Moscow, Russia
ThinKing Mystery by Konstantin Chaykin, which measures 41 mm in diameter and 1.65 mm thick and which weighs just 12.1 grams without the strap, redefines previous limits for the architecture of a watch as just 1.65mm.
The result is an astonishing thinness, a purity of silhouette, and a bold fun design: The thinnest watch in the world.
The “Mystery” name refers to the dial, while the “ThinKing” is a play on the words: think and king.
The model is made from a precision alloy with increased rigidity and corrosion resistance. This material allows work within extremely tight tolerances, where even thousandths of a millimetre become critical.
The case is machined from a non-magnetic nickel alloy—originally a Soviet-era specification developed for ultra-precision components—and heat-treated for rigidity, hardness, and corrosion resistance.
The in-house calibre K.23-3.1 is directly integrated into the case, with the caseback serving as the mainplate. The gear train is arranged across two levels, allowing the watch to maintain a minimal vertical profile.
Given the constraints of an ultra-thin watch, Konstantin Chaykin chose to eliminate the traditional crown. Winding and time-setting are performed using two separate tools, each equipped with a built-in safety mechanism that prevents over-tensioning of the mainspring.
The watch can be placed in a miniature winding box, where winding and time-setting are performed via two wheels integrated into the case. Alternatively, a slim key can be used by inserting it into the designated slot on the caseback.
For years, Piaget, Bulgari, and Richard Mille have spent the better part of a decade trading the title of world’s thinnest mechanical wristwatch back and forth in a Swiss arms race of micron-shaving and corporate R&D, a Russian independent working out of Moscow quietly walked off with the crown.
The ThinKing Mystery does not feel like a watch in any conventional sense; it feels like an object that should not exist on the wrist.
ThinKing Mystery in a 12-piece limited edition that, by definition, becomes the thinnest mechanical production watch in the world. At only slightly less than twice the thickness of most credit cards.
Konstantin Chaykin is a Russian watchmaker, inventor and painter. He started as an independent watchmaker in 2003, establishing a workshop in St. Petersburg, Russia. In the interests of the business, in 2012 he transferred production to Moscow, Russia, where his company currently resides.
ThinKing Mystery is the culmination of Konstantin Chaykin’s many years of work in one of the most demanding niches of contemporary independent watchmaking.
ThinKing Mystery costs USD $510,000.
Project: ThinKing Timepiece
Designer: Konstantin Chaykin
Manufacturer: Konstantin Chaykin
