Exotic Inside Out: The Czapek & Cie. x Collective Antarctique P.04 “Lanikai”

The automatic winding gear train, comprising of reversers and reduction wheels run on ball- bearings, significantly reducing friction and resistance, thereby improving efficiency. A micro- rotor that is made from platinum also helps provide ample inertia. The view of the wheels is satisfyingly dense due to the additional gearing used to achieve central seconds. Beyond that, the movement is also impressively decorated. The base plate of the watch has an anthracite grey coating and a frosted finish. The frosted bridges are designed with a raised lip that is brushed on the top surface and bevelled, with a polished edge. A striking detail is the open- worked finger bridge for the third wheel, which has been entirely black-polished on its surface with polished, bevelled edges. While both rounded as well as outward angles can be achieved using a grinding wheel, sharp inward angles can only be executed by hand, making it a rare sight in mass-produced movements. The said bridge for the third wheel has not one but a total of six interior angles, making it particularly exceptional for a sports watch of its price range.

In all, the Antarctique P.04 “Lanikai” is a beautiful and exotic execution of an already incredibly compelling watch, leaving little room for anything but desire.

Czapek & Cie. x Collective Horology Antarctique P.04 “Lanikai”

Movement: SXH5; automatic; 60 hours power reserve; 4 Hz or 28,800vph Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Case: 40.5 x 10.6 mm; stainless steel; water resistant to 50 m
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with additional calf rubber strap
Availability: Limited edition of 50 pieces; exclusively at collectivehorology.com
Price: US$26,500