Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Space-Tested SC02C, a Mechanical Chronograph by Konstantin Chaykin
Made for cosmonauts and tested during spacewalks, the SC02C brings Chaykin’s professional space chronograph to civilian wrists.
Mechanical watches have accompanied astronauts and cosmonauts into space for decades, but few contemporary watches can claim to have been developed specifically around the demands of extravehicular activity, like Konstantin Chaykin’s new SC02C. Born from the manufacture’s collaboration with Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, the chronograph has been tested during four spacewalks and is now being released as a civilian limited edition.
The project began in 2018 with the making of a mechanical chronograph for use outside the orbital station. Prototypes of the resulting Space Conqueror were tested aboard the ISS, also during spacewalks, with the findings used to refine the construction. The latest-generation watches accompanied cosmonauts during an over 6-hour spacewalk as recently as May 27, 2026. The SC02C has been adapted for everyday wear while retaining the solutions developed for professionals.
At 44mm in diameter and 14.5mm thick, the SC02C stainless steel case features a unidirectional bezel and is unmistakably an instrument. Two rectangular, rounded polished chronograph pushers flank a large, fluted crown. The solid, theme-engraved caseback, fixed with 10 screws, provides extra protection for the movement.
The sapphire crystal uses a reverse “dovetail” construction, with its bevelled edge designed to prevent the crystal from being forced out under changes in pressure or extreme loads. Before being used in space, the watches underwent centrifuge, vibration, temperature and impact testing. The SC02C case is designed to withstand vacuum conditions down to 1 × 10-6 atmospheres, and incorporates antimagnetic protection rated to 4,800 A/m. Water resistance is 100m.
The deep black dial is functional, with the minutes/seconds track on the inclined flange, three subdials, large applied markers and legible hands. The red-tipped hour hand, previously seen on Chaykin’s Mars Conqueror Mk3, also has a practical purpose: it makes the 12-hour scale of the rotating bezel easier to use when measuring elapsed time. The hands, markers and unidirectional bezel all incorporate luminous material.
The SC02C is powered by the hand-wound K.20-5, based on the historic Poljot 3133 movement. Interestingly, the 3133 family succeeded the calibre 3017 (a Venus 150 redesigned by the Soviets), which powered the Strela watch worn in 1965 by Alexei Leonov during the first human spacewalk.
The original movement has been seriously modified with 60 components manufactured by Konstantin Chaykin. The calibre adds a 12-hour chronograph counter and stop-seconds function, and the balance uses micrometric adjustment by weights rather than a conventional index regulator. A damping ring further protects the movement against vibration and overloads. The calibre operates at 21,600 vibrations/hour, and offers a 45-hour power reserve, with communicated accuracy of -15/+15 seconds per day.
The SC02C comes with two black fabric straps, including an extended version designed to fit over a spacesuit. Limited to 28 pieces, it represents an unusual opportunity to own a watch that is not merely inspired by space exploration but was developed and tested for it. Price is to be confirmed. For more, please visit konstantinchaykin.com.
