Carpe Diem Konstantin Chaykin: Russian soul of passing time

The Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin presented at the Salon Belles Montres 2013 latest creations from her eponymous label ... Among them, the Carpe Diem model . A piece of haute horlogerie that offers , through its "home" template, a representation of the time elapsed (via an hourglass ) inexorably. Surprising and poetic !

Here is a rose gold watch (case of 45 mm ), which in its design evokes the Russian soul ! Often tormented soul , a prey to the demons of the inexorable passage of time without the possibility of turning back. Hours and minutes leading inevitably and inexorably to certain death ...

The Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin (also enlightened art lover ) managed to crystallize the whole vision of time that elapses tirelessly within its called Carpe Diem, who remembered the shows in Latin means " fully respect the moment " .

In this new creation, Konstantin Chaykin 's goal is to present a watch, not only as an instrument for measuring time , but as a work of art. Thus , the Russian watchmaker met in this model, the allegorical symbols of time illustrating the present moment so moving that connects the past to the future .

"I'm very often in exhibitions ," says Konstantin Chaykin . "In every city where I go , I try at all costs to visit a museum , especially if it contains paintings and sculpture of ancient masters . Not only do these masterpieces provide a fun aesthetic point of view , but for me , they are also a source of inspiration . "

He continued: "Many painters have used the image of the time, most often symbolized as an hourglass. The latter, combined with other objects (eg a skull or a candle ) symbolizes the fragility and brevity of human existence . The image of the human skull for example, was widespread in the allegorical still lifes , the famous " Vanities " recalling the inevitability of death , as later hourglass and watch . The ancient god Chronos holding in his hand a sickle or scythe , again with an hourglass, is a more ancient symbol . All this gave me the idea to create a watch - allegory, which is an image of time that may be encountered in painting. "

Within the symbols that represent the time on the dial of the Carpe Diem shows are evocations tables Barthel Bruyn the Elder , Franciscus Gysbrechts , Georgi Narbout and many others. Undoubtedly , the main character here is Chronos, the ancient deity who created the oldest thing born with the Universe : Time. His image is intended expressive . Chronos is thoughtful, deeply wrinkled forehead , he sits on the miniature dial ( thus the time ) with a single needle that displays hours. In one hand he holds the handle of a scythe , the other hand is based on an hourglass. Silhouette frozen god stands on a background of night sky with diamonds symbolizing the cosmic nature of time .

From the technical point of view , the Carpe Diem shows is interesting because of the use of the patented invention by Konstantin Chaykin , who, with a few small movable flaps , which imitates naturally enough sand movement which flows through an hourglass . When " sand " moves, it indicates the minutes of the current time . This watch also displays the days of the week , each distinguished by its astrological symbol to three hours .

The K.01 -4 size ( manual mechanical) Konstantin Chaykin part in the series of mechanisms atypical indicators. Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève , the gear wheels are gold , the barrel is sanded out the crown is polished. The operation of the pendulum shows through the transparent sapphire crystal .

The watchcase rose gold is hand carved , decorations and the image of Chronos on the dial are weathered . Time on earth as in heaven , does not always happen at the same speed : the moments of happiness are fleeting , while the time of trial seems like an eternity ... Yet we would like that the other way around !

Recall that Konstantin Chaykin is the only Russian to join the Academy of Independent Creators Horlogère .