I can’t believe this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the cult Sci-Fi classic ‘Total Recall’. At the time this blockbuster was one of the most expensive features made costing in excess of $50million. It even won a special academy award for special effects, which were cutting edge at the time. Essentially the plot centres around a construction worker (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) trying to ascertain if his experiences are real or memory implants. The backdrop for all this intrigue and espionage is Mars. As well as enticing filmmakers the red planet is also the inspiration behind Konstantin Chaykin’s new watch appropriately called the Mars Conqueror Mk3 Fighter.
I am a huge admirer of Konstantin Chaykin’s work and in fact, co-designed a concrete watch with him called the ‘Edge’. This timepiece was recently featured in a prestigious Italian glossy magazine called Mondani. Konstantin’s ‘Lunokhod Prime’ also adorned the cover of my ‘Independent Watchmakers’ book (reviewed by the New York Times). That is why it is always a delight to hear of new releases and certainly, the Mars Conqueror Mk3 Fighter doesn’t disappoint.
Last July I wrote an in-depth review about Konstantin Chaykin Mars Conqueror Mk1. This amazing watch is an experimental prototype that features nine different complications including Mars time, date and calendar displays. Fast forward nearly a years and Konstantin is back with a production model called the Mars Conqueror Mk3 Fighter. Impressively this is the only Martian Aviator watch in existence. It is also highly exclusive and limited to 8-pieces, worldwide. If the ‘Joker’ is a benchmark this new model is likely to sell out very quickly.
Dimensionally the Mars Conqueror Mk3 Fighter exudes massive proportions and measures 55.82mm x 48mm x 15.3mm. However, due to the innovative trapezoid case (composed 90 individual components) and choice of lightweight titanium, I would imagine it’s comfortable to wear. As you would expect from Konstantin Chaykin there are little quirky details not found elsewhere. For example, the triangular geometry of the case is resembles mooring lock of a spacecraft docking system. Other refined features include a multifunctional crown, sapphire crystal lens and anthracite dial with raised luminous indexes.
Powering the watch is a refined self-winding movement modified in house by Konstantin Chaykin. The Caliber K.15-0 is based around a 21 jewel Swiss-made ETA 2893-2, with an additional bespoke 8-jewel module. This mechanism comprises 29-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Functionally, the Mars Conqueror Mk3 Fighter has a plethora of features including hours, minutes, seconds indicator of local Earth time; second time zone with 24-hour hand and Mars time (MCT) on the additional dial (located at 6 o’clock). The timepiece also has a power reserve of 42-hours.
As a perfect finishing touch the Mars Conqueror Mk3 Fighter is presented on a black leather strap with orange stitching and custom made titanium buckle.
