Konstantin Chaykin Manufacture has released the SC02C, a 28-piece civilian limited edition mechanical chronograph adapted from an instrument tested during four spacewalks with Russian cosmonauts, featuring a specialized 44mm steel case and a history rooted in space exploration.
From Orbital Testing to Civilian Wrists: The Origins of the SC02C
Mechanical watches have accompanied space crews for decades, but few civilian timepieces can claim direct testing outside an orbital station. The SC02C is the civilian evolution of a professional instrument developed in collaboration with Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, as highlighted in manufacturing records. The project began in 2018 with the creation of a mechanical chronograph designed specifically for extravehicular activity.
Prototypes known as the Space Conqueror entered orbit in April 2021, when two units arrived at the space station. One unit remained inside for testing, while the other ventured outside with cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky during spacewalks on June 2 and September 9 of that year. After returning to Earth, engineers analyzed the collected data to refine the watch’s construction.
An upgraded chronograph returned outside the station on August 17, 2022, with Oleg Artemyev. Most recently, on May 27, 2026, cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikayev wore new-generation chronographs during a spacewalk lasting six hours and six minutes. In total, Konstantin Chaykin watches accompanied cosmonauts across four spacewalks before the SC02C debuted at Geneva Watch Days 2026.
Engineering for Extreme Loads and Vacuum Conditions
Building a chronograph for outer space requires solving unique mechanical challenges. The SC02C features a 44mm stainless steel case measuring 14.5mm thick, secured by a solid, theme-engraved caseback fastened with 10 screws. Before ever reaching space, prototypes underwent rigorous centrifuge, vibration, temperature, and impact testing.
To handle extreme environments, the watch has been designed to function in high-vacuum conditions down to a pressure of 1 × 10-6 atmospheres. An antimagnetic cover shields the movement against magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m, and water resistance reaches 100 meters, or 10 atmospheres as detailed in technical specifications.
Pressure changes during spacewalks pose a severe risk to watch crystals. Engineers solved this by using a sapphire crystal with a reverse dovetail construction, where a bevelled edge prevents the glass from forcing outward under sudden pressure loads.
Movement Heritage and Dial Functionality
Beneath the deep black dial lies a hand-wound K.20-5 calibre based on the historic Poljot 3133 movement. The 3133 family itself succeeded the calibre 3017, a redesigned Venus 150 movement that powered the Strela watch worn in 1965 by Alexei Leonov during the first human spacewalk. Konstantin Chaykin modified the base movement with 60 proprietary components, adding a 12-hour chronograph counter, a stop-seconds function, and micrometric balance adjustment by weights.
A protective damping ring safeguards the movement against heavy vibration and overloads. The mechanism operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, delivers a 45-hour power reserve, and maintains an accuracy rating of -15/+15 seconds per day.
Every visual element serves a functional purpose. The deep black dial houses three subdials, large applied markers, and a minutes-and-seconds track on the inclined flange. The hour hand features a distinctive red tip borrowed from the Mars Conqueror Mk3, which helps users read the rotating bezel’s 12-hour scale when timing intervals. Luminous material coats the hands, markers, and unidirectional bezel.
Availability and What Collectors Can Expect
The SC02C ships with two black fabric straps, including an extended version built specifically to fit over the sleeve of an Orlan-MKS spacesuit. Limited to just 28 pieces worldwide, the watch offers collectors an unusual connection to active space programs. While pricing remains to be confirmed by the manufacturer, owners of the SC02C effectively join a continuing research pipeline, as performance feedback from terrestrial wear will complement data gathered in orbit to inform future specialized instruments.
