Russian watchmaker unveils world's thinnest mechanical wristwatch
What's the story
Konstantin Chaykin, a renowned independent watchmaker from Russia, has unveiled his latest creation — the ThinKing. This innovative timepiece was showcased at the Geneva Watch Days fair in Switzerland. With a thickness of just 1.65mm and weighing a mere 13.3g (excluding strap), the ThinKing challenges previous records held by luxury brands such as Bvlgari, Piaget, and Richard Mille for the world's slimmest mechanical watch.
Design breakthrough
Innovative design and functionality
Moscow-based Chaykin has introduced several innovative features in the ThinKing, to maintain its slim profile "without compromising its functionality," per CNN. The watch incorporates a winding mechanism integrated into its barrel, and a double balance wheel that reduces the number of layers in the movement. Additionally, mechanisms for winding and adjusting dials are housed in a separate 5.4mm-thick carrier case, further saving space within the watch itself.
Material use
Unique construction and future plans
The ThinKing is crafted from stainless steel and tungsten carbide, a lightweight yet exceptionally rigid compound. The design features separate hour and minute displays, protected by 0.35mm-thick sapphire crystals — a characteristic reminiscent of Chaykin's signature Wristmons collection. Chaykin, who is also the only Russian member of the prestigious Academie Horlogere des Createurs Independants (AHCI), has hinted at using sapphires or diamonds in future versions of the watch.
Record contention
ThinKing's record status and future improvements
While Chaykin believes his prototype's timekeeping accuracy and 32-hour power reserve qualify it as the new record-holder, this claim is yet to be independently verified. The watchmaker plans to present a "final" version of his design at the Watches & Wonders trade show in Geneva next April, with improved accuracy, power reserve, and "tightness." He has also developed a special strap with titanium supports and elastic inserts for the ThinKing to withstand everyday wear.