In its second prototype stage, Konstantin Chaykin introduced the ThinKing, a remarkable ultra-thin timepiece. Measuring just 1.65mm thick, the ThinKing is a testament to Chaykin’s ingenuity and mechanical prowess, challenging the thinnest watches from brands like Piaget, Bulgari, and Richard Mille.
The watch features a reimagined barrel and balance wheel assembly, boasting pending patents that reduce traditional multi-level designs into sleek, single-plane components. Chaykin’s commitment to innovation is evident in his unique approach to overcoming the challenges posed by extreme thinness. He opts for a specially selected steel casing and develops new escapement and barrel mechanisms to achieve this engineering marvel.
The ThinKing’s design cleverly integrates the case as a structural component, reducing bulk while maintaining rigidity. However, to ensure the watch’s delicate profile remains undistorted under pressure, Chaykin has also developed a patented strap system designed to transfer unwanted energy away from the case. With no crown, the watch is wound and set via a key or through the PalanKing module—a 3.75mm addition that provides extra protection, micro-rotor winding, and a setting crown, making it practical for everyday use.
At just 13.3 grams, this featherweight piece isn’t just a feat of engineering—it’s a conversation starter that embodies the art of watchmaking. Although still a prototype, the ThinKing is more than just a name; it’s a statement of Chaykin’s mastery and relentless pursuit of pushing horological boundaries.
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