Introduction

Every so often, a watch comes along that reminds you just how playful, imaginative and culturally rich independent watchmaking can be. The Czapek & Cie Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. is exactly that kind of piece—a technical showcase wrapped in a philosophical tribute to Karel Čapek’s 1920 sci-fi play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots), the work that introduced the word “robot” into the global vocabulary.

Czapek has always had a knack for blending heritage with avant-garde thinking. But this watch—part mechanical art, part split-seconds chronograph, part commentary on humanity’s relationship with automation—feels like the brand at its most expressive.

And personally? This is one of those watches that made me smile as soon as I saw it. A serious complication wrapped in a not-so-serious spirit. A high-horology machine that dares to have fun.

First Impressions (Aesthetics and Dial)

Your eyes land immediately on the steely, open-worked dial, but not in the traditional skeletonised sense. Instead, the entire dial is rearranged into a set of overlapping metal plates—stylised, angular, almost industrial—loosely inspired by the mechanical aesthetic of early depictions of robots.

The dual chronograph wheels, placed prominently at 4 and 7 o’clock, are exposed and animated with every start and reset. The rattrapante mechanism is placed dial-side, turning each activation into a miniature theatre performance. That alone is addictive.

The colour palette is grey-blue, brushed steel and raw metal tones. It’s technical but not cold—helped by small characterful touches, like the engraved R.U.R. lettering and the “robotic” motifs subtly integrated throughout.

It’s bold. It’s architectural. It’s kinetic.
And unlike anything else in the luxury sports chronograph segment.

Case and Dimensions

The watch uses the now-iconic Antarctique case, with its elegant curves, faceted lugs and integrated bracelet. The dimensions:

• Diameter: 42.5 mm
• Thickness: approx. 15 mm
• Material: stainless steel

On paper, 42.5 mm might sound large—but Czapek’s case anatomy is deceptive. The strong downward angle of the lugs and the balanced distribution of the mass make it feel more like a modern 41 mm.

The wide bezel and open dial keep the proportions visually grounded. And the integrated bracelet gives it that unmistakable contemporary luxury presence.

Movement

The star of the show:

Calibre SXH6 — Dial-Side Rattrapante Chronograph

Developed with Chronode, this movement proudly displays much of its mechanical ballet on the front of the watch.

Key details:

• Split-seconds chronograph (rattrapante)
• Automatic winding
• 60-hour power reserve
• Column wheel architecture
• Visible clamp, wheels, levers and springs on the dial
• Micro-rotor positioned subtly for efficiency and balance

Having the complication exposed dial-side gives instant emotional engagement. You’re watching gears align, split, reconnect—like a real-time mechanical puzzle.

The movement finishing blends fine Swiss tradition with a slightly industrial aesthetic to match the R.U.R. theme—straight graining, polished bevels, circular brushing. Under the caseback, it’s pure Czapek elegance.

Wearability (On-Wrist Experience)

Despite its complexity, the watch wears comfortably thanks to:

• The ergonomic Antarctique case
• A well-balanced weight distribution
• A smooth, articulated steel bracelet
• Tapering links that hug the wrist

It’s not a small watch—but it isn’t meant to be. The presence feels deliberate, modern, athletic.

The pusher feel is crisp and satisfying, with the rattrapante button at 10 o’clock offering a tactile charm of its own.

This is a watch for someone who enjoys mechanical interaction, not just passive ownership.

Finish, Details and Touches

Independent watchmaking lives in the details, and this piece is rich in them:

• Robot-inspired visual cues integrated into the plates and dial layout
• Alternating brushed and polished finishing on the case and bracelet
• Laser-engraved thematic inscriptions
• Sharp internal angles and chamfers around the bridges
• The visible split-seconds clamp, which looks almost like a pair of robotic pincers
• The sub-dial layout—minimalist yet quirky—keeping the dial balanced

It’s technical, cinematic, and packed with personality.
A highly complicated watch that doesn’t take itself too seriously—a refreshing contrast in today’s hype-driven landscape.

Value, Rarity and Market Position

The Antarctique Rattrapante platform is already one of Czapek’s most coveted offerings—low-volume, waiting-list-driven, and highly respected within collector circles.

The R.U.R. edition is even more limited and significantly more playful than its predecessors. For collectors of independents, narrative-rich pieces tend to have long-term appeal—and this one definitely fits that profile.

Value Highlights:

• True split-seconds chronograph (a top-tier complication)
• Limited series
• Dial-side engineering showcase
• Strong collector demand for the Antarctique line
• Distinctive artistic and cultural theme

It sits firmly in high-horology territory but offers something different from its peers—more conceptual than a Patek, more contemporary than a Lange, and more light-hearted than a traditional chronograph.

Specification Chart

Conclusion (Our Verdict)

The Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. is one of those rare pieces that bridges artistry and engineering with equal confidence. It’s bold, expressive, philosophical, and mechanically captivating. A split-seconds chronograph with an attitude, a sense of humour, and a distinctly modern identity.

This is not a watch for someone seeking quiet minimalism. It’s for the collector who enjoys conversation pieces, kinetic dials, and the creativity of contemporary independent watchmaking.

In short?
A brilliant, playful piece of high horology—and one of Czapek’s most memorable creations to date.