Konstantin Chaykin’s signature Wristmon has taken an unexpected twist with the Venus. Inspired by The Birth of Venus, Botticelli’s famous Renaissance painting, the wristwatch is modelled on the goddess Venus emerging from the sea, nude with flowing hair. 

Like the Wristmons, Venus tells the time with rotating discs, except the discs no longer represent the eyes. Appropriately, the Venus prototype will be sold in at auction on December 11, with all proceeds going to LILT Milano Monza Brianza, an Italian charity dedicated to preventing breast cancer.

Initial thoughts

The Wristmon is now a familiar concept, maybe too familiar. Venus is a clever twist on the idea; it’s essentially identical in terms of function, yet entirely different in look and theme.

The Venus is also relatively subtle, despite the highly exposed central theme. At the same time, the Venus fits into a historical category of watches. In some ways it’s a variant of the tradition erotic watch, which existed in pocket watches and also modern wristwatches.

The case of the Venus is also a bit more graceful than the average Wristmon. It has flowing lines and more importantly, only one crown, instead of the two for most Wristmon models.

In short, I like the Venus. It is a smart new direction for the Russian watchmaker’s signature concept.

Goddess on the dial

Like the Wristmons, Venus indicates the time regulator-style. Hours and minutes are each indicated on rotating discs, while the “face” forms the moon phase display at 12 o’clock.

Finished in a copper tone, the dial features a stamped guilloche representing the hair of Venus. The facial features of Venus are printed on the underside of the moon phase window.

The Venus case measures 40 mm by 12.9 mm high, which is comparable to most Wristmon models. The case feels different, however, due to a more elegant design.

Instead of being wide and engraved as on the Wristmons, the bezel here is smooth and narrower, while the crystal is dome. The lugs are also more elegantly shaped.

And most notable is the crown, of which there is only one, giving the case a sleek outline to echo the dial aesthetic. The single crown winds the movement, as well as sets the watch. In contrast, the Wristmon relies on two crowns.

Mechanically, the Venus is similar to other Wristmon models. The base movement is a La Joux-Perret G200, a workhorse automatic movement commonly employed by independent watchmakers and micro brands. It has a useful 68 hour power reserve, along with a 4 Hz balance.

And as is convention for the brand, the time display module is made in-house by Konstantin Chaykin. This sits under the dial, making the finished movement a little taller.

Key facts and price

Konstantin Chaykin Venus 

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 12.9 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Calibre K.18-25 (La Joux-Perret G200 base)
Functions: Hours, minutes, and moon phase
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 68 hours

Strap: Leather with pin buckle

Limited edition: 99 pieces
Availability: From Konstantin Chaykin or GMT Great Masters of Time in Milan
Price: CHF20,000 before taxes

For more information, visit Chaykin.ru.