Wristwatches from the USSR

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, differing in design and technical features, were produced on the market.

Wristwatches from the USSR are different 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 that can work in various conditions.
2. Accuracy. Some of the most accurate mechanisms distorted time by about 5 seconds per month. But substandard systems were relatively few. Often they 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 that measures certain time intervals. There were also watches with an alarm clock, to which electronic modifications can already be attributed.
4. Unique design. Most watch movements are standard and not particularly different in appearance. But there are several rare models that are examples of style and beauty.

Wristwatches of the USSR times are still popular today. Some models are antiques and are very rare. Find such antique watch movements can only collectors of such products.

Produced watches for men were quite diverse in design and form. Some of them were designed to be worn under extreme conditions, so they withstood heavy loads. Such products were valued by the representatives of the officers, whom they got as rewards for service. A distinctive feature of these products was the presence of various inscriptions.

In each era existed several popular men's watch movements:

1. Shturmanskie. This model was produced in 1949 and was intended only for the Air Force. In the free market at the time they were difficult to find. Today the cost of such products can reach significant amounts.
2. Commander's. Watches of this brand are one of the most popular male 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 complemented by a special night illumination.

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

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

Soviet watches differed practicality, as they were made of high quality materials. Most of the models were made of high quality stainless steel, which could withstand considerable physical exertion.

Manufacturers at the time did not use precious stones for the design of shells.In general, such products were intended for high-ranking officials or were sold abroad.

In the Soviet time, the watch market was oversaturated with various products that made it possible to choose them for every taste. Should highlight several popular brands at the time:

1. "Glory". These products did not have a unique design and high price, although they were equipped with a reliable clockwork. Available to this day, but with a modified design.
2. "Rocket". The designs were equipped with a standard clockwork and did not differ from their counterparts. Modern modifications are distinguished by the decoration of the chronograph with nacre and red crystals.
3. "East". The watch manufacturer was the Chistopolsky plant, which equipped it with a dial for 24 divisions and a date indicator. Among the distinctive features of the mechanism can also be distinguished by the presence of luminous arrows and high precision stroke.
4. "Flight". These products were popular with scientists, astronauts (Y. Gagarin took them with him). Production differs in high precision and reliability of the mechanism.
5. Zarya. Designs of this type were distinguished by a thin body (Zarya-5). Watches were intended mainly for women. Today, brass and rhodium are used as the base material. Some models can withstand water pressure at a depth of up to 30 meters. Another representative of the Penza plant is a watch "Spring", popular with women.
6. "Gull". The release of the clock began in 1937 under the name "Victory". Over time, the design improved, which allowed to improve not only the design, but also the technical characteristics. Today they are produced in two collections, among which are wrist and pocket modifications.
7. "Ray". The manufacturer of this watch was the Minsk Watch Factory. Product design 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 anti-shock mechanism. Such watches could work under water at a depth of 200 meters, therefore they became popular among seafarers and divers who used them to solve their problems.

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

• "Mayak", "Strela" (factory "Flight");
• "Spartacus";
• "Lightning" (plant "Glory");
• "Space";
• "Capital";
• "Second";
• 1945 classic automatic 143;
• "50 years of victory".

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

Some of them are very hard to find. Popular women watch "Ray" will cost lovers no more than 400 rubles. Diving models are still popular. Collectors purchase similar products at a price not exceeding 1,200 rubles.

Buying Soviet watches should pay attention to several factors:

1. Design. The shape and size of products should be selected according to your taste and preferences.
2. Accessibility and possibility of restoration. Please note that now the plants no longer produce watches of many brands. Therefore, there is no guarantee that in case of breakage they can be repaired and whether it will be economically profitable.
3. Level of accuracy 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 models of watches.

Owners of Soviet watches mark their durability and precise mechanism. Some of them use these products from those far times. This indicates a high-quality assembly and durable materials.

Among the best models are such products as waterproof Amphibians, original "Commander", exquisite "Ray" and "Zarya". Here are watches for any category of people, from lovers of classics and rare products to reliable mechanical or electronic systems.

How to make watches in the USSR - in this video.