Milano Watch Week 2026: An Insider’s Verdict on Europe’s Rising Watch Event
Novelties
Konstantin Chaykin SC02C: From Space-Tested Instrument to Collector’s Edition
The eclectic maker pivots away from its signature “face” watches to a sharp, technical, space-age mechanical chronograph, whose mechanics have undergone significant testing outside our planet’s atmosphere.
After analyzing the results, an updated prototype was worn by cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev during ISS EVAs in 2022. Further EVA missions this past May saw ISS crew members Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikayev test out the experimental chronograph, which led to this special, limited-edition release of the 44mm steel SC02C.
Owners of these 28 pieces can actually aid the ongoing collaborative research by providing feedback on the SC02C’s earth-bound performance. And, while the watchmaker says it has been adapted for “everyday use,” it certainly looks space-worthy to us! Let’s blast off.
Star Voyager
Right from the first look, you can tell something special is happening. The watchmaker has placed its logo in a no-nonsense way directly under 12 o’clock in Cyrillic, reading Константин Чайкин. It is an intriguing nod to the watchmaker’s own Russian roots and a subtle way to honor this collaborative effort with Roscosmos.
Furthermore, its classic, vintage-inspired black dial; burly fabric strap (both a standard-length and an extended-length version that can fit over a spacesuit are included); and technical, tri-compax design belies the amount of state-of-the-art space testing the SC02C packs in.
Exceptional legibility – especially for the sub-dials, hour markers, and hands – had to pass cosmonaut muster. So, the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, the 12-hour tallier at 9 o’clock, and small seconds at 6 o’clock ring as clear as a bell.
The red-tipped hour hand serves a practical purpose by making the 12-hour scale of the rotating black-and-steel bezel easier to use. Just align the bezel’s “12” with the hour hand to start tracking any on-demand intervals. Abundant lume and an anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal enhance the legibility as well.
Science Class
The SC02C incorporates even more elements derived from the testing process that fight both magnetism and varying pressure. The timepiece is fitted with an anti-magnetic cover that offers protection up to 4,800 A/m (about 60 gauss) to safeguard accuracy.
Meanwhile, the sapphire crystal is secured to the timepiece with a sturdy reverse-dovetail construction to prevent issues caused by extreme pressure changes. The case itself has been designed to operate in high-vacuum conditions with pressures down to 1 x 10-6 ATM and to withstand terrestrial water resistance of 10 ATM for any “splash downs” that may occur.
Even the fabric straps mentioned above include two additional locking threads to prevent accidental “stage separation.” A rugged solid caseback also backs up the rugged intention of the SC02C.
Finally, Konstantin Chaykin is so confident the watch can withstand any challenge that it carries a special servicing term: If an impact or fall causes a malfunction, it will be restored to full working order, free of charge.
An Engine More Than Ready
Over the course of the project leading to the SC02C, the watchmaker deliberately chose not to produce an in-house calibre, instead working with a time-tested Russian Poljot 3133 base movement (which has been used in Russia’s space program since the 1970s) and extensively modifying it in-house for the new timepiece (60 in-house components were added to that base movement, in fact).
After the addition of 60 in-house components to the 3133, the resulting hand-wound, 45-hour power reserve K.20-5 calibre includes a 12-hour counter, stop-seconds function, and micrometric balance adjustment not found on the legendary base calibre.
Geneva Watch Days Activations
If this stellar novelty leaves you craving some Konstantin Chaykin “face time,” no worries.
If you are in Geneva as you read this, you might still have time to get in on the watchmaker’s superb activations during the show. Today, from 15:00 to 17:00 at the Pavilion venue, you can spend a few hours with the visionary watchmaker himself.
The program starts with an attendee imagining an animal; then the watchmaker will guide you through the brand’s process of turning that animal into a mechanical character by exploring its geometric structure; and, finally, you will create a watchmaking archetype under his direct guidance.
Furthermore, the maison has taken over an exhibition spot at the FHH Arcade on the waterfront Pont de la Machine from today until Sept. 6, bringing together the master watchmaker’s watches and horological art pieces, revealing the different facets of Konstantin Chaykin’s work. Finally, a separate showcase is running in the public Blue Box pavilion during the event, as well.
Pricing & Availability
The Konstantin Chaykin SC02C debuts today in a limited edition of 28 pieces, priced at CHF 50’000 (excl. VAT).
You can learn more by visiting the watchmaker’s website.
Specifications
Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds, and, chronograph
Movement
Manual-winding movement with K.20-5 calibre
Case
44.00 mm × 14.50 mm stainless steel case
Strap
Two black fabric straps: standard and extended for wear over a spacesuit
Water resistance
100 metres (10 ATM)
Year
2026
Price
CHF 50'000.00
Advertisement
