Automatic wristwatches & chronographs in spaceflight

pdxleaf

Warning, thread drift combined with internet rumor:

There is some discussion about whether Leonov wore a Strela Cyrillic or Sekonda marked brand. The Russian space museum displays a Poljot Strela chronograph claimed to be owned by Leonov. This is also said to not be his actual watch but "similar." The discussion recognizes that the Russians did provide the Poljot Strela chronograph to their pilots, with the Sekonda intended for the foreign market. In the Soviet era there was a perception that foreign products were superior to Soviet made objects. Consequently, some pilots purchased or were gifted Sekondas as they were perceived to be superior even though they were essentially the same. It is understandable that Russians are proud of their space heritage and would prefer that Leonov wore a Russian branded watch rather than a watch for a foreign market, thus the watch chosen to be displayed in the museum.

I have a Sekonda that was gifted to a Russian major by his comrades. The inscription doesn't indicate what branch of service. I recognize that this shows that I am predisposed to believe the story that Soviet pilots could have worn Sekondas.

This conjecture is based on a couple of data points. Leonov's actual watch that he wore during the walk is not found. Sekondas were also worn by pilots. Because Leonov's watch was under his suit, the photos of Leonov in space don't identify his watch, which leads to fact-finding (aka speculation.) I am not aware of anytime that Leonov himself identified his specific watch.

I would enjoy any feedback, including claims of bias and rumor mongering. I hope not because I think this has merit. In any case I am interested in learning more as I also love this discussion of watches used in space.

My inscribed Sekonda: