Konstantin Chaykin Clown Watch Customization

Jay (Eire) · 2019-05-06T04:19:13Z

Explore the Konstantin Chaykin Clown, a unique custom timepiece by Jay (Eire). Discover its design inspiration, community reactions, and Chaykin's innovative approach.

Jay (Eire)

WPS member · Independents forum

26 replies5358 views6 photos

Jay (Eire) introduces his Konstantin Chaykin Clown watch, a piece he customized after initially hesitating on the Joker's case size. His post delves into the journey of acquiring this unique timepiece, highlighting its artistic appeal over technical horology. This article explores how Chaykin's 'fun' pieces, like the Clown, contribute to the independent watchmaker's broader creative and financial success.

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OK, so you guys have seen the Joker. Now it’s time to bring out the Clowns!!!

When the Joker first released I, like many others, thought how refreshing and fun. And that initial run was also priced relatively fairly in my opinion. I hesitated, just a little, and as many of you know they all sold out.

My hesitation was based on the case size. If it had been 40mm or below I would have most likely pulled the trigger there and then.

Fast forward to the last few months of 2017 and my travel plans fortunately put me in the same city as the watchmaker and I had my first opportunity to see the watch in the metal. It was Konstantin’s personal watch. To my surprise the watch wore pretty well and so I was now back on board with the idea of a purchase.

These are the pictures from that meeting, with Konstantin’s own Joker on my wrist.

I did however want to think about something not standard, perhaps to add a little bit of my stamp to the watch with some subtle changes.

At the time Konstantin was taking orders for a second run of the Joker in Titanium. We discussed some potential changes and pricing etc and in part of that discussion the Clown came up. He showed me some mock ups of the Clown and that was that. Sold.

We signed a contract a week or so later and delivery was scheduled to be 12 months out. The watch was ready for delivery on time, right on time. I’ve had it now for about 6 months.

The details : Limited edition of 27 pieces (I’m not sure if all have been delivered). The limited edition status of both the Joker and the Clown has been diluted significantly by the watchmakers relationship with some distributors where a custom Joker or Clown (or a Donald Trump!) can be ordered.

Hours, minutes and moon phase. Inside is the automatic Caliber K07-0 movement which like the Joker is a heavily modified ETA 2824. As with the the original Joker the Clown comes in a stainless steel 42mm case.

The watch wears smaller than the 42mm given the shorter lugs.

Why did I buy it? : Right watch right time really. I had been thinking about changing things up and adding some pieces that were less conventional. Pieces that might have more personality (if that makes sense). This watch had that. I had also been looking closely at MB&F and Urwerk as those watches in my opinion also provided less convention and more personality.

About the De Bethune DB25 Ref. DB25

De Bethune DB25 Reference DB25

The DB25 represents De Bethune's entry in the 44.5mm manual-wind category, distinguished by its silver dial configuration within the DB25 series. This reference launched in 2006 and continues the brand's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie complications.

The 44.5mm case is crafted from 18k white gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. Water resistance extends to 30 meters. The manual-winding caliber DB2105 movement provides a substantial 120-hour power reserve. The watch features a leather strap attachment.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking De Bethune's technical approach to timekeeping in a precious metal case. The extended power reserve and manual-wind operation position it for enthusiasts who appreciate hands-on interaction with their timepieces. The 44.5mm sizing places it in contemporary proportions within the independent watchmaking segment.

Specifications

Caliber: DB2105

Case: 18k White Gold

Diameter: 44.5 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'fun' pieces, while not horologically groundbreaking, are a stroke of genius for Konstantin Chaykin, likely providing the cash flow for his more complicated works.
Konstantin Chaykin now offers personalized Joker watches, with prices higher than the initial run but still considered fair, alongside a 'Joker Automation' version.
The case finishing on early Joker models was noted as 'rough' by some owners, but the author emphasizes that the dial is the primary focus and appeal of these watches.
The Clown watch is considered stunning, prompting questions about its finishing and dial guillochage compared to the Joker.
The 'bonbon' collection is a strategic move for Richard Mille, diversifying its clientele beyond traditional technical watches and appealing to a unisex audience with playful designs.
The 'bonbon' collection is viewed by some as an exercise in self-irony, yet it maintains Richard Mille's high technical and aesthetic quality, with limited production ensuring desirability.

The Discussion

keks

May 6, 2019

And super cool piece! Titanium sounds like the right material for this one.. Anyone have a picture of the Trump? Would be curious to see...

patrickh

May 6, 2019

Found these 2 photos of variations offered by K C.

keks

May 6, 2019

I have never tried this on the wrist unfortunately... looks great on yours I must say! I did try this slightly different version last summer however... pretty cool as well:

Jay (Eire)

May 6, 2019

While there’s nothing groundbreaking from a horological (technical) perspective here I think the concept is genius. For a serious watchmaker, and Chaykin has real credentials and creativity, these watches may have been a bit of gamble. The reception for the original Joker I’m pretty sure surprised him a lot. I would like to think that these “fun” pieces have provided the cash flow to help him to continue with his bread and butter of the more complicated clocks and watches.

Jay (Eire)

May 6, 2019

It does however host the pusher for the moon phase adjustment/setting.

renerod

May 6, 2019

I like the Joker, but the clown looks stunning to me. What else can you tell us about the finishing that appears to be great? What about the dial’s guillochage? (Is it well spelled this way?) Enjoy your watch tons and please, don’t forget to share a lot of pictures, please. Best. René

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Konstantin Chaykin Clown Watch Customization

About the De Bethune DB25 Ref. DB25

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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