The ongoing cheerful smile in the often scattered world of watches is courtesy of Constantine Chakin. With the Joker’s debut in 2017, Russian watchmakers introduced a collection of watches that combine fun and serious watchmaking. Over the past seven years, he has created 40 characters for the series. The vast number of characters is impressive. The latest addition to the lineup is Joker “Fiat Lux.” It is the first Joker model with a skeletonized dial. It reveals the serious aspects of the Joker that we need to check out.
Since Chaykin introduced Joker in 2017, the Wristmons collection has been a huge success. However, instead of taking advantage of Joker’s success by creating different versions of the same watch, Chaykin chose to create new characters to expand the series. It’s a move that we can admire as it led to a small universe of clock characters. It would be too easy to create the same watch in a variety of materials and different sizes. It also beats the fun of infecting the series in the first place. This new skeletonized Joker “Fiat Lux” essentially alters the appearance of the face-shaped dial. It was a fun and interesting creation and I tried it for a few days.
Konstantin Chaykin Joker’s story “Fiat Lux”
For this new Joker “Fiat Lux”, Konstantin Chaykin returned to his original Joker in 2017. The watch features the same titanium case with a special bezel structure that includes the symbols of the “Five Types” poker combinations reproduced in the game. With the Joker. Additionally, it has the same dial configuration with a moon face indicator. However, the big difference compared to the original model is the skeletonized dial. This will show the signature of the Chaykin Joker module.
For this new creation, Chaykin took inspiration from images of Chinese poetry. He wanted to play with the Sun/Moonbeam theme that penetrates the cracks in the bamboo curtains on the skeletonized dial. In Chaykin’s own words, “This was born under the name Joker’s Fiat Lux, which is acoustically similar to Sunbeam.” There’s light! “The Wristmons Collection’s new watch is a special edition for China, limited to 38 units and retails for 41,000 euros.
Details of Konstantin Chayking Joker “Fiat Lux”
Let’s expand the specifications of the Joker “Fiat Lux.” This watch features a 40mm x 12.1mm titanium case. The lightweight, beautifully carved housing has the distinctive bezel and two crowns I just mentioned, one in each.
At the first 3 o’clock, the time will be adjusted. This can be seen in hours and minutes on the subdial. These subdials and their hands also act as Joker’s eyes. The 9 o’clock crown then represents the Joker mouth on the lower half of the dial and adjusts the moon phase indicator.
Inside the case is an openwork smiley face dial that is not as colorful as the first Joker. The silver-plated dial is treated with black treatment and features Clous de Paris Guilloché decoration and multi-layer varnish coating. Additionally, the dial features padded markings and the Konstantin Chaykin logo.
But the most striking aspect of the dial is the “lighting” view of the movement it offers. It’s fun to see Chakin keeping his face darker and setting it towards the brighter, more colorful parts behind it, keeping Joker’s clear shape and character. It reveals both sides of the Joker that makes him such an interesting character.
A new display case for enjoying the movement
Looking back at the clock, you will be greeted by a spiral sunray rotor. The design echoes the open work pattern on the dial side. The display caseback secured with six screws replaces all metal casebacks from previous versions. Get a view of the automatic caliber k.07-0 through the rotor opening. It is based on the Swiss-made ETA 2824-2, created by in-house and equipped with a Joker module that is hand-finished. The automatic movement operates at 28,800VPH and provides a 38-hour power reserve.
Finishing out the exterior is a black crocodile leather strap with a green Calfskin lined. Additionally, the straps feature contrasting green stitching, giving a colorful twist that matches the dial well. Overall, the watch’s design was impressive as it is the most subdued version of the Joker series. That being said, there was a lot of thought about doing Joker’s work on displaying the mechanisms inside the watch. Overall, it is also where there is a magic to wear this watch.
“Fiat Lux” wearing a Konstantin Chaykin Joker
Previously, the only other Chakin I’ve worn for a long time was Le Legre Louis Erard x Constantine Chakin. It was a lot of fun, I might add. I’ve tried out the previous iterations of Joker briefly, but I didn’t have the chance to take it for a proper spin. As a result, I wanted to know if the clock is more than a smart play with whimsical themes.
Above all, I loved how well the watch sat on my wrist. Thanks to the titanium case, it is an ultra-lightweight creation. But there’s more to it. The case is also neatly carved, so it sits perfectly on your wrist. Certainly, if your wrists are small, this may not be the watch for you. But on my wrist it felt like I was at home.
After my initial comfort-related impression, I was immediately mistook the look of the watch. I love the looks of this new Joker, “Fiat Lux.” Like I said, it’s a little more flirty than the previous version just above my alley. It’s a pleasure to see the details of the dial, but a slightly different focus makes the movement more distinctive. This layered approach gives the watch a lot of depth. As a result, wearing the Joker “Fiat Lux” for several days was a fun experience. It gave me a good idea about what makes the Wristmons collection, especially the Joker series so enjoyable.
The Final Thoughts on Konstantin Chaykin Joker: “Fiat Lux”
This certainly isn’t a watch for those who are overly concerned with price, as that enjoyment comes at a cost. This is unlikely to be anyone’s first watch, but rather a fun addition to the ever-expanding collection. I have to say I was very impressed with the fun of wearing it. This version showed perfect both sides of the Joker. First of all, there are whimsical characters that will draw you in. However, you will soon find that the serious side of the watch is impressive.
Overall, this Joker will become my favorite of the Joker series, “Fiat Lux.” This is the result of seeing quite a few already. If you’re interested in this original take on the Joker concept, head over to Blue Lake Watches. The Swiss retailer is the only person outside of China to offer Constantine Chakin Joker “Fiat Lux.” But let us know what you think about this creation in the comments section!
