Konstantin Chaykin
SC02C Limited Edition

TESTEDINOUTERSPACE

Since 2018, the Konstantin Chaykin Manufacture has been working with Roscosmos on a research program to create mechanical watches for extravehicular activity.

Over this period, experimental prototypes have taken part in four spacewalks, and the data collected have informed each subsequent stage of the project.

The limited-edition SC02C retains the full suite of technical solutions developed for a professional cosmonaut’s instrument, while being adapted for everyday wear.

THE RESEARCH NOW CONTINUES ON EARTH: OWNERS OF THE 28 WATCHES WILL BE ABLE TO WEAR THEM IN A WIDE RANGE OF CONDITIONS AND SHARE PERFORMANCE FEEDBACK WITH THE MANUFACTURE.

BUILT FOREXTREMECONDITIONS

The 44 mm stainless steel case of the SC02C is engineered for conditions far beyond everyday use. Its construction is designed to remain fully operational in high vacuum at pressures down to 1 × 10⁻⁶ atm, while an antimagnetic cover protects the caliber against magnetic fields up to 4800 A/m. Water resistance is 10 ATM.

PROTECTIONAT ITS PEAK

One of the solutions developed during earlier stages of the space program is a special sapphire crystal mounting based on a reverse dovetail principle. Its beveled edge prevents Its beveled edge prevents the crystal from being forced out under g-loads and pressure changes, ensuring secure retention in extreme conditions.

ALWAYSIN VIEW

Despite its classic appearance, the layout of the SC02C dial is dictated by the watch’s professional purpose and incorporates feedback from cosmonauts.

Large hour markers, high-contrast hands, and three counters ensure excellent legibility.

The bright red tip of the hour hand echoes the Mars Conqueror MK3 and recalls the silhouette of a launch vehicle, making it easier to locate the hand quickly when using the bezel’s 12-hour scale.

The rotating 12-hour bezel provides a purely mechanical way to track the time elapsed since the start of a spacewalk, independently of the chronograph.

To use it, align the “12” marker with the hour hand; elapsed time can then be read from the hand’s position against the scale.

The contrasting light and dark halves of the bezel make the reading more intuitive.

EVERY DETAILCONSIDERED

Particular attention was paid to the strap attachment: the strap pins are secured by two safety threads to prevent accidental loosening. The SC02C comes with two straps – a standard-length strap for everyday wear and an extended strap that allows the watch to be worn over a spacesuit.

The rotating 12-hour bezel provides a purely mechanical way to track the time elapsed since the start of a spacewalk, independently of the chronograph.

To use it, align the “12” marker with the hour hand; elapsed time can then be read from the hand’s position against the scale.

The contrasting light and dark halves of the bezel make the reading more intuitive.

TESTED TOTHE LIMIT

All protective solutions used in the SC02C undergo multi-stage testing by the Manufacture’s R&D department and at specialist laboratories for space research. The watch is tested on a centrifuge and vibration rig, subjected to impact tests, exposure to a solar simulator, and thermal cycling, and checked for sealing integrity and rate accuracy. At every stage, core watchmaking parameters – accuracy, power reserve, and the positions of the hands and indicators – are monitored separately.

The Manufacture has every capability to create an in-house caliber. Yet for a watch intended to operate in outer space, Konstantin Chaykin deliberately chose a proven solution: the reliable Poljot 3133 caliber, whose performance had been validated over decades.

It became the basis for the hand-wound K.20-5 caliber. The movement was substantially reworked, incorporating 60 components produced by the Manufacture.

MOVEMENT

Caliber K.20-5, hand-wound, based on a modified Poljot 3133 movement; 60 components produced by the Manufacture; lever escapement; balance frequency 21,600 vph; 25 jewels; 45-hour power reserve; rate accuracy −15/+15 seconds per day.

CASE

Stainless steel, 44 mm diameter, 14.5 mm height; two flat polished chronograph pushers; large crown; antimagnetic protection to 4,800 A/m; water resistance 10 ATM; case designed to withstand high vacuum down to 1 × 10⁻⁶ atm. All case surfaces are generously rounded to rule out any risk of damage to the spacesuit.

FUNCTIONS

Hours, minutes, small second; central chronograph second hand; 30-minute and 12-hour counters; additional interval timing via the rotating bezel.

BEZEL

Unidirectional rotating bezel with a 12-hour scale and luminous elements; diameter 45.1 mm.

DIAL

Deep black; three counters; applied hour markers; large polished hands; red tip on the hour hand, evoking the silhouette of a launch vehicle and continuing the signature hand motif of the Mars Conqueror Mk3; luminous coating on the hands and hour markers. High-temperature protection. Screw-fixed to the movement.

CRYSTAL

Sapphire crystal, 35.5 mm diameter, with antireflective coating; reverse dovetail mounting.

STRAP

Set of two straps: a standard-length black textile strap and an extended strap for wear over a spacesuit.