Czapek

[Gebbeth]

Does anyone get strap anxiety, meaning that feeling of dread before you cut a rubber strap to size?

I'm repeating the mantra over and over again....."measure twice, cut once. measure twice, cut once".....but it's still not helping.

[enjoythemusic]

Yes, absolutely.

Leaving it what seems slightly big for a few hours... doing the final later is the only way (for me). My wrists grow and shrink so taking it slow helps.

[mongrelnomoad]

Just gone midnight, and if we're doing photos again, here's my Terre Adelie - still going strong, and remaining (by far) my most worn watch.

I need to go to sleep!

[magicman]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Yes, absolutely.

Leaving it what seems slightly big for a few hours... doing the final later is the only way (for me). My wrists grow and shrink so taking it slow helps.

That’s a great suggestion, and pretty much what I did. If you can, size them in the summer as I would have been quite a bit more nervous doing it in the winter for the first time.

I’m assuming that now that I know the Czapek straps, other straps can be cut to the same length with less risk.

If it helps, my rubber straps are a bit bigger than the bracelet for Czapek, because of the micro adjust. So if you’re about to cut the rubber strap smaller or even the same size as the bracelet, remeasure or rethink. The clasp is also slightly thicker on the rubber strap than the metal bracelet, so another reason it needs to be slightly longer.


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[Chiboy]

C'mon! This is like Russian Roulette, except with only $300. Live a little!

[magicman]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

C'mon! This is like Russian Roulette, except with only $300. Live a little!

$1000 actually. The price on the rubber straps is the only thing I don’t like about my Czapek.


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[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by magicman

$1000 actually. The price on the rubber straps is the only thing I don’t like about my Czapek.

Holy crap!

[Heinb]

The long wait is over. Got my Glacier blue on Tuesday. Loving it.

[Heinb]

Glacier blue on grey rubber

[usmc_k9_vet]

Originally Posted by Heinb

Glacier blue on grey rubber

Looks great. Congrats!


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[Heinb]

Thank you so much

[Bug04]

Beautiful! And nice combo glacier + grey rubber strap. Congrats!

[Bug04]

Eheh, you have to be surgical in cutting.
With such kind of adjustable strap solutions, in general but especially when the strap costs so much like in this case, is better to start loose and then fine tune with multiple cuts, rather then going direct to a single cut, which if wrong is irreversible.

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

Does anyone get strap anxiety, meaning that feeling of dread before you cut a rubber strap to size?

I'm repeating the mantra over and over again....."measure twice, cut once. measure twice, cut once".....but it's still not helping.

[Heinb]

Originally Posted by Bug04

Beautiful! And nice combo glacier + grey rubber strap. Congrats!

Thank you. Appreciate

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by magicman

I’m assuming that now that I know the Czapek straps, other straps can be cut to the same length with less risk.

Yes, it gets easier for future straps once you know the lengths of the first strap. As always, carefully measure twice and cut once.

[gm58]

Originally Posted by magicman

That’s a great suggestion, and pretty much what I did. If you can, size them in the summer as I would have been quite a bit more nervous doing it in the winter for the first time.

I’m assuming that now that I know the Czapek straps, other straps can be cut to the same length with less risk.

If it helps, my rubber straps are a bit bigger than the bracelet for Czapek, because of the micro adjust. So if you’re about to cut the rubber strap smaller or even the same size as the bracelet, remeasure or rethink. The clasp is also slightly thicker on the rubber strap than the metal bracelet, so another reason it needs to be slightly longer.


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interesting! I think my rubber sizing is actually shorter than the bracelet. I prefer to wear it tighter in general since I dont like it being loose whilst being indoors in air con, feel like there is a bit too much wriggle room. Maybe in the future there is also some kind of micro-adjust for the rubber too (for hot/cold weather)! the rubber is super comfortable I have to say but the pricing is a bit steep cuz it comes with the connectors and clasp

[Gebbeth]

Finally.

[Gebbeth]

Apologies for the bad photos, but I'm so glad I finally got my Antarctique. Thanks to Mike and the team at Czapek. There are obviously some growing pains with their direct purchase business, but it's to be expected. I am going to assume the kinks will be ironed out as time goes on. Really interested in some other models as well, but need time with this one on the wrist to make a judgment on that.

I will have more detailed observations in a later post (the good and bad thus far).

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

Finally.

That's really pretty!

[Gebbeth]

So early opinions:

POSITIVES

1. The watch is beautiful. It is aesthetically the most beautiful watch I own, which I know, doesn't mean anything to anyone else. However, I own Rolexes, ALS, GSs, Omegas, IWC, GO, and the Antarctique is beautiful. The pale blue of the dial, the indices, the facets of the case flanks, the bracelet design, and movement (modern design elements with attention to detail in the finishing)....it's a killer combination.

2. The bracelet is a beautiful design. The C style motif, the rather severe but smooth taper, how it flows into the case is very well done. I also like how it's thin and not bulky. I know this is not to everyone's liking, but the thinness is a plus for me. It aids in the sophistication of what is otherwise a sports watch. This makes the overall package very versatile. It's both dressy and sporty, so really a one-watch collection worthy watch.

3. The movement, in addition to being a beautiful movement, albeit in a way completely opposite from, let's say, my ALS, has been spot on in accuracy. Literally it has been 0 spd out of the box. This has not been the case with other watches I have purchased. Some I have had to immediately return to the AD for re-adjustment, sometimes taking months to get it back, only for it to return still not at its peak accuracy. So for this watch to be so accurate to date is so refreshing.

4. The micro-adjust is a welcome addition. It's very similar to how Vacheron does it on the Overseas in that it's an extension via the links on either side of the clasp. Where this one is superior to the VC is that you have to press two buttons on either side to activate the extensions. This makes it much more secure. It pulls out only when you want it to. I have heard that on the Overseas, sometimes the extensions pull out themselves as they are held in place by friction. The Czapek system is more secure.

5. Overall, the watch wears almost like it's made of Ti instead of SS. It's that light. It feels almost like a different alloy of SS.

6. Size-wise, it actually wears smaller than one would expect a 40mm watch, in a tonneau-like shape, with an integrated bracelet design, should wear. I have a 7.25 inch wrist, and it just wears, or at least appears to wear from my vantage point, smaller than I had expected.

NEGATIVES


1. The negatives are few for now, but they mostly focus on the bracelet/strap and system. As nice and thin as the bracelet is, and as beautiful as the C motif is, I think Czapek could take one step further in bracelet finishing. I understand that the sharpness of the links might have been what Czapek was going after, I still think all the facets of the links should have been chamfered a bit more. The edges are too sharp and too abrupt in my opinion.

Yes, that would create some issues as to how the bracelet matches with the design of the case, but I think some kind of aesthetic solution could be found. Perhaps a brushed chamfer might have worked. The interiors of the links could have used a polished chamfer at least for those who chose the polished/brushed link option (they rounded the inside parts of the links, but outside polished chamfering would have been nice), but in any case, I thought a little more refinement could have been done.

2. As good as the micro-adjust feature is, I think either 1/2 links should have been offered to really dial-in the fit, or have one intermediate step for each side of the micro-adjust. 1/2 links would really be nice.

3. The system that attaches the strap and bracelet to the case needs more refinement. What I mean is that when locked into place, both the bracelet, but especially the strap, has a lot of play or movement. I don't know if this is intentional, but I prefer a tighter integration between the bracelet/strap and the case. BTW, the play occurs at the top of the first "C" which is where the hook is located and which attaches to the bar on the case.

The locking mechanism makes sure the bracelet and strap do not fall off, but it feels loose.

This is a relatively minor thing. The looseness does make it easier for the bracelet to conform around the wrist. Those with wider wrists won't even notice as the bracelet will flare out, and the play will be minimal. That's how it feels on my wrist by the way.

4. Czapek should offer a calf-skin or leather strap option too, like VC does with the Overseas.

5. The clasp for the rubber strap does not have a micro-adjust. Since this type of strap requires it to be cut to size, once cut, there is no ability to fine-tune or adjust the size (i.e., like an Omega-style strap/deployant combination). I think a micro-adjust on the clasp would provide some leeway on where to cut your strap. This is a peace-of-mind kinda thing too as a mistake is a $1000 mistake.

6. The links are held in place by a hybrid screw/pin system. The screws just make sure the pins to not slip out. It's kind of a cap on top of the pin. I would have preferred an entire screw as the screw cap is tiny and would be hard to find if you dropped it. The system works, but it's kind of the worse of both worlds....a screw that might back out, and a pin system that requires you to push out the pin (need a tool for that).

I understand that watchmakers like Patek switched to pins and sleeves on the 5711/5811 because, according to them, if you have a thin bracelet, the type of screws you would need would be prone to stripping or would be so small as to lead to a greater chance of scratching the screw heads and/or bracelet. Not sure if that is true, but if it is, Czapek using screw caps on top of the pins, wouldn't exactly avoid that issue.

As I wear the watch on both bracelet and strap, I'll see if any more positives or negatives spring up.

[enjoythemusic]

#4 is offered

[Gebbeth]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

#4 is offered

Offered, but not included, as in the VC Overseas.

[Gebbeth]

The other thing I forgot to mention is that the movement, which is also a trait of my IWC BP, when setting the time, has that second hand that which moves backward when reversing the minute hand. In other words, if you need to move the hands counterclockwise, the second hand moves backward suddenly like 10 seconds before straightening out again. There is also a lot of play or slack in the movement, meaning you have to turn the crown a bit before the hands start moving.

Doesn't affect the timekeeping, but I always found that a bit disconcerting.

[Heinb]

On point 2. I got my watch last week, and it came with 3 extra links of different sizes.(hidden away in the little drawers in the display box)

[Heinb]

At the bottom of the box. Left and right are little drawers.

[magicman]

Originally Posted by Heinb

At the bottom of the box. Left and right are little drawers.

Neat! This is awesome. Mine did not automatically come with these and I had to request it separately, but it arrived quickly when I asked for it. I think it's great if these are included so that everyone can get the perfect fit.

It also looks like there are three sizes of links? I've seen the standard link and the 1.3x link. The third one looks smaller than the standard link?

[Heinb]

I will have to measure and come back to you.
It looked to me like a standard link but I will make sure 👍🏻

[Heinb]

Apologies. I read your post again.
Yes. One is smaller than the standard link.

[gm58]

Originally Posted by Heinb

At the bottom of the box. Left and right are little drawers.

very cool! I was literally thinking if there was a half link, it would be perfect as I am currently using 1 side of the extension to get a good-ish fit. Need to check if my box came with these links

[gm58]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

So early opinions:

POSITIVES

1. The watch is beautiful. It is aesthetically the most beautiful watch I own, which I know, doesn't mean anything to anyone else. However, I own Rolexes, ALS, GSs, Omegas, IWC, GO, and the Antarctique is beautiful. The pale blue of the dial, the indices, the facets of the case flanks, the bracelet design, and movement (modern design elements with attention to detail in the finishing)....it's a killer combination.

2. The bracelet is a beautiful design. The C style motif, the rather severe but smooth taper, how it flows into the case is very well done. I also like how it's thin and not bulky. I know this is not to everyone's liking, but the thinness is a plus for me. It aids in the sophistication of what is otherwise a sports watch. This makes the overall package very versatile. It's both dressy and sporty, so really a one-watch collection worthy watch.

3. The movement, in addition to being a beautiful movement, albeit in a way completely opposite from, let's say, my ALS, has been spot on in accuracy. Literally it has been 0 spd out of the box. This has not been the case with other watches I have purchased. Some I have had to immediately return to the AD for re-adjustment, sometimes taking months to get it back, only for it to return still not at its peak accuracy. So for this watch to be so accurate to date is so refreshing.

4. The micro-adjust is a welcome addition. It's very similar to how Vacheron does it on the Overseas in that it's an extension via the links on either side of the clasp. Where this one is superior to the VC is that you have to press two buttons on either side to activate the extensions. This makes it much more secure. It pulls out only when you want it to. I have heard that on the Overseas, sometimes the extensions pull out themselves as they are held in place by friction. The Czapek system is more secure.

5. Overall, the watch wears almost like it's made of Ti instead of SS. It's that light. It feels almost like a different alloy of SS.

6. Size-wise, it actually wears smaller than one would expect a 40mm watch, in a tonneau-like shape, with an integrated bracelet design, should wear. I have a 7.25 inch wrist, and it just wears, or at least appears to wear from my vantage point, smaller than I had expected.

NEGATIVES


1. The negatives are few for now, but they mostly focus on the bracelet/strap and system. As nice and thin as the bracelet is, and as beautiful as the C motif is, I think Czapek could take one step further in bracelet finishing. I understand that the sharpness of the links might have been what Czapek was going after, I still think all the facets of the links should have been chamfered a bit more. The edges are too sharp and too abrupt in my opinion.

Yes, that would create some issues as to how the bracelet matches with the design of the case, but I think some kind of aesthetic solution could be found. Perhaps a brushed chamfer might have worked. The interiors of the links could have used a polished chamfer at least for those who chose the polished/brushed link option (they rounded the inside parts of the links, but outside polished chamfering would have been nice), but in any case, I thought a little more refinement could have been done.

2. As good as the micro-adjust feature is, I think either 1/2 links should have been offered to really dial-in the fit, or have one intermediate step for each side of the micro-adjust. 1/2 links would really be nice.

3. The system that attaches the strap and bracelet to the case needs more refinement. What I mean is that when locked into place, both the bracelet, but especially the strap, has a lot of play or movement. I don't know if this is intentional, but I prefer a tighter integration between the bracelet/strap and the case. BTW, the play occurs at the top of the first "C" which is where the hook is located and which attaches to the bar on the case.

The locking mechanism makes sure the bracelet and strap do not fall off, but it feels loose.

This is a relatively minor thing. The looseness does make it easier for the bracelet to conform around the wrist. Those with wider wrists won't even notice as the bracelet will flare out, and the play will be minimal. That's how it feels on my wrist by the way.

4. Czapek should offer a calf-skin or leather strap option too, like VC does with the Overseas.

5. The clasp for the rubber strap does not have a micro-adjust. Since this type of strap requires it to be cut to size, once cut, there is no ability to fine-tune or adjust the size (i.e., like an Omega-style strap/deployant combination). I think a micro-adjust on the clasp would provide some leeway on where to cut your strap. This is a peace-of-mind kinda thing too as a mistake is a $1000 mistake.

6. The links are held in place by a hybrid screw/pin system. The screws just make sure the pins to not slip out. It's kind of a cap on top of the pin. I would have preferred an entire screw as the screw cap is tiny and would be hard to find if you dropped it. The system works, but it's kind of the worse of both worlds....a screw that might back out, and a pin system that requires you to push out the pin (need a tool for that).

I understand that watchmakers like Patek switched to pins and sleeves on the 5711/5811 because, according to them, if you have a thin bracelet, the type of screws you would need would be prone to stripping or would be so small as to lead to a greater chance of scratching the screw heads and/or bracelet. Not sure if that is true, but if it is, Czapek using screw caps on top of the pins, wouldn't exactly avoid that issue.

As I wear the watch on both bracelet and strap, I'll see if any more positives or negatives spring up.

Thanks for the detailed feedback, definitely spot on especially on having a micro adjust for the rubber option as well as the strap connectors being a bit loose (it feels like they are knocking against the case as well perhaps due to my smallish wrist).