konstantin chaykin builds ultra-thin wristwatch only 1.65 mm thick

Konstantin Chaykin creates the thinnest watch to date

The history of watchmaking has witnessed an ongoing race for ultra-thin watches. This year, Konstantin Chaykin, an independent watchmaker, entered the race with his ThinKing prototype. This ultra-thin mechanical wristwatch measures just 1.65 mm thick, possibly making it the thinnest watch yet. This feat that builds upon his fascination with thin watch movements, which began two decades earlier when he encountered an old ultra-thin Bagnolet pocket watch. Inspired by this earlier craftsmanship, Chaykin leveraged modern technology to create an equally impressive yet contemporary design. Remarkably, the ThinKing stainless steel watch weighs only 13.3 grams without the strap, making it not just exceptionally thin but also one of the lightest watches in the world.

all images courtesy Konstantin Chaykin

thinking reveals a playful and expressive design

Konstantin Chaykin’s approach to the ThinKing watch is unique in on all fronts. Unlike traditional ultra-thin watches, which often prioritize a purely technical design, the designer introduced to his prototype a distinct emotional and aesthetic character. He modeled the ThinKing on the design principles of his Wristmons collection, which is known for its playful and expressive features. Here, Chaykin incorporates a layer of visual intrigue by separating the hour and minute displays to resemble eyes, with the brand logo forming a ‘smile’ on the dial, replacing the moonphase display found in earlier models.

ThinKing Prototype 2

reaching a final prototype with high-rigidity stainless steel

‘I initially built two models. The first model, ThinKing Prototype 1, is made of annealed brass – a very stable material. This allowed me to literally feel the ultra-thin watch of my own design with my own hands and test all parts of the design.The case of the second model, ThinKing Prototype 2, which is very close to the finished watch, is made of special stainless steel. In my opinion, this is a very good solution because this material offers a sufficient degree of hardness without which it makes no sense to make an ultra-thin watch,’ he says.

As such, the latest version, ThinKing Prototype 2, stands out with its innovative external carrier case, designed to solve practicality and durability issues often associated with ultra-thin timepieces. The external carrier case includes mechanisms for winding the watch and adjusting the hands alongside an automatic winding system that activates when the device is placed inside the case. This concept draws inspiration from Abraham-Louis Breguet’s ‘symbiotic’ watch and clock system but adapts it for modern use.

Konstantin Chaykin designed the prototype as possibly the thinnest watch to date

To address the challenge of case rigidity, a common issue for ultra-thin watches, Konstantin Chaykin used a special high-rigidity stainless steel as the base material. He incorporated stiffening ribs into the case design. These ribs, created by milling recesses into the movement plate, provide structural support without adding bulk. Moreover, the designer developed a unique strap that absorbs shocks and minimizes stress on the watch case, further protecting the delicate internal mechanisms from damage.

The ThinKing Prototype 2 also features groundbreaking technical innovations, including an ultra-thin winding barrel and a double-balance wheel system. These elements reduce the overall thickness while maintaining functionality and performance. With its unique features and design, the watch will debut at the Geneva Watch Days exhibition from August 29 to September 2, 2024.

the watch spans 1.65 mm in thickness and weighs 13.3 grams