Konstantin Chaykin SC02C
The Konstantin Chaykin Manufacture presents the SC02C – a chronograph developed for Russian cosmonauts. Created as a professional instrument, it is being released for the first time in a civilian version, giving watch owners the opportunity to take part in the research project.
Four Spacewalks
Konstantin Chaykin Manufacture has maintained a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership with Roscosmos since 2018, centered on developing and iterating mechanical spacewalk chronographs via real orbital flight testing and data-driven optimization.
The brand’s first collaborative model, the Space Conqueror, debuted in 2021. Two prototypes were sent to the orbital station, with one undergoing internal tests and the other completing two outer-spacewalk tests with astronaut Oleg Novitsky. Post-flight data optimized the watch’s crystal fixation for enhanced durability, and the upgraded version was deployed for an ISS spacewalk in August 2022 by Oleg Artemyev.
In May 2026, astronauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikayev wore new-generation Konstantin Chaykin chronographs for a 6-hour-6-minute spacewalk, marking the fourth spacewalk mission for the brand’s timepieces.
Building on space test achievements, the brand launched the limited-edition SC02C (28 pieces total, 44mm steel case). Tailored for daily wear, it supports all-condition use. User feedback on Earth will supplement space experiment data, fueling the R&D of future professional space watches.
Design Dictated by Purpose
Though classically styled, the SC02C chronograph is purely purpose-designed for professional space use. Developed in consultation with active cosmonauts to meet strict orbital legibility and operational demands, every detail of the watch serves a practical function.
Its deep black dial with large hour markers and clear hands delivers excellent readability. The hour hand’s red tip, inherited from the Mars Conqueror Mk3, simplifies reading the rotating bezel’s 12-hour timing scale. Luminous coating on hands, markers and bezel ensures low-light visibility, while the sapphire crystal’s anti-reflective finish eliminates glare for consistent clarity in all conditions.
Engineered for extreme environments, the SC02C features an antimagnetic shield defending its movement against magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m. A reverse dovetail structure firmly locks the sapphire crystal, resisting displacement under pressure fluctuations and heavy overloads. It boasts 10 ATM water resistance and a case engineered to withstand high-vacuum space conditions of 1 × 10⁻⁶ atmospheres.
The Legendary Caliber
For maximum space-grade reliability, Konstantin Chaykin opted against an in-house movement during the SC02C development, prioritizing a proven, field-tested base caliber. After extensive research, the brand selected the reputable Poljot 3133, heavily upgraded with 60 custom Manufacture components to create the hand-wound K.20-5 caliber. Enhancements include a 12-hour counter, stop-seconds function, weight-adjusted balance for improved vibration and overload resistance, and a protective damping ring.
A robust solid caseback shields the movement, while the caliber itself receives fine hand finishing befitting high watchmaking, despite being concealed in daily wear. Backed by strong reliability confidence, the brand offers unique servicing: it repairs impact- or fall-caused malfunctions free of charge, preserving original wear marks as a testament of each watch’s usage history.
The Poljot 3133 selection also anchors the model in spacewatch heritage. It traces its lineage to the 3017 caliber used in the Strela watches worn by Alexei Leonov during humanity’s first spacewalk in 1965, with the 3133 platform succeeding the original movement in the 1970s.
Technical Specifications
Movement: hand-wound caliber K.20-5, modified on the basis of the Poljot 3133 movement; 60 components made by the Manufacture, lever escapement, balance frequency 21,600 vibrations per hour, 25 jewels, 45-hour power reserve, rate accuracy –15/+15 seconds per day
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds; central chronograph seconds hand, 30-minute and 12-hour counters; additional measurement of a time interval using the rotating bezel
Case: stainless steel, diameter 44 mm, height 14.5 mm; two flat polished chronograph pushers; large winding crown; antimagnetic protection up to 4,800 A/m; caseback with themed 3-D engraving; water resistance 10 ATM; case designed to withstand high vacuum down to 1 × 10⁻⁶ ATM
Dial: deep black, three counters, applied hour markers, large polished hands; red tip of the hour hand evoking the silhouette of a launch vehicle and continuing the signature hand motif of the Mars Conqueror Mk3; luminescent coating on the hands and hour markers
Bezel: unidirectional rotating bezel with a 12-hour scale and luminous elements, diameter 45.1 mm
Crystal: sapphire, diameter 35.5 mm, with anti-reflective coating; secured using a reverse “dovetail” construction
Strap: set of two black fabric straps: standard length and extended for wearing over a spacesuit
Price: 50,000CHF
Limited Edition: 28 Pieces