The year of the bull inspired Konstantin Chaykin to produce one of his most impressive Wristmon to date, the Minotaur is limited to just 12 examples and features a first-time day indicator.  

The Origins of the Wristmon

It is hard to fathom that a scant five years ago Basel World was the event of the horological calendar. Retailers and horophiles were feverish with anticipation for the novelties that were debuted at each Basel World. Behind all this mayhem, besides a forgotten staircase, somewhat far from the glamorous halls of Basel World was a rather small area dedicated to Independent Watchmakers. A lackluster showing in 2017 for the larger brands resulted in newfound recognition for a certain independent watchmaker named Konstantin Chaykin. 

Chaykin is currently the only Russian watchmaker admitted to the prestigious Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (ACHI) and served as president of the Académie from 2016 till 2019. The tremendous upheavals that Russia has endured over the last two centuries have left its watch industry in a recondite state. Not only is Chaykin a highly respected watchmaker, he also acts as a mentor for up-and-coming talent who would without his philanthropy not be given a chance. Above it, all Chaykin is a patriot who prides his “Made in Russia” seal above everything else. 

Whereas many other new unestablished brands would have relied on the crutch of “Swiss Made” for legitimacy, Chaykin was confident enough in his creations to forgo the designation. According to Chaykin, Swiss brands produce rather simplistic standard production perpetual calendars, whereas the Russian maverick creates watches taking into consideration the Hebrew and Islamic calendar, as well as the movements that determine the date of the Orthodox Easter.

We encourage you to read this article for more information on the origins of the Wristmon Collection 

A First time complication 

Since then the Wristmon collection has been at the epicenter of the brand and is often cited as their best seller. This specific wristmon is named the Minotaur and pays tribute to the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Apart from the OnlyWatch Wristmon, this particular, reference features a second complication. The day indicator between 5-7 o’clock (the nose) is integrated within the collection for the first time. 

The dial is a work of art, the timekeeping measures are denoted through the use of two independent discs (eyeballs). The right-hand side is used for the minutes whereas the left-hand side is used for the hours. The overall expression of the dial remains dynamic and ever-changing. Behind the jovial expressions of the dial lies the artisanal side of the dial through a Knossos labyrinth design, where, legend has it, the Minotaur lived. 

The nose, eye sockets, and the outer dial are finished in a different type of bronze, making the dial seem 3 dimensional. The typography found on the day indicator matches that of the hours and minutes. 

The brushed bronze case measures 42mm and 13mm in thickness and weighs considerably less than its predecessor. The bezel features the name of the wristmon, Minotaur, in rectangular frames, similar to playing cards. Additionally, triangular dimples are found throughout the bezel, though they serve no purpose, they increase the depth of the bezel. The dual crowns are finished in a similar fashion, the one found on the right-hand-side is used for the timekeeping requirements and the left-hand crown is used to advance the day indicator. The opened case back is signed Minotaur – Made in Russia – Konstantin Chaykin – Titanium.

Movement

As much as the Wristmon collection provokes the Swiss, it ironically also leans on a modified swiss-made Vaucher VMF 3002 movement, renamed K08-1 by the brand. The additional module required for the discs results in an additional 8 jewels (67 parts) bringing the total to 36 jewels. The rotor is finished with the motif of the dial and the base movement features straight-line cote de Geneve. 

The Wristmon collection is unpredictable at best and Konstantin Chaykin keeps his collectors on their toes with cultural and innovative Wristmons. This example comes with both inner and outer boxes along with the original warranty and user manual. 

Brand: Konstantin Chaykin
Model: Wristmon – Minotaur
Movement: K08-1
Case Diameter: 42mm x 13mm
Year: 2021
Box & Papers: Full Set 

The year of the bull inspired Konstantin Chaykin to produce one of his most impressive Wristmon to date, the Minotaur is limited to just 12 examples and features a first-time day indicator.