The Battle of Thin Watches: The Smile Face Reigns Supreme
Thinnest watch Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing, made its debut at this year’s Geneva Watch Fair. This remarkable piece, measuring just 1.65mm thick, is developed by the Russian independent brand Konstantin Chaykin. Many are already familiar with his iconic smiley face design. We previously introduced his Konstantin Chaykin Minions, and now this brand has successfully challenged Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC (which is 1.7mm thick) released in 2023, claiming the title of the thinnest watch in the world.
Bulgari Dominates the Last Four Years
Looking back at the evolution of this “thinnest watch” competition reveals an interesting trend: whenever a new record is set, it is typically by a slim margin of 0.05mm. Surprisingly, Bulgari, which has claimed the title twice, has seen its reign last less than a year before being surpassed.
Timeline of the Last Four Thinnest Watches:
- March 2022 – Octo Finissimo Ultra (1.8mm) Limited to 10 Pieces
- July 2022 – RMUP-01 Ferrari (1.75mm) Limited to 150 Pieces
- December 2023 – Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC (1.7mm) Limited to 20 Pieces
- August 2024 – Thinnest watch Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing (1.65mm) Not for Sale
Creativity in Achieving Thinner Designs
The complexity of watch movements can be quite intricate, often involving over a hundred tiny components. Fitting such complex mechanisms into a mere 2mm case is no small feat. Among the four ultra-thin watches, three models—the Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing, Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, and Octo Finissimo Ultra—have opted to use the movement’s base plate instead of a traditional case back to achieve a thinner design. This approach challenges conventional watchmaking techniques in the pursuit of ultimate thinness.
The other three watches have relocated the time-setting and winding functions to an external winding box or a dedicated key. While this effectively reduces thickness, it may compromise the convenience of using the watch. In contrast, the RMUP-01 Ferrari retains all core functions within the watch itself, ensuring practicality without any compromises. This design not only guarantees usability but also allows wearers to appreciate the watch’s precision and luxury in everyday settings. As a result, many believe that Richard Mille’s RMUP-01 Ferrari still deserves recognition in discussions about the “King of Thin Watches,” as it maintains a traditional case back and time-setting function. The ongoing competition among ultra-thin watches may pave the way for further advancements in this commitment to design.
No Thinnest, Only Thinner
Past champions of the thinnest watch title do not hold their position for long, as they are quickly replaced by successors. Just like Bulgari, which can’t seem to hold the title for more than a year before a thinner model emerges, every brand that develops a thinner watch represents an extraordinary revolution in watchmaking, leading the industry towards a more advanced future. They all deserve respect. Who do you think will be the next “Thinnest King”?
