The rarest wristwatch of the USSR. What is valuable in an old Soviet wristwatch. Watch "made in the ussr"

Original taken from jurashz during Soviet times

Everything related to time was of particular importance in the USSR. In particular, nice watch on the wrist was made from ordinary engineer or a doctor's object worthy of female attention. Well, what else is there to stand out? They all had approximately the same clothes, their hairstyles were within the acceptable standard, and the salary was within the acceptable tariff rate. And some "Ray", "Raketa" or "Electronics" talked about both financial opportunities and character traits ...

After the Great October Revolution, the Bolsheviks inherited a very meager "legacy" in the sphere of watchmaking. Until 1919, the Watch Agency, which was structural unit The Supreme Council of National Economy (VSNKh), oversaw the conduct of watchmaking in the country.

Subsequently, in 1920, on the basis of the Agency, the Main Directorate of Precision Mechanics was created, which united the former Platov and Reinov factories for the production of wall clocks (which turned out to be stopped at that moment), the former workshops of G. Moser, as well as the preserved stock warehouses and handicraft workshops.

In an attempt to establish own production Soviet diplomats are in vain negotiations with Swiss developers. And only in 1929, the purchase of two bankrupt American watch companies made it possible to open their own Soviet factories specializing in the production of wall clocks and watches.

Thus, the repurchased enterprises become the basis for the creation of the 1st and 2nd State Watch Factories, which began to work in Moscow in the 1930s. And the "First State Factory of Precision Technical Stones" (TTK-1), established in Peterhof on the basis of a stone-cutting factory in 1931, starts producing stones directly for the watch industry. As a result, the 1st Watch Factory soon produced wrist and pocket watches, and the 2nd Watch Factory - alarm clocks and electric watches for enterprises.

In 1936, the Soviet government concludes a deal with the French watch company "Lip" for the purchase of watch movements and parts, and then production technological lines, and in December 1938 the product appeared on sale international cooperation - women's wrist watches of the ZIF brand. They were made at the 3rd State Watch Plant, and on the eve of the war all models of watches produced here received a new name "Star".

There are a lot of pocket watches of those years, converted into wrist watches. Those who wished brought pocket watches (or just money) to watch repair shops all over the country, the masters welded the bows to the pocket cases. In the same place, wrist cases were made to order, sometimes from silver and gold, the workshops also made dials - as a result, the watches were completely similar to the factory ones.

With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War connected with the creation of another famous Soviet watch factory "Chistopol", opened in the Republic of Tatarstan on an emergency basis. Since the summer of 1942, this plant has been actively working to meet the needs of the military industry, and later became one of the leading factories in the USSR, producing watches of the brands "Pobeda", "Mir", "Vostok", "Cosmos", as well as automobile and street clock.

And since 1965, Chistopol has become the official supplier of watches for the USSR Ministry of Defense. The plant existed until 2010, but was subsequently declared bankrupt, and the watch production was transferred to subsidiaries of Chistopol.

A month before the hoisting of the Victory flag over the Reichstag, in April 1945, the watchmakers were assigned a special mission: preparations began for the release of the new K-26 Pobeda watch. Serial production of "Victory" began in 1946. The name, design and technical data of the watch were approved by I.V. Stalin, and they were produced until 1953.

In 1949, especially for the Air Force, the production of Shturmanskie watches was mastered, which were not commercially available. On April 12, 1961, this watch traveled to space.

Each era chooses its own iconic watch models. In the early 60s, they were "Shturmanskie-Gagarin", and then the cult "Arrow", which was carried on the arm of the cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, going into outer space. This fact was of great importance during the Cold War and rivalry with the West. Say, not your "Omega" went into space, but our "Arrow", produced by the First Watch Factory.

Arrows of this kind were produced only for the command personnel of the Air Force. They were attached to the sleeve of the spacesuit. The movement was equipped with a stopwatch and a 45-minute chronograph counter.

By the way, for those who do not know what the number of stones means (in this case 23 stones), and what they are for. In childhood, when asked about pebbles in a watch, adults usually joked that the watch allegedly lacked a couple of stones. Put on one, and slap the other.

In fact, the number of stones indicated the number of ruby \u200b\u200bstones that were used as plain bearings on the pinions of the gears.

All watch parts are in motion. And if there was metal there, it would quickly wear off. And the ruby \u200b\u200bhas not been erased for centuries. The more stones, the greater the durability of the watch movement. Because the ruby \u200b\u200bstones do not wear out by themselves and hardly wear out the gear axle. Good and reliable mechanisms were made on 30 stones.

The most popular gift for women! Luch clock. Many have probably stayed and still work.

The largest wristwatch that I have seen is our Soviet diving watch.

A little about modern replica diving watches. In the post-perestroika period, the Chelyabinsk Watch Plant produced many souvenir watches, made in the same case and design as the ZChZ underwater watch. However, the technology was violated - instead of steel, they used chrome-plated brass, and they completely forgot about water protection. As a result, such remakes leak, break, the coating peels off.

It is possible that these watches are still being made, because there are still a lot of them on sale. Literally every shop on the Arbat is replete with “Soviet underwater clocks,” which in fact are nothing more than a fake. Due to its low price, such watches are popular among tourists, and they even began to make them with a chronograph and an alarm clock (you had to think of this, and how would a diver hear it ???). The watch is often accompanied by a new set of documents dated 1970-1980.

The main achievement of the 70s is the electronic watch of the "Electronics" brand. They shone, squeaked and amazed everyone with their modern chrome design. From that moment on, everyone was chasing just such, alluring with their graphic numbers.

Watches for children were also produced.
Most popular with a fox.

Children's and youthful watches of the USSR.

Steel watches are more expensive than gold ones ?! Raketa 3031. Stainless steel case, inside a mechanism on 33 stones with functions of a double calendar, self-winding and alarm! The watch was sold for 150 rubles. Only ... they weren't for sale. There were no people willing to buy a steel watch for that kind of money - gold watches were cheaper, and you could buy an ordinary Rocket for change. And gold ones are always cooler! ...

The USSR also produced gold watches.

Leonid Brezhnev wore a gold Raketa watch, the design of which was developed in the 60s.

Today, many watches produced in the Soviet years attract the attention of collectors, as well as ordinary lovers of stylish and elegant things. For example, the watch “70 years of the KGB of Belarus” was sold at the Gelos auction for a tidy sum.

Of course, many will have a question: "What is the most expensive wrist watch produced in the USSR"?
One of the most expensive watches is the post-war Kirov Chrones. Very beautiful.

Very rare super thin Flight. If it comes up where, then the cost will be sky-high.

The Soviet Union is a time of great changes, heroic personalities and legendary events. Thanks to the powerful store of creative energy of all who lived and worked in this great country, she became a leader in the fields of culture, science, politics and art.

The USSR brand was born thanks to a great heritage Soviet Union... The watches reflect the popular nowadays ideas of Back in the USSR and the unique style and traditions of Soviet watches. Original idea hours of the USSR is guaranteed to unite people, regardless of their age and political convictions - from patriots to hipsters.


The creator of the USSR brand, Alexander Shorokhov, left the country after its collapse and settled in Germany, where he started producing exclusive collection watches... Along with the watches of the USSR, this famous watchmaker also has other series associated with Russia and its great symbols. This is evidenced by the names of some models: Peter Tchaikovsky, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Alexander Pushkin and Leo Tolstoy.


The inspiration for each collection was the legendary symbols of the Soviet Union - the first space satellite, the fastest fighter jet, the world's best nuclear submarines, the exploits of the first cosmonaut. The lightest and deliberately stylized Soviet watch series Saint Petersburg reflects the romantic atmosphere of the city on the Neva.

The USSR brand has released 14 collections. All of them are characterized by a variety of mechanisms, models and designs. Fans of collectible watches will like the models with the Slava 2427 movement, the last batch of which was purchased specifically for the production of USSR watches. In addition to Slava 2427, the watches also use other automatic and quartz movements of Japanese and Swiss production. Despite their different origins, they all have one thing in common - impeccable quality. And in design he found a rethinking of the military style. Massive hulls with original details, often stylized as military elements, look very modern and youthful. Thanks to non-standard color solutions, the watch is combined with different styles clothes.


At the moment, the USSR brand is represented in more than 20 countries around the world. The watches have found their buyers both among fans of collectible watches and among those who prefer stylish watches with up-to-date design. Among the collections of the USSR, there really is something to choose and what to admire, starting with the extraordinary design of the dial, and ending with the work of an excellent clock mechanism, which is visible through the translucent cover of the watch case.

The Soviet watch industry was one of the most powerful in the world at one time.There were about 10 factories in the country producing high-quality and original products. At that time, a lot of modifications were released on the market, differing in design and technical features.

Features and Benefits

Wristwatches from the USSR are different with several features:

  1. Reliability.The assembly of mechanical structures was carried out strictly and in compliance with all the rules. This made it possible to obtain not only beautiful, but durable products capable of working in various conditions.
  2. Accuracy.Some of the most accurate mechanisms skewed time by about 5 seconds a month. But there were relatively few low-quality systems. They often worked with an accuracy of about 5-20 seconds / day, depending on the modification and model.
  3. Functionality.Many mechanisms were equipped with a signal measuring out certain time intervals. There were also watches with an alarm clock, to which electronic modifications can be attributed.
  4. Unique design. Most of the watch movements are standard and do not differ much in appearance. But there are several rare models that are examples of style and beauty.

Models

Wristwatches from the times of the USSR are still popular today.Some models are antiques and very rare. You can find such old watch movements only from collectors of such items.

The modern market is also saturated with these rare goods, which are distinguished by originality and practicality.

Mens

The watches produced for men were quite diverse in design and shape.Some of them were intended to be worn in extreme conditionstherefore they withstand heavy loads. Such products were appreciated by representatives of the officer corps, who received them as a reward for service. Distinctive feature these products were the presence of various inscriptions.

In Soviet times, watches with a coat of arms were popular, which was a sign of patriotism.

In every era there were several popular men's watch movements:

  1. Navigation. This model was produced in 1949 and was intended only for the Air Force. It was difficult to find them on the free market at that time. Today, the cost of such products can reach significant sums.
  2. Commanding. Watches of this brand are one of the most popular men's models. They went on sale in 1965. The design was distinguished by the presence of a shockproof, dustproof and waterproof case. Also, the mechanisms were supplemented with special night lighting.

Womens

The main manufacturer of Soviet women's watches at that time was considered plant "Zarya"... The first models were released in 1938. They were equipped with 15 stones, which ensure durability and reliability. After that, watches appeared on the market with 17 and 21 ruby \u200b\u200bstones. The most popular female models are brands:

  • Zarya;
  • "Star";
  • "Aurora";
  • "Ray";
  • "Spring".

After 1965, the plant began to produce all watch movements under one name - Zarya.

Materials

Soviet watches were notable for their practicality, as they were made of high quality materials. Most of the models were made of high quality stainless steel, which could withstand significant physical exertion.

There were also mechanisms made of bronze, distinguished by their originality and sophistication. But expensive models were covered with gold or silver.

Manufacturers at that time did not use precious stones to decorate their cases. Most of these products were intended for dignitaries or sold abroad.

Stamps

The watch market in Soviet times was oversaturated with various products, allowing you to choose them for every taste. Should highlight several brands popular at that time:

  1. "Glory"... These products were not distinguished by their unique design and high price, although they were equipped with a reliable watch movement. Produced to this day, but with a modified design.
  2. "Rocket". The designs were equipped with a standard movement and did not differ from their counterparts. Modern modifications are distinguished by the decorative design of the chronograph with mother-of-pearl and red crystals.
  3. "East". The watch manufacturer was the Chistopol plant, which equipped them with a 24-division dial and a date indicator. Among the distinctive features of the movement, one can also highlight the presence of luminous hands and high precision.
  4. "Flight". These products were popular with scientific workers, astronauts (Yu. Gagarin took them with him). The products are distinguished by high precision and reliability of the mechanism.
  5. "Zarya"... Designs of this type were distinguished by a thin body (Zarya-5). The watches were intended mainly for women. Today, brass and rhodium plated are used as the main material. Some models can withstand water pressure up to 30 meters. Another representative of the Penza factory is the "Spring" watch, which was popular with women.
  6. "Gull".The watch was launched back in 1937 under the name "Victory". Over time, the design was improved, which made it possible to improve not only the design, but also specifications... Today they are produced in two collections, among which are wrist and pocket modifications.
  7. "Ray"... The manufacturer of these watches was the Minsk Watch Factory. The design of the products is very simple and will suit most users who are not looking for originality.
  8. "Amphibian"... This model was released in 1967. A distinctive feature of this mechanism is the presence of a shockproof mechanism. Such watches could work under water at a depth of 200 meters, so they became popular among sailors and divers who used them to solve their problems.

Particularly popular were watch "ZIF", which were renamed to "Star". Also, Soviet manufacturers produced many other brands, among which are:

  • "Mayak", "Strela" (Polet plant);
  • "Spartacus";
  • Molniya (Slava plant);
  • "Space";
  • "Capital";
  • "Second";
  • 1945 classic automatic machine 143;
  • "50 years of victory".

The cost

The value of Soviet watches depends on many factors, such as the year of manufacture, the number of copies and the decorative finish. So, one of the first mechanisms "Victory", "World" or "East"released back in the distant 1940s. Today it can be purchased at a price of 700 to 2000 rubles.

Some of them are very difficult to find. Popular women watch "Luch" connoisseurs will cost no more than 400 rubles. Diving models are still popular today. Collectors purchase similar items for no more than 1200 rubles.

Please note that some of these structures were produced only as an accessory and did not have high-quality water protection.

Bright chrome plated clock "Electronics"today can be found on the market for up to 800 rubles. Unique representative "Raketa 3031", equipped with 31 stones, will cost the connoisseur no more than 100 rubles.

The most expensive were items decorated with gilding. Among such modifications, the Kirov chronographs are considered the most valuable. They are unique design decoration and stand on modern market about 2-3 thousand rubles. Some Amphibian models are already estimated at several thousand dollars. But it all depends on the specific characteristics of the product.

Buying a Soviet watch should pay attention to several factors:

  1. Design. The shape and size of the products should be selected according to your taste and preferences.
  2. Availability and possibility of restoration.Please note that now factories no longer produce watches of many brands. Therefore, there is no guarantee that if they break down, they can be repaired and whether it will be economically viable.
  3. Accuracy level. Many modifications of Soviet products at that time were compared with the most expensive Swiss products. Therefore, if this factor is important to you, buy only certain watch models.

Everything related to time was of particular importance in the USSR. In particular, a good watch on the wrist made an object worthy of female attention out of an ordinary engineer or doctor.
They all had approximately the same clothes, their hairstyles were within the acceptable standard, and the salary was within the acceptable tariff rate. And some "Ray", "Raketa" or "Electronics" talked about financial opportunities and character traits ...

After the Great October Revolution, the Bolsheviks got a very meager "legacy" in the sphere of watchmaking. Until 1919, the Agency of Hours, which is a structural subdivision of the Supreme Council of National Economy (VSNKh), oversaw the conduct of watchmaking in the country.
Subsequently, in 1920, on the basis of the Agency, the Main Directorate of Precision Mechanics was created, which united the former Platov and Reinov factories for the production of wall clocks (which turned out to be stopped at that moment), the former workshops of G. Moser, as well as the preserved stock warehouses and handicraft workshops.


In an attempt to establish their own production, Soviet diplomats are in vain negotiations with Swiss developers. And only in 1929, the purchase of two bankrupt American watch companies made it possible to open their own Soviet factories specializing in the production of wall clocks and watches.
Thus, the repurchased enterprises become the basis for the creation of the 1st and 2nd State Watch Factories, which began to work in Moscow in the 1930s. And the "First State Factory of Precision Technical Stones" (TTK-1), established in Peterhof on the basis of a stone-cutting factory in 1931, starts producing stones directly for the watch industry. As a result, the 1st Watch Factory soon produced wrist and pocket watches, and the 2nd Watch Factory - alarm clocks and electric watches for enterprises.


In 1936, the Soviet government entered into a deal with the French watch company "Lip" for the purchase of watch mechanisms and parts, and then production technological lines, and in December 1938, a product of international cooperation - a women's wrist watch of the "ZIF" brand, appeared on sale. They were made at the 3rd State Watch Plant, and on the eve of the war all models of watches produced here received a new name "Zvezda".

There are a lot of pocket watches of those years, converted into wrist watches. Those who wished brought pocket watches (or just money) to watch repair shops all over the country, the masters welded the bows to the pocket cases. In the same place, wrist cases were made to order, sometimes from silver and gold, the workshops also made dials - as a result, the watches were completely similar to the factory ones.

With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the creation of another famous Soviet watch factory "Chistopol", opened in the Republic of Tatarstan on an emergency basis, is associated. Since the summer of 1942, this plant has been actively working to meet the needs of the military industry, and later became one of the leading factories in the USSR, producing watches of the brands "Pobeda", "Mir", "Vostok", "Cosmos", as well as automobile and street clock.
And since 1965, Chistopol has become the official supplier of watches for the USSR Ministry of Defense. The plant existed until 2010, but was subsequently declared bankrupt, and the watch production was transferred to subsidiaries of Chistopol.


A month before the hoisting of the Victory flag over the Reichstag, in April 1945, the watchmakers were assigned a special mission: preparations began for the release of the new K-26 Pobeda watch. Serial production of "Victory" began in 1946. The name, design and technical data of the watch were approved by I.V. Stalin, and they were produced until 1953.

In 1949, especially for the Air Force, the production of Shturmanskie watches was mastered, which were not commercially available. On April 12, 1961, this watch traveled to space.



Each era chooses its own iconic watch models. In the early 60s, they were "Shturmanskie-Gagarin", and then the cult "Arrow", which was worn on the arm of the cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, going into outer space. This fact was of great importance during the Cold War and rivalry with the West. Say, not your "Omega" went into space, but our "Arrow", produced by the First Watch Factory.
Arrows of this kind were produced only for the command personnel of the Air Force. They were attached to the sleeve of the spacesuit. The movement was equipped with a stopwatch and a 45-minute chronograph counter.

By the way, for those who do not know what the number of stones means (in this case 23 stones), and what they are for. In childhood, when asked about pebbles in a watch, adults usually joked that the watch allegedly lacked a couple of stones. Put on one, and slam the other.

In fact, the number of stones indicated the number of ruby \u200b\u200bstones that were used as plain bearings on the pinions of the gears.
All watch parts are in motion. And if there was metal there, it would quickly wear off. And the ruby \u200b\u200bhas not been erased for centuries. The more stones, the greater the durability of the watch movement. Because the ruby \u200b\u200bstones do not wear out by themselves and hardly wear out the gear axle. Good and reliable mechanisms were made on 30 stones.

The most popular gift for women! Luch clock. Many have probably stayed and still work.


The largest wrist watch that I have seen is our Soviet diving watch.


A little about modern replica diving watches. In the post-perestroika period, the Chelyabinsk Watch Plant produced many souvenir watches, made in the same case and design as the ZChZ underwater watch. However, the technology was violated - instead of steel, they used chrome-plated brass, and they completely forgot about water protection. As a result, such remakes leak, break, the coating peels off.
It is possible that these watches are still being made, because there are still a lot of them on sale. Literally every shop on the Arbat is replete with “Soviet underwater clocks,” which in fact are nothing more than a fake. Due to its low price, such watches are popular among tourists, and they even began to make them with a chronograph and an alarm clock (you had to think of this, and how would a diver hear it ???). The watch is often accompanied by a new set of documents dated 1970-1980.


The main achievement of the 70s is the electronic watch of the "Electronics" brand. They shone, squeaked and amazed everyone with their modern chrome design. From that moment on, everyone was chasing just such, alluring with their graphic numbers.





Watches for children were also produced.
Most popular with a fox.


USSR watches for children and youth.


Steel watches are more expensive than gold ones ?! Raketa 3031. Stainless steel case, inside a mechanism on 33 stones with functions of a double calendar, self-winding and alarm clock! The watch was sold for 150 rubles. Only ... they weren't for sale. There were no people willing to buy a steel watch for that kind of money - gold watches were cheaper, and you could buy an ordinary Rocket for change. And gold ones are always cooler! ..




The USSR also produced gold watches.


Leonid Brezhnev wore a gold watch "Raketa", the design of which was developed in the 60s.
(Unlike modern leaders - my remark)



Today, many watches produced in the Soviet years attract the attention of collectors, as well as ordinary lovers of stylish and elegant things. For example, the watch "70 years of the KGB of Belarus" went to the auction "Gelos" for a tidy sum.




Of course, many will have a question: "What are the most expensive wrist watches produced in the USSR"?
One of the most expensive watches is the post-war Kirov Chrones. Very beautiful.


Very rare super thin Flight. If it pops up where, then the cost will be sky-high.
(Rummage around your bottom barrel)

The production of watches was well established in the Soviet Union, about 10 factories were productively operating throughout the country, which produced more than 100 watch brands. The manufactories produced precise movements that were not inferior to the Swiss ones, while having an excellent well-thought-out design. Today, when the watch industry in the post-Soviet space is practically destroyed, Soviet watches are a rarity and their price is more than one hundred dollars.

This is the brainchild of the oldest in Russia Petrodvorets watch factory. Today I will also build this plant, and during the Soviet era it was one of the largest watch factories, and exported its products to more than 30 countries. The plant produces a variety of models, including automatic, with a calendar, with various scales for professionals and even watches for the blind. Leonid Brezhnev wore one of the Rocket models of this plant, made of gold. A modern analogue of this famous model RAKETA W-15-50-10-0009 Ballerina 009. The watch is made of stainless steel with gold plating and has a size of 30.5 x 9mm. The quartz movement Quartz 763 is installed inside the watch, and the case water resistance is 50 meters.

The history of the First Moscow Watch Factory is more than 80 years old and the models of this manufacturer have not lost the glory of high-precision and reliable watches. The flight actively collaborated with aviation and the navy, as well as for scientific expeditions and in rocket and space activities. Since 1940, Poljot watches have become a regular accessory for officers of the Soviet Army. Flight Watch was in space with Yuri Gagarin. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the formation of Russia, the factory did not disintegrate and since 1992 it has been an award-winning watch brand. Poljot watches for export are produced under the Sekonda de Luxe brand.

Watches of this brand originate from 1935, when the decision of the USSR government was to organize the production of women's watches on the basis of the Frunze watch factory in Penza, while it was decided to use the in-line assembly method. The mechanism of the new Zarya watch was half the size of the mechanism of the Zvezda watch produced at this factory before the production renewal. The thinnest women's watch that women wore on their wrist was the Zarya-5 watch. Today the factory produces watches and Zarya Solo is popular. This is a sleek and sophisticated watch with balance wheel protection. The watch case is made of rhodium-plated brass. The movement 1509В.1 is installed inside the watch, which operates on 17 jewels and has a power reserve of 40 hours. The watch case is water-resistant up to 30 meters.

The first watches appeared at the plant in Uglich in 1937, and the first watches were assembled from parts of the Penza watch plant, and this watch was called Pobeda. Only after some time did he set up the production of his own women's wrist watches Chaika, which were in great demand both in the USSR and abroad. The watch even received a gold medal at the Leipzig exhibition international fair... Today this plant offers two collections: Classic Collection and Art Collection. The first consists of classic wristwatches, pocket watches, pendant watches and signet rings. The latter use folk motives, painting, enamel, semi-precious and semi-precious stones in the design and decoration of watches.

These watches are produced at the Second Moscow Watch Factory and were one of the most popular in the 70-80s. The factory was founded in 1924 and initially produced walkers, street electric clocks and alarm clocks. And since the 50s, the production of electronic-mechanical watches was launched. Today Slava watches also do not lose popularity and are almost always among the leaders in terms of sales. One of the latest models of the manufactory is the watch Derzhava D034-54-2824 with a mechanism produced in-house by the Slava 2824 company. The watch case of this model is made of silver and has a diameter of 39mm, and the dial is covered with a sapphire crystal.

These watches were produced at the Minsk watch factory. In the 60s, every intellectual dreamed of getting a Luch watch on his wrist. Minsk Watch Factory is the ancestor of the watch industry in Belarus. Watches were produced high Quality and in 1974 was awarded a gold medal at the Leipzig Fair, specifically the women's watch Luch-1816 with automatic winding and date indication. Today, the super-flat men's watch Luch with the movement 2209 and the case size 39mm in diameter, made of stainless steel and plated with gold, released in the USSR, is a desirable exhibit for collectors.