When we last checked in on Czapek, they had just introduced the Antarctique Rattrapante at Geneva Watch Days, and were enjoying perhaps the highest wave of enthusiasm the still relatively young brand has seen. That watch was a genuine hit, and a true crowd pleaser, selling out if its limited run almost as soon as it had been unveiled. For the brand?s latest release, they?ve returned to the Antarctique platform, but in a somewhat more modest and traditional execution than the rather ambitious exposed rattrapante we saw last year. The new watches are part of the Antarctique Passage de Drake collection, and like every Antarctique represent a compelling alternative to the hyped up integrated bracelet sports watches of the moment (not that these will be any easier to get). 
We?ll start with the dials. This release debuts Glacier Blue and Salmon colorways to the collection, with the Salmon being a limited edition of 99 pieces. The dial?s prominent design feature is Czapek?s ?Stairway to Heaven? pattern, a series of trapezoids that appear to be running diagonally across the dial?s surface. It?s important to note that these dials are not executed using a guilloche technique, but have stamped (they?re manufactured by Metalem, a Swiss dial maker generally held in very high esteem). According to Czapek, the salmon color is created using a galvanic treatment, while the blue tone is created using a PVD treatment. 

The case is stainless steel and measures 40.5mm in dia...