaphor for the elusive nature of time—always present yet impossible to grasp.

The watch is powered by Czapek & Cie’s in-house Calibre SXH5, which debuted with the Antarctique line in 2020. Its architecture reflects the brand’s innovative spirit, featuring seven skeletonised bridges inspired by 19th-century pocket watch calibres. De Roquemaurel’s brief for the movement design was simple yet provocative: “Horological eroticism.” 

The result is a movement that celebrates the art of watchmaking, with wheels elegantly arranged around the perimeter and bridges redesigned in a modern, angular style. It features a free-sprung balance and a micro-rotor made from recycled 950 platinum. The finishes showcase a dramatic interplay of contrasts, with hand-bevelled angles alongside state-of-the-art laser engraving.

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For de Roquemaurel, the Antarctique S Mirrored Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition honours the art of watchmaking, the joy of friendship, and the innovative spirit that drives both companies.

He notes how the collaboration also stands as a reminder of the advantages of being independent: “The advantage is freedom, that’s what independence gives you. We make every decision based on the fact that this decision will give us more freedom than before.”

While resources may be limited, Czapek & Cie’s ability to remain agile and creative has been instrumental in crafting such unique pieces.

As younger collectors enter the market, Czapek & Cie’s appeal lies in its ability to balance modernity with a touch of history. “We make a link with the past to look at the future,” de Roquemaurel remarks, highlighting the importance of maintaining a sense of continuity while always seeking new possibilities.

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