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Konstantin Chaykin Breaks the Record for World's Thinnest Mechanical Watch

For many years, the world’s leading watchmaking companies have been competing to produce the thinnest mechanical watches. Prestigious brands such as PiagetBulgari, and Richard Mille have been at the forefront of this race, with Bulgari securing a prominent position, dominating various categories. Recently, Bulgari made headlines by reintroducing its ultra-thin minute repeater during the first day of the Geneva Watch Days. Piaget previously held the title for the thinnest tourbillon watch at the Watches and Wonders event.

However, a new contender has emerged from Eastern Europe. Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin unveiled a prototype that puts him at the forefront of the ultra-thin watch category.

Introducing Formex Brings Back the Essence 39 Automatic Malachite

The unique allure of the rare malachite stone meets Swiss craftsmanship in this limited edition

Formex is reviving one of its special editions, the Essence 39 Automatic Malachite Watch. The version featuring a malachite dial, which was previously presented by the company, achieved great success as these limited-production watches, restricted to only 100 pieces, sold out in less than 24 hours. Because of this success, the Swiss company decided to produce 100 new pieces for the year 2024, giving watch enthusiasts another opportunity. The distinctive green color and the nature of the stone, which displays different shades and gradations from light green to almost black, make each dial a completely unique piece, not identical to any other.

The Swiss company has always provided dials with unique designs and high craftsmanship, relying on its extensive experience in manufacturing watch components. This is evident in many previous releases, the most recent of which is the dial of the Gamaret watch, with its dark red color and the wonderful smoky gradient resulting from hand-painting.

⁠The 39 mm case made of 316L stainless steel is modeled with high-performance bikes and racing cars in mind and is equipped with Formex's patented case suspension system, which works by integrating four springs between the upper and lower watch case. The result is the ultimate shock absorption system, designed to protect the mechanical movement and deliver unparalleled comfort to the wearer. This slim case design, at 10 mm, along with curved lugs, allows for a perfect fit on your wrist. The brushed finish on the case and bezel is perfectly rounded off with hand-finished mirror-polished bevels. Topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, it provides 100 m water resistance.

The Formex Essence Malachite showcases a striking green dial crafted from the precious stone malachite. This dial is resplendent with its wavy striped patterning. Each piece is unique, as the malachite's coloration and patterning vary depending on the cut of the stone.
The dial showcases a hand-applied color gradient “fumé” effect, enhancing its depth and visual appeal. The hands and indices are deep-filled with Super-LumiNova® BGW9, ensuring excellent readability in low light conditions. Additionally, the dial includes a date window at the 6 o'clock position, seamlessly integrating functionality with its elegant design.

Powering the watch is a Swiss Made, COSC-Certified Chronometer Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement, boasting an extended power reserve of 41 hours. the highest quality "Chronometer" grade due to its inclusion of premium components not commonly found in standard versions of this caliber. Notably, it features a balance wheel renowned for its exceptional hardness, stability, and resistance to deformation, as well as its non-magnetic and non-corrosive properties. The fully decorated automatic movement showcases thermally blued screws and is wound by Formex’s custom-built skeletonized rotor.

This edition comes with a stainless steel bracelet, or a variation of leather or black rubber straps with a Carbon Fiber Composite Folding Clasp, Priced at 7,550 AED, available for pre-order now, with delivery scheduled for early september 2024.

Waqt is the official exclusive retailer for Formex in the UAE, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to experience these exceptional timepieces firsthand. You can explore and order Formex watches from our E-shop.

Technical specifications: Essence 39 mm Malachite Automatic Chronometer
  1. Reference:  0333.1.6690
  2. Case: Stainless steel 316L, hand finished, suspension system, Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment from both sides  
  3. Diameter: 39 mm
  4. Height:     10 mm
  5. Water resistance: 100 m
  6. Dial: Malachite dial, hand-applied  color gradient “fumé” effect, hand and Indices deep-filled with Super-LumiNova® BGW9, date window at 6 o'clock 
  7. Movement: Sellita caliber SW200-1, Automatic, COSC-certified, a custom made skeletonized rotor, 26 jewels
  8. Power reserve: 41 hours
  9. Frequency:  28,800 VPH  (4 Hz)
  10. Functions:, Hours, minutes, seconds, date
  11. Bracelet / Strap:  Stainless steel bracelet,  black rubber strap, leather strap with a folding clasp made of carbon fiber 
  12. Availability: Limited Production to 100 pieces
  13. Price: 7,550 AED

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