Konstantin Chaykin Matroskin Introduced

The Beloved Animated Cat Becomes the Latest Wristmon Creation

The Konstantin Chaykin Matroskin has expanded the celebrated Wristmon collection as a playful yet technically sophisticated timepiece inspired by one of Russia’s most beloved animated characters.

Created under an official partnership between the Konstantin Chaykin manufacture and Soyuzmultfilm Animation Studio, the new release transforms the iconic talking cat from Eduard Uspensky’s stories and animated adaptations into a highly expressive wristwatch. The launch follows a Spring 2025 survey that named Matroskin the most popular animated character in Russia, surpassing long-time favourites such as Cheburashka and Domovenok Kuzya.

Limited to just 90 pieces, the watch continues Chaykin’s tradition of blending mechanical watchmaking with whimsical character-driven design.

The edition also commemorates the 90th anniversary of Soyuzmultfilm Animation Studio, the legendary Russian animation house responsible for bringing Matroskin and many other beloved characters to life. Interestingly, the concept of a cat-inspired Wristmon dates back to 2020, when Konstantin Chaykin created an early sketch known as “Kitty Sketch”, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the Matroskin.

Bringing Matroskin To The Wrist

Known for creating watches that appear to come alive through expressive faces and animated displays, Konstantin Chaykin approached the Matroskin project with his characteristic creativity.

The dial faithfully captures the personality of the famous striped cat through a series of carefully considered design elements. The character’s eyes double as hour and minute displays, a signature feature of the Wristmon collection, while the moonphase indication forms the watch’s distinctive “smile,” creating an ever-changing facial expression throughout the day.

For the first time in a Wristmon model, Matroskin’s whiskers extend beyond the dial and onto the bezel through a guilloché relief decoration technique. This unusual detail reinforces the illusion that the cartoon character is emerging directly from the watch itself.

A Surprisingly Complex Dial

While the Matroskin appears playful at first glance, the dial is remarkably complex in its construction. Composed of 15 individual components, it features a ruthenium-coated surface that gives the watch its distinctive graphite appearance. The whiskers are produced using traditional guilloché techniques before receiving a rhodium-plated finish.

Achieving the vivid appearance of Matroskin’s expressive green eyes requires a particularly demanding production process. According to Konstantin Chaykin, producing the pad printing for a single eye can take approximately 20 hours, while up to 25 layers of lacquer are applied and cured to achieve the desired depth and colour.

A Case Designed Around Feline Features

The stainless-steel case has been specially designed to reflect Matroskin’s unmistakable appearance.

Measuring 40mm in diameter and 12.15mm thick, the case incorporates sculpted upper extensions that resemble feline ears, adding another layer of character to the design. Like other animal-inspired Wristmon models, the watch employs a single crown layout that helps maintain visual balance and contributes to a more natural silhouette.

Both the front and caseback feature sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coatings, while the exhibition caseback offers a view of the movement within.

The watch is paired with an exclusive leather strap created specifically for the model. Rather than opting for a traditional solid colour, Chaykin chose a striped pattern that echoes Matroskin’s fur, further strengthening the connection between the watch and its animated inspiration.

Powered By The Calibre K.18-27

Beneath the playful exterior lies a movement that reflects Konstantin Chaykin’s commitment to serious watchmaking.

The Matroskin is powered by the automatic Calibre K.18-27, combining a modified La Joux-Perret G200 base movement with Konstantin Chaykin’s proprietary Joker indication module. Developed and manufactured in-house, the module controls the signature display of hours, minutes, and moonphases that animate the character’s face.

This latest evolution of the Joker module introduces a practical improvement by allowing all functions to be adjusted through a single crown, eliminating the need for additional pushers or moonphase correctors. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement offers a 68-hour power reserve and a stated accuracy of -10/+10 seconds per day.

Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and fitted with 32 jewels, the movement delivers a substantial 68-hour power reserve.

The calibre also benefits from extensive finishing techniques associated with Haute Horlogerie, including perlage, multiple graining treatments, hand-polished bevels, polished countersinks, burnished pivots, and rhodium and gold galvanic plating.

Extensive hand-finishing further reinforces the watch’s haute horlogerie credentials, with perlage, multiple graining techniques, hand-polished bevels, polished countersinks, and decorative rhodium and gold galvanic treatments visible throughout the movement.

A New Chapter For The Wristmon Collection

Over the years, the Wristmon series has evolved into one of the most distinctive concepts in contemporary independent watchmaking. By transforming fictional and historical characters into mechanical personalities, Konstantin Chaykin has created a category entirely his own.

The Matroskin continues that tradition while introducing several unique design elements not previously seen within the collection. Its combination of official licensing, character-driven aesthetics, and sophisticated mechanical execution makes it one of the most charming Wristmon creations to date.

For collectors of independent watchmaking, the Matroskin offers a rare blend of artistic storytelling and high-end horology wrapped in a design guaranteed to provoke a smile.

Technical Specifications

Availability

The Konstantin Chaykin Matroskin is produced under official licence from Soyuzmultfilm Animation Studio and is limited to 90 individually numbered examples. Priced at CHF 18,800, the watch celebrates both one of Russia’s most beloved animated characters and the 90th anniversary of the iconic animation studio.

Combining one of Russia’s most beloved animated characters with the inventive spirit of the Wristmon collection, the Matroskin demonstrates once again why Konstantin Chaykin remains one of the most original voices in independent watchmaking.

For more information, please visit the official Konstantin Chaykin website.

Explore the releases of 2026.