• Konstantin Chaykin Wristmons Kolobok 2 a Fairy Tale on Your Wrist
  • Konstantin Chaykin Wristmons Kolobok 2

    A Fairy Tale on Your Wrist

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    March 7, 2025
  • The Konstantin Chaykin Kolobok 2 emerges as a continuation of the brand's intriguing Wristmons series, drawing inspiration from a beloved character deeply embedded in Russian folklore. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the original Kolobok watch, this new iteration maintains the playful spirit while introducing several refinements and technical advancements. Unlike the limited-edition nature of the first Kolobok, the Kolobok 2 takes its place as a regular model within the Wristmon collection, a testament to its anticipated popularity and the brand's commitment to expanding this whimsical line. This aligns it with enduring models like the Joker Classic, demonstrating Chaykin's confidence in the Kolobok design's appeal.

    The underlying theme, as Konstantin Chaykin envisions it, speaks to a universal human experience. The tale of a character setting out on an adventurous journey, facing challenges, and persevering, which resonates across cultures and through different eras of history. A very human-like watch. Chaykin also highlights a fascinating, almost prescient connection between the Kolobok character and the modern-day emoticon, suggesting the fairy-tale figure as a sort of "first Russian smiley." This interpretation adds another layer of meaning to the watch's design, bridging traditional storytelling with contemporary forms of communication.

    Courtesy of Konstantin Chaykin
    Courtesy of Konstantin Chaykin


    Maintaining the overall jovial aesthetic of the original, the Kolobok 2 presents a dial that is undeniably charming. It's described as "chubby-cheeked, ruddy, smiling, blue-eyed, and a little cheeky," effectively capturing the essence of the fairy-tale character. The watch utilizes the characteristic Wristmons display, with the hour and minute indicators cleverly integrated as the character's rotating eyes. The moonphase display serves as the "smile," creating a dynamic and expressive face that evokes an emotional response, a signature element of Chaykin's Wristmons creations.

    A significant shift is the use of the La Joux-Perret G200 movement. The initial Kolobok was based on a modified Eta 2892-A2, the Kolobok 2 incorporates a more contemporary foundation. The G200, a recent development from the Swiss manufacturer, is supplied to Chaykin in a customized version, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this project. This choice of movement signifies a move towards newer, more modern base components, demonstrating a commitment to updating the foundations upon which the brand's creations are built.

    Courtesy of Konstantin Chaykin
    Courtesy of Konstantin Chaykin


    The La Joux-Perret G200 offers an impressive 68-hour power reserve, a notable upgrade in terms of practicality. It's technical attributes, including a robust construction with a full balance bridge and a free-sprung balance with variable inertia, showcase Chaykin's focus on aligning his creations with the standards of modern luxury watchmaking. These elements enhance the movement's stability and accuracy, adding a layer of technical sophistication to the watch's playful exterior. The joker-indication module, which is the key feature of these watches, is not outsourced. Instead, it's designed and produced entirely within the Konstantin Chaykin Manufacture, adhering to the meticulous standards of high-end watchmaking.

    The dial of the Kolobok 2 showcases a level of artistry that elevates the watch beyond a simple time-telling device. The "baked dial," with its multi-layered lacquering and color gradient effect, is designed to mimic the appearance of a toasted bread crust, a direct visual reference to the Kolobok character itself. This textural detail adds depth and visual interest, showcasing the brand's commitment to incorporating intricate craftsmanship into its designs. The "shining eyes," achieved through the application of gloss varnish, are another highlight. This detail gives the eyes a lively and captivating sparkle, further enhancing the playful and engaging character of the watch. These small, yet deliberate, choices demonstrate the attention to detail that defines Chaykin's approach to design.

    Courtesy of Konstantin Chaykin
    Courtesy of Konstantin Chaykin


    A subtle refinement is the removal of the frame around the Kolobok's smiling mouth. This, along with a slightly redesigned set of teeth, creates a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic. These modifications, while seemingly minor, demonstrate a constant process of evolution and improvement, ensuring that the Kolobok 2 stands apart as a distinct model rather than a simple rehash of the original. Even seemingly minor details, like the star-shaped crown, are carefully considered.

    The 40mm stainless steel case, with a thickness of 12.2mm, strikes a good balance between presence and wearability. The sapphire crystals, both on the front and back, are treated with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring optimal clarity and legibility. The case is comprised of 43 individual parts. The display, in particular, is sized at 33mm, offering a clear view of the captivating dial. The caseback's sapphire crystal, measuring 25.5mm, allows for appreciation of the meticulously finished movement.

    Courtesy of Konstantin Chaykin
    Courtesy of Konstantin Chaykin


    Inside the case, the watch is powered by the Caliber K.18-24, an automatic winding movement based on the La Joux-Perret G200. The modified movement runs at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a generous 68-hour power reserve, thanks in part to its advanced architecture. The movement comprises 32 jewels, 24 of which are in the base movement and 8 in Chaykin's proprietary module. The module, the heart of the Joker-indication, consists of 85 carefully assembled parts, showcasing the technical prowess involved in bringing this unique display to life. The integration of a Swiss-made movement, customized for Konstantin Chaykin, reflects a dedication to both quality and exclusivity.

    The dial finishings are another crucial element of the watch's allure. The multi-layered varnishing, with its gradient effect, creates a sense of depth and richness, enhancing the visual impact of the Kolobok-inspired design. This technique adds a layer of sophistication to the playful character, demonstrating the brand's ability to blend whimsy with high-quality craftsmanship.

    Courtesy of Konstantin Chaykin
    Courtesy of Konstantin Chaykin


    The watch is paired with an exclusive Konstantin Chaykin strap crafted from high-quality leather, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious feel on the wrist. The strap is secured with a pin buckle, made in-house from stainless steel. This attention to detail extends to every component of the watch, reflecting a holistic approach to design and quality.

    The Konstantin Chaykin Kolobok 2 will be offered as a non-limited, regular production model, however it will be limited to 100 pieces being produced each year. The retail price is CHF 17,900.

    Case: Stainless steel. Diameter 40mm, thickness 12.2mm. 43 parts. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating (diameter 33mm). Sapphire crystal caseback with anti-reflective coating (diameter 25.5mm).

    Movement: Caliber K.18-24 with automatic winding. Joker indication module made by Konstantin Chaykin manufacture. Based on La Joux-Perret G200 (Swiss made, modified). Diameter 33.4mm, thickness 7.9mm (with module). Swiss lever escapement. 28,800 vibrations per hour. 68-hour power reserve. 32 jewels (base movement – 24 jewels, module – 8 jewels). 85 module parts.

    Dial: Multi-layer varnishing with gradient effect. Hour and minute indicators as eyes. Moonphase display as mouth.

    Strap: Exclusive Konstantin Chaykin strap in high-quality leather. Pin buckle in stainless steel, made by Konstantin Chaykin manufacture.

    Price: CHF 17,900

    Notes: Based on popular fairy tale character. Features a unique "Joker" indication. Regular production model, but production limited to 100 pieces per year.
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