Hi Woodsy,
The recent posts about space related watches reminded me there are various Russian space watches.
Commemorative watches are something of a Russian industry, produced by several manufacturers. The main one advertising now is Vostok, although I have a watch with two jet fighters produced by the Seagull Watch Factory.
My partner also has a Russian watch with a Yuri Gagarin image on the strap.
A few years ago, at least in Eastern Europe/Russia, they could be bought cheaply (I paid 5 dollars for a new one), but online companies are now trying to charge a small fortune for them.
Be warned, the system Seagull used for winding/moving the hands via a metal spindle (you have to loosen and pull out the winder) means that when the spindle breaks it apparently cannot be repaired (not sure how widespread this system is).
Also I had one where the spring went (admittedly an old second hand one), and another where (when I bought it) the mechanism had grit in, which had to be cleaned out.
Nevertheless, they are quite stylish timepieces, and as I don't use a mobile phone, still need to use a watch!
Images enclosed from various sources on the net.
All the best,
Andy B
Why do you think space watches were so popular in Russia Andy?
ReplyDeleteYep, I remember to see those pretty often on local Garage Sales
ReplyDeleteWatches in Russia was popular for long long time, as it was a bit like a smartphone nowadays - it was to show wealth
P.S. Russian watches are the best, as they work twice the fast xD
They do make nice souvenirs for sure Ran.
DeleteWhen I came across them, the main motive seems to have been as a way to get get foreign currency and to sell them to tourists/visitors!
ReplyDeleteI never had a Russian watch myself Andy. When I went to Germany I saw lots of Russian badges for sale at a car boot sale. Red stars, CCCP and so on.
DeleteIn the 60's the UK had a flood of Russian watches and cameras being sold at lower prices than Swiss and German items in order to gain foreign currency.
ReplyDeleteI havn't seen many Russian watches in the UK but I haven't really been looking Terran. Oddly enough I found myself stood outside the British Horological Institute last month!
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