Russian time. Krusenstern
Dedicated to the first Russian round-the-world expedition
The “Russia Time. Krusenstern” watch was made by Konstantin Chaykin as a unique piece in 2016, on the 210th anniversary of the first round-the-world expedition in the history of Russia, accomplished by a ship of the Russian fleet under the command of Ivan Fyodorovich Krusenstern. This watch features an especially modified movement taken from the original “Russia Time” model, in which Konstantin Chaykin’s invention of an all-Russia time with dual time zone indicator showing Russia’s eleven time zones is supplemented by a classic world-time indicator found on the case back.
СASE BACK
The world time indicator on the case back is synchronised with Chaykin’s all-Russia dual time zone indicator. The construction looks mysterious, as at first glance it appears the two indicators are not connected at all. The sapphire disk allows the world time mechanism to be completely visible.
Konstantin Chaykin is the recognised master of the “mysterious” watch, but he reveals the secret of this construction: “We placed a sapphire disk in the back of the movement, an idea just like in the “Levitas” watch. Via a pinion meshed with teeth around its edge, the rotation is transmitted through the movement from the upper disk of the time zone indicator, which is found on the opposite side of the dial.
PRODUCTION
There is something special about watching the clock build. This is not just a mechanical process, but a real art, where the painstaking work of the master is combined with the precision of engineering thought. Assembling a watch is something that can fascinate, inspire, and give a sense of wonder.
MOVEMENT
The calibre K.01-7 WT of the “Russia Time. Krusenstern” watch was developed by Konstantin Chaykin. The movement, which is equipped with an all-Russia time indication with world time indicator on the case back, was made entirely at the Konstantin Chaykin manufactory and based on a three-quarter plate construction. The calibre is made to the standards of haute horlogerie, using classical techniques in the finishing of its components: striped and perlage; fine longitudinal, radial and circular grindings; manual chamfering, polishing; polished screw holes, pins and jewels; spherical polishing of the axel tips; engraving; and galvanized rhodium and gilded plating. Distinctive features of the movement are the gold branded regulator (a device developed by Konstantin Chaykin to fine tune the effective length of the spring).
Caliber:К01-7 with hand winding by Konstantin Chaykin manufacture
Power reserve: 48 hours
Accuracy: +/- 40 seconds per day
CASE
The case and dial of the watch are exquisitely decorated by hand. The case, made of 18-carat rose gold, is artistically engraved and embossed along the lateral edge, with each side of the crown featuring carefully detailed images of the sloops-of-war “Neva” and “Nadezhda”, the two ships on which Russian sailors set out to circumnavigate the globe. On the opposite lateral edge from the crown a world map showing the expedition route has been engraved. The dial is also engraved, with a map of Russia painted in hot enamel – all eleven time zones are marked in colour on a schematic, yet still detailed, map.
Case dimensions: Diameter 44 mm, thickness 13.5 mm
PHOTO GALLERY
