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Calibre analysis / Automatic winding

Czapek SXH5: seven bridges and a platinum micro-rotor

A rotor usually covers much of an automatic movement. In the SXH5, it is small and offset towards the edge, leaving seven openworked bridges and the wheel train visible. We examine the Antarctique family's calibre.

Published 1 October 20263 min read
SXH5 / Antarctique
Photo: © Czapek & Cie SA. Calibre SXH5 viewed from the bridge side · Image source

The essentials first

In one minute

Movement designationSXH5
WindingAutomatic; micro-rotor weight in 950 platinum
Regulating organFree-sprung balance; four gold inertia weights

Why it is interesting

The SXH5 invites a look through the back: its micro-rotor leaves bridges, wheels and hand finishing unobstructed. Yet there is no need to wind it every day, as the automatic system remains.

Things to consider

Open architecture is pleasing to the eye, but says nothing by itself about a particular watch's accuracy. CHF22 400 excluding VAT is the price of the named Antarctique S, rather than every version with an SXH5.

Czapek Genève · SXH5 / Antarctique

The movement in detail

Czapek introduced the SXH5 in May 2020. The brand developed the architecture itself, organising production with Swiss partners. Its most memorable feature is seven openworked bridges around a small offset rotor. This is a case back worth looking through.

SXH5 through an Antarctique prototype’s transparent caseback. Prototype is marked on the case; the photograph shows the movement’s architecture.Enlarge

SXH5 through an Antarctique prototype’s transparent caseback. Prototype is marked on the case; the photograph shows the movement’s architecture.

© Czapek & Cie SA / official publisher Czapek Americas Inc · Source

In the current version, the micro-rotor weight is made from recycled 950 platinum. The free-sprung balance has four gold regulating weights. A 4 Hz frequency combines with more than 60 hours of reserve from a single barrel. Beneath the unusual layout are thoroughly traditional mechanics.

The movement is 30 mm across and 4.2 mm high, with 193 components and 28 jewels. Internal bridge angles are finished by hand, a good reason to inspect the finishing. In the Antarctique S Passage de Drake Ice White, the SXH5 sits in a 38.5 mm case. The official catalogue lists that version at CHF22 400 excluding VAT.

Close-up of bridges, wheels and the SXH5-family micro-rotor. This manufacturer’s photograph shows the updated SXH5.01 specified on the source page.Enlarge

Close-up of bridges, wheels and the SXH5-family micro-rotor. This manufacturer’s photograph shows the updated SXH5.01 specified on the source page.

© Czapek & Cie SA · Source

Part of these reading routes

Unusual calibres ↗

Sources

Czapek — SXH5 construction, evolution and technical specificationswww.czapek.comCzapek — Antarctique S Passage de Drake Ice White: SXH5 application and pricewww.czapek.com