Konstantin Chaykin Joker Classic

The return of the icon who changed the face of watchmaking

When Konstantin Chaykin unveiled the first Joker in 2017, the watchmaking world discovered a creation unlike any other. For the first time, a mechanical watch transformed its display into a truly living face: the hours and minutes became moving eyes, while the moon phase sketched an expressive smile. An idea as bold as it was perfectly executed, instantly propelling the Joker to the status of a contemporary icon.

Produced in a limited run of just 99 pieces, this first edition sold out in a matter of days at Baselworld and quickly became one of the most sought-after independent watches of its generation. It gave rise to an entire family of creations called Wristmons, which today comprises more than thirty models that have achieved cult status among collectors.

Seven years later, Konstantin Chaykin took on a particularly ambitious challenge: to revive the Joker without ever copying it.

The Joker Classic captures the spirit of the original while being an entirely new creation, reimagined down to the smallest detail.

Its stainless steel case now features a more contemporary diameter of 40 mm, offering an ideal balance between presence on the wrist and comfort. Entirely manufactured at the Konstantin Chaykin manufacture, it retains the aesthetic codes of the first Joker with a refined bezel discreetly decorated with playing card symbols and the letter “J”—a nod to its heritage.

The most significant evolution, however, lies beneath the dial.

The Joker Classic introduces the K.18-18 automatic caliber, developed specifically for this new generation. Its exclusive display module, entirely designed by the Konstantin Chaykin Manufacture, is now paired with a Swiss mechanical base movement, the La Joux-Perret G200, which has been extensively modified to meet the Russian master watchmaker’s specifications.

Visible through a sapphire crystal case back, the movement features exceptionally meticulous finishes: Côtes de Genève, hand-polished bevels, a custom oscillating weight crafted by the manufactory, and a modern architecture incorporating a variable-inertia balance wheel held in place by a traversing bridge. Its generous power reserve of 68 hours allows the Joker Classic to combine contemporary performance with exceptional reliability.

The Joker’s iconic face has also evolved.

While the famous eyes indicating the hours and minutes retain their original dimensions, they now occupy a more prominent position on a slightly smaller dial, enhancing the character’s expressiveness. The traditional decorative motifs have also been completely reimagined. The case back features an elegant grain de riz guilloché pattern, while the crown is adorned with a Pavé de Paris motif—a contemporary interpretation of the famous Clous de Paris.

Two versions are available: the historic combination of a silver dial accented with green, faithful to the 2017 Joker, and a light gray version paired with burgundy and red accents, offering a more sophisticated personality.

Produced in very limited quantities, with no more than 100 pieces per year, the Joker Classic carries on the spirit of exclusivity for which every Konstantin Chaykin creation is renowned.