The Antarctique GMT Milano Edition

The new limited edition Antarctique showcases Czapek’s relentless pursuit of superior watchmaking, combined with GMT Milano's reputation as a trailblazer in the Italian luxury watch scene. The watch features a classic 40.5mm stainless steel case, but its most striking element is the dial—a true work of art. Designed by Czapek's longtime partner, Swiss dial maker Metalem, the dial flaunts a unique grainy matte texture, achieved through intricate stamping at the center and a circular satin finish around the minute track. Both textures are accentuated with 4N gold plating, applied through a precise galvanic treatment.

The use of 4N gold, a hallmark of GMT Milano's limited editions, gives the dial a luxurious hue that evokes champagne—though, in a nod to Italian culture, the color is likened to Franciacorta, Italy's renowned sparkling wine. This design choice goes beyond aesthetics, serving as a symbolic representation of GMT Milano's deep connection to its heritage.

At the heart of this special edition lies Czapek's in-house automatic movement, the SXH5 caliber. This sophisticated mechanism boasts a micro-rotor architecture, offering a clear view of the movement through the sapphire case back. With a power reserve of up to 60 hours and meticulous finishing throughout, the movement is as much a visual delight as it is a technical marvel.

Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek & Cie, expressed the importance of this collaboration: “We are particularly proud of this partnership with GMT Milano, as it holds special personal significance for me. Having lived and worked in Italy for a renowned luxury menswear maison, I have a deep appreciation for Italian design and taste. This partnership represents a shared mission between two independent entities committed to promoting haute horlogerie."

Roquemaurel also highlighted the connection between Czapek’s vision and GMT's heritage as a family-owned business: “At Czapek, our shareholders are like family. Our brand was crowdfunded, and we now have over 200 shareholders, many of whom are private individuals and watch aficionados. We are thrilled to count on the GMT Milano team as both partners and members of our 'rare people' family.”

For GMT Milano, this collaboration with Czapek is a natural evolution of their shared passion for independent watchmaking. Jacopo Corvo, who runs GMT alongside his brother Mattia, noted, “We have been at the forefront of high-end independent watchmaking for 20 years. This niche has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship."

Jacopo further emphasized the significance of 4N gold in GMT Milano's identity. "The 4N gold has been a constant in all our limited editions, and in this piece, we removed the date complication to allow the dial’s grainy matte texture and gold hue to shine. This collaboration is a testament to the lasting bond between Swiss precision and Italian elegance.”

Unveiled during the first edition of the Milano Watch Week at the iconic Terrazza Martini, this limited edition embodies the shared values of style, innovation, and craftsmanship that Milan represents. The city, known globally as a hub for fashion and design, was the ideal backdrop for the introduction of this exclusive timepiece. The 30 pieces will be available only at GMT Great Masters of Time.