Credits: Article and images by Joshua Munchow @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/09/24/czapek-cie-antarctique-frozen-star-s-featuring-a-scintillating-and-ultra-rare-osmium-dial-reprise/
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In my research, I found a company that sells crystallized osmium mainly as an investment commodity like gold and platinum, and it commonly comes in thin, sparkly shapes cut with wire EDM as well as round disks just like the dial of the Frozen Star S.
A disk around 30 mm in diameter with a 0.5 mm thickness (similar to the dial of this watch) can run anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 depending on the roughness of the crystal formation, not including post-processing to cut a center hole and attach dial feet. That makes the dial of this watch alone worth more than the regular edition of the Antarctique S as a whole.
Automatic micro rotor movement visible through the display back of the Czapek & Cie. Antarctique Frozen Star S (photo courtesy Alex Teuscher)
So you can see that the dial is by near default a stunning, sparkling, premium addition to an already awesome watch. Czapek’s automatic Caliber SXH5 powering this watch is more than enough horological eye candy for most people with individual bridges for half of the gear train, all skeletonized, with a recycled platinum micro rotor to keep everything ticking. With a 60-hour power reserve you can easily let the watch have the weekend off after it becomes your daily wear piece since it is so stunning and functional.
Since the osmium dial can be both dramatically flamboyant (in the right light) and beguilingly subdued, the Antarctique Frozen Star S can play multiple roles in your collection. While I would want it to stand out, some may prefer the sparkly monochromatic look that adds just a dash of premium feel that a snow-set diamond dial could never compare to.
Czapek & Cie. Antarctique Frozen Star S (photo courtesy Alex Teuscher)
Details like this are what set Czapek apart many times. I’m not sure what can follow up a watch with the rarest precious metal known in the universe so far, but knowing Czapek CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel’s passion for his brand, it will certainly be worth waiting for. I even have some ideas that I’d love to see come from the brand; the potential is obviously only our imagination and, I guess, the limits of chemistry and physics!
Since osmium is the densest and least compressible precious metal, I’ll do my best to break this down!
*Wowza Factor * 9.95 Learning about osmium is almost as amazing as seeing that dial!
*Late Night Lust Appeal * 99.5 » 975.762m/s2 Getting lost in the sparkly crevices of the osmium crystals is enough to keep you up until dawn!
*M.G.R. * 67.4 I love a great micro rotor movement, especially one that appreciates architecture as much as this one!
*Added-Functionitis * N/A With this dial there is no need to have anything to distract you from gazing upon that incredible crystalline dream. Skip the Gotta-HAVE-That cream and just try to find hidden images in the dial like you would the clouds!
*Ouch Outline * 11.4 A cracked tooth! Not everyone is blessed with amazing teeth that last their entire lives, and I’ve had my fair share of dental mishaps. Pain in the mouth is no fun day, but I’d spend hours in the dentist’s chair of anguish if it meant getting this watch on my wrist!
*Mermaid Moment * It’s made of what?! Osmium is a wondrous material not just for its properties but also for its beauty, and seeing this watch was enough to call a caterer and start planning a reception!
*Awesome Total * 875.1 First start with the density of osmium in g/cc (22.6) and multiply by the diameter of the case in millimeters (38.5), before adding the caliber number (5) for an awesome total that is exceedingly rare!
For more information, please visit czapek.com/product/frozen_star_s.
Quick Facts Czapek & Cie Antarctique Frozen Star S
Case: 38.5 x 10.6 mm, stainless steel
Movement: automatic Caliber SXH5, 60-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph/4Hz frequency
Functions: hours, minutes
Limitation: 38 pieces
Price: CHF 76,000
* This article was first published 03 September 2022 at Czapek & Cie Antarctique Frozen Star S: Featuring A Scintillating (And Ultra-Rare) Osmium Dial
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Credits: Article and images by Joshua Munchow @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/09/24/czapek-cie-antarctique-frozen-star-s-featuring-a-scintillating-and-ultra-rare-osmium-dial-reprise/
