The Robot-Themed Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R Edition

As its name suggests, the Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R is an evolution of the dial-side split-seconds chronograph presented in 2021. You might be wondering what lies behind the cryptic R.U.R acronym? Well, the word “robot” comes from the Czech “robota,” meaning “forced labour” or “serfdom,” and it was popularised by another famous Czech-born personality with a rather serendipitous name, writer Karel ?apek, in his 1920 play R.U.R (Rossum’s Universal Robots). Conceived from a shareholder’s vision to integrate a robot into the movement, the R.U.R edition signals the current state of the chronograph through the colour of the robot’s eye. The Antarctique Rattrapante was already a bold, technical evolution of the Czapek model. This new version comes with an additional, original twist. But there is more…

Just like the first iteration of the Antarctique Rattrapante, the engine of this new limited edition is the SXH6 calibre, developed in partnership with Chronode. While much of the movement’s architecture appears unchanged, some differences and upgrades distinguish this version. The SXH6 self-winding calibre is still distinguished by its dial-side split-seconds chronograph, showcasing its intricacies on the front rather than concealing them on the back, as is typically the case. This monopusher chronograph features a horizontal clutch and two column wheels: one dedicated to the rattrapante and the other to the chronograph – the latter now concealed beneath the robot head. Integrated into the movement, his eyes change colour with the chronograph’s functions: yellow when running, red when stopped, and blue when reset. The robot’s head, created by MD’Art, is a miniature work of art; it is cut, hand-polished and laser-engraved, and each of its eyes is micro-painted by hand using neon tones of the three colours.

A less visible upgrade at first sight (but an interesting one), the rattrapante mechanism now also uses an isolator, which involves quite a few other changes in the construction. Traditionally, in a split-second chronograph, a clamp stops the rattrapante hand, which creates drag in the gear train, thereby reducing the balance amplitude and, consequently, its accuracy. The idea behind an isolator (also seen, for example, in watches by Patek Philippe, Lange & Söhne, Breguet or Blancpain) is to disengage the rattrapante when it is stopped, allowing the chronograph seconds wheel to continue rotating without drag.

The SXH6 operates at 4Hz and has a power reserve of 60 hours. Its striking architecture is magnified by refined finishes. On the dial, mirror-polished and hand-bevelled parts contrast with the matte sandblasted mainplate. The peripheral grey sapphire chronograph seconds flange and the two sub-dials feature ‘XX’ symbols representing the robot’s language. Turning the watch over, the oscillating weight is made of 5N recycled rose gold. The matte bead-blasted bridges are outlined by hand-polished chamfers.

The case of the Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R retains the same specifications. With dimensions of 42.5mm x 15.3mm, its case is made of stainless steel. The pusher at 2 o’clock in the crown guard allows you to operate the start-stop-reset functions. The split-second function is actuated using the 10 o’clock pusher. Water-resistance is rated 120m.

The stylised C-shaped links of the tapering integrated steel bracelet are brightly polished, and the watch is equipped with Czapek’s quick-change and micro-adjustment systems. The watch is delivered with a spare rubber strap. Released in a limited edition of 77 pieces, the Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. retails for CHF 58,000 and is available for order starting September 5, 2025. For more details, please visit www.czapek.com.