Independent Russian Watchmaker Challenges Industry with Ultra-Thin Timepiece
In a domain traditionally dominated by European luxury brands, Moscow-based watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin has shaken the world of horology with his innovative ThinKing prototype. Unveiled at the Geneva Watch Days fair in Switzerland, this mechanical marvel is a mere 1.65 millimeters thick, potentially making it the thinnest mechanical wristwatch ever created.
For years, the title of the world's thinnest watch had been passed between major luxury brands like Bulgari, Piaget, and Richard Mille. As of April, Bulgari's 1.7-millimeter Octo Finissimo Ultra Mark II held the crown. However, Chaykin's ThinKing edges ahead of these challengers, redetermining the limits of watchmaking and engineering.
While ultra-thin, the ThinKing prototype is also incredibly light, weighing only 13.3 grams (0.47 ounces) without its strap. This exceptional thinness is achieved through breakthrough innovations, such as the integrated winding mechanism within the watch barrel and a "double balance" wheel, which reduces the number of movement layers and allows for unprecedented slimness without sacrificing functionality.
Available in stainless steel and tungsten carbide, the ThinKing is not only ultra-slim but also boasts remarkable strength and rigidity. Its distinct hour and minute display, inspired by Chaykin's Wristmons collection, features dials covered by sapphire crystals measuring just 0.35 millimeters thick.
Although still a prototype, the ThinKing has already garnered significant attention. Chaykin is optimistic about its capabilities, stating that it offers a 32-hour power reserve and accurate timekeeping. However, its final performance in terms of accuracy and durability has yet to be independently tested.
Ultra-slim watches have been a subject of fierce competition in the watchmaking world. Piaget's 2-millimeter Altiplano Ultimate Concept in 2018 sparked a race to break the record. Richard Mille's 1.75-millimeter RM UP-01 Ferrari followed, before being replaced by Bulgari's Octo Finissimo Ultra Mark II. However, Chaykin’s ThinKing stands out as an exception to the luxury brand rivalry, as Chaykin is an independent watchmaker and a member of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants. His work combines artistry with innovation, with patents for his ultra-thin winding barrel, double balance wheel, and a special strap with titanium supports and elastic inserts designed to protect the watch from everyday wear and tear.
At the Geneva fair, visitors were invited to touch and test the ThinKing, a bold move by Chaykin to present a prototype in such a public forum. The final version of the ThinKing will be presented at the Watches & Wonders trade show in Geneva next April, where it will feature improved accuracy, a longer power reserve, and enhanced durability.
The ThinKing is a testament to Chaykin’s ingenuity and the rising influence of independent watchmakers in a field long dominated by industry giants. While the retail price of the ThinKing remains unknown, its revolutionary design has already made an indelible mark on the world of horology, proving that innovation can emerge from unexpected corners of the industry.
