The best modern Russian watchmakers

Despite the dominance of Swiss and Japanese brands in the global watch market, Russia has seen a true renaissance in designer watchmaking in recent years. Contemporary Russian watchmakers are not just artisans, but artists, engineers, and inventors, creating unique movements that combine tradition, innovation, and national flair. Their work is recognized at international exhibitions, and collectors around the world eagerly follow new releases from Russian watchmakers.

Here are the key figures and brands defining the face of contemporary Russian watchmaking.

Among contemporary Russian watchmakers, several stand out, whose work has received recognition within the professional community and internationally. Their achievements are associated with the creation of complex mechanisms, unique design solutions, and their contribution to the development of watchmaking.

Konstantin Chaykin

Konstantin Yuryevich Chaykin is a recognized master, inventor, and watchmaker, and the founder of the Konstantin Chaykin manufacture. He was the first in Russia to create a table clock with a tourbillon (in 2003), a clock with an Orthodox Easter date indicator (the “Paskha Khristova” clock, 2004-2005), and the Lukomorye interior clock (2022).

Some achievements:

In 2018, he received the special prize “For Audacity” (Audacity Prize) at the Geneva Grand Prix d’Horlogerie (GPHG) for the “Clown” clock.

In 2021, he was awarded the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Gold Medal “For Invention.”

In 2022, he became an Honored Inventor of the Russian Federation and was inducted into the Temporis International Awards Hall of Fame. Konstantin Chaykin became the first Russian to be inducted into the Temporis Hall of Fame.

In 2025, he presented the world’s thinnest watch. He holds 96 officially registered patents for inventions in the fields of applied mechanics and instrument making.

His works include the Levitas watch with flying hands, the Genius of Time (a single-hand watch reminiscent of early 15th-16th century watches), and the Ristmon collection (including the Joker, Kolobok, Astrologer, and Venus models).

[“The Temporis Awards can be compared to Cannes.” Konstantin Chaykin was officially inducted into the International Watch Awards Hall of Fame.]

Anton Sukhanov

Anton Sukhanov is a watchmaker, a former employee of the Konstantin Chaykin manufactory, and his apprentice. In 2025, he won the GPHG Horological Revelation Prize for his “St. Petersburg Easter Tourbillon.” Specialties:
An engineer by training, he focuses on unconventional solutions, the development of mechanical complications, and unusual methods of time display.

He created the first table clock in Russia with a three-axis tourbillon and a wristwatch with a peripheral automatic winding system.

The “St. Petersburg Easter Tourbillon” model is shaped like an Easter egg with a central tourbillon and a world time display in 24 time zones. The watch combines a minimalist design with “secret” mechanics: the signature “flaming balance” and a tumbler-type balance wheel.

[GPHG 2025: Russian records, a watchmaking “Oscar,” and the main models of the year Sobaka.ru]

Ruslan Skytte

Ruslan Skytte is an independent watchmaker working alone. He creates both his own watches and complications for existing watch calibers.

Features of his work:

One of his recognizable features is the jumping hour module, but the master also uses other complications.

He is inspired by iconic watches (such as those by Jaeger LeCoultre) and the work of contemporary masters.

He experiments with materials and shapes, making his watches distinct from traditional classic models.

He uses Swiss movements, precious metals, wood, genuine leather, and sapphire crystal.

His works include the “Time Machine 2,” “Black Hole,” and “Sea Devil” watches.

[Ruslan Skytte, July 16, 1970, photo: Arkhangelsk, location, VKontakte profile]

Kirill Chernetsky

Kirill Chernetsky is a watchmaker who won the Grand Prix at the “Best Russian Watches” competition in 2024 for his “Geometry” model.

Special Features:

The “Geometry” watch features a “living” dial made from 290 parts, 275 of which are movable.

The case and hands are made of titanium.

This model is a limited edition (999 pieces).

[Chernetsky: “Belaya Vezha” is the most intimate and heartfelt festival there is.]

Anton Yaitsky

Anton Yaitsky is an independent watchmaker who won the “Independent Watchmakers” category at the “Best Russian Watches 2023” competition for his “Master and Margarita” model. His portfolio includes approximately seven limited edition collections, including “The Journey of the Little Prince,” “Vostok Samara,” “The King and the Jester,” and “The Master and Margarita.”

Alexander Nesterenko

Alexander Nesterenko is an independent watchmaker who won the “Independent Watchmakers” category at the “Best Russian Watches 2024” competition for his Art Deco model.