Konstantin Chaykin, the ingenious inventor and creator of some of the most intricate and expensive timepieces in the world, has welcomed 2025 with a monumental achievement. The acclaimed Russian watchmaker has added his 100th patent to his illustrious portfolio, setting a new record in the horological world.
As of January 2025, Konstantin Chaykin has become the undisputed leader in the global watchmaking industry for the number of officially registered patents. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the history of his manufacture, renowned for producing exceptional luxury timepieces. His impressive tally now includes 100 invention patents, complemented by 64 utility model patents—an extraordinary testament to his relentless inventive spirit.
Globally recognized and celebrated among horology enthusiasts, the name Konstantin Chaykin stands as a symbol of ingenuity and mastery. The journey of this visionary watchmaker began in the 2000s when he set out to create an Orthodox Easter date indicator, filing his first patent application in 2005. His debut patent (RU2306618) was granted in September 2007, laying the foundation for an exceptional career.
Chaykin‘s latest invention focuses on ultra-thin watch mechanics, underscoring his brand’s reputation for crafting complex and innovative movements. Over the past two decades, his manufacture has become synonymous with groundbreaking designs, promising more remarkable creations in the future.
Notable Inventions by Konstantin Chaykin
Orthodox Easter Date Indicator
Konstantin Chaykin‘s first major breakthrough was the world’s first mechanical indicator for the date of Orthodox Easter, introduced in the Easter of Christ Computus Clock (2005). This invention used a unique construction of two perforated disks.
In 2007, he patented an upgraded mechanism (RU2353978) utilizing three programming disc cams, probe levers, and differentials for a purely mechanical Easter date indication. This pioneering system was first implemented in the Resurrection Computus Clock (2007) and subsequently in the Northern Computus Clock (2015) and Moscow Computus Clock (2016). A third version, featuring a double program eccentric, remains unrealized—yet likely to materialize in the future.
Moonphase Indication in Natural Form
In 2010, Chaykin developed a moonphase indicator that presents the Moon as seen from Earth—a stationary lunar sphere with a black hemisphere representing the shadow (patent RU2426165). This highly realistic depiction was implemented in his Lunokhod watch.
“Shabbat” Complication
Chaykin’s Shabbat Clock (patent RU2473946) features a unique mechanical logic mechanism that halts the clock or ensures it continues running through Shabbat without manual intervention. This ingenious system uses a mechanical “computer” to analyze the calendar and winding barrel, embodying both innovation and cultural respect.
Mechanical Cinematography for Wristwatches
Inspired by Edward Muybridge’s 1879 invention of the zoopraxiscope, Chaykin miniaturized the concept to create an animated display for his Cinema watch (patent RU2502110). This invention beautifully merges horology and cinematography.
Analemma Indicator
The analemma indicator, patented in 2008 (RU2408043), tracks the Sun’s position in the sky over the year. A refined version was incorporated into the ultra-complex Moscow Computus Clock (2015), protected by patent RU2619096.
Graphic Hour Indication
In 2016, Chaykin invented a graphic hour indicator (patent RU2619032) where Roman numerals are formed mechanically by a chain driven by the movement. It debuted in the Lukomorye clock.
Martian Gear Train
Chaykin designed a gear train (patent RU2685764) to replicate the Martian solar day, implemented in his Mars Conqueror series, achieving unparalleled precision in interplanetary timekeeping.
Cosmic Complications
His contributions to space horology include the Earth-Mars Distance Indicator (patent RU2759417), tested aboard the ISS in the Space Conqueror prototypes. These achievements highlight his commitment to exploring timekeeping in zero gravity and open space conditions.
Azimuth of Sunrise and Sunset Indicator
Designed for the Stargazer watch, this complication predicts the horizon points for sunrise and sunset, protected by patent RU2805638 (2023).
Graphic Solar Activity Indicator
Chaykin’s Stargazer also features a dual solar activity indicator, graphically depicting sunspot activity alongside the solar cycle year. This innovative complication is covered by patent RU2808940 (2023).
Lever Escapement with Double Balance Wheel
In 2024, Chaykin achieved a horological marvel with his ThinKing watch, featuring a lever escapement with a double balance wheel (patent RU2826795). Measuring just 1.65 mm in thickness, it is the world’s thinnest mechanical watch, debuted in Geneva.
With 100 patents and counting, Konstantin Chaykin continues to push the boundaries of horological innovation, setting new benchmarks for creativity and engineering in the watchmaking world.
