Sushkov Maxim

The Beginning

The Beginning

Becoming a Master

Becoming a Master

Today

Today

"When you’re new to watches, it feels like there’s a whole universe inside. I was deeply curious about how it all worked. I started buying watches, disassembling them, and studying each piece, setting up a small workshop at home. I read every book I could find and connected with other enthusiasts."

Maxim Sushkov is an independent Russian watchmaker who taught himself the art of horology. His fascination with timepieces began at the age of 25, when he happened to come across a vintage gold-plated Ruhla watch from East Germany. It was love at first sight — a turning point that would define the course of his life.

"I don’t have an engineering degree. But I’ve always had a hunger for knowledge about watches — and I pursued it passionately, gathering knowledge bit by bit. Now I know: the most important thing for a watchmaker is a deep and genuine interest in the craft."

In 2012, Maxim became the lead specialist for high-end watch repairs at the finest service center in Chișinău. In 2015, he was invited to take on a similar role in Saint Petersburg. Over time, he was appointed head of the service center, continuing to work personally on the most complex models — perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and tourbillons made by brands like A. Lange & Söhne, Chopard, and Ulysse Nardin.

Alongside his work, Maxim began experimenting with his own creative projects. His first project was a skeletonized movement based on a Soviet-era watch. That project set the direction for his journey — he refined his skills, explored new techniques, and began forming his own unique approach. His ultimate goal was clear: to open his own independent workshop.

“Every unique piece is a challenge. There’s always something you’ve never done before. It’s much harder than servicing watches or making series-produced models — but also much more rewarding.”

As the demand for handmade components (dials, hands, movement parts) and bespoke watches grew, it became impossible to balance this work with his service center duties. In 2019 the watchmaker founded the Maxim Sushkov brand and dedicated himself fully to making his own timepieces.

To date, Maxim has proudly delivered 40 unique watches based on ETA and Peseux calibers. His next step (which is already underway) is the development of his own in-house movement, featuring time and power reserve indication.

Fabrication of components — from dials, hands, and bridges to every screw

Finishing — black polishing, anglage, perlage, and engraving

Flame-blued steel elements

Grand Feu enameling

Galvanic plating

The atelier also offers CNC guilloché engraving on dials.

Full assembly and rigorous testing during and after production

A bespoke timepiece with a bold personality. The dial is crafted from brass and features intricate dual-pattern guilloché, highlighted by gold and silver galvanic plating. The central portion features a rich malachite green. The applied numerals and signature three-dimensional hands are handcrafted and finished using traditional black polishing.

The movement contrasts with the vibrant dial, offering a refined elegance. The bridges, base plate, and wheels were designed and produced specifically for this piece. The bridge features a fine sandblasted finish with polished bevels (anglage), while the ratchet and barrel wheels are black polished with selectively flame-blued components.

Specifications:

• Case: Stainless steel, 38 × 9.5 mm
• Water resistance: 30 m
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Dial: Brass with galvanic plating; steel hands
• Movement: Manual-wind, 42-hour power reserve
• Frequency: 18,000 bph
• Functions: Hours, minutes, and small seconds
• Strap: Genuine leather
• Price: Upon request

A bespoke piece with a luminous elegance. The dial is crafted from natural mother-of-pearl. The small seconds disc is made of titanium and decorated with fine guilloché. The signature Maxim Sushkov hands are made and finished by hand using traditional black polishing techniques.

The movement components — bridges and wheels — are entirely custom-designed and handmade for this model, showcasing the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Specifications:

• Case: Stainless steel, 41 × 11 mm
• Water resistance: 30 m
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Dial: Mother-of-pearl, titanium
• Movement: Manual-wind, 46-hour power reserve
• Frequency: 18,000 bph
• Functions: Hours, minutes, and small seconds
• Strap: Genuine leather
• Price: Upon request