According to Monochrome Watches, Konstantin Chaykin has released the SC02C mechanical chronograph as a civilian limited edition following its rigorous development and testing with Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, during four spacewalks outside the International Space Station. The 44mm stainless steel timepiece was built specifically to endure extravehicular activity, featuring pressure-resistant reverse dovetail sapphire construction and a heavily modified historic Poljot 3133 movement.
Development History and ISS Spacewalk Testing
The SC02C project originated in 2018 with the creation of a dedicated mechanical chronograph intended for operations outside the orbital station. Prototypes named the Space Conqueror underwent operational testing aboard the ISS, where findings directly influenced structural refinements. According to Monochrome Watches, the latest iteration of the watch accompanied cosmonauts on a spacewalk lasting more than six hours.
Pro Tip: When evaluating space-tested chronographs, look closely at crystal mounting techniques. The SC02C utilizes a reverse “dovetail” bevelled edge specifically engineered to prevent the crystal from forcing outward during rapid atmospheric pressure shifts.
Case Architecture and Engineering Specs
The SC02C features a 44mm stainless steel case measuring 14.5mm thick, designed strictly as an operational instrument. Monochrome Watches reports that the case incorporates a unidirectional bezel, two rounded rectangular chronograph pushers, and a fluted crown. Secured by ten screws, the solid caseback protects the internal mechanics against extreme environments.
Testing parameters for the case included centrifuge trials, vibration checks, thermal extremes, and impact assessments. The watch withstands vacuum conditions down to 1 × 10-6 atmospheres, offers antimagnetic shielding rated to 4,800 A/m, and provides 100 meters of water resistance.
Dial Legibility and Modified Movement
The deep black dial houses an inclined flange with seconds and minutes tracks, alongside three functional subdials and prominent luminous markers. A red-tipped hour hand—borrowed from the earlier Mars Conqueror Mk3 design—simplifies tracking elapsed time on the rotating 12-hour bezel. Powering the watch is the hand-wound K.20-5 caliber, derived from the historical Poljot 3133 movement lineage that traces back to Alexei Leonov’s 1965 historic spacewalk via the Strela watch.
Did You Know? The movement inside the SC02C includes 60 entirely new components manufactured in-house by Konstantin Chaykin, adding a 12-hour chronograph counter, stop-seconds functionality, and a specialized damping ring to absorb heavy station vibrations.
Pricing and Availability
The SC02C ships with two black fabric straps, including an extended variant tailored to fit over bulky spacesuits. Production is strictly limited to 28 pieces worldwide. Pricing remains to be confirmed by the manufacturer, according to Monochrome Watches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the Konstantin Chaykin SC02C tested in space?
Prototypes of the Space Conqueror series underwent testing during four separate spacewalks outside the International Space Station, in addition to ground-based centrifuge, vibration, and thermal trials.
What movement powers the SC02C chronograph?
The watch runs on the hand-wound K.20-5 caliber, which is based on the historic Poljot 3133 movement and features 60 custom components built by Konstantin Chaykin.
How many SC02C watches are being produced?
The civilian release is limited to exactly 28 pieces globally.
Does the SC02C fit over a spacesuit?
Yes, the watch comes with two black fabric straps, which includes an extended strap designed explicitly for integration over a spacesuit sleeve.
Explore More Horology News
What are your thoughts on space-tested mechanical watches versus modern quartz instruments? Leave a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest timepiece releases.
Related reading