With 17 complications, Konstantin Chaykin's Stargazer Is A Watch Lover’s Dream

Every once in a while, in the world of watches, you come across a watch that truly stands out. Not just for its aesthetic, but also the sheer passion for watchmaking that is reflected in every tick of the hands and every chime of its movement. Konstantin Chaykin is one such independent watchmaker that not only exudes this unrelenting passion through every creation, but also manages to infuse an unexpected element of play into what is considered a serious business. 

Celebrating 20 years of the manufacture, the brand aims to combine its three main creative areas: ultra-complex watch mechanics, an anthropomorphic design and space exploration.  "The result is a highly sophisticated watch, in fact the most complicated wristwatch I have ever created. 11 of its 17 functions are astronomical. And for their pointers to have a harmonious design, I created two anthropomorphic dials at once,” notes the watchmaker. 

Stargazer is the new protagonist in a collection of Wristmons endowed with own-produced movement and original complications. This watch opens another chapter in the chronicle of Konstantin Chaykin's unique handiwork. Both watch dials are partially skeletonized while the parts on the main dial are plated with ruthenium, which gives them a darker colour, the tourbillon side are lighter rhodium. Due to this feature, the dials are named Dark and Light sides. 

On the dark side, with the signature joker-indication module, the eyebrows indicate the length of the day and night, the nose is the equation of time indicator, and the third eye serves as a miniature but technically detailed planisphere – a star map. It is probably the smallest star chart in the history of watchmaking. This dial also features a 24-hour display of mean solar and sidereal time. The smile of the watch acts as a retrograde indicator of the day of the week, and there is a zodiac ring along the edge of the dial.

On the light side, the eyes act as a continuous moonphase indicator and a solar activity indicator. The moonphase is displayed in a ring so that the disc of the display with the two gold-plated moons is almost completely visible. On this side there is also a tourbillon that resembles a mouth wide open in astonishment, and its titanium carriage is in constant motion. The complications, unparalleled in the history of watchmaking, are located on the lighter side of the Stargazer; patents for these new inventions are being registered.

Konstantin Chaykin has invented a new type of moonphase of the discrete type. It shows four traditional moon phases – new moon, waxing moon, full moon and waning moon - and has a jumping action. The phases are marked with icons, making it easy and convenient to read it. Especially for this watch, Konstantin Chaykin has created another original complication, a sunrise and sunset azimuth indicator. The hands on the dial will help the watch owner to easily view the point on the horizon where the sun will rise and set.

Konstantin Chaykin developed a special reversible double-sided design so that the wearer could use both dials as a face equally. The watchmaker has thought of every detail, and the result is truly innovative. The completely symmetrical case is equipped with swinging H-shaped lugs, to which a double-sided leather strap is attached, allowing the watch to be worn inside out. Even the strap of the Stargazer was reinvented by Chaykin. It is reinforced with curved stiffeners: if you press it slightly, it will bend the other way. The buckle also has reversible design. As a result, it is easy to turn the watch round: the Stargazer is simply removed from the wrist and immediately put on again, with the other side facing up.

The case of the new watch and the metal elements of the strap are made of genuine ‘bulat’ stainless steel – a unique alloy used only at the Konstantin Chaykin manufacture. The watchmaker considers ‘bulat’ to be one of the best materials for making watch cases: it is hard and durable, practically scratchproof, and its surface texture is pleasant to touch. Konstantin Chaykin uses ‘bulat’ steel only in his finest creations, making this material truly exclusive.