Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing, the New World’s Thinnest Mechanical Wristwatch: Expect the Unexpected

Credits: Article and images by Joshua Munchow @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/09/20/konstantin-chaykin-thinking-the-new-worlds-thinnest-mechanical-wristwatch-expect-the-unexpected/

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But even if you are fully capable of using the manual key that comes with the watch, the pragmatism of the PalanKing must be applauded.

Plate of the Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing

Ultra-thin watches are, at this point, pretty far from being practical as they are bordering on paper-thin. But if you want to chase records yet still make the watch wearable, these are the things that must be considered.

Konstantin Chaykin has never been one to avoid a challenge, but the allure of ultra-thin was not an immediate idea when he first saw an incredible ultra-thin pocket watch caliber signed Aug. Golay Leresche à Genève and dating from the mid-19^th century. That 1 mm thick movement was made long before modern equipment, so Chaykin new it was possible.

Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing

But life and capabilities meant that he stored that concept away while he worked on other projects, built his brand, and greatly expanded his capabilities. It was only after two decades or hard work, and being asked about the difficulty of making an ultra-thin watch in 2023, did he finally pursue the task.

I would suggest that his perseverance and preparation of those 20 years laid the foundation for his success with the ThinKing.

I would never had expected Konstantin Chaykin to attempt this endeavor, mainly because it seemed like such a fools errand for anyone not already in the race or not already known for wild attempts at new horology (like Richard Mille, another surprise at the time).

But I guess that his appearance, and incredible success, shows that we must always expect the unexpected in the watch industry, because an unlikely champion can truly come from anywhere.

To be clear, I was never under any delusions that Chaykin would not have been capable, his previous inventions show that he is a powerhouse of horological creativity.

But he is also such a humble watchmaker (the best often are) and likes to quietly and repeatedly blow us all away with what he creates, so I find myself surprised by him time and again.

Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing

I guess this should be my final warning to never underestimate a man that has been inventing for decades and has the skills and preparation to always find success, because the ThinKing is truly a humbly fantastic world record holder.

I’ll still be a bit careful not to destroy it, however, when I break this down!

Wowza Factor *9.7 World records are amazing, especially for the thinnest mechanical watches. This continues to amaze and astonish and will elicit many Wowza’s in any room its in.
Late Night Lust Appeal * 94.9 » 951.245m/s2 The pure astonishment of seeing how its designed and made is more than enough force to keep me lusting until the sun comes up!
M.G.R. * 71.1 Ultra-Thin movements are so incredibly impressive that the only thing to keep this from getting a perfect score is the fact that it is still just a single prototype!
Added-Functionitis * N/A It’s a world record time only watch so no need for Gotta-HAVE-That cream yet there could be accidental contact dermatitis from the awesomazing thinness!
Ouch Outline * 12.5 Falling head first into a tree branch! Shoes wear out, especially hiking shoes. There will come a time when you push yours too far and the lack of traction causes a slip and if you are unlucky you could tumble right into a tree. Still I would happily risk it for this ThinKing on my wrist!
Mermaid Moment * Look at that incredible balance design! I will always love innovation in ultra-thin watches, but most importantly, I will be madly in love when watchmakers find thinness in an way I wouldn’t have guessed!
Awesome Total * 4.95 Start with the world record thickness of the watch in millimeters (1.65), then multiply by the number of patents in the watch (3) then multiply with how many of the pieces currently exist (1) to find an awesome total that is so small it mirrors the achievement of this watch!

For more information, please visit https://chaykin.ru/collections/watches/wristmons/thinking/.

Quick Facts Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing
Case: 40 x 1.65 mm, stainless steel
Carrier Case: 45 x 5.4 mm, stainless steel
Movement: manually wound ultra-thin K.23-0 caliber, 32-hour power reserve, 18,000 vph/2.5Hz double balance with gear clutch (patent pending)
Auxiliary Movement: PalanKing automatic winding K.23-1 caliber
Functions: Hours, minutes
Secondary Functions: PalanKing – automatic winding, manual winding, manual time set of ThinKing
Limitation: Piece Unique
Price: N/A – Prototype