Once, there were robots

After introducing the world's first fully skeletonized Rattrapante (Split Seconds) Chronograph, Czapek returns to the format with the striking new Rattrapante R.U.R – an openworked monopusher Split Seconds chronograph inspired by the work of another Czapek, Czech writer and playwright Karel Čapek who coined the word "robot" some 100 years prior with his novel R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) in 1920. Here, a robot adds a playful animation to the mechanics beneath the grey-metallised sapphire dial; as the chronograph function is activated, the robot’s eyes change color. Press start, the eyes turn yellow (recalling Shrike in the movie Mortal Engines). Stop: they turn red. And on reset they turn blue.

Ever since its launch in 2015, Czapek & Cie has relentlessly sought to maintain a delicate balance between high-end mechanics and refined aesthetics. The Antarctique Rattrapante, a split-second mono-pusher chronograph with a unique, dial-side mechanism, embodies these ideals, as the first split-second chronograph whose fascinating mechanism is visible from the dial side.

A split-second chronograph is, in fact, a quite complex mechanism, a grande complication, the pinnacle of mechanical creativity. The most noticeable element is the clamp, which will instantly immobilize one of the chrono wheels when the split-second pusher is activated. Meanwhile, the other chronograph hand must continue its time-counting undisturbed. When the clamp is released, the immobilized hand will “catch up“ (rattraper in French) to its companion. Each part must be manufactured to the highest specifications to ensure absolute precision.

A glance at the SHX6, Czapek’s proprietary calibre created in collaboration with Chronode, is a work of art from the mechanical and aesthetic standpoint. For one, the number and thickness of the main components had to be reduced to make sure the timepiece would keep its streamlined look and feel and fit well into the 42.5-millimeter case. The focus of the movement is the tripod bridge in the centre that holds down a patented satellite minute train and the patent-pending split-second mechanism just below. The two column wheels, one at the top (for the chronograph) and the bottom (for the split-second mechanism) divide the movement into two halves. The minute totalizer at four o’clock and the small seconds at seven o’clock serve as visual anchors to this high-flying, modern and dynamic timepiece, and maintain the link to the company’s spiritus rector, the great nineteenth-century watchmaker, François Czapek, who was using vertical symmetry as a visual guide.

Specifications

• Case: 42.5mm Stainless steel
• Caliber: SHX6 (Automatic)
• Movement: Split second chronograph with single pusher to start/stop/reset
• Dial: Fully skeletonized
• Caseback: Exhibition
• Water resistance: 120 meters (12 bar)
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Strap: Integrated stainless steel bracelet with quick-change system
• Limited to 77 pieces