Konstantin Chaykin’s iconic Wristmons collection takes a daring new turn with “Panda,” the first in the playful East series. Housed in a lightweight titanium case, this timepiece brings the beloved panda character to life through inventive watchmaking — complete with expressive eyes for hours and minutes, a smiling moon-phase “mouth,” and subtle panda details that balance charm and technical sophistication.
A New East Collection Begins
With the debut of Panda, Chaykin officially launches the East collection, a planned series of five animal-inspired Wristmons named after creatures beloved in Eastern cultures. The Panda leads the line, to be followed by Wolf, Monkey, Falcon, and ultimately Tiger.
While a Panda Piece Unique in steel was auctioned in 2024, the new Panda is a regular production version crafted in titanium — a material prized for its strength, lightness, resistance to corrosion, and hypoallergenic properties.
Design That Speaks (and Smiles)
From the front, the Panda’s face is unmistakable. The two disc indicators that rotate inside its eyes display hours (left eye) and minutes (right eye) — a signature feature of Chaykin’s Joker-module system.
Where many watches show seconds or date subdials, Panda opts instead for a smiling moon-phase “mouth” at 6 o’clock — contributing to the anthropomorphic charm that defines the Wristmons line.
Every surface is thoughtfully finished. The dial features a textured “fur” effect crafted via sandblasting and radial wavy guilloché relief. Contrasting black and white zones are softened with graduated sandblast treatments, while the panda’s nose is shaped in smooth convex form. Small round indices replace numerals, preserving the minimalist facial design.
Technical Lift Behind the Whimsy
Turning the Panda over reveals a sapphire exhibition caseback that shows off the K.18-22 calibre — built on a modified automatic base, topped with Chaykin’s in-house Joker indication module.
A standout detail: the module bridge is artistically shaped as a stylized map of Sichuan Province, the panda’s native habitat.
Performance is solid: 28,800 vibrations per hour, 68 hours of power reserve, and a 33.4 mm diameter / 7.85 mm thickness (module included) movement architecture.
Case, Bezel & Lugs
The titanium case measures 40 mm in diameter and about 12.2 mm in thickness. It’s built from 54 components and finished with a mix of brushing, polishing, and sandblasting to deliver depth and character.
A ribbed bezel is engraved with the letters “P A N D A,” creating a bold identity ring.
One of Panda’s most unique visual cues: the upper lugs are crafted from black carbon-fibre composite, shaped to evoke panda ears.
The crown is placed at 6 o’clock — a playful but functional choice also seen on other animal-inspired Wristmons.
Limited, Yet Accessible
Panda isn’t limitless — production is capped at 100 pieces per year. While not a numbered limited edition, this control ensures exclusivity and collectibility.
Collectors who acquire all five models in the East series will have the option to purchase the final Tiger at the same price as the earlier models — a clever incentive to complete the set.
Why Panda Matters
“Panda” represents a new chapter in Chaykin’s Wristmons mythology: it bridges emotional storytelling and serious micro-mechanics. It’s whimsical without being gimmicky, endowed with personality yet rooted in authentic haute horlogerie. It proves that character and craftsmanship can coexist beautifully.
For watch lovers and collectors, Panda opens the door to an enchanting new series — one where each following creature will bring its own quirks, technical challenges, and design poetry. And as the first in the East collection, it sets a high bar in both emotion and engineering.
