Czapek

[Heinb]

Can anybody tell me the distance between the 2 “lugs”, or springbar opening on thé Antarctique 40.5 mm model.

Thanks in advance

[Loosetoe]

Originally Posted by Heinb

Can anybody tell me the distance between the 2 “lugs”, or springbar opening on thé Antarctique 40.5 mm model.

Thanks in advance

19mm inside the lugs
27mm outside of the case at the end


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[magicman]

Originally Posted by Heinb

Can anybody tell me the distance between the 2 “lugs”, or springbar opening on thé Antarctique 40.5 mm model.

Thanks in advance

Is the goal to remove the springbar and use your own strap? I have wondered if that is possible.

[Bearxj86]

Is it green or is it blue? :)




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[usmc_k9_vet]

Originally Posted by Bearxj86

Is it green or is it blue? :)




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’d say it’s green, but whatever it is it’s beautiful. As is the Journe. Wow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Heinb]

Originally Posted by Loosetoe

19mm inside the lugs
27mm outside of the case at the end


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[Heinb]

Originally Posted by magicman

Is the goal to remove the springbar and use your own strap? I have wondered if that is possible.

Yes it is, but as I understand it the new spring bar is not “removable”. So it doesn’t sound like its an option.
In September I will get my Antarctique and I will be able to confirm this.

[Gebbeth]

Has anyone experienced delays in their delivery? I placed my order directly with Czapek in Feb of 2022 with a stated case up in May of 2023.

Then I was told of a delay until end of June. We are now in August, and no further updates.

I've reached out to Czapek in early July, and I have still haven't gotten an answer. Apparently, everyone is on vacation.....for 3 weeks.

Anyone else have similar issues?

[dchang81]

i ordered directly from czapek. there were multiple delays, ended up canceling. they were apologetic at first, then it was just shoulder shrugs. nice watch but there are plenty of nice watches

[Gebbeth]

Originally Posted by dchang81

i ordered directly from czapek. there were multiple delays, ended up canceling. they were apologetic at first, then it was just shoulder shrugs. nice watch but there are plenty of nice watches

This is not encouraging. I've defended the brand, but I didn't expect this. I hope they are not dropping the ball on customer service.

I understand that there can be delays, but lack of communication, or worse yet, the blow off, is really really disconcerting.

[enjoythemusic]

August is traditionally a vacation month for Europeans. Seems to me they get far more vacation time than Americans. With that said, it's normal to expect nothing to happen until Sept.

[PT_91]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

August is traditionally a vacation month for Europeans. Seems to me they get far more vacation time than Americans. With that said, it's normal to expect nothing to happen until Sept.

FAR more. E.g. Switzerland is at least 4 weeks (20 days) by law, a lot of people have 5 or more.

That being said, it should be made sure that companies are still running, usually meaning that the entire team doesn't go on vacation during the same time.

If you sell watches in the 20k+ range, I think you have to stick to your promises or at least have really good explanations why you don't...especially when you take on a whole lot of new orders at the same time (which I know will be fulfilled after the previous orders).

[Gebbeth]

I get the vacation thing. No one is saying employees can't take long periods off.

BUT, Czapek isn't 2-man operation either. Someone must be minding the store. If not, there should be, especially considering the level of watch they claim to be making and the audience they are targeting.

[mikemargolis]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

Has anyone experienced delays in their delivery? I placed my order directly with Czapek in Feb of 2022 with a stated case up in May of 2023.

Then I was told of a delay until end of June. We are now in August, and no further updates.

I've reached out to Czapek in early July, and I have still haven't gotten an answer. Apparently, everyone is on vacation.....for 3 weeks.

Anyone else have similar issues?

I am checking James, there is nobody at the factory, so it might take a little time. But I am working on it.

[charger_vital]

My Czapek has been a comedy of errors...

After receiving the much anticipated package (on the same day I was heading out for vacation), I took the unopened box with me to the airport lounge for the "opening" of my new limited edition Antarctique. The watch was beautiful! Only problem was that it was the wrong size. I had been sent the standard 38mm instead of the limited edition 41mm.

Not a huge problem; the dealer (who is a great guy and who handled it perfectly) was super apologetic about the mishap and was quick to resolve the mixup. We swapped watches (not the boxes) a few days later. The box that I have (the one that comes with the 38mm), however, is not the same as the one that comes with the 41mm. Not the end of the world, but you know how these things are: if I were to sell it in 20 years or if I were to show off to my hot shot watch collector buddies, someone would no doubt question why I have the "incorrect" box with the set. Which is lightly annoying.

I also noticed that the bracelet tool that comes with the box must be missing a piece because it does not work... there is just a hole at the end of the pointer where there should be, I assume, some kind of screwdriver piece. Nothing that can't be easily fixed. Just another small annoyance.

Until... I notice the bracelet link screws keep coming loose when I wear it. And in case you aren't familiar with the pin mechanism on the Antarctiques, they are not pins that screw in; they are pins that slide in and then are held in place by these "micro cap" pieces that screw into the case, so they are a pain to work with. Anyway, I tighten them... and they come loose again. Tighten; three or four days of wearing and they come loose again. Now one of the micro caps on the link closest to the case has now fallen off. I guess I can just get a replacement part and some loc tight to resolve the issue... But what a pain.

In the meantime a bigger problem arises: The micro adjust on the clasp is already worn out. That is, the micro adjust on the clasp wont stay locked in the closed position and keeps sliding to the open position anytime I put it on... it only takes me putting in on my wrist to stretch it apart; it's so loose that I barely need to put any pressure on it at all. So that link also needs to be replaced (and hopefully it's just the piece and not a design flaw).

I would normally just stop complaining and put the watch on my rubber strap while they fix the problems with the bracelet. Except I'm still waiting on the rubber strap delivery since they could not provide it at the time they delivered the watch due to supply problems. No updates on when that might be delivered.

To pile on further: Even if I had the rubber strap, I would not be able to tell the time because the watch is running 1.5 - 2 HOURS FAST per day! So the watch itself needs to be sent in for repair/adjustment. Bear in mind, I've had the watch all of 2 months.

What's next?

With all of that in mind, I love the look and feel of the watch. It is eye catching and clearly a cut above many watches in its cohort in terms of comfort, wrist presence, originality, and design. Equally, I admire the people and the story behind the watch. And I believe all of these issues can be resolved (once they get back from vacation of course) ...

But taking delivery of a watch that was wrong to start with; and then getting the "right" watch that is missing parts, has a bracelet that is falling apart, and can't even tell time properly, does not live up to the standard that Czapek should expect from itself. Those things should be nailed down at a $1K price point, let alone at $24K.

I'm tempted to cut my losses, get it fixed under the factory warranty, and then get rid of it for something else. I hate to do that because it's such a cool watch that I waited so long for with great anticipation. I also hate to do it because I believe in the people behind Czapek so I want to support the brand with as much patience as it needs, especially as a startup (which is the world I live in) ... but right now all these very minor problems, when taken together, feel like a big problem and I'm sour on the experience.

What do you think: Should I sell it, give it another chance, request to exchange it for another watch entirely, do something more creative? I dunno... just bummed on this.

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

My Czapek has been a comedy of errors...

After receiving the much anticipated package (on the same day I was heading out for vacation), I took the unopened box with me to the airport lounge for the "opening" of my new limited edition Antarctique. The watch was beautiful! Only problem was that it was the wrong size. I had been sent the standard 38mm instead of the limited edition 41mm.

Not a huge problem; the dealer (who is a great guy and who handled it perfectly) was super apologetic about the mishap and was quick to resolve the mixup. We swapped watches (not the boxes) a few days later. The box that I have (the one that comes with the 38mm), however, is not the same as the one that comes with the 41mm. Not the end of the world, but you know how these things are: if I were to sell it in 20 years or if I were to show off to my hot shot watch collector buddies, someone would no doubt question why I have the "incorrect" box with the set. Which is lightly annoying.

I also noticed that the bracelet tool that comes with the box must be missing a piece because it does not work... there is just a hole at the end of the pointer where there should be, I assume, some kind of screwdriver piece. Nothing that can't be easily fixed. Just another small annoyance.

Until... I notice the bracelet link screws keep coming loose when I wear it. And in case you aren't familiar with the pin mechanism on the Antarctiques, they are not pins that screw in; they are pins that slide in and then are held in place by these "micro cap" pieces that screw into the case, so they are a pain to work with. Anyway, I tighten them... and they come loose again. Tighten; three or four days of wearing and they come loose again. Now one of the micro caps on the link closest to the case has now fallen off. I guess I can just get a replacement part and some loc tight to resolve the issue... But what a pain.

In the meantime a bigger problem arises: The micro adjust on the clasp is already worn out. That is, the micro adjust on the clasp wont stay locked in the closed position and keeps sliding to the open position anytime I put it on... it only takes me putting in on my wrist to stretch it apart; it's so loose that I barely need to put any pressure on it at all. So that link also needs to be replaced (and hopefully it's just the piece and not a design flaw).

I would normally just stop complaining and put the watch on my rubber strap while they fix the problems with the bracelet. Except I'm still waiting on the rubber strap delivery since they could not provide it at the time they delivered the watch due to supply problems. No updates on when that might be delivered.

To pile on further: Even if I had the rubber strap, I would not be able to tell the time because the watch is running 1.5 - 2 HOURS FAST per day! So the watch itself needs to be sent in for repair/adjustment. Bear in mind, I've had the watch all of 2 months.

What's next?

With all of that in mind, I love the look and feel of the watch. It is eye catching and clearly a cut above many watches in its cohort in terms of comfort, wrist presence, originality, and design. Equally, I admire the people and the story behind the watch. And I believe all of these issues can be resolved (once they get back from vacation of course) ...

But taking delivery of a watch that was wrong to start with; and then getting the "right" watch that is missing parts, has a bracelet that is falling apart, and can't even tell time properly, does not live up to the standard that Czapek should expect from itself. Those things should be nailed down at a $1K price point, let alone at $24K.

I'm tempted to cut my losses, get it fixed under the factory warranty, and then get rid of it for something else. I hate to do that because it's such a cool watch that I waited so long for with great anticipation. I also hate to do it because I believe in the people behind Czapek so I want to support the brand with as much patience as it needs, especially as a startup (which is the world I live in) ... but right now all these very minor problems, when taken together, feel like a big problem and I'm sour on the experience.

What do you think: Should I sell it, give it another chance, request to exchange it for another watch entirely, do something more creative? I dunno... just bummed on this.

Yikes, that's a lot of issues that take away the enjoyment of wearing the watch. I don't own one but have followed this thread since seeing one at a dealer. Your issues seem way more significant than others have experienced, so I imagine a replacement watch would be just fine. I'd push for that.

[bondibeach]

get a replacement watch full set new from factory of course for the fully experience. Can't imagine Czapek delivering such a bad experience, maybe someone had your watch in between.

[PhilLynott]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

My Czapek has been a comedy of errors...

After receiving the much anticipated package (on the same day I was heading out for vacation), I took the unopened box with me to the airport lounge for the "opening" of my new limited edition Antarctique. The watch was beautiful! Only problem was that it was the wrong size. I had been sent the standard 38mm instead of the limited edition 41mm.

Not a huge problem; the dealer (who is a great guy and who handled it perfectly) was super apologetic about the mishap and was quick to resolve the mixup. We swapped watches (not the boxes) a few days later. The box that I have (the one that comes with the 38mm), however, is not the same as the one that comes with the 41mm. Not the end of the world, but you know how these things are: if I were to sell it in 20 years or if I were to show off to my hot shot watch collector buddies, someone would no doubt question why I have the "incorrect" box with the set. Which is lightly annoying.

I also noticed that the bracelet tool that comes with the box must be missing a piece because it does not work... there is just a hole at the end of the pointer where there should be, I assume, some kind of screwdriver piece. Nothing that can't be easily fixed. Just another small annoyance.

Until... I notice the bracelet link screws keep coming loose when I wear it. And in case you aren't familiar with the pin mechanism on the Antarctiques, they are not pins that screw in; they are pins that slide in and then are held in place by these "micro cap" pieces that screw into the case, so they are a pain to work with. Anyway, I tighten them... and they come loose again. Tighten; three or four days of wearing and they come loose again. Now one of the micro caps on the link closest to the case has now fallen off. I guess I can just get a replacement part and some loc tight to resolve the issue... But what a pain.

In the meantime a bigger problem arises: The micro adjust on the clasp is already worn out. That is, the micro adjust on the clasp wont stay locked in the closed position and keeps sliding to the open position anytime I put it on... it only takes me putting in on my wrist to stretch it apart; it's so loose that I barely need to put any pressure on it at all. So that link also needs to be replaced (and hopefully it's just the piece and not a design flaw).

I would normally just stop complaining and put the watch on my rubber strap while they fix the problems with the bracelet. Except I'm still waiting on the rubber strap delivery since they could not provide it at the time they delivered the watch due to supply problems. No updates on when that might be delivered.

To pile on further: Even if I had the rubber strap, I would not be able to tell the time because the watch is running 1.5 - 2 HOURS FAST per day! So the watch itself needs to be sent in for repair/adjustment. Bear in mind, I've had the watch all of 2 months.

What's next?

With all of that in mind, I love the look and feel of the watch. It is eye catching and clearly a cut above many watches in its cohort in terms of comfort, wrist presence, originality, and design. Equally, I admire the people and the story behind the watch. And I believe all of these issues can be resolved (once they get back from vacation of course) ...

But taking delivery of a watch that was wrong to start with; and then getting the "right" watch that is missing parts, has a bracelet that is falling apart, and can't even tell time properly, does not live up to the standard that Czapek should expect from itself. Those things should be nailed down at a $1K price point, let alone at $24K.

I'm tempted to cut my losses, get it fixed under the factory warranty, and then get rid of it for something else. I hate to do that because it's such a cool watch that I waited so long for with great anticipation. I also hate to do it because I believe in the people behind Czapek so I want to support the brand with as much patience as it needs, especially as a startup (which is the world I live in) ... but right now all these very minor problems, when taken together, feel like a big problem and I'm sour on the experience.

What do you think: Should I sell it, give it another chance, request to exchange it for another watch entirely, do something more creative? I dunno... just bummed on this.

Not even close to how many issues you've had but a somewhat relatable situation with my Parmigiani. Received it and it right away noticed it was running like 2-3 minutes slow. No big deal it's under warranty I sent it in will have to wait a bit to enjoy. Get it back 3-4 months later and open up the box give it a wind and nothing. Watch is dead now. Send it back in for another repair. Get it back 3-4 months later. Everything is ticking away and looking good this time! 2 hours into the day I notice a giant circular scratch from 10:00 all the way around to 5:00 I didn't notice it originally because it curved the same shape as the bezel and it took the light hitting it a certain way to see but here it is:



So after everything I finally was able to wear it a little under a year after buying it and it kinda turned me off to it and it's sat in it's box ever since and I'm probably going to move it on. I still love the brand however and they were great every step of the way and mistakes happen it just soured me on this specific "cursed" watch. So I get your feelings about your Czapek entirely.

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by PhilLynott

So after everything I finally was able to wear it a little under a year after buying it and it kinda turned me off to it and it's sat in it's box ever since and I'm probably going to move it on. I still love the brand however and they were great every step of the way and mistakes happen it just soured me on this specific "cursed" watch. So I get your feelings about your Czapek entirely.

Yeah that's a bummer. Great looking watch and a great brand.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

My Czapek has been a comedy of errors...

After receiving the much anticipated package (on the same day I was heading out for vacation), I took the unopened box with me to the airport lounge for the "opening" of my new limited edition Antarctique. The watch was beautiful! Only problem was that it was the wrong size. I had been sent the standard 38mm instead of the limited edition 41mm.

Not a huge problem; the dealer (who is a great guy and who handled it perfectly) was super apologetic about the mishap and was quick to resolve the mixup. We swapped watches (not the boxes) a few days later. The box that I have (the one that comes with the 38mm), however, is not the same as the one that comes with the 41mm. Not the end of the world, but you know how these things are: if I were to sell it in 20 years or if I were to show off to my hot shot watch collector buddies, someone would no doubt question why I have the "incorrect" box with the set. Which is lightly annoying.

I also noticed that the bracelet tool that comes with the box must be missing a piece because it does not work... there is just a hole at the end of the pointer where there should be, I assume, some kind of screwdriver piece. Nothing that can't be easily fixed. Just another small annoyance.

Until... I notice the bracelet link screws keep coming loose when I wear it. And in case you aren't familiar with the pin mechanism on the Antarctiques, they are not pins that screw in; they are pins that slide in and then are held in place by these "micro cap" pieces that screw into the case, so they are a pain to work with. Anyway, I tighten them... and they come loose again. Tighten; three or four days of wearing and they come loose again. Now one of the micro caps on the link closest to the case has now fallen off. I guess I can just get a replacement part and some loc tight to resolve the issue... But what a pain.

In the meantime a bigger problem arises: The micro adjust on the clasp is already worn out. That is, the micro adjust on the clasp wont stay locked in the closed position and keeps sliding to the open position anytime I put it on... it only takes me putting in on my wrist to stretch it apart; it's so loose that I barely need to put any pressure on it at all. So that link also needs to be replaced (and hopefully it's just the piece and not a design flaw).

I would normally just stop complaining and put the watch on my rubber strap while they fix the problems with the bracelet. Except I'm still waiting on the rubber strap delivery since they could not provide it at the time they delivered the watch due to supply problems. No updates on when that might be delivered.

To pile on further: Even if I had the rubber strap, I would not be able to tell the time because the watch is running 1.5 - 2 HOURS FAST per day! So the watch itself needs to be sent in for repair/adjustment. Bear in mind, I've had the watch all of 2 months.

What's next?

With all of that in mind, I love the look and feel of the watch. It is eye catching and clearly a cut above many watches in its cohort in terms of comfort, wrist presence, originality, and design. Equally, I admire the people and the story behind the watch. And I believe all of these issues can be resolved (once they get back from vacation of course) ...

But taking delivery of a watch that was wrong to start with; and then getting the "right" watch that is missing parts, has a bracelet that is falling apart, and can't even tell time properly, does not live up to the standard that Czapek should expect from itself. Those things should be nailed down at a $1K price point, let alone at $24K.

I'm tempted to cut my losses, get it fixed under the factory warranty, and then get rid of it for something else. I hate to do that because it's such a cool watch that I waited so long for with great anticipation. I also hate to do it because I believe in the people behind Czapek so I want to support the brand with as much patience as it needs, especially as a startup (which is the world I live in) ... but right now all these very minor problems, when taken together, feel like a big problem and I'm sour on the experience.

What do you think: Should I sell it, give it another chance, request to exchange it for another watch entirely, do something more creative? I dunno... just bummed on this.

Rough. Return would be awesome but I doubt that’s on the table?

You’ll definitely take an L moving it on. We’ve all been there unfortunately.

[Gebbeth]

Originally Posted by mikemargolis

I am checking James, there is nobody at the factory, so it might take a little time. But I am working on it.

Mike:

I would have appreciated it if you reached out to me promptly via my email inquiries instead of me having to go on here to ask if others have been treated similarly for Czapek to finally come with a response.

While I understand the vagaries of national holiday practice and schedules, I still find it hard to believe that there is literally no one at the factory or at corporate that can answer a paying customer inquiry for 3 weeks and counting. Not a single person?

And it's not like I've asked frequently. I've waited for 1 year and 6 months, and really only started asking after the original case-up date came and went, and then the second stated case-up date also came and went.

Prior to this recent exchange, Czapek had been very forthcoming and responsive, but I don't know why there has been a lack of communication since then. Given the other post I saw, I am not the only one that has experienced a lack of openness it seems.

I hope this is not a sign of things to come.

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Rough. Return would be awesome but I doubt that’s on the table?

You’ll definitely take an L moving it on. We’ve all been there unfortunately.

I haven't asked about a return. The thing is, I like the watch... I wouldn't really want to return it but for this series of unfortunate events. I'm leaning toward asking Czapek just to simply fix the issues so I can enjoy the watch, but that's probably an emotional and inexperienced response... so I'm vetting it here to get good advice from you guys who have had a similar experience.

[mikemargolis]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

Mike:

I would have appreciated it if you reached out to me promptly via my email inquiries instead of me having to go on here to ask if others have been treated similarly for Czapek to finally come with a response.

I did reply on Thursday July 27th within 23 minutes (despite my being on vacation) and told you that "all of Switzerland is on holiday... We should hear back the week after next."

which is the week of August 7th. So I have no reply yet, because

literally the entire company is closed. Everybody. No skeleton crew, nobody is not on holiday.

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by mikemargolis

\No skeleton crew, nobody is not on holiday.

I assumed no skeleton crew just meant they were not making this:

(Sorry, I thought this could use a little levity)

[Gebbeth]

Originally Posted by mikemargolis

I did reply on Thursday July 27th within 23 minutes (despite my being on vacation) and told you that "all of Switzerland is on holiday... We should hear back the week after next."

which is the week of August 7th. So I have no reply yet, because

literally the entire company is closed. Everybody. No skeleton crew, nobody is not on holiday.

Wrong Mike:

On July 20th, you wrote: "Sorry, Emma's on vacation, let me try to get a reply by tomorrow."


You did not respond back until I had to reach out to you again on July 27th. That's when you replied back to me that day with the holiday remark.

So that is why I am referring to when you said you would respond back and didn't until a week later after I had to reach out to you again.

So, let's get the facts straight.

Regardless, when you are prepared to put the equivalent of a downpayment on a car for a watch, I would expect a little more responsiveness after a long, long wait for a watch.

[Gebbeth]

And while we're at it, I reached out to Emma on July 11th, and didn't get a response until after I pinged you both on the 20th.

Please, I get it that you are all on vacation, but please don't make it sound like I haven't been really really really patient through this whole process, which began on Feb 25, 2022 when I put my deposit down.

[golfer_john]

So the watch had a stated lead time of 15 months that is now just over 17 months. The fact is they are a small company struggling with growing pains. Their partial direct to the consumer model might need rethinking given the communication breakdown you’re experiencing. In hindsight, buying from an AD might have added value to the process for you. Hope you get the piece soon.

[mikemargolis]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

Wrong Mike:

On July 20th, you wrote: "Sorry, Emma's on vacation, let me try to get a reply by tomorrow."

Yes, I emailed Emma, and promptly crossed it off my to-do list, as I forwarded it to the only person who was capable of answering at the time.

We are trying to keep up with the requests and emails.

I apologize that the ball was dropped during my vacation.

I got the CEO involved in this today, and we will push as hard as we can to get your watch out asap. No date promises until the team is back in the office, but it shouldn't be too much longer.

[Lukla]

Drama continues. I am sorry to hear these problems from high-end luxury product. I've been wondering lately that there is over hype in independents as there are so many popped up in the last 3-4 years. They may be great watchmakers but they don't make watches from start to finish (with some exceptions that makes 10 or so watches a year) and someone not as skilled maybe performing final finish and assembly. Being a new company (like a startup), their customer service may not be suitably staffed either.

Having said that, I still think independent watches are pretty cool and gets my attention over Rolexes.

[Bug04]

I would say, don’t sell it. Write a comprehensive mail to Czapek, describing all the issues and request to receive back a fully functioning watch + coherent box/booklets. Either repaired or fresh, it’s Czapek choice, for you it should be neutral (in the end, in your hands you should have a new and fully functioning salmon 40.5).
Best and more effective time to write would be after summer break. Czapek seems overloaded but responsive, and they cannot leave such situation unsolved.

Originally Posted by charger_vital

My Czapek has been a comedy of errors...

After receiving the much anticipated package (on the same day I was heading out for vacation), I took the unopened box with me to the airport lounge for the "opening" of my new limited edition Antarctique. The watch was beautiful! Only problem was that it was the wrong size. I had been sent the standard 38mm instead of the limited edition 41mm.

Not a huge problem; the dealer (who is a great guy and who handled it perfectly) was super apologetic about the mishap and was quick to resolve the mixup. We swapped watches (not the boxes) a few days later. The box that I have (the one that comes with the 38mm), however, is not the same as the one that comes with the 41mm. Not the end of the world, but you know how these things are: if I were to sell it in 20 years or if I were to show off to my hot shot watch collector buddies, someone would no doubt question why I have the "incorrect" box with the set. Which is lightly annoying.

I also noticed that the bracelet tool that comes with the box must be missing a piece because it does not work... there is just a hole at the end of the pointer where there should be, I assume, some kind of screwdriver piece. Nothing that can't be easily fixed. Just another small annoyance.

Until... I notice the bracelet link screws keep coming loose when I wear it. And in case you aren't familiar with the pin mechanism on the Antarctiques, they are not pins that screw in; they are pins that slide in and then are held in place by these "micro cap" pieces that screw into the case, so they are a pain to work with. Anyway, I tighten them... and they come loose again. Tighten; three or four days of wearing and they come loose again. Now one of the micro caps on the link closest to the case has now fallen off. I guess I can just get a replacement part and some loc tight to resolve the issue... But what a pain.

In the meantime a bigger problem arises: The micro adjust on the clasp is already worn out. That is, the micro adjust on the clasp wont stay locked in the closed position and keeps sliding to the open position anytime I put it on... it only takes me putting in on my wrist to stretch it apart; it's so loose that I barely need to put any pressure on it at all. So that link also needs to be replaced (and hopefully it's just the piece and not a design flaw).

I would normally just stop complaining and put the watch on my rubber strap while they fix the problems with the bracelet. Except I'm still waiting on the rubber strap delivery since they could not provide it at the time they delivered the watch due to supply problems. No updates on when that might be delivered.

To pile on further: Even if I had the rubber strap, I would not be able to tell the time because the watch is running 1.5 - 2 HOURS FAST per day! So the watch itself needs to be sent in for repair/adjustment. Bear in mind, I've had the watch all of 2 months.

What's next?

With all of that in mind, I love the look and feel of the watch. It is eye catching and clearly a cut above many watches in its cohort in terms of comfort, wrist presence, originality, and design. Equally, I admire the people and the story behind the watch. And I believe all of these issues can be resolved (once they get back from vacation of course) ...

But taking delivery of a watch that was wrong to start with; and then getting the "right" watch that is missing parts, has a bracelet that is falling apart, and can't even tell time properly, does not live up to the standard that Czapek should expect from itself. Those things should be nailed down at a $1K price point, let alone at $24K.

I'm tempted to cut my losses, get it fixed under the factory warranty, and then get rid of it for something else. I hate to do that because it's such a cool watch that I waited so long for with great anticipation. I also hate to do it because I believe in the people behind Czapek so I want to support the brand with as much patience as it needs, especially as a startup (which is the world I live in) ... but right now all these very minor problems, when taken together, feel like a big problem and I'm sour on the experience.

What do you think: Should I sell it, give it another chance, request to exchange it for another watch entirely, do something more creative? I dunno... just bummed on this.