Russian Watches, The Unexplored Country or No Mans Land

So here we are 1.5 years later, the above watch has been solid. Camp, fish, hike; all done without a hitch.


However, it doesn't dive. Figure I'll try one of the Vostoks. This is on it's way. New in box with 2416B movement for 80US. I'll report back after it's been in the water.

I’ve always liked the big old Zlatoust divers watches, but at 58mm and lacking Mr Schwarzenegger’s forearms, I can conceive of a situation where I could actually wear one...

Here's an odd one for you: Luch 3055 from 1981 Quartz-Mechanical Hybrid. It has a quartz oscillator AND a balance wheel

these russians add a little spice to my watch box 😀
the Vostok NVCh-30 appeals to me both in terms of design and the story of its creation, https://vintagewatchinc.com/ussr/vostok/nvch-30/
Edit ; https://www.safonagastrocrono.club/vostok-amphibia-type-350-first-generation/

I'm a big fan!

I was in Minsk in 2002, and spotted some watches with cool dials. I picked what turned out to be a Vostok Amphibia KGB and a Partner Submariner. They were about $12 each!



Then I did a bit of research and picked up a lovely retro styled Poljot 3133 Navitimer "Blue Angels" limited edition.


This commemorates the first time a non-Warsaw Pact display team performed in Russia.

The Poljot is about the same quality wise as a Prospex Seiko. It is also very hardy. I've had it serviced twice since I got it in 2003.

There is an outstanding chap in Germany, Julian who runs Poljot24.de who can do all the servicing and restoration from Soviet right up to the modern stuff. You'll find it hard to see a bad word about him. He has a load of NOS for servicing and rejuvenation.

I love these because they are quirky, but rugged and the very definition of a tool.

I've still got my eye out for a proper Soviet Sturmanskie 3133, as was issued to air force pilots.


The 3133 movement is based on the ETA 7733 movement, and has many interchangeable parts, but it was somewhat ruggedised and made more durable for military use.

An unmolested original can go around €1,000 and there is a minefield of fakes, reproductions and frankenwatch creations.

Best go with a recognised dealer who can source and verify.

the back of my two chronographs, cal 3133 & 3017, found display backs on ebay ...😀

Got a few of these, some modified and mostly unworn.

Did anyone tried to relume hands into creamy patina instead this tacky green lume? photo from ebay

If I’m not mistaken, that particular watch factory started life in Canton, Ohio making Deuber Hampdon watches. It was sold to the Russians and hauled over there to provide a start to the Russian industry in about 1930.

so your nice Soviet watch has some good American heritage to it... that hits pretty high on my weird shit-o-metre.

Hadn't heard that.

Every day is a school day. I had read of the purchase of the old Valjoux tooling and expertise, not the American heritage.

Interesting.