What is the most expensive watch in the USSR. Wristwatch from the USSR. Watch "Made in the USSR"

Everything connected with time was of particular importance in the USSR. In particular, a good watch on the wrist made an ordinary engineer or doctor an object worthy of female attention.
Everyone had approximately the same clothes, hairstyles - within the acceptable standard, salary - within the acceptable tariff rate. And some “Ray”, “Rocket” or “Electronics” talked about financial opportunities and character traits ...

After the Great October Revolution, the Bolsheviks got a very meager "legacy" in the field of watchmaking. Until 1919, the Watch Agency, which was structural unit The Supreme Council of the National Economy (VSNKh) oversaw the conduct of watchmaking in the country.
Subsequently, in 1920, on the basis of the Agency, the Main Directorate of Fine Mechanics was created, which united the former factories of Platov and Reinov 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 warehouses of blanks and handicraft workshops.


In an attempt to establish their own production, Soviet diplomats are futile 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 and wrist clocks.
Thus, the purchased enterprises become the basis for the creation of the 1st and 2nd State Watch Factories, which began to work in Moscow already in the 1930s. And the “First State Factory of Precision Technical Stones” (TTK-1), created 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 produces wrist and pocket watches, and the 2nd Watch Factory - alarm clocks and electric watches for businesses.


In 1936, the Soviet government entered into a deal with the French watch company "Lip" for the purchase of watch movements and parts, and then production lines, and in December 1938 a product of international cooperation appeared on sale - women's watches of the brand "ZiF". They were made at the 3rd State Watch Factory, 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 wristwatches. Those who wished to bring pocket watches (or just money) to repair watch shops across the country, craftsmen welded the arms to 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 turned out to be very similar to the factory ones.

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


A month before the Victory flag was hoisted over the Reichstag, in April 1945, 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 personally by I.V. Stalin, and they were produced until 1953.

In 1949, the production of “Shturmanskie” watches was mastered especially for the Air Force, which did not enter the trade. On April 12, 1961, this watch went into space.



Each era chooses its iconic watch models. In the early 60s, they were the Shturmansky-Gagarin, and then the cult Strela, which cosmonaut Alexei Leonov wore on his arm when going out into outer space. This fact was of great importance during cold war and rivalry with the West. Say, not your "Omega" went into space, but our "Strela", produced by the First Watch Factory.
This kind of "Arrows" were produced only for the command staff of the Air Force. They were attached to the sleeve of the suit. 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 the pebbles in the watch, adults usually joked that the watch allegedly lacked a couple more stones. Put on one, and slam the other.

In fact, the number of stones indicated the number of ruby ​​stones that were used as plain bearings on the trunnions of the gears.
All watch parts are in motion. And if there was metal there, it would quickly wear off. A ruby ​​is not erased for centuries. The more stones, the greater the durability of the watch mechanism. Because ruby ​​pebbles do not wear out themselves and almost do not wear out the gear axle. Good and reliable mechanisms were made on 30 stones.

The most popular gift for women! Luch watch. Many of them probably still have and still work.


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


A little about modern copies of diving watches. The Chelyabinsk Watch Factory in the post-perestroika period produced a lot of souvenir watches made in the same case and design as the ZChZ underwater watch. However, the technology was violated - chrome-plated brass was used instead of steel, 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 full of “Soviet underwater clocks”, which are in fact nothing more than a dummy. Due to the 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 it, and how would a diver hear it ???). The watch often comes with a new set of documents dated 1970-1980.


The main achievement of the 70s - Digital Watch brands "Electronics". They glowed, 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.
The most popular with a fox.


Children's and youth watches of the USSR.


Is a steel watch more expensive than a gold one? Rocket 3031. Stainless steel case, 33-jewel movement inside with dual calendar, automatic winding and alarm functions! Watches were sold for 150 rubles. Only...they didn't sell. There were no people who wanted to buy steel watches for that kind of money - gold ones were cheaper, and you could also 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, which was designed in the 60s.
(Unlike modern leaders - my remark)



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




Many, of course, 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 Hrones. Very beautiful.


Very rare super thin Flight. If it pops up somewhere, it will cost sky-high.
(Rummage around in your bottom hole)

Original taken from jurashz in Soviet times clock

Everything connected with time was of particular importance in the USSR. In particular, a good watch on the wrist made an ordinary engineer or doctor an object worthy of female attention. Well, what else is there to stand out? Everyone had approximately the same clothes, hairstyles - within the acceptable standard, salary - within the acceptable tariff rate. And some “Ray”, “Rocket” or “Electronics” talked about financial opportunities and character traits ...

After the Great October Revolution, the Bolsheviks got a very meager "legacy" in the field of watchmaking. Until 1919, the Clock Agency, which is a structural subdivision of the Supreme Council of the National Economy (VSNKh), oversaw watchmaking in the country.

Subsequently, in 1920, on the basis of the Agency, the Main Directorate of Fine Mechanics was created, which united the former factories of Platov and Reinov 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 warehouses of blanks and handicraft workshops.

In an attempt to establish their own production, Soviet diplomats are futile 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 and wrist clocks.

Thus, the purchased enterprises become the basis for the creation of the 1st and 2nd State Watch Factories, which began to work in Moscow already in the 1930s. And the “First State Factory of Precision Technical Stones” (TTK-1), created 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 produces wrist and pocket watches, and the 2nd Watch Factory - alarm clocks and electric watches for businesses.

In 1936, the Soviet government entered into a deal with the French watch company "Lip" for the purchase of watch movements and parts, and then production lines, and in December 1938 a product of international cooperation appeared on sale - women's wristwatches of the brand "ZiF". They were made at the 3rd State Watch Factory, 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 wristwatches. Those who wished to bring pocket watches (or just money) to repair watch shops across the country, craftsmen welded the arms to 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, watches turned out to be very similar to factory ones.

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

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

A month before the Victory flag was hoisted over the Reichstag, in April 1945, 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 personally by I.V. Stalin, and they were produced until 1953.

In 1949, the production of “Shturmanskie” watches was mastered especially for the Air Force, which did not enter the trade. On April 12, 1961, this watch went into space.

Each era chooses its iconic watch models. In the early 60s, they were the Shturmansky-Gagarin, and then the cult Strela, which cosmonaut Alexei Leonov wore on his arm when going out 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 "Strela", produced by the First Watch Factory.

This kind of "Arrows" were produced only for the command staff of the Air Force. They were attached to the sleeve of the suit. 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 the pebbles in the watch, adults usually joked that the watch allegedly lacked a couple more stones. Put on one, and slam the other.

In fact, the number of stones indicated the number of ruby ​​stones that were used as plain bearings on the trunnions of the gears.

All watch parts are in motion. And if there was metal there, it would quickly wear off. A ruby ​​is not erased for centuries. The more stones, the greater the durability of the watch mechanism. Because ruby ​​pebbles do not wear out themselves and almost do not wear out the gear axle. Good and reliable mechanisms were made on 30 stones.

The most popular gift for women! Luch watch. Many of them probably still have and still work.

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

A little about modern copies of diving watches. The Chelyabinsk Watch Factory in the post-perestroika period produced a lot of souvenir watches made in the same case and design as the ZChZ underwater watch. However, the technology was violated - chrome-plated brass was used instead of steel, 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 full of “Soviet underwater clocks”, which are in fact nothing more than a dummy. Due to the 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 it, and how would a diver hear it ???). The watch often comes with a new set of documents dated 1970-1980.

The main achievement of the 70s was the electronic watch of the Elektronika brand. They glowed, 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.
The most popular with a fox.

Children's and youth watches of the USSR.

Is a steel watch more expensive than a gold one? Rocket 3031. Stainless steel case, 33-jewel movement inside with dual calendar, automatic winding and alarm functions! Watches were sold for 150 rubles. Only...they didn't sell. There were no people who wanted to buy steel watches for that kind of money - gold ones were cheaper, and you could also 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, which was designed in the 60s.

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

Many, of course, will have a question: "What is the most expensive wristwatch produced in the USSR"?
One of the most expensive watches is the post-war Kirov Hrones. Very beautiful.

Very rare super thin Flight. If it pops up somewhere, it will cost sky-high.

For almost 70 years, the Country of Soviets, through the efforts of 15 factories, has produced hundreds of millions of mechanical watches, among the advantages of which are a laconic design and simple reliable mechanisms.

The first Pobeda watch was assembled at the First Moscow Watch Factory named after Kirov in 1946, exactly one year after the capture of Berlin by the Red Army. The design, characteristics and name were personally approved by Stalin. In Soviet times, Pobeda was produced at six different factories: Petrodvortsovy, First and Second Moscow, Penza and Chistopol (the model in the photo was produced at Petrodvortsovy in 1955).

At the Maslennikov plant in Samara (then Kuibyshev), Pobeda was produced under the name ZiM with the legendary K-43 movement. The colossal volume of production made the brand perhaps the most popular in the USSR. Watches went on free sale, they were also awarded to war and labor veterans.

In 2015, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Victory, the Petrodvorets Plant began production of quartz watches under the Pobeda brand.

The mechanism of the “Shturmanskie” watch that accompanied Yuri Gagarin on his first flight into space was shockproof, had a power reserve of two days and a function to stop the second hand. Now such a power reserve seems small, but for the Soviet watch industry it was a real achievement.

Their production began in 1949 specifically for the Air Force, in open sale they never did. Later, they left the factory with the most reliable mechanism 3133, for the development of which the team of the First MChZ was awarded the State Prize of the USSR. Therefore, the “Navigators” of the Soviet period are especially valued by collectors these days. Mechanical watches of the same name are still produced today, but, alas, apart from the name, they have nothing in common with their predecessors.

The State Trust of Fine Mechanics is the office from which the entire Soviet watch industry began. The trust included nationalized factories, repair and assembly workshops, which assembled watches from blanks left over from tsarist times. But the country needed large volumes.

Since 1929, using equipment purchased from the bankrupt American plant Dubert Hampton, the trust produced mainly pocket watches. There were very few wrist models, and perhaps the most common of them was produced by order of the NKPS (People's Commissariat of Railways). Most often, watches had an enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and redundant red 24-hour markings.

Released in early 1935, the first wrist models of the First State Watch Factory have the K-43 movement, developed five years earlier for the most popular Soviet pocket watches, which were called “type 1 pocket watches”. Main Feature"Kirov" was a small second hand, located at the mark "9 o'clock", and a large dial with a diameter of 43 millimeters.

During the period from 1930 to 1941, about three million pocket and wrist watches of the first type were produced at the First GChZ.

In 1953, it was decided to build a watch factory in Minsk. For the first ten years, the company produced only women's watches "Zarya" and "Minsk". In 1963, the USSR Ministry of Instrument Engineering announced the production of Vympel men's flat watches, previously produced by the First Moscow Watch Factory, which transferred technical documentation to the Minsk Factory. This watch was called "Luch-2209" and became the achievement of the eighth five-year plan.

The diameter of the mechanism on 23 jewels was 22 mm, the height was 2.9 mm, there was a central second hand and shock protection. Today, the plant continues serial production of watches.

Another legendary watch-cosmonaut - they were the first to go into outer space in 1965 on the hand of Alexei Leonov. with a 45-minute counter was produced by the First MCHZ since 1959. It had several versions, including those with a luminous dial and a telemetric scale.

In 1964, all models of the First MCHZ were renamed "Flight" (export versions - in Poljot). Thus, the Strela was produced for a short five years exclusively for the command staff of the Air Force, which makes it a rarity in the secondary market. Sometimes the cost of "Strela-3017" - a model that has been in space - reaches 200-250 thousand rubles.

"Light" and "East"

This rare pair is the fruit of the work of the Chistopol watch factory. In the post-war period, the plant produced household and industrial watches. In 1962, the Vostok brand received gold medal at the Leipzig Exhibition. At the same time, the plant produced prototypes of the “Komandirskie” and became the official supplier of watches to the USSR Ministry of Defense.

Watches "Light" with a black dial were also intended for the military, but they also appeared on free sale. Since 1969, all watches produced in Chistopol had the Vostok brand.

In 1963, after the flight of Valentina Tereshkova into space, all models of the Uglich watch factory were renamed "The Seagull", in honor of the call sign of the first female cosmonaut.

The presented model was released in the 1970s at the Chistopol Watch Factory in a gilded case and with a metal bracelet. “The Seagull” is equipped with a shockproof and dustproof mechanism from and to 17 . Gilding AU 20 was considered the best at that time and contained more than one gram of gold per item.

"Capital" and "Mayak"

“Capital” immediately catches the eye thanks to the unusual retro-dial and eye-catching red arrow. The brand was produced at the First Kirov MChZ for a very short time, thanks to which it became a rarity.

“Mayak” also comes from the First MChZ, but was also assembled in Petrodvorets. These “Mayaks” had a mechanism on 16 jewels, a second hand and gilded dial elements. In addition, military-style wristwatches with glow-in-the-dark hands were produced.

“ ”

The late Soviet "Rocket Copernicus" in a unique minimalist design was released in the late 1980s, but gained particular popularity already in the 1990s with the stigma "Made in Russia". The hour and minute hands are crowned with unusual circles, and in the “Black Copernicus” model with a dark dial, they do resemble planets in the night sky.

The main technical value is represented by the movement 2609 of an increased class for 19 rubies with a central second hand and an anti-shock device of the axis.

It is worth recognizing that for the decline of the watch industry of the USSR, the “Rocket” is certainly a landmark model that looks very boldly among its analogues. Today, the Petrodvorets Watch Factory continues to produce Raketa, only it costs 20 times more than the Soviet original.

Text: Dmitry Shalaev
Photos: Dmitry Shalaev

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

Features and Benefits

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 movements distorted time by about 5 seconds per month. But low-quality 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 measuring certain time intervals. There were also watches with an alarm clock, which include electronic modifications.
4. Unique design. Most 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 are very rare. You can find such antique watch movements only from collectors of such products.

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

Men's

Manufactured watches for men were quite diverse in design and form. Some of them were meant to be worn extreme conditions so they can withstand heavy loads. Such products were valued by representatives of the officer corps, to whom they were given as a reward for service. A distinctive feature of these products was the presence of various inscriptions.

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

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

1. Navigators. This model was produced in 1949 and was intended only for the Air Force. They were hard to find on the open market at the time. Today, the cost of such products can reach significant sums.
2. Commander's. 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.

Women's

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, providing durability and reliability. After that, watches appeared on the market, which had 17 and 21 ruby ​​stones. The most popular female models are brands:

• "Dawn";
• "Star";
• "Auror";
• "Ray";
• "Spring".

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

materials

Soviet watches were distinguished by practicality, as they were made from 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 originality and sophistication. But expensive models were covered with gold or silver.

Manufacturers at that time did not use precious stones to design cases. Basically, such products were intended for high-ranking officials or sold abroad.

Stamps

The watch market in Soviet times was oversaturated with various products, allowing you to choose them for every taste. It should be highlighted some popular brands at the time:

1. "Glory". These products did not differ in 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 decorative design of the chronograph with mother-of-pearl and red crystals.
3. "East". The watch manufacturer was the Chistopol factory, which equipped them with a 24-dials dial and a date indicator. Among the distinguishing features of the mechanism, one can also distinguish the presence of luminous hands and high accuracy of movement.
4. "Flight". These products were popular with scientists and cosmonauts (Yu. Gagarin took them with him). The products are characterized by high precision and reliability of the mechanism.
5. "Dawn". Designs of this type were distinguished by a thin body (Zarya-5). Watches were intended mainly for women. Today, brass and rhodium plating are used as the main material. Some models can withstand water pressure at a depth of up to 30 meters. Another representative of the Penza plant is the "Spring" watch, which was popular with women.
6. "Gull". The production of watches began 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 wrist and pocket modifications can be distinguished.
7. "Ray". The manufacturer of these watches was the Minsk Watch Plant. The 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 an anti-shock mechanism. Such watches could work under water at a depth of up to 200 meters, so they became popular among sailors and divers who used them to solve their problems.

They were especially popular watch "ZiF", which were renamed before the war to "Star". Also, Soviet manufacturers produced many other brands, among which are:

• "Mayak", "Strela" (Poljot plant);
• "Spartacus";
• "Lightning" (factory "Glory");
• "Space";
• "Capital";
• "Second";
• 1945 classic automatic 143;
• "50 Years of Victory".

Price

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

Some of them are very hard to find. Popular women's watch "Luch" will cost connoisseurs no more than 400 rubles. Diving models are still popular today. Collectors purchase such products at a price of no more than 1200 rubles.

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

Bright chrome watch "Electronics" today you can find on the market at a price of up to 800 rubles. Unique representative "Rocket 3031", equipped with 31 stones, will cost the connoisseur no more than 100 rubles.

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

Buying Soviet watches 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 in the event of a breakdown 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.

Before the revolution of 1917, the watch industry was well developed in Tsarist Russia. Its main feature was that it was mainly an assembly production of foreign parts. Watch mechanisms were produced in Switzerland, Germany and France, and then delivered to Russia. The largest watch dealers and manufacturers in Russia - the Trading Houses of Pavel Bure, Heinrich Moser and Victor Gabu, had plans to open full-fledged production facilities in our country. However, the revolution of 1917 and the devastation that followed it did not allow them to be realized.

New Soviet authority nationalized all enterprises and property of watch companies. On their basis, as well as at the expense of smaller private enterprises, the Watch Agency was formed as part of Supreme Council National economy(VSNKh). In 1920, it was transformed into Gostrest Tochmekh (State Trust for Precision Mechanics). However, the authority of pre-revolutionary brands was so great that even in the 1920s the nationalized Moser factory continued to produce watches under this brand. famous poet V.V. Mayakovsky commissioned by GUM created several advertising slogans and posters dedicated to the Moser clock:

A man with only a watch.
Moser clock only.
Moser only at Guma.
…

The most business
most accurate,
in Guma get
Moser clock.

By the mid-1920s, the stocks of parts and mechanisms seized from the previous owners had run out. Components for watches, which the Soviet industry badly needed, had to be bought for gold abroad.

The first watch factories

In 1927, it was decided to create their own watch industry. Negotiations with leading manufacturers in Europe ended in vain. Only in 1929 was it possible to purchase equipment from two bankrupt factories in the United States.

The equipment of the Duber Hempton factory was intended for the production of pocket and wrist watches. On its basis, in September 1930, work began in Moscow 1st State Watch Factory. On the equipment of the Ansonia plant in 1931, also in Moscow, 2nd State sentry the plant began production of alarm clocks, wall clocks and electric clock systems. Since that time, the rise of the watch industry of the USSR begins.

Watch "Made in the USSR"

Watch production in the USSR overcame the difficulties of the 30s, withstood the most difficult conditions of the Great patriotic war, post-war devastation.

Watch production in the 1940s - 1970s

By the middle of the 20th century, the country had own production full cycle, in many respects not inferior to foreign analogues. The number of watch factories grew, production capacity. The priority task was to provide the industry with watches, so the shortage of watches for the needs of the population was eliminated only in the 60s.

It should also be noted that despite the efforts made, the country could not do without foreign watch technologies. Leading world manufacturers refused to cooperate with the USSR. A great success was the agreement concluded in 1936 with the French watch company "LIP" on the purchase of equipment and technologies for the production of several types of mechanisms (calibers) on 3rd State Watch Factory (ZIF) in Penza.

Watch "Victory". Symbol of the post-war revival

The most famous and very successful Soviet Pobeda watch, approved for release personally by Stalin and produced from 1946 to 2002, were based precisely on the K-26 caliber from LIP.

In the book by V.G. Bogdanov, dedicated to the watch factory "Slava", there is a curious story of the appearance of the Pobeda watch, based on the personal memories of its participants:

“In the second half of the 1940s, the minister responsible for the watch industry and the director of one of the Moscow watch factories were summoned to the Kremlin to see Stalin. We didn't stay long at the reception. We entered the office to "most." In addition to Stalin, there were Kaganovich and Beria. Without preamble, Stalin opened a desk drawer, took out a wristwatch and, showing it to the minister and director, said:“There is an opinion of the Politburo that the Victorious People needs watches. We invite you to master this sample in production and call them "Victory", in honor of the Victory over Germany. How much time do you need to master? Is a year enough?

"Enough," the Minister replied quickly. It was not accepted to discuss in this office.Going out into the street, the director attacked the minister:“What are you? What year? We won’t master them even in three!”.We returned to the reception. "Comrade General," the minister addressed Stalin's secretary Poskrebyshev. “We have consulted here and we think that we will not be able to manage the clock in a year. What do you advise us?" “Shoot yourself,” the general replied curtly.

A year has passed. Beria invites K.M. Britsko, Deputy Minister of Industry, who oversaw the watch industry. "Made?" Beria asks. “We did it, Lavrenty Pavlovich,” Konstantin Mikhailovich answers. "Let's". Taking the watch in his hands, Beria twisted it in his hands for a long time, put it to his ear, and suddenly threw it at the wall. A cold trickle of sweat ran down Konstantin Mikhailovich's back. He picked up the watch and put it to his ear. “They are walking, Lavrenty Pavlovich,” he said. "That's it," answered Beria..

In 1945, on the personal order of Beria, at the same 2nd State Watch Factory, they began to master the production of watches " Salute". The watch was based on the model of the Swiss company "Cartebor" (" Cortebert"), which happened to be with Beria and he liked it very much. It took a long time to master the clock on the existing equipment. It was possible to establish production only in 1949, but the resulting model was unsuccessful and after a few years its production was stopped.

It can be ironically noted that Stalin's watch turned out to be much more successful than Beria's watch.

After the war, obtaining new foreign equipment was still very difficult. Soviet specialists had to decide challenging tasks to create technologies for the production of new watches on the equipment that was available. We saw an example of setting such a task by the country's leadership above. However, the engineers managed to mass-produce watches with very limited resources. Some series of watches were even produced on clockworks captured in Germany. Gradually, by the 1960s, the USSR mastered the production of domestic watch equipment. Also, independent development of their own watch movements begins, among which there were very successful models. However, in the future, foreign calibers were often adapted in the USSR, setting up their production on their own equipment.

If you have a watch from around the middle of the 20th century, be sure to read the information at the end of the article.

The rise of the watch industry in the USSR

By the beginning of the 1980s, the Soviet watch industry had reached its maximum development. that produced famous watch brands: “ Flight" , « Rocket" , « East" , « Gull" , « Commander's , « Lightning" and others. In addition, household clocks were produced as additional products at some instrument-making factories. Up to 70 million watches for various purposes were produced per year.

About 15-20 million watches were exported. A feature of the export of the USSR was that the quality of products intended for foreign markets was given much more attention than the same goods within the country. Soviet watches shipped abroad did not stand out for their cutting-edge design or rich decoration. However, they were well-assembled, reliable and relatively cheap. In many countries, watches marked with " Made in USSR" enjoyed great success.

The watch industry was characterized by all the features caused by the planned economy of the USSR. The quality of the same watch models varied in different factories. For this reason, export watches were in great demand inside the country. Also very much appreciated were closed series of watches, mainly intended for the army, where there were very strict technical requirements and acceptance standards. Little attention was paid to design, only gold was used from precious metals in the manufacture of watches. There were practically no watches adorned with precious stones. The lack of competition and real struggle for the consumer limited the introduction of new models. Isolation from the world's leading equipment manufacturers hampered the introduction of new technologies.

Unfortunately, after 1990, when large-scale changes began to take place in the country, the once powerful watch industry fell into decline. Watch factories located in Russia have almost completely ceased their activities, well-known trade marks acquired new owners.

Attention! If you have an old watch made before 1950 in the USSR or abroad, we advise you to pay attention to the hands, numbers and the dial itself. If they glow or you have suspicions that they could be painted with luminous paint, we recommend that you measure their background radiation from the relevant specialists. The fact is that in the early 20th century, radium was used to obtain glow-in-the-dark paint. Such watches have radioactive properties and it is especially dangerous for paint particles to get inside the human body.