Rather than using traditional numbers, Czapek opted to double down on futurism with its own X-based language inspired by the “Yautja: alphabet from the Predator movies. (The letter “X” was chosen as a base for the language in honor of Czapek CEO, Xavier de Roquemaurel). Now, if you’ll allow me to press my glasses up on the bridge of my nose for a moment, I have to point out that the Predator is an alien, not a robot, but the language looks cool here, nevertheless.
While the movement and robot-adorned dial are the clear stars here, it’s still worth mentioning that both are housed in the excellent case and bracelet of the Antarctique — the flagship integrated sports watch that put modern Czapek on the map. In this iteration, the case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, with the former measuring 42.5mm across and the latter featuring both a micro-adjustment clasp and a quick-release system.
Pricing and availability
Unsurprisingly, Czapek is not making very many examples of the Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. — this movement and those little robot heads are a lot of work to produce. The brand is limiting production to just 77 examples, with all watches ready to ship and orders opening on September 5.
The watch is priced at 58,000 CHF, which, as of this writing, roughly converts to $77,000 in American greenbacks. I kind of can’t believe I’m saying this, but that price is not bad (I know, I know). For the level of craftsmanship on display here with the movement and the intricate robot head mechanism — which I know required a ton of R&D to pull off — I honestly expected the R.U.R. to be a lot more expensive. Hell, when you consider your fun-per-dollar rate, it’s practically a steal.