The rarest commander's watch of the USSR. Wristwatches from the USSR
We have already talked about the Chistopol watch factory “Vostok”. Today we will learn more about their most famous collection – the “Commander” wristwatches. The contribution of the plant workers to victory during the Great Patriotic War will remain in the memory of our and future generations. The second Moscow watch factory, evacuated to Chistopol, did not stop its activities all the time, producing products for front soldiers, and literally in the very first year after the end of the war, the production of mechanical watches was established. Models were produced mainly according to drawings left over from pre-war times.
The “Commander” watch owes its appearance, like many things in the Soviet Union, to a government order from the Ministry of Defense. Many technologies are first tested in the army, and then find their way into everyday life in one form or another. It was the same here.
Officers needed watches that were unpretentious, reliable, and therefore shockproof, with sufficient accuracy and power reserve, operating in a wide temperature range.
Men's Russian mechanical wristwatch "Vostok" Komandirskie Classic 539707
In 1965, the developments of the Chistopol Watch Factory were selected. The design suited the purpose of the watch. Spacious dials with large markers and smooth, wide hands, with applied light accumulator - the time should be visible in any conditions. The watches were produced with the inscription “Order of the Ministry of Defense” instead of “Made in the USSR”; they were not sold, but were issued exclusively as a reward to particularly distinguished military personnel. They then wore them with special pride.
“Vostok” to this day does not stop producing mechanical “Komandirskie” watches, which are deservedly popular, but today they are also available for open sale. A distinctive feature of the appearance that immediately caught the eye was the red star at the bottom of the dial, the symbol of the Red Army. In one form or another, the star has migrated to modern watches. For example, in the “Komandirskie” Classic 539707 model, it swapped places (compared to the award ones) with the written name of the brand, moving to 12 o’clock.
At the bottom there are the inscriptions “Komandirskie” and “Made in Russia”. Otherwise, this is a dial that has been in production for over 50 years. Nothing superfluous: black hour markers in the form of Arabic numerals are painted on a light background, behind each there is a round drop of luminescent. It is also applied to the xiphoid hour and minute hands. The color of the dial changes evenly from top to bottom from white to gold.
Men's Russian mechanical wristwatch “Vostok” Komandirskie Classic 819564
The unusual architecture of the case attracts the eye - four beams protrude from the sides. The case is round, but due to such protrusions and the crown shifted from its usual position, the impression of a futuristic, asymmetrical watch is created. The bezel rotates and has minute markers on it, so you can keep track of the time. The case and bezel are made of brass coated with titanium nitride, honey-copper color. The watch is supplied on a smooth leather strap with stitching.
“Komandirskie” 539707, like “Komandirskie” 819564, operate on a manually wound Vostok 2414A movement, built on 17 precious stones and equipped with a shockproof balance axis device, with a power reserve of at least 36 hours. The stated accuracy is -20 / +60 seconds per day, but any service center will help you set up the watch for more accurate operation; the operation is simple and does not require any special investments.
“Commander” Classic 819564 are absolutely round, the bizarre shape is determined by the figured bezel and slightly beveled lugs. The body is also made of brass, although the shade of gold is different here, more reminiscent of champagne. The color of the dial is matched, made in a radiant manner and plays with shades in the sun.
Men's Russian mechanical wristwatch "Vostok" Komandirskie K-35 350606
The dial is covered by a convex, lens-shaped glass, which rises noticeably above the dial. Made from plexiglass, it scratches relatively quickly, but over the years it can be polished or simply replaced. Due to the great popularity of “Commander” watches, replacement is inexpensive.
These two models can be called classics, repeating those same legendary watches, but I would like to complete the review with a completely different model. "Komandirskie K-35" 350606 are superior in price, but also have more interesting characteristics. The first thing that attracts attention is stainless steel. Both the watch case and bracelet are made of it. This material is durable and does not require additional coatings; the watch is simply polished.
The diameter of 42 mm and a height of 15 mm, together with the wide bracelet, gives this watch a pleasant feeling of weight. The water protection of this model is also higher and reaches up to 100 meters - you can safely swim in reservoirs without worrying about safety.
Of course, the Vostok 2432 movement also attracts attention. There are 32 jewels, an automatic winding with a safety device against over-winding of the spring, a frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour, from a full charge the watch will work for about 31 hours, but if you wear it every day, then use manual winding you won't have to.
In addition to a simple calendar, this caliber is equipped with such a complication as a time display in a 24-hour format. The additional hours are displayed in a wide aperture at 12 o'clock, and at the bottom of the dial there is a square that changes color from black to white depending on the time of day.
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.
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: 
It is always nice to receive awards and encouragement, especially well-deserved ones. A distinctive feature was the awarding of watches for outstanding actions and successes, and “Commander” watches were considered especially prestigious. The USSR has long since sunk into oblivion, but today's fans of this kind of attributes will never refuse such a pleasant and meaningful gift.
Gifts of this kind were one of many types to reward military personnel, and after some time they began to be called “Commander” watches. They could only be received by those military specialists who showed outstanding valor, boundless courage and bravery, that is, what ultimately influenced the positive outcome of the military operation.
Reward value
In those distant times, a serviceman who received the “Commander” watch of the USSR was considered an undeniable hero, and such an award was sometimes more honorable than a medal or order. It was almost impossible to buy original award watches, because the production was limited and strictly controlled, and the awarded heroes valued them madly. Therefore, the question of how much the USSR “Commander’s” watch costs has never been raised. It’s one thing to buy them for crazy money, but it’s another thing to explain to others where you got such a reward. Of course, in those harsh times there were craftsmen who, in one way or another, got themselves such watches, but these were isolated cases.
Today's realities make it possible to buy “Commander” watches of the USSR (price from 2 to 8 thousand rubles) in any store or from online shelves, and therefore they have completely lost their former material and, most importantly, cultural value.
Several years ago, a fairly well-known historian in his circles, Viktor Isaev, began his own and unbiased investigation into scams and fraud with various awards, and the Commander watches of the USSR were considered as a priority.
According to the collected data and surveys of direct participants of both one and the other side (seller-buyer), he found out that in the early 90s of the last century it was possible to get the most respectful award in writing at that time for three thousand dollars, and signed directly by the head of state. But the “Commander” watch (17 stones, USSR - original) already cost more than six thousand dollars. The value of such an award is obvious.
Among the general mass of this kind of “buyers” there were mainly high-ranking officials: deputies of the legislative assembly, directors and owners of the largest industrial enterprises and farmland, that is, people with high status, and therefore a solid income.
Naturally, in this case, the “Commander” watch of the USSR lost its significance as a cult and indisputable item, which was received for courage and valor, and the perfect and unique design became ordinary watches, but not a reward hard-won in battle. In any case, the customs of those times prove that the owner of such a unique award was considered a true patriot and hero, earning respect from one and all.
Our days
The current generation has no idea about the value of such an attribute as the “Commander” watch of the USSR, because you can buy “something like” literally at every step, and at extremely affordable prices. To have such a toy, it is not at all necessary to perform any heroic deeds, much less feats.
Nowadays, the production of such watches is carried out by the Vostok company, which bought the brand from the original source for mere pennies. This is not to say that the products produced by the plant are bad, but mass production still affected the quality. In the assortment you can see expensive “Komandirskie” waterproof watches (USSR analogue) and more affordable models without protection from shock and moisture.
The birth of traditions
The awarding of watches, not only “Commander’s” watches, but also ordinary registered mechanical ones, dates back to the distant 14th century (the era of the Middle Ages). In those days, traditions of this kind were purely interstate in nature, that is, various diplomats, merchants or traveling aristocrats gave such souvenirs to their foreign colleagues in order to quickly resolve a problem or initiate an important dialogue.
Europe
If we turn to the same history textbooks and archives of the State Treasury, we will see that in Medieval Europe, walkers were an extremely honorable gift worthy of kings. This attribute was often compared with the works of famous jewelry makers and outstanding blacksmiths who created their products from precious metals.
In addition to being a gift, watches at that time were an indispensable attribute of decoration in aristocratic houses. Naturally, such a copy cost a lot of money, and not everyone richer than that era could afford such a pleasure.
Russia
In the Russian Empire, personalized watches began to be awarded at the beginning of the 19th century. But then it was a narrow and not at all military phenomenon: only civil officials and high-ranking courtiers received them (usually as a gift).
The award ceremony always took place in the presence of the emperor, and the watches themselves were made by the only elite Russian brand at that time - “Pavel Bure”. The production was located in St. Petersburg and did not differ in variety - pocket watches inlaid with precious metals on a chain. The cover or dial of such masterpieces was decorated with the Russian coat of arms and the name of the future owner.
Military environment
The culture of awarding watches arose only at the beginning of the last century, and extended only to certain military units. For example, famous Siberian shooters could receive gold or silver walkers as a reward for excellent possession of small arms.
During the Civil War, the awarding of watches became widespread. They were received by Red Navy, cavalry and Red Army soldiers. At that time, there was simply no reward system, so many people were encouraged with this attribute. This was one of the most common forms of reward for soldiers, so the commander of any unit could easily take a watch out of his pocket and hand it to a particularly distinguished soldier right on the parade ground.
The White Guards also did not remain aloof from this kind of awards. The famous general Lavr Kornilov celebrated his subordinates for accurate shooting with a red personalized watch with engraving.
However, such a disorderly presentation and attitude towards awards in general played a very insidious role in history. The awards, carried out bypassing the main intermediary in the person of Moscow and all sorts of formalities, led to the fact that most of the watches were subsequently confiscated. For example, members lost their awards under the simple pretext of fighting the costs of the tsarist regime.
Since then, the official command, remembering the unsuccessful experience, strictly observed all formalities of rewards, and the reward ritual became gradual - thoughtful and organized. Only those fighters who truly deserved it began to receive such an important attribute, having repeatedly shown their valor, courage and bravery in difficult battles.