The watch industry is a branch of instrument making, including the production of household time measuring devices, which include wrist and pocket watches, alarm clocks, table, wall and floor clocks, public use clocks for buildings and enterprises, as well as technical and special time devices for transport, stopwatches , timers, chronographs, time relays and various watch movements that act as a precision drive.

In Russia, handicraft production of tower clocks has been known since the 15th century. At the end of the 19th century Petersburg, the production of chronometers and deck clocks for the navy was organized. In pre-revolutionary Russia, consumer watches were assembled from imported parts at enterprises owned mainly by Swiss companies: “P. Bure, Moser, Langendorf.

in the USSR in the early 1920s. At the Aviapribor plant in Moscow, the production of the simplest pendulum clock-clocks and the assembly of alarm clocks were organized, partly from imported parts. The foundations of industrial watch production were laid in 1929-30, when the 1st and 2nd Moscow watch factories were launched. In 1931, 42 thousand pieces were produced. pocket watches, in 1935 their release was brought to 192 thousand pieces. In the 40s. in the USSR there were 3 watch factories, 2 watch stone factories and 1 factory for the manufacture of wooden cases for watches.

During the Great Patriotic War of 1941-45, the watch industry produced defense products, but since 1944 the production of household watches began to recover. In 1944-52, watch factories were built in Serdobsk, Yerevan, Petrodvorets, Uglich, a research institute for the watch industry, and a watch machine tool design bureau; the production of clockwork springs, watch spirals made of elinvar alloy, watch stones made of ruby, watch oils was launched, which in turn made it possible to master the production of the most popular watches of the brands Pobeda, Zvezda, Salyut, Molniya.

In the mid 70s. mechanical wristwatches of the USSR are widely exported: "Seagull", "Dawn", "Slava", "Rocket", "Flight" and alarm clocks "Slava", "Sevani", etc.

In 1975, over 15 enterprises producing household watches had a subject specialization: the Penza Watch Factory produces women's watches, the 1st Moscow - men's watches, Orlovsky - table, wall clocks and alarm clocks, Yerevan - alarm clocks, etc.

TSB, 1969-1978

However, unfortunately, only a few enterprises were able to survive the collapse of the USSR and the transition to a market economy ...

A brief history of watch factories in the USSR:

In the Soviet Union, watch production was well established, around 10 factories were productively working throughout the country, which produced more than 100 watch brands. Manufactories produced precise movements that were not inferior to 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, the Petrodvorets watch factory. Today, this plant is also built in, 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 different scales for professionals and even watches for the blind. Leonid Brezhnev wore one of the Rocket models of this factory, made of gold. The modern analogue of this famous model RAKETA W-15-50-10-0009 Ballerina 009. The watch is made of stainless steel with gilding, has a size of 30.5 x 9mm. Inside the watch is a quartz movement Quartz 763, and the water resistance of the case is 50 meters.

The history of the First Moscow Watch Factory has more than 80 years and the models of this manufacturer have not lost the glory of high-precision and reliable watches. Polyot actively cooperated with aviation and navy, as well as for scientific expeditions and in rocket and space activities. Since 1940, Poljot watches have become a standard accessory for officers of the Soviet Army. Watch Poljot was in space with Yuri Gagarin. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the formation of Russia, the plant did not fall apart and since 1992 has been a premium watch brand. Poljot watches for export are produced under the Sekonda de Luxe brand.

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

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

These watches are produced at the Second Moscow Watch Factory and were among the most popular in the 70s and 80s. The plant was founded in 1924 and initially produced clocks, outdoor electric clocks and alarm clocks. And since the 50s, the production of electronic-mechanical watches has been 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 Derzhava D034-54-2824 watch with a mechanism produced in-house by Slava 2824. The watch case of this model is made of silver and has a diameter of 39mm, and the dial is covered with sapphire glass.

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

Watchmaking was well established in the USSR. In Soviet times, there were a dozen factories that annually produce hundreds of watch models. Most of the models had a unique design and were not inferior in quality to Swiss models.
After the collapse of the USSR, most of the many factories ceased to exist, and some brands of watches today have become a rarity.

"Navigators"

"Ray"

"Victory"

"Seconda de lux"

"Dawn"

"Gull"

"Rocket"

"Glory"

"Flight"

"Electronics"

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 designed to be worn in extreme conditions, so they could 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 the technical characteristics. 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 are distinguished by a unique design and cost about 2-3 thousand rubles on the modern market. 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.

The new Soviet government 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 the Supreme Council of the 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 by order of GUM, he created several advertising slogans and posters dedicated to Moser watches:

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 its own full-cycle production, which in many respects was not inferior to foreign analogues. The number of watch factories grew, production capacities increased. 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 solve complex problems of creating technologies for the production of new watches using 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 much more attention was paid to the quality of products intended for foreign markets 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 trademarks have acquired new owners.

Attention! If you have an old watch produced 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.