The Russian watch manufactory “Konstantin Chaykin” is taking part in the Masters of Horology expo being held in Geneva from March 27th to April 2nd, 2023. For the second straight year, the Academy of Independent Watchmakers (Académie Horlogers des Créateurs Indépendants) is bringing together over 25 outstanding watchmakers from every corner of the globe to showcase their creations to the public. The Konstantin Chaykin watch brand will be presenting new pieces from its 2023 line there: the Minions Titanium and the Smilodon watch.
Minions Titanium
The new model Minions Titanium from the cult Wristmons collection will be on display for the first time at the Masters of Horology exhibition in Geneva. It is a relaunch of one of Chaykin's most popular models in a 40 mm titanium case. The limited edition series consists of 99 pieces.
The first Minions, a watch with a face-like dial based upon the legendary cartoon character, were introduced in 2021 to immediate acclaim. The success of this model led Konstantin Chaykin to the idea of releasing a new version. Minions Titanium retains the character's most recognizable and eye-catching features, such as a banana-yellow dial, a mouth (moonphase indicator) with cute little teeth, and goggles that serve as scales, covering both the hour and minute indicators with sapphire lenses.
The new watch features a durable, lightweight, and scratch-resistant titanium case, with its dark gray color contrasting effectively with the tone of the dial. Changes to the "frames of the glasses" may also be noticed. Directional grinding has been used instead of sandblasting. The self-winding rotor has been darkened by the use of electroplating with ruthenium to match the tone of the metal with the color of the case. You can peer on the self-winding rotor, viewing an engraved image and logo of the "Minions" via the transparent caseback.
Smilodon
The presentation of the Smilodon watch took place in February 2023, and it will be on display for the first time in March at the international exhibition in Geneva. When fleshing out the design Konstantin Chaykin turned to the image of saber-toothed tigers or smilodons for inspiration. The trademark smile of the Joker watch has been replaced by a fanged mouth that simultaneously performs two functions, indicating both the days of the week, as well as the day/night.
When night falls, the movable lower jaw closes, cloaking a stylized image of a petroglyph in the form of an extinct animal – from the ranks of those once hunted by smilodons. Konstantin Chaykin encoded the names of the days of the week in these petroglyphs. By morning, the symbol changes, with the jaw dropping and revealing a new petroglyph, meaning the day has arrived. These functions are ensured by one of the most complex dials in the Wristmon collection. It consists of 32 parts with movable nodes.
The image of the smilodon is complemented by a 42 mm bronze case with upper lugs resembling the ears of an animal, as well as four types of embossed guilloché decor, creating the effect of fur glistening in the sun.
The watches will be released in a limited edition series of 8 pieces.