.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
One of the most distinctive creations of contemporary independent watchmaking, the Joker Classic by Russian master watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin revisits his celebrated original Joker, first unveiled at Baselworld in 2017 in a limited edition of 99 pieces. Part of Chaykin's imaginative Wristmons collection, the model transforms the traditional wristwatch display into an expressive mechanical face whose constantly changing appearance has become instantly recognisable among collectors.
The Joker's character is created through two large rotating 'eyes' that ingeniously indicate the time. The left eye displays the hours, while the right indicates the minutes, with white rotating discs and black pupils moving within anthracite chapter rings. Between them sits a finely executed guilloché nose, while the broad smiling mouth incorporates the moon-phase display: a moving red tongue travels from side to side as the lunar cycle progresses. The result is a dial that continuously changes expression throughout the day. The Joker Classic also differs from the original model through its sapphire crystal caseback, replacing the earlier solid back and revealing the automatic calibre K.18-18 within.
The model is available in two distinct interpretations. One recalls the bright colour palette of the original Joker with a white dial and green and red accents, while the present version adopts a more restrained dark grey dial enlivened by vivid red details. Production is limited to 100 examples of each version per year, preserving the exclusivity expected of an independently manufactured timepiece.
The Joker's character is created through two large rotating 'eyes' that ingeniously indicate the time. The left eye displays the hours, while the right indicates the minutes, with white rotating discs and black pupils moving within anthracite chapter rings. Between them sits a finely executed guilloché nose, while the broad smiling mouth incorporates the moon-phase display: a moving red tongue travels from side to side as the lunar cycle progresses. The result is a dial that continuously changes expression throughout the day. The Joker Classic also differs from the original model through its sapphire crystal caseback, replacing the earlier solid back and revealing the automatic calibre K.18-18 within.
The model is available in two distinct interpretations. One recalls the bright colour palette of the original Joker with a white dial and green and red accents, while the present version adopts a more restrained dark grey dial enlivened by vivid red details. Production is limited to 100 examples of each version per year, preserving the exclusivity expected of an independently manufactured timepiece.