It would be difficult to call modern Russia a watch power if it were not for one talented design engineer who, contrary to the assertions of many eminent specialists in this field, was able not only to make the country's first tourbillon, but also to be noted with more than seven dozen patented inventions in the field of instrumentation and applied mechanics. Today, his signature manufactory "Konstantin Chaikin", which represents Russia in the singular in Basel at the main international watch exhibition Baselworld, produces unique watch products that are real masterpieces, both in terms of technical implementation and as objects of design art.
Konstantin Chaikin is the founder and leader of the only watch manufactory in Russia, which represents our country at the main international watch exhibition held in Switzerland. In 2010, he became a member of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (International Academy of Independent Watchmakers), which he has headed since 2017, taking over as its president.
Brief biography of Konstantin Chaikin
The future design engineer was born in the city on the Neva on November 23, 1975. The rather ordinary life of a Leningrad child and youth led Konstantin Chaikin, after receiving a certificate of secondary education, to a technical university, where he received a radio engineer diploma. And then there were two years when he was in the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation doing military service.
After protecting the peaceful sky over the head of his compatriots, the talented inventor began to implement his technical ideas in the field of creating complex astronomical clocks. Today, the list of his technical masterpieces includes various astronomical devices, and indicators of chronology of the world's main religious movements, and unique watch movements, the principle of which is based on completely new technical solutions.
Konstantin Chaikin today is one of the most renowned world experts in the watch industry, holding a high position in the AHCI (Academie Horlogere des Createurs Independants). He created his own watch atelier, the head of which is today. The talented inventor made the first Russian tourbillon, as well as a unique watch that indicates the date of the yearly changing Orthodox Easter. He founded the now famous Clock Restoration Center, where complex antiques from the collections of the Central Naval Museum and various private collections are restored. He is the author of numerous publications in such magazines of the relevant subject as "Antique Review", Russian Jeweler ", etc.
Creative career
The following creations are among the main achievements of Konstantin Chaikin in the field of the inventor of unique watch movements.
The first domestic tourbillon watch. The desktop version was made in 2003.
Tourbillon carriage watch. The only copy was made in the period 2004-2005. He won a victory at the annual forum "Watch of the Year - 2005", held within the framework of the 6th international Internet competition, in the nomination "Interior clocks of the highest price category".
Astronomical clock. A unique thematic device indicating the date of Orthodox Easter was created over 2 years and was made in 2007. This technical device has more than 700 parts and assemblies. Currently, the clock adorns the chambers of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.
Astronomical clock. Including the Muslim calendar. Equipped with a power reserve indicator and functions that allow you to determine the time with precision to the second, as well as show the month, day and day of the week according to the Gregorian chronology and the Muslim Hijri calendar.
Astronomical clock. They are called "Riddle on 1000 stones". The work on their creation took a year and a half. Released in 2008. They have 1281 parts. Sapphire discs used in their design (3 pcs.) Allow realizing the optical effect of arrows hanging in the air. The list of functions includes, in addition to hours, minutes, months and days, a power reserve indicator, the equation of time, the phases of the moon and a map of the starry sky.
Wrist Watch. They have a 10-day power reserve, 21 jewels and a zirconium balance. The movement is 36 mm in diameter and is equipped with three drums. The watch operates at a frequency of 18 thousand vibrations per hour.
Astronomical wrist watch. Equipped with signs of ancient Jewish units of time (helekim and regaim). The unique mechanism of the watch allows you to determine the time using the smallest chronological units used in the Hebrew chronology. The movement has a diameter of 30 mm and is equipped with a reverse adjustment module, as well as indicators of the lunar phases, helekim and regaim times.
The following statements are related to the famous phrases of the meter:
“My task is not only to make a watch with a certain function that provides time counting according to different religious calendars, but also to come up with a design that would match the mechanical filling and be attractive. My knowledge, experience and constant training are enough for this. All religious ministers who study my products confirm that they are made in compliance with all the canons”;
- “The idea of giving a watch pronounced anthropomorphic features has visited me for a long time, because I think that a watch is not only a mechanism, but an object of modern art, an art object that should evoke strong emotions”;
"We are all doing not only a common cause, but we are also part of the global watch industry."
Personal life
Unfortunately, the outstanding professional activity of Konstantin Chaikin, which made his creative career known to the public, cannot lift the secret veil of his family life. And his many fans can only guess about his status and the presence of relatives.
