Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing Mystery
Konstantin Chaykin has introduced a new evolution of his ultra-thin watch, the ThinKing Mystery. First presented in 2024 as the world’s thinnest mechanical wristwatch at just 1.65 mm, the model has now reached its final production form, enhanced with a distinctive mystery time display.
Following the development of prototype versions, the watch retains its record-setting architecture while incorporating a new visual feature that adds further character to the original concept.
Source: monochrome-watches.com
A Familiar Face, Reimagined
The design continues to build on the recognisable language of the Joker series. In this version, the characteristic “eyes” have been fully reworked. The structural crossbars have been removed, allowing transparent sapphire discs to take their place.
These discs are driven laterally and supported by a system of rollers, with three positioned around each indicator. This construction improves stability and helps reduce energy loss, ensuring smooth motion within an extremely thin movement.
Rethinking the Movement Architecture
Achieving such minimal thickness required several unconventional engineering solutions. Central to the concept is a reconfigured balance system, split into two co-planar wheels connected by peripheral teeth.
One wheel governs oscillation frequency and stability, while the second serves as a carrier for the impulse element, interacting with the escapement. This flattened construction reduces vertical height, addressing one of the key limitations in ultra-thin watchmaking.
The balance operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. To maintain sufficient inertia, the construction combines an aluminium alloy with a tungsten-containing alloy.
The mainspring barrel has also been redesigned. It operates without a traditional upper cover and is reinforced by a bridge with increased rigidity. The barrel arbor incorporates a ball-based mechanism using tungsten carbide elements. The power reserve has increased to approximately 38 hours, with indications that it may reach around 42 hours in practice.
Case, Strap and Structural Integrity
The case measures 41 mm in diameter and is made from a specialised non-magnetic alloy with enhanced rigidity and corrosion resistance. The caseback functions as the mainplate, with the movement, calibre K.23-3.1, integrated directly into the structure.
Given the extreme thinness of the watch, structural protection is partly transferred to the strap. It incorporates flexible titanium supports and elastic inserts designed to absorb mechanical stress. The strap is secured with screws, while the watch itself weighs just 12.1 grams without it.
This approach to integrating the movement into the case echoes solutions explored in the early 1980s by Swiss engineers André Beyner and Maurice Grimm.
Winding and Interaction
To preserve the ultra-thin profile, the watch does not feature a conventional crown. Instead, two alternative winding methods are provided.
The first uses a miniature carbon box with four spring-loaded supports, into which the watch is placed for winding and setting. The second involves a dedicated key that engages with a slot on the reverse side of the case.
A Limited Expression of Ultra-Thin Watchmaking
The ThinKing Mystery is produced in a limited series of 12 pieces. Its timekeeping accuracy is rated within a range of -15 to +20 seconds per day.
With this final version, Konstantin Chaykin refines the original ThinKing concept, combining extreme mechanical engineering with a distinctive visual approach rooted in the brand’s established design language.
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