Independent watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin continues to push the boundaries of creative watchmaking with the Atomic Heart Twins, a remarkable collaboration bringing together traditional haute horlogerie and the retrofuturistic universe of the video game Atomic Heart.
Inspired by the game's iconic robotic ballerinas, the collection introduces two distinctive interpretations: the Left Twin and the Right Twin. Each is produced in a limited edition of just 69 pieces worldwide, combining unconventional artistic design with sophisticated mechanical engineering.
From Atomic Heart to Mechanical Watchmaking
Developed by Mundfish, Atomic Heart takes place in an alternative Soviet Union in 1955, where advanced robotics and futuristic technology coexist with a distinctive retro-inspired aesthetic.
Among the game's most recognizable characters are the Twins, two humanoid robots serving as personal bodyguards to Professor Dmitry Sechenov. Their elegant ballerina-like movements contrast with their powerful mechanical nature, creating a visual identity that is both captivating and unsettling.
For Konstantin Chaykin, these characters provide the perfect inspiration for a new interpretation of his celebrated Wristmon concept.
Following the artistic approach introduced with the Venus watch, the watchmaker transforms the moon-phase indication into a female face, replacing classical inspiration with characters from contemporary digital culture.
Two Twins, Two Distinct Personalities
Although sharing the same mechanical architecture, the Left Twin and Right Twin offer two strikingly different visual interpretations.
The Left Twin features a black silhouette against an intense red dial. Its background incorporates an original variation of the traditional Grain d'Orge guilloché pattern, arranged to resemble the folds of an open fan.
The Right Twin adopts a more understated colour palette, with a silver-toned figure positioned against a graphite dial. Golden applied guilloché elements recreate the character's cropped cardigan, while straight decorative rays extend outward from behind her head.
Both designs combine abrasive-blasted surfaces, lacquered reliefs and applied decorative elements, producing a sophisticated interplay of textures and reflections.
A Moon-Phase Display That Becomes a Face
One of the most fascinating features of the Atomic Heart Twins is their unconventional interpretation of the moon-phase complication.
Positioned in the upper half of the dial, an oversized lunar display forms the face of each robotic ballerina.
Unlike traditional moon-phase indications, the complication plays a central role in the watch's visual identity. As the lunar disc rotates, the changing proportions of its illuminated and dark sections continuously transform the character's expression.
Completing one revolution every 29.5 days, the display creates a constantly evolving mechanical portrait.
The indication is protected by a separate sapphire crystal, decorated with an applied synthetic ruby star recalling the distinctive emblem on the Twins' foreheads.
Synthetic Rubies and an Unconventional Time Display
True to Konstantin Chaykin's signature approach, the Atomic Heart Twins abandon conventional watch hands in favour of rotating discs.
The hour and minute indications occupy the lower section of the dial, integrated into the characters' silhouettes.
Two synthetic rubies, mounted in gold-plated brass settings, serve as pointers for the rotating displays. Positioned on the Twins' chests, they provide a functional connection between the timekeeping mechanism and the design inspired by Atomic Heart.
This combination of mechanical functionality and artistic expression is central to the identity of the collection.
The K.18-25: Mechanical Innovation Beneath the Dial
Powering both versions is the Konstantin Chaykin K.18-25 automatic calibre, developed using the Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G200 movement as its foundation.
The calibre incorporates an exclusive 68-component display module, designed and manufactured in-house by the Konstantin Chaykin Manufacture.
This proprietary construction enables the unusual arrangement of the rotating hour and minute discs in the lower half of the dial, alongside the oversized moon-phase display above.
Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), the movement features 30 jewels and provides an impressive 68-hour power reserve.
Its carefully finished components can be admired through the sapphire exhibition caseback.
Titanium Construction and Refined Finishing
Both Atomic Heart Twins are housed in a 40 mm titanium case, measuring 12.9 mm in thickness.
Composed of 30 individual components, the case combines polished and directionally brushed surfaces, balancing technical precision with a contemporary aesthetic.
The slim bezel maximizes the visual presence of the elaborate multi-level dial, while the sapphire caseback, secured by six screws, reveals the mechanical architecture within.
Each timepiece is completed with an exclusive fabric strap and a titanium pin buckle manufactured by Konstantin Chaykin.
A Watch That Existed in the Virtual World First
Adding another dimension to this collaboration, the Atomic Heart Twins made an appearance within the Atomic Heart universe before their physical debut.
The watch can be seen on Professor Lebedev's wrist in Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal, the game's final story expansion, released on April 16, 2026.
This unusual connection between a virtual creation and its physical realization reinforces the relationship between digital storytelling and mechanical craftsmanship.
A Limited Edition of 69 Pieces Per Version
With only 69 examples of the Left Twin and 69 examples of the Right Twin, the Atomic Heart Twins represent an exclusive addition to Konstantin Chaykin's imaginative Wristmon collection.
Combining intricate mechanical engineering, traditional decorative techniques and an unmistakable visual identity, the collection demonstrates how independent watchmaking can find inspiration beyond conventional horological boundaries.
More than a tribute to a video game, the Atomic Heart Twins illustrate Konstantin Chaykin's ability to transform unexpected cultural references into distinctive mechanical creations.
Discover the Konstantin Chaykin Atomic Heart Twins at Blue Lake Watches.