Konstantin Chaykin Brings Russian Folklore to Life in New Kolobok Watch - Geneva Watch Days 2023

The newest creation from Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin brings a beloved fairy tale character to life. His new limited-edition wristwatch, titled "Kolobok," features an anthropomorphic dial in the form of the cheerful title character. This innovative timepiece playfully combines whimsy and fine craftsmanship.

Independent Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin has always pushed boundaries with his unique and imaginative timepieces. In 2013, his Cinema watch with a built-in mechanical movie projector captivated Baselworld visitors. Since then, Chaykin has become known for watches featuring anthropomorphic “face” dials, which he calls Wristmons.

The Kolobok watch follows this tradition, bringing the famous Russian fairy tale character to life in watch form. As described in the original 19th-century tale by Konstantin Ushinsky, the Kolobok is a plump golden bun who escapes from his grandparents but meets an unfortunate end. Chaykin felt the spherical, smiling Kolobok was the perfect model for a cheerful Russian Wristmon.

To create an expressive, cartoonish face, Chaykin enlarged the hour and minute indicator “pupils” on the bright blue eyes. The convex dial with a reddish hue evokes the glossy crust of a freshly baked bun. The broad grin doubles as a moonphase indicator, with fairytale characters marking the days of the week.

The handmade gold rotor visible through the caseback tells the story of the Kolobok in engraved imagery. A cozy cottage and birch tree surround a smiling sun, representing the bread symbolism in the tale. The Kolobok's origins inspired other details like the crown based on Chaykin's stellar Stargazer watch and the pillow-like case shape.

By blending artistry, emotion, and mechanical ingenuity, Konstantin Chaykin has created a watch as warm and comforting as grandmother’s cooking. The Kolobok watch brings magic to the wrist while honoring Chaykin’s Russian heritage.