Konstantin Chaykin is high horology meets horological imagination — a mad scientist of watchmaking who builds laughing skulls, cosmic calendars, and monster-mouthed
complications, all with in-house movements and deep technical chops.
If you want something that turns heads and turns the moon phase into art, Chaykin is your guy.
Based in Moscow, Konstantin Chaykin is one of the only independent haute horology brands out of Russia, and the only Russian watchmaker admitted to the prestigious
AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants).
He launched his eponymous brand in 2003, but really gained global attention in the 2010s with the release of the Joker — a mechanical watch with an animated “face” that used
the eyes for hours and minutes, and the mouth for moonphase. What started as a novelty quickly became a collector phenomenon.
But make no mistake — behind the whimsical designs is a deep technical foundation. Chaykin has built tourbillons, Orthodox Easter calendar complications, 27-jewel
cosmic clocks, and a slew of one-off pieces that push watchmaking in wildly original directions.
Chaykin watches aren’t just fun — they’re technically brilliant, with real mechanical innovation under every smile.
Fan-favorite models include:
Most models are limited to 20–100 pieces, with a few unique pieces auctioned or commissioned. Dials are often made in-house, as are cases, hands, and movements
— rare for any independent.
Because he’s one of the most original living watchmakers, and his pieces combine real complication, rare craftsmanship, and a totally unique sense of character.
Chaykin doesn’t just play with form — he builds new mechanical concepts from the ground up. His watches are visually arresting and intellectually rich — the kind of thing
that delights seasoned collectors and leaves casual observers stunned.
And while his Joker and Monster series get most of the buzz, his technical pieces are some of the most underappreciated in haute horology.
Chaykin watches are ultra-limited, but the most commonly seen include:
Expect pricing from:
Konstantin Chaykin is on my shortlist of modern greats.
I’ve had a few Jokers come through — they’re wildly fun, but the finishing and mechanics are seriously impressive too. It’s not just a gimmick watch. It’s a full in-house movement
moonphase, clever time display — all wrapped in something totally unlike anything else.
If you’re a collector who thinks you’ve seen it all — Chaykin proves you haven’t.
Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Konstantin Chaykin watches — especially Joker Series, Monster LEs, and high complication models like the
Cinema or Mars Conqueror.
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