Anton Suhanov Chronotope – Review (Live Pics & Price)

Today, I wanted to talk about a newly admitted Russian independent watchmaker and member of the AHCI (Academy of Independent Creators in Watchmaking). For the most knowledgeable among you, the name will already ring a bell—I’m referring to Anton Suhanov. But before presenting one of his latest creations, allow me to share more about his background.

Originally from Russia, Anton Suhanov earned a master’s degree in CAD/CAM/CAE/PDM/PLM technologies in mechanical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Saint Petersburg. He began his career working at a design office in the defense sector. But a chance encounter with Konstantin Chaykin pulled him into the world of watchmaking. He joined Chaykin’s manufacture in 2007 as Chief Designer. In 2016, he won the F.P. Journe Young Talent Competition and presented, for the first time at Baselworld, a clock called Black Clock, equipped with a triaxial tourbillon. Until 2018, Suhanov participated in all of the brand’s developments and ultimately became Head of Production, gaining in-depth experience across many facets of watchmaking.

In 2019, he launched his own company and brand, quickly releasing a series of captivating table clocks. First came the Pharos table clock, featuring a three-axis tourbillon. In 2020, he introduced the Lotus table clock, boasting a unique three-axis tourbillon and an unusual time display. Then in 2021, Suhanov launched his first wristwatch—the Anton Suhanov Racer. It was later followed by the Anton Suhanov Racer Retro, a more vintage interpretation of the same concept. Most recently, he introduced the Anton Suhanov Chronotope, a piece inspired by the philosophical notion of the “chronotope” (from the ancient Greek χρόνος “time” and τόπος “place”) as developed by Russian philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin. Originally intended as a tool for analyzing the spatio-temporal structure of literary narratives and genres, this scientific concept is now widely regarded as central to the development of culture and civilization. Suhanov believes this idea provides a fresh and captivating perspective on the history of watchmaking. Now, let’s explore the details of this watch.

What are the features of the Anton Suhanov Chronotope ?

Case

The Anton Suhanov Chronotope features a stainless steel case, water-resistant to 30 meters, measuring 42 mm in diameter and 12.3 mm thick. Mainly satin-brushed with a polished edge that separates the case from the bezel, the bezel itself is notched at every hour mark—allowing the wearer to read the time instantly at a glance. The case also includes a flat crown partially recessed into the caseband and a pusher at 6 o’clock to adjust the day of the week, set with a ruby jewel. Thanks to this button, the owner can virtually travel through time—by one or several weeks—while enjoying a precise retrograde day display.

Dial

The dial of the Anton Suhanov Chronotope is crafted from brass and finished with grey rhodium and ruthenium, exuding a modern, almost industrial look. The upper half of the dial is dedicated to two complications: the date, visible through a round window, and a retrograde display for the day of the week. A graduated scale from Monday to Sunday indicates “Today” with the current day.

The eccentric mechanism is cleverly designed with six ruby palettes inserted at the points where the roller advances to a new day of the week. These eliminate almost all friction and wear at the lift points—areas where increasing pressure from the rollers would otherwise raise friction. Below that lies a snail-shaped cam fitted with new palettes and a ruby roller.

The hour and minute hands—reminiscent of clamps—are decorated with ruby palettes. The sky-blue titanium central seconds hand with counterweight is also adorned with a ruby at one end. At the opposite end is a counter-pivot featuring a crown-cut jewel, shaped into a miniature magnifying glass by Suhanov’s imaginative touch. This becomes evident when the counterweight passes over the dial markings, including the brand logo. This use of components simultaneously as functional movement parts and design elements is an extreme rarity in watchmaking.

Movement

The Anton Suhanov Chronotope is powered by the Su200.10, a movement based on the ETA 2824-2 that has been fully re-engineered in terms of architecture. Known for its reliability, the base calibre has been extensively modified. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it offers a 38-hour power reserve. The calibre has been enhanced with a central double-wheel power reserve indicator, a newly developed fine adjustment module featuring a rotating wheel built into the balance cock, and a peripheral automatic winding system.

This peripheral winding system provides multiple benefits. Firstly, it doesn’t add to the movement’s thickness, as the rotor is located around the outer edge of the movement. This results in a slimmer, more elegant case profile. Secondly, the peripheral rotor does not obstruct the view of the movement, allowing the owner to enjoy the intricate mechanics in full.

In terms of finishing, the movement is traditionally decorated with Geneva stripes, hand-polished anglage, and perlage on the mainplate. Blue accents are found throughout, including titanium chatons, two screwed plates, and a decorative cover on the peripheral rotor. A special mention must be made of the snail-shaped bridge for the power reserve indicator. Its unusually long, hand-polished bevel is finished with a sharply curved claw, showcasing the kind of intricate handwork typically seen in high-end watchmaking.

Strap

The Anton Suhanov Chronotope is delivered on a grey alligator leather strap with a stainless steel tang buckle engraved with the Anton Suhanov “T” logo on the pin.

How much does the Anton Suhanov Chronotope?

The Anton Suhanov Chronotope is limited to just 33 pieces and priced at 34,200 USD (excluding VAT).

Anton Suhanov Chronotope: A Fusion of Originality and Innovation

The Anton Suhanov Chronotope is a compelling creation that blends originality with innovation. Personally, I find this model especially captivating—technically sophisticated, aesthetically striking, and full of contrasts. The interplay between the grey tones and the vivid rubies brings the dial to life. The creative use of rubies for both decorative and functional purposes is highly original and brilliantly executed.

Since launching his brand in 2018, Anton Suhanov has focused on creating watches that not only embody technical precision but also tell strong visual and conceptual stories—something that truly sets them apart in the crowded field of independent watchmaking. Whether it’s a jumping hour complication or a watch that incorporates optical illusions, Suhanov’s timepieces challenge conventions and offer collectors a fresh and imaginative take on horology.

His journey—from Head of Design at Konstantin Chaykin to founder of his own independent brand—has made him a major figure to watch, particularly for those interested in the fusion of traditional watchmaking techniques with innovative design and storytelling. I would also like to warmly thank Anton Suhanov and his wife for giving me the opportunity to discover and wear this piece—one you certainly won’t see every day.

Anton Suhanov Chronotope – Watch Specifications

• Brand: Anton Suhanov
• Model: Chronotope
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Dial: Brass base dial with rhodium and grey ruthenium coating
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Date, Retrograde Day of the week and Central Power Reserve Indicator on the back of the movement
• Movement: Su200.10, (heavily reworked ETA 2824-2 base), Self-Winding, 28’800vph frequency (4Hz), 59 jewels and parts
• Power Reserve: 38 Hours
• Water Resistance: 3 ATM
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Caseback: Sapphire
• Case Dimension: 42 mm × 12.3 mm
• Strap: Grey Alligator with Stainless Steel Pin Buckle
• Availability : Limited Edition of 33 Pieces
• Retail Price: 34,200 USD (excluding VAT)

Have you heard of Anton Suhanov and his work? What do you think of his reinterpretation of traditional complications? Let me know in the comments below.

For more information about Anton Suhanov, click here.