Konstantin Chaykin Brings His Wristmons to HUAWEI Watch 5
Konstantin Chaykin, one of the most inventive figures in contemporary watchmaking, has extended his celebrated Wristmons series into the digital realm. For the first time, his distinctive designs have been adapted as interactive dials for the HUAWEI Watch 5 and HUAWEI Watch GT 5 Pro. The collaboration bridges traditional haute horlogerie with the fast-evolving world of connected devices, allowing a wider audience to experience the playful creativity that has made his mechanical pieces so sought after.
Source: konstantinchaykin.com
The Watch Faces
Three designs are available to users: Joker Classic, Kolobok 2 and Panda. Each adapts the Wristmons concept, where expressive eyes serve as hour and minute indicators while animated details bring a sense of character to the display. The digital versions retain the whimsical identity of the originals while being adapted for everyday use on a smartwatch.
The faces are compatible with both the 42 mm and 46 mm versions of the HUAWEI Watch 5 and Watch GT 5 Pro. These models are offered in stainless steel, titanium and ceramic cases, with AMOLED displays and advanced fitness tracking features. The new dials can be downloaded via the HUAWEI Health app.
From Mechanical Icons to Digital Expressions
The Wristmons line began in 2017 with the Joker, a watch that combined haute horlogerie craftsmanship with a design that conveyed emotion and humour. The series has since expanded with models such as the Clown, Dracula and Minotaur, all produced in small numbers and now commanding strong premiums on the secondary market. The Joker itself won the Audacity Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2018, a recognition of its originality and cultural impact.
The transition to smartwatch dials reflects Chaykin’s interest in exploring new creative platforms. In 2021, he introduced the NFT-Joker, a digital artwork that generated more than 42,000 variations of his iconic design, establishing him as one of the first independent watchmakers to engage with blockchain-based art.
Strategic Significance for HUAWEI
For HUAWEI, the partnership adds cultural depth to its smartwatch offering. The Watch 5 series, introduced in 2025, builds on the success of earlier models with enhanced health monitoring, dual-band GPS and improved battery performance. Collaborations with artists and watchmakers allow HUAWEI to differentiate its devices in a highly competitive market by offering exclusive content with artistic and horological value.
The presence of Chaykin’s dials enhances the appeal of the Watch 5 for an audience that might not normally engage with mechanical horology but is drawn to expressive and creative design.
Independent Watchmaking in the Digital Era
Independent watchmakers increasingly look beyond traditional boundaries to reach new audiences. Chaykin’s move to smartwatch dials illustrates how artisanal creativity can coexist with technology-driven products. For enthusiasts, the digital Wristmons are not a replacement for the mechanical pieces but an accessible extension of the concept, allowing more people to interact with his designs.
The experiment also reflects a broader cultural shift where storytelling, design identity and digital presence have become as important as mechanical innovation in shaping a brand’s relevance.
Conclusion
The arrival of Konstantin Chaykin’s Wristmons dials on the HUAWEI Watch 5 and Watch GT 5 Pro highlights the convergence of traditional horology and modern technology. By adapting the Joker, Kolobok and Panda for smartwatches, Chaykin has preserved the essence of his imaginative creations while introducing them to a global audience. The collaboration represents not only a step forward in digital watch customisation but also a reaffirmation of the continuing cultural influence of independent watchmakers in the 21st century.
