Catalog of clocks with a pendulum and striking, wall, table, fireplace, alarm clocks - wall table clocks east. Wristwatches from the USSR The first gold commander's watch 2214
The commander's watch is as much a living legend as a Kalashnikov assault rifle or a matryoshka doll. Buying them today is not a problem, but previously almost half of the population of one sixth of the land stood in line for the products of the Chistopol watch factory. 
Watch from the Minister of Defense
Marshal Malinovsky armed the Soviet army with “commander’s” chronometers. By order of the Minister of Defense in 1965, in Chistopol they developed a massive shockproof watch for command personnel on an anchor movement with phosphorescent hands and, as people said, dust- and stone-proof. And so that the watchmakers in Chistopol would not get bored at all with orders from the military-industrial complex, officials assigned them a quota for purely civilian watches, which could be sold in ordinary department stores, and allowed them to write “Commander’s” on the dials.
An anchor, another anchor!
“We developed the watch under terrible time pressure,” recalls one of the developers of the legend, Valentina Belova, head of the exterior design bureau. - It's no joke! After all, Marshal Malinovsky himself ordered them to be made. The watch had to be the most accurate, because punctuality is needed in war, and the most durable. What was new was a dial with luminous numbers. But the main highlight is the stopping mechanism, or, in other words, the stopwatch. Drawings of mechanisms used in military mines helped to develop it. Our group worked on the design of the building. We offered more than fifty options. Most of all, the minister liked the option with a star on the dial in a round case. For this we were rewarded with a bonus of 50 rubles. Enormous money - almost half my salary. It seems that the portrait was also hung on the honor board.
"Ministerial Amphibian"
The watches began to be distributed through the General Directorate of Trade of the Ministry of Defense, and civilian buyers received them extremely rarely. Not every watch factory manager could afford to wear “Komandirskie” watches or their version for sailors, “Amphibian”.
Of course, such watches became the best gift in Moscow, where Chistopol residents went to sign papers. It got to the point that they released a special batch of watches with the purposeful name “Ministerial Amphibian”. The hermetically sealed Amphibian did not let through the tears that the touched official shed over the gift.
The need for invention is cunning
In Soviet Russia, everything that was connected with the military or intelligence services had a connotation of prestige and elitism. Almost unavailable for free sale, “Komandirskie” were no exception - they have always been a source of envy and pride, a symbol of belonging to the Big Red Machine - real Soviet kitsch in the best sense of the word. In the 70s, only stolen Komandirskie aircraft could be honestly bought. Many Komandirskie owners called their chronometers assholes. “What do you think they wear when they leave the factory?” - they explained.
Over the hill
The exceptionally masculine, weighty, even slightly rough design made the Komandirskie unlike any other wristwatch. Their time came in the late 1980s, when military-style watches came into fashion all over the world. Moreover, a fashion for everything Soviet has appeared in the West: Gorbi, perestroyka... And then there is a watch from Russia, and with a red five-pointed star! The fame of the famous Commander's Watch, made at a defense plant producing clockwork for mines, spread throughout the world. 40 thousand of them were bought per year in the USA alone. One of my close relatives, who had gone abroad more than once in the past, told me that in Soviet times, “over the hill,” our Commander’s watches were very much valued. The profit from shipping one of these watches was something like 45 dollars. So, when the watch was received at a store in the city of Køge (Denmark), its tightness and reliability were checked by boiling.
Hand watches and wild
At the Chistopol plant they proudly tell stories about fakes. It's nice, of course. As Yesenin wrote, a thief cannot take away a bad horse.
So, one day the general director of Vostok, Vladislav Tsivilin, while in New York, looked into a supermarket with his colleagues, where he found in the window... Can you guess what? Well, of course, if he had found a Tula samovar there, there would have been nothing to talk about. But in the window there was a watch with the name “Commander’s”.
- Made in Tshistopol! – the seller recommended the product.
Chistopol, however, has never seen such a watch. The winding crown was attached to the case with a miniature chain.
“It was obvious: in front of us lay a fairly skillful fake,” recalls Tsivilin. – Alas, our technical secret of fastening the head turned out to be inaccessible to someone. We asked to see the watch and then introduced ourselves. We were immediately invited into the office and offered coffee. When we left, “Komandirskie” was no longer in the window.
Fake for a KGB agent
“Stories with fakes are real detective novels,” continues Tsivilin. – When they started counterfeiting Chistopol watches in Europe, we had to open our own law firm there to fight the “competitors.”
But despite the efforts of the Russians, watches created by shockproof labor with a supposedly Chistopol brand, and designed with great imagination, continue to walk around the world. For example, in Western Europe watches were advertised as if they were made in Chistopol for KGB agents. On the dial, under the image of a shield and sword, it was written: “KGB of the USSR.” Presumably, the dial was luminous, so that the secret agent could light up with this watch even in the dark.
Against the storm
During the preparation for Operation Desert Storm, the Americans began to select watches that could work reliably in those conditions. At first glance, an hourglass would be best suited for the desert, but the US Department of Defense preferred Chistopol chronometers. The Americans were so impressed by the reliability and accuracy of the Komandirskie that all soldiers who participated in Operation Desert Storm were equipped with this watch. Initially, the contract included 10 thousand watches, but soon the Americans increased the order to 40 thousand. For the Americans, we made a new drawing: crossed sabers against the background of a palm tree and an American flag.
From “Komandirskie” to “Kremlinskie”
Several years ago, Chistopol residents collected the “wrong” watches and they were intended for the President of the Russian Federation! The fact is that Putin is left-handed and wears a watch on his right hand. Ordinary watches are designed for use on the left, and wearing them on the right is inconvenient due to the crown protruding on the “wrong” side. The Chistopol residents made a kind of mirror copy of the watch specifically for the President of Russia.
True, the plant still does not know whether their gift reached President Putin. The watch at the factory was presented to a fellow countryman who was to receive the Golden Star of the Hero of Russia in the Kremlin. He handed the watch to someone from the president’s entourage, but how the latter disposed of the unique watch remained a mystery.
Today I received a parcel with a wall clock "Vostok" N-9530-1. I was very impressed by the service: prompt, cultural, competent... And the watch is simply beautiful! Bravo! Thank you! I've been dreaming about these for a long time, but they simply aren't on sale in our city. And it’s good, otherwise I wouldn’t have learned how to communicate with consumers at a decent level. If I need any other watch models, I won’t even rack my brains: I’ll only contact you here. I wish the manufacturing plant and its online store success and prosperity. With respect to you.
The order arrived quickly, when ordering watches there was a request to bring two, as an exception the company gave us the opportunity to choose, everything was delivered on time, opened, shown, we chose a gift and were very pleased. Thank you very much to the Vostok company for their professionalism, smooth work and quality products. I recommend it, I am 100% satisfied with the watch.
Good afternoon I ordered a wall clock and the impressions exceeded my expectations! Stylish and high-quality assembly, pleasant sound of combat. They immediately fit into the interior of the living room, the family is very happy. Delivered quickly by courier to your home. Many thanks to the company and employees!
I ordered a mantel clock T21067-1 in dark walnut color. Delivered by SDEK courier to your home. I really liked the watch, it's beautiful. Thank you.
We ordered a T-9728-2 mantel/table clock with striking Vostok-Vostok in the evening of 09/09/2016, 09/13/2016. The clock was in Yelets, Lipetsk region. Bought as a gift. Everyone liked it. The quality is impeccable. The watch is great. Thank you very much, it’s a pleasure to work with you.
Excellent shop! A good opportunity to purchase the right item for residents of regions where the assortment is very scarce. I ordered the watch N 9530-1 - in reality the watch is more beautiful than in the photo. I was very pleased with the free delivery with cash on delivery, since it is possible to check the product and then pay for it. Thanks guys for a great job!
Technical characteristics of the Vostok 2809 precision caliber:
Photo from the 60s catalog:
Caliber 2809 movement with 22 ruby jewels and central seconds hand. The mechanism is gilded. Increased running accuracy. Shockproof balance. Frequency 18,000 vibrations per hour. Energy autonomy of at least 42 hours.
Photo of the mechanism:
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2602 (K-26)
Caliber 2602 movement with 15 ruby stones and side seconds hand. Frequency 18000 vibrations per hour, average stroke -25s +65s. Energy autonomy of at least 36 hours.
Photo of the mechanism:
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2605
Caliber 2605 movement with 17 ruby stones and side seconds hand. The calendar is not instantaneous. Frequency 18,000 vibrations per hour. Energy autonomy of at least 41 hours.
Photo of the mechanism:
Technical characteristics of the Vostok 2209 caliber
Caliber 2209 movement with 18 rubies and a central seconds hand. Shockproof balance. Frequency 18,000 vibrations per hour. Energy autonomy of at least 38 hours
Photo of the mechanism:
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2209.A
Movement caliber 2209.A with 18 ruby stones, with a central seconds hand. Shockproof balance. Frequency 18,000 vibrations per hour. Energy autonomy of at least 38 hours. The difference from the caliber 2209 movement is that it is thinner.
Photo of the mechanism: 
Technical characteristics of the Vostok 2214 caliber
Caliber 2214 movement with 18 rubies and a central seconds hand. Shockproof balance. Frequency 18,000 vibrations per hour. Energy autonomy no less than 38
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2409
Height (excluding the height of the second and minute tribes) – 3.7 mm.
17 ruby stones.
Photo of the mechanism:
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2414A
Movement caliber 24 mm. with central seconds hand.
Instant calendar.
17 ruby stones.
Average daily cycle: -20…+60 sec.
Frequency: 19800 vibrations/hour
Photo of the mechanism: 
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2423
The scale is 24 hours.
Height (excluding the height of the second and minute tribes) –3.7 mm.
17 ruby stones.
Average daily cycle: -20…+60 sec.
Frequency: 19800 vibrations/hour.
Energy autonomy of at least 38 hours.
Photo of the mechanism: 
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2424
24 mm caliber movement with central seconds hand.
The scale is 24 hours.
Instant calendar.
Height (excluding the height of the second and minute tribes) –4.14 mm.
18 ruby stones.
Average daily cycle: -20…+60 sec.
Frequency: 19800 vibrations/hour.
Energy autonomy of at least 36 hours.
Photo of the mechanism:
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2434
24 mm caliber movement with central seconds hand.
Forced stop of the second hand is a lock.
Instant calendar.
Height (excluding the height of the second and minute tribes) – 4.14 mm.
17 ruby stones.
Average daily cycle: -20…+60 sec.
Frequency: 19800 vibrations/hour.
Energy autonomy of at least 36 hours.
Photo of the mechanism: 
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2415
24 mm caliber movement with central seconds hand.
31 ruby stones.
Average daily cycle: -20…+60 sec.
Frequency: 19800 vibrations/hour.
Photo of the mechanism: 
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2416B
Instant calendar.
Self-winding with a safety device against spring rewinding.
Height (excluding the height of the second and minute tribes) –6.3 mm.
31 ruby stones.
Average daily cycle: -20…+60 sec.
Frequency: 19800 vibrations/hour.
Energy autonomy of at least 31 hours.
Photos of the mechanism: 
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2432
24mm caliber movement with central seconds hand.
Day-night disc.
Instant calendar.
Self-winding with safety device
Height (excluding the height of the second and minute tribes) –6.3 mm.
32 ruby stone.
Average daily cycle: -20…+60 sec.
Frequency: 19800 vibrations/hour.
Photo of the mechanism: 
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2435
24 mm caliber movement with central seconds hand.
Disc "Day-Night" at mark "3".
Instant calendar.
Self-winding with a safety device against spring rewinding.
Height (excluding the height of the second and minute tribes) –6.3 mm.
32 ruby stone.
Average daily cycle: -20…+60 sec.
Frequency: 19800 vibrations/hour.
The duration of the stroke from full winding of the spring is 31 hours.
Photo of the mechanism:
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2431
24 mm caliber movement with central seconds hand.
Indication of the time of day using the clock hand.
Instant calendar.
Self-winding with a safety device against spring rewinding.
Height (excluding the height of the second and minute tribes) –6.3 mm.
32 ruby stone.
Frequency: 19800 vibrations/hour.
The duration of the stroke from full winding of the spring is 31 hours.
Photo of the mechanism: 
Technical characteristics of Vostok caliber 2433
Precision 24mm movement with central seconds hand and open balance.
Shockproof device of the balance unit.
Self-winding with a safety device against spring rewinding.
Height (excluding the height of the central unit) –5.8 mm.
31 ruby stones.
Average daily cycle: -10…+30 sec.
Frequency: 19800 vibrations/hour.
The duration of the stroke from full winding of the spring is 33 hours.
Photo of the mechanism: 
Perhaps the most legendary watches from the times of the USSR are the “Komandirskie” watches, which were manufactured at the Chistopol plant back in 1965. Initially, since 1965, they were produced by order of the military leadership of the USSR. These were mainly award watches. Customers first of all demanded to achieve maximum shockproof and waterproof effect. They were not intended for general sale, and therefore they had a special neck. Then, in 1967, on the basis of the “Komandirskie” series, the “Amphibian” batch was initiated, which had a water resistance of 200 m.
By the end of the same year, they occasionally appeared on the shelves of Voentorg shops and were sold in the shortest possible time (2-3 hours) and were available to ordinary workers, because. their cost was equal to their usual "advance". In the 70s The military leadership ordered a modification of the square-shaped clock. This watch became part of the officers' dress uniform and was also the best gift for officials.
That is why this watch case acquired the informal name “minister”. Then, in 1991, a large batch (40 thousand) was delivered to the United States to reward the American leadership of veterans of various military operations. Gradually, the quality of the plant’s products began to deteriorate significantly, and since the 90s. it was a complete failure. But already in the 21st century. The plant took measures to improve the mechanisms and reduce their cost, completely replacing the 22 gauge. More recently, in 2011, they demonstrated a new Russian combat uniform for the military “Ratnik”, with a specialized 6E4 watch integrated into it.
Since the 90s The plant began to produce new popular types of products. Following this, watches were also significantly modernized in design, appearance and quality. Production was no longer aimed primarily at aircraft, but at potential civilian consumers. Watches began to be produced in unreasonably “brutal” large cases. Almost all models have a bezel in the form of a ring scale to demonstrate the oxygen supply (which is noteworthy - even in non-waterproof models).
Quite a few tasteless models such as “Presidential” or “Admiral” appeared with an engraving of the branch of service. In general, the quality of production began to decline. The star moved to the upper area of the dial, significantly growing in size, and the engraving changed. Here are the characteristic properties of real “Commander” watches produced in the USSR: 2234 caliber design; under the number 12 there is a capital inscription “Commander”; a red, small (about 3 millimeters) star under the six, and below it is the engraving “Chistopol”; in the lower section, in small letters in a semicircle, there is an engraving indicating that the watch was ordered by the Ministry of Defense of the Soviet Union; “stop-second”, which interrupts the movement of the second hand if the crown is pulled out, and restores the movement if it is pressed again (handy stopwatch function); luminous elements on the dial, hands (hour and minute); At first, these elements were radios, since the 80s - tritium, and in modern models - phosphor light storage devices. The appearance of the numbers changed in different years of production.
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, many modifications were produced on the market, differing in design and technical features.
Features and Benefits
Wristwatches from the USSR are different several features:
- Reliability. The assembly of mechanical structures was carried out strictly and in compliance with all rules. This made it possible to obtain not only beautiful, but durable products that can work in various conditions.
- Accuracy. Some of the most precise mechanisms distorted time by about 5 seconds per 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.
- Functionality. Many mechanisms were equipped with a signal that measured certain time intervals. There were also watches with an alarm clock, which included electronic modifications.
- 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 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, distinguished by their originality and practicality.
Men's
The watches produced for men were quite varied in design and shape. Some of them were designed to be worn in extreme conditions, so they could withstand heavy loads. Such products were valued among officers, who received them 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 Several popular men's watch movements:
- Navigation. This model was produced in 1949 and was intended only for the Air Force. It was difficult to find them on sale at that time. Today, the cost of such products can reach significant amounts.
- Commander's. Watches of this brand are among the most popular men's models. They went on sale in 1965. The design was distinguished by the presence of a shockproof, dust- and waterproof housing. The mechanisms were also supplemented with special night lighting.
Women's
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 this, watches appeared on the market with 17 and 21 ruby stones. The most popular female models are the following brands:
- "Dawn";
- "Star";
- "Auror";
- "Ray";
- "Spring".
After 1965, the plant began to produce all watch movements under one name - "Dawn".
Materials
Soviet watches were practical, as they were made from high-quality materials. Most models were made of high-quality stainless steel, which could withstand significant physical stress.
There were also mechanisms made of bronze, distinguished by their originality and sophistication. But expensive models were plated with gold or silver.
Manufacturers at that time did not use precious stones to decorate cases. Mostly 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 to suit every taste. It should be highlighted Several popular brands at that time:
- "Glory". These products were not distinguished by their unique design and high price, although they were equipped with a reliable clock mechanism. They are still produced today, but with a modified design.
- "Rocket". The designs were equipped with a standard clock mechanism 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.
- "East". The watch manufacturer was the Chistopol plant, which equipped it with a 24 division dial and a date indicator. Among the distinctive features of the mechanism are the presence of luminous hands and high precision.
- "Flight". These products were popular among scientists and cosmonauts (Yu. Gagarin took them with him). The product is distinguished by high precision and reliability of the mechanism.
- "Zarya". Designs of this type were distinguished by a thin body (Zarya-5). The watches were intended mainly for women. Today, brass and rhodium plating are used as the main material. Some models can withstand water pressure at depths of up to 30 meters. Another representative of the Penza plant is the “Spring” watch, which was popular among women.
- "Gull". The production of watches began back in 1937 under the name “Victory”. Over time, the design was improved, which improved not only the design, but also the technical characteristics. Today they are produced in two collections, among which are wrist and pocket modifications.
- "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.
- "Amphibian". This model was released in 1967. A distinctive feature of this mechanism is the presence of a shockproof mechanism. Such watches could operate underwater 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 before the war were renamed "Star". Soviet manufacturers also produced many other brands, among which are:
- "Mayak", "Strela" (Polet plant);
- "Spartacus";
- "Molniya" (Slava plant);
- "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 manufacture, the number of copies and decorative trim. Thus, one of the first mechanisms "Victory", "World" or "East" released back in the distant 1940s. Today you can buy it at prices ranging from 700 to 2000 rubles.
Some of them are very difficult to find. Popular women's watch "Luch" will cost connoisseurs no more than 400 rubles. Diving models are still popular today. Collectors purchase similar items for no more than 1,200 rubles.
Please note that some of these designs were produced only as an accessory and did not have high-quality protection against water.
Bright chrome watch "Electronics" Today you can find it on the market for up to 800 rubles. Unique representative "Rocket 3031", equipped with 31 stones, will cost the connoisseur no more than 100 rubles.
The most expensive items were those decorated with gilding. Among such modifications, 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 Amphibian models are already valued at several thousand dollars. But all this depends on the specific characteristics of the product.
When buying Soviet watches you should pay attention to several factors:
- Design. The shape and size of the products should be selected in accordance with your taste and preferences.
- Availability and possibility of restoration. Please note that factories no longer produce many brands of watches. Therefore, there is no guarantee that if they break down they can be repaired and whether it will be economically profitable.
- 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 watch models.