A masterpiece of exceptional horologic engineering and mechanical innovation, manufactured by one of the greatest watchmaking inventors of our time, the Hijra by Russian master watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin is a truly remarkable wristwatch, which has been entirely conceived and engineered to display the time and lunar calendar according to the laws and traditions of the Islamic faith, and offers a unique and fascinating perspective on this unconventional and technically challenging calendar format.

As the Islamic calendar is configured around the phases of the moon, with the new month beginning on the first day of a new crescent moon, which dictates the length of either twenty-nine or thirty days in each of its twelve months, a rethinking of the mechanics used to display the Gregorian calendar which is ubiquitous in modern horology was required. The technical accomplishment in creating a true lunar calendar, with the indication of the months and date in Islamic format is what makes Chaykin’s Hijra watch outstanding, and much more than an aesthetic homage to Muslim culture.

Available with a choice of black or silver dials, Hijra is presented in a round case of polished stainless steel, measuring 42mm across, and featuring flush push correctors either side of the crown, by which the weekday and month settings are adjusted.

Beneath its sapphire crystal, the dial features a guilloché decorated central panel, with subdials at the twelve and the six for the weekdays and months respectively. The hour and minute hands are fashioned in the style of a mosque and minaret and a generously proportioned moon phase display dominates the upper portion of the dial. The pointer date with its crescent tip completes a circuit every two Hijra months, with the option of twenty-nine or thirty days, depending on the length of the month, marked around the outside of the dial.

On the underside of the watch a sapphire exhibition glass reveals the fully in-house Calibre K01-2 manual winding movement. Decorated with Côtes de Genève stripes and with an octagon engraved on its ratchet wheel, the movement is fitted with a bespoke module for the Islamic lunar calendar. Fully wound, the mainspring provides autonomy for forty-eight hours while the balance oscillates at 21’600vib/h (3 hz).

A magnificent piece of contemporary haute horlogerie, Hijra is unique in its complexity, and captivating in its detailing and hand-finished execution throughout. It is presented on a black alligator leather strap with folding clasp.