When Cvstos and Karen Khachanov unveiled the first Challenge K. Khachanov last year, it landed as a focused proposition—a 55-piece limited edition in super-light aluminium, weighing only 55 grams, with blue PVD-coated bridges and a three split-bridge architecture that gave the CVS610 calibre real visual presence. At USD 19,800 it offered a lot of watch for the money, and the market agreed: it sold out.
That kind of commercial momentum tends to produce a sequel, and here is the second chapter of this saga. The new Challenge K. Khachanov Carbon, a 100-piece limited edition that swaps aluminium for layered carbon fiber and trades the blue-and-silver palette for an altogether darker, more technical identity.
The collaboration between CVSTOS founder Sassoun Sirmakes and the Russian-born ATP player has, by CVSTOS’ own account, moved beyond the typical ambassador arrangement. Whether that translates into meaningful design input or remains good marketing copy is difficult to verify, but the product itself tells a clear enough story—this is a deliberate evolution, not a colourway refresh. This is independent watchmaking doing what it does best.
Things to Know About the Watch
The tonneau-shaped case of the Cvstos Challenge K. Khachanov Carbon measures 53.70 mm x 41 mm and is constructed from layered carbon fiber, a composite material whose stratified texture produces unique geometric patterning on every individual case. Total weight comes in at 50 grams, about 10% lighter than the aluminium counterpart, which is a marginal gain in absolute terms but keeps the watch firmly in featherweight territory. The overall aesthetic leans heavily into stealth: deep black carbon, ruthenium-coated bridges, and pierced hands with SuperLumiNova treatment.
The sapphire crystal carries a non-reflective coating, and the case back is open with its own sapphire crystal—a necessary decision given that the skeletonised movement is clearly designed to be appreciated from both sides. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters. Case screws and the screw-down crown are both in polished Grade 5 titanium, featuring Cvstos' proprietary pattern.
Where the watch departs most visibly from convention is the strap. Rather than the expected rubber or alligator, CVSTOS has fitted the watch with a red Cordura technical textile—a high-resistance woven fabric more commonly associated with outdoor gear and very similar to what Richard Mille uses.
It reinforces the performance-first positioning and, in the red colourway shown in the press materials, provides the only relief from an otherwise monochromatic palette. However, CVSTOS will offer this strap in other colors for those seeking a more distinctive look.
The Movement
Inside sits the in-house Calibre CVS610, a manual-wound mechanical movement with openworked architecture. The bridges are ruthenium-treated and hand-bevelled—finishing details that push this watch beyond what’s typically expected in this pricepoint. The movement operates at 21,600 vph, delivering a 60-hour power reserve. Functions are limited to hours and minutes, which is the right call for a watch whose architecture should be the main event.
Summary & Price
Almost a doubling of production, from 55 to 100 pieces, is worth noting as it suggests CVSTOS has identified genuine demand in this segment; however, it also slightly dilutes the exclusivity that helped the first Khachanov watch sell through so quickly. For most collectors, the shift to carbon and the darker, more resolved design language will be argument enough.
Sticker Price USD 24,000. More info on CVSTOS here.
