Konstantin Chaykin Unveils Space-Tested SC02C Mechanical Chronograph

Konstantin Chaykin introduces the SC02C, a mechanical chronograph that embodies a direct lineage from watches specifically engineered for extravehicular activities in space. This limited-edition offering emerges from an intensive collaboration with Roscosmos, Russia's prominent space agency, bringing a piece of space-faring technology to the discerning public. The development journey of this timepiece involved rigorous testing during multiple spacewalks, ensuring its resilience and precision in the most extreme conditions. The SC02C is now available, adapting its professional-grade features for everyday wear while preserving the innovations crucial for its celestial origins.

The conceptualization of this groundbreaking watch commenced in 2018 with the ambition to create a mechanical chronograph capable of functioning flawlessly outside orbital stations. Early prototypes, designated Space Conqueror, underwent extensive evaluation aboard the International Space Station, including challenging spacewalks. The valuable insights garnered from these real-world extraterrestrial trials informed the subsequent refinements in its design and construction. Notably, the latest iterations of these timepieces accompanied cosmonauts on a spacewalk exceeding six hours as recently as May 27, 2026, showcasing their unwavering performance. The SC02C civilian model meticulously incorporates these hard-won technical solutions.

Crafted with a 44mm diameter and a 14.5mm thickness, the SC02C's stainless steel case presents a clear impression of a high-performance instrument. Its design includes a unidirectional bezel, an essential feature for timing. The large, fluted crown is flanked by two rectangular, polished chronograph pushers, providing both functionality and aesthetic balance. Further enhancing its robustness, the solid caseback features a thematic engraving and is secured by ten screws, offering additional protection to the intricate movement within. This construction underscores its capability to endure demanding environments.

A critical component of the SC02C's resilience is its sapphire crystal, which employs a distinctive reverse “dovetail” construction. This innovative design mitigates the risk of the crystal dislodging under significant pressure fluctuations or extreme mechanical stresses, conditions commonly encountered in space. Prior to its use in actual space missions, these timepieces endured comprehensive testing regimes, including centrifuge simulations, vibration analyses, temperature extremes, and impact assessments. The SC02C case is specifically engineered to withstand vacuum conditions as low as 1 × 10^-6 atmospheres and boasts antimagnetic shielding rated at 4,800 A/m. Despite its space-grade capabilities, it also offers a practical water resistance of 100 meters.

The watch features a deep black dial, prioritizing functionality and legibility. A minutes/seconds track is precisely placed on the inclined flange, complementing the three subdials. Large, applied markers and highly readable hands define the display. The hour hand, distinguished by its red tip, a design element first seen on Chaykin's Mars Conqueror Mk3, serves a practical purpose by facilitating the use of the 12-hour scale on the rotating bezel for elapsed time measurement. All hands, markers, and the unidirectional bezel are treated with luminous material, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions.

The SC02C is driven by the hand-wound K.20-5 calibre, a movement ingeniously based on the historic Poljot 3133. This choice pays homage to its predecessors, as the 3133 family succeeded the calibre 3017 (a Venus 150 meticulously re-engineered by Soviet watchmakers), which famously powered the Strela watch worn by Alexei Leonov during humanity's first spacewalk in 1965. The movement has been significantly enhanced with 60 components specifically manufactured by Konstantin Chaykin, adding a 12-hour chronograph counter and a stop-seconds function. Its balance features micrometric adjustment through weights, deviating from conventional index regulators, and a damping ring provides further protection against vibrations and overloads. Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, the K.20-5 offers a 45-hour power reserve and is rated for an accuracy of -15/+15 seconds per day.

Each SC02C comes with two black fabric straps: a standard length for everyday wear and an extended version specifically designed to be worn over a spacesuit, underscoring its dual nature as both a civilian timepiece and a testament to space exploration. Limited to just 28 pieces, this exclusive offering provides a rare chance to own a watch not merely inspired by the cosmos but genuinely developed and rigorously tested for the demanding environment of space travel.