An unusual variation of the brand’s bestseller, the Joker Fiat Lux has a skeletonised dial revealing the signature Konstantin Chaykin “rolling eye” module that’s been decorated by hand. Fiat lux is Latin for “let there be light”, and a reference to the see-through dial. It’s limited to 38 pieces and intended for the brand’s retailer in China, West Wood Time in Beijing.

Initial thoughts

Konstantin Chaykin’s Joker has become a cult classic of sorts and the brand’s strongest seller by far. Since the launch of the original Joker in 2017, it has evolved into an entire collection known as Wristmon, short for “wrist monster”. The brand has put out many, many different Wristmons since, though the original is arguably the purest (while some variants are admittedly gimmicky).

Being based on the original, the Joker Fiat Lux stands out. It is almost the same as the original, with identical dimensions, design, and functions, but with a skeletonised dial and an exhibition back, both of which make it more aesthetically pleasing than the original.

The dial is skeletonised to show off the display module

The Joker Fiat Lux is priced similar to comparable past Wristmon models. It’s relatively affordable for a distinctive and unique example of unconventional independent watchmaking – seen that from that perspective, it is good value. Though the base movement is a no-frills ETA 2824-2, but the display module is built by Chaykin and furthermore hand finished. The inexpensive ETA calibre may not be a bad thing, given how easily serviceable the movement is anywhere in the world.

The mechanics revealed

Just like the original Joker, the Fiat Lux has a steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter. However, it is slightly slimmer at 12.1 mm. Interestingly, the Joker Fiat Lux is 15 g lighter than the original due to the skeletonised dial and sapphire back.

The two-sub dials that tell the time form the eyes of the Joker

In typical Wristmon style, the dial forms a face with the eyes being the sub-dials for the time, with the left register indicating the hours and the right, the minutes, while the mouth at six o’clock contains a moon phase display.

Unlike the original, this boasts a dial skeletonised to form a spiral sun-ray motif that shows off the parts of the proprietary display module. The parts of the module are hand-finished with “haute horologerie techniques” according to Konstantin Chaykin. The bridge between the “eyes” is decorated with hobnail guilloche.

Wristshot of the Joker Fiat Lux.

Inside the case sits an ETA 2824-2 modified by Konstantin Chaykin. Besides the in-house module on the front, the movement is equipped with a rotor open-worked to form a sun-ray motif, echoing the skeletonised dial.

The rotor is engraved with a “J” for “Joker”

Key facts and price

Konstantin Chaykin Joker Fiat Lux

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 12.1 mm 
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: ETA 2824-2 with Konstantin Chaykin module
Functions: Hours and minutes
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 38 hours

Strap: Black alligator leather strap with green calfskin lining

Limited edition: 38 pieces
Availability: At West Wood Time in Beijing
Price: 

For more, visit chaykin.ru

Affordable and powered by the sun, the Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SSC947 is dressed in the blue, red, and orange synonymous with the vintage “Pogue” chronograph. It’s not, however, a vintage re-issue but a modern take on a vintage design. “Pogue” refers to the vintage ref. 6139 that gets its name from astronaut William Pogue, who wore one during the Skylab 4 mission in 1973, making it the first automatic chronograph in space.

Initial thoughts

Seiko is expert at vintage re-issues at practically every price point, from the Seiko 5 Sports “Kamen Rider” to the Grand Seiko “First”. This isn’t the case for the SSC947, which mimics the Pogue’s colours but is otherwise a modern-day Prospex Speedtimer.

That’s a good thing for everyone tired of historical remakes, although traditionalists might say the SSC947 doesn’t do justice to the original that’s something of a cult classic amongst Seiko enthusiasts. But the bottom line is, the SSC947 is an appealing, different alternative to the mostly conservative colours in the Prospex Speedtimer line. And it’s priced identically to earlier versions of the watch, so it offers the same value proposition.

Dressed in the “Pogue” colour scheme

The “Pogue”

Featuring a two-tone red and blue tachymeter bezel, the SSC947 has a radially-brushed orange dial with brown sub-dials, just like its vintage inspiration. The flange around the dial is in dark brown to match the sub-dials.

The specs are otherwise identical to the Prospex Speedmaster. The stainless steel case is 41.4 mm in diameter and 13 mm in thickness, and water resistant to 100 m.

Featuring a two-tone red and blue bezel and an orange dial

It’s powered by the V192, a solar-powered movement is accurate to ±15 seconds per month that will run six months on a full charge. In addition, the V192 movement is equipped with an overcharge prevention function that stops its charging even with continuous exposure to light.

Key facts and price

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph
Ref. SSC947

Diameter: 41.4 mm
Height: 13 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. V192
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve indicator and chronograph
Winding: Solar
Power reserve: 6 months

Strap: Matching bracelet

Limited edition: No
Availability: Available at Seiko boutiques and retailers starting August 2024
Price:

For more, visit Seikowatches.com