lot 09

Konstantin Chaykin

Sketch of the “Sandmann” dial, 24 × 32 cm

This watch was featured at the "Konstantin Chaykin x Ineichen 2025" auction

Starting bid CHF 1 000
Hammer price CHF 4 000
Total bids 21
Location
Remote warehouse
Daniel Isaak
Watch Expert / Watchmaker
Estimate
CHF 2 000 / CHF 4 000

Lot Essay

Independent Russian watchmaker and inventor Konstantin Chaykin is actively engaged in charitable work, including as a regular participant in the biennial Only Watch auction, held in support of research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The Joker Sandmann, fitted with Chaykin’s signature time display module, features a partially skeletonised dial that opens a view onto the mainplate and bridges of the automatic calibre K.09-1.

The combination of traditional sandblasted finishing and the inspiration drawn from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s short story Der Sandmann gave this unique creation its distinctive, memorable name. Executed in golden tones, the drawing is accented by rubies – two of which, by the master’s design, serve as the tips of the hour and minute hands, transforming into the Sandman’s fiery “eyes”.

Completing the composition is Chaykin’s signature smile – here embodied as a sector-shaped (retrograde) day-of-the-week display with a framed pointer. The sketch bears the master’s signature and the year of completion – 2024. Dimensions of the drawing: 24 × 32 cm.

Wristmons Art Collection

The Wristmons is the most famous among all Konstantin Chaykin's collections. The idea of making face-like dials was revolutionary for watchmaking industry.

Thanks to the continuous motion of the indicators, the emotions portrayed change literally every second. It is not surprising that this idea provides a source of endless inspiration for Wristmon's new looks. They are embodied not only in the new watches that join the collection every year, but also in dozens of drawings and sketches.

About the Author

Konstantin Chaykin is a famous watchmaker and inventor who has the greatest number of inventions and watch complications among his colleagues all around the world.

Moreover, Chaykin is also a great graphic artist. All of his timepieces and inventions began with sketches and drawings that he made in countless "moleskins". One may consider them a "chronicle" of his Manufacture. It is not surprising that it was Chaykin who created the world's first self-portrait watch, the Selfie Joker, the dial design of which reflects the features and traits of its creator.