Month: January 2021

Slava АМНТК Союз: A Watch that Tells a Story of Aeronautical Excellence

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
russian watch Slava АМНТК Союз

The Slava Watch

The Slava АМНТК Союз watch is much more than a simple timepiece. This watch, made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Aero-engine Scientific and Technical Complex «Soyuz» (АМНТК “Союз”), represents a piece of Soviet and Russian aeronautical history.

russian watch Slava АМНТК Союз
Slava АМНТК Союз

The watch dial is simple yet rich in meaning. It features a stylized drawing of an aircraft, symbolizing the technological innovation and power of the engines produced by the institute. The second hand is characterized by a large red dot near the tip, typical of some Slava watches. The dial also includes the dates “1943-1993,” marking the fiftieth anniversary of the institute’s founding.

The watch is powered by a standard manual winding Slava 2414 mechanical movement with a date function. The case is a 3991XXX chromed model, similar to the Perestroika models intended for the Italian market. The back of the watch is stainless steel and bears the serial number 419, a detail that adds a touch of uniqueness.

History of АМНТК “Союз”

The АМНТК “Союз” complex has a fascinating and successful history. Founded during World War II, the institute was created with the Resolution of the State Defense Committee No. 2916 on February 18, 1943. Initially located on the bank of the Moskva River in Luzhniki, the factory was evacuated to Kuibyshev (modern-day Samara) during the Great Patriotic War.

Innovations and Technological Developments

Who builds the engines for the MiG-21, MiG-25, or Tu-104? The answer is the Aero-engine Scientific and Technical Complex «Soyuz». This institute has been a pillar in the Soviet and Russian aeronautical industry, dedicated to the maintenance and production of engines for helicopters, missiles, and aircraft.

The MiG-25, known for its extraordinary performance, owes its speed and power to the Tumansky R-15B-300 engines. These engines are among the most powerful turbojets ever built and have enabled the MiG-25 to set numerous speed and altitude records. HERE you can find detailed information about the АМНТК Союз engines, including the Tumansky R-15B-300 that powers the MiG-25.

The Engine Factory Today

Today, АМНТК Союз is a publicly traded company, with activities primarily focused on the production of turbojets for aircraft and gas turbine drives for generators and gas pumps. The institute has been active for 78 years and continues to be a leader in aeronautical engine technology.

HERE you can access the institute’s website for more information about the designed engines and the institute’s history.

Conclusions

Once again, a simple Slava watch has allowed me to delve into a often overlooked aspect. When a layperson like me looks at a military jet, it’s rare to think about the engines and their characteristics. We focus on the fuselage and shapes, but the engines, hidden within the aircraft, remain a mystery to most. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to take an interest, albeit superficially, in this topic. I’ll probably look at aircraft differently in the future.

Central Military Aviation Research Hospital: 50 Years of Excellence in Aerospace and Aeronautical Medicine

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
russian watch Vostok Komandirskie Central Research Aviation Hospital

A classic Vostok Komandirskie with a TiN-finished case immediately caught my attention, primarily due to the uniqueness of its dial and also because, despite not particularly liking gold-finished watches, this one is decidedly appealing. The white dial probably balances the overall design well.

Determining the Production Date of the Watch

One of the key questions concerns the production date of the commemorative watch. Considering the 50th anniversary of the Central Military Aviation Research Hospital, the production date can be set around 1992. This calculation is based on the fact that the hospital was founded in 1942, making 1992 the 50th anniversary year. The lack of any reference to the USSR or Russia on the dial further supports this hypothesis, suggesting that the watch was commissioned and produced during the post-Soviet transition period.

russian watch Vostok Komandirskie Central Research Aviation Hospital
Vostok Komandirskie Central Research Aviation Hospital

The Commemorative Vostok Komandirskie

The Vostok Komandirskie created for the 50th anniversary of the Central Military Aviation Research Hospital is a unique and meaningful watch. Its distinctive aesthetics and build quality make it a coveted piece for collectors.

Watch Description

  • Case: The case is made of brass coated with titanium nitride (TiN), a material known for its resistance and durability. This gives the watch a golden yet robust appearance.
  • Dial: The white dial features raised gold indices that add a touch of elegance. In the center, the red number 50 stands out, surrounded by significant symbols such as the Bowl of Hygieia, a military aircraft, and a Soyuz rocket. The blue wings flanking the number 50 represent flight and aviation.
  • Hands: The gold hands, with a red second hand, harmonize perfectly with the dial, facilitating easy time reading.
  • Caseback: The stainless steel caseback features a rising sun theme and lacks serial numbers, adding a touch of uniqueness.

Technical Specifications of the Watch

  • Movement: The watch is equipped with the reliable and precise Vostok 2414A movement. This manual wind mechanical movement is a classic of the Komandirskie series.
  • Functions: The watch provides hour, minute, second, and date functions, with a clean and well-organized dial.

Explore technical details: Vostok 2414A Movement

A Piece of History on the Wrist

Owning this watch means carrying a piece of history. Every detail, from the dial to the case, tells the story of the hospital and the Soviet space program. The watch is not just a timepiece but a tribute to decades of innovation and dedication in aerospace medicine.

The History of the Central Military Aviation Research Hospital

Founded on May 7, 1942, by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Central Military Aviation Research Hospital has played a crucial role in military and aerospace medicine. Originally created to support the medical needs of aviation during World War II, the hospital underwent several reorganizations and name changes over the years.

A Turning Point: The Connection with Yuri Gagarin and the Soviet Space Program

In 1959, the hospital began selecting and supporting the first Soviet cosmonauts, including Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. This connection with the Soviet space program was a turning point in the hospital’s history. Gagarin and his colleagues underwent rigorous medical examinations and intensive training to prepare for space flight (Yuri Gagarin on Wikipedia, Soviet Space Program).

The hospital became synonymous with excellence in aerospace medicine, directly contributing to the successes of the Soviet space program. The medical examinations and support provided to the cosmonauts were crucial in ensuring their physical and mental fitness for space missions.

Explore the hospital’s history: ПроДокторов, Military Encyclopedia

Conclusions

The commemorative Vostok Komandirskie watch is a true gem for collectors and history enthusiasts. Its connection to the Central Military Aviation Research Hospital and the Soviet space program makes it unique and fascinating. A piece that celebrates 50 years of excellence and significant contributions to medicine and space exploration.

Further exploration: Central Military Aviation Research Hospital, Vostok Watches Details

The Unveiled Mystery: The Commemorative Watch of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
The Unveiled Mystery: The Commemorative Watch of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Zaporizhzhia is the answer to the question that has intrigued many people for a long time. On December 31, 2020, in the Facebook group “Russian Watches Passion,” user Gianfranco posted a photo of a watch asking for information about it:

Initial Hypotheses

The responses from group members and other collectors were numerous. Here are some summarized hypotheses:

  • Astronomical observatory
  • Precision instrument
  • Camera lens
  • Textile frame
  • Microcircuit

None of these hypotheses proved correct.

The Accidental Discovery

The solution emerged by chance while I was writing in this same blog about a commemorative watch for the 10th anniversary of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The History of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and one of the ten largest in the world. Located near the city of Enerhodar in Ukraine, its construction began in 1980, and the first reactor was commissioned in 1984. The plant consists of six VVER-1000 reactors, each with a production capacity of 1,000 megawatts, making the total capacity of the plant 6,000 megawatts.

The plant has been a symbol of technological and industrial progress for the Soviet Union and, subsequently, for independent Ukraine. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in supplying electricity to the country and the surrounding region.

The Meaning of the Dial

Thanks to this discovery, the mysterious dial now has a solution. It is one of the Raketa commemorative watches for the 10th anniversary of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The black silhouette represents the buildings housing the nuclear reactors. In the photo below, it is possible to see how they have a dome on top and, next to it, a lower building, probably housing the steam turbines. The building containing the reactor also has a particular shape that mirrors the silhouette on the watch dial.

The vertical yellow and black rays crossing the black silhouette probably represent nuclear energy or energy in general.

The Plant’s Timeline

As evidenced by the timeline on the official website of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the first nuclear reactor was commissioned in 1984, and subsequent reactors were completed in 1994.

The Current Situation in 2024

In 2024, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains a focal point not only for Ukraine but also for the international community, especially due to the geopolitical situation in the region. For updated information, you can visit the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) website, which monitors the safety and operation of nuclear power plants globally.

The mysterious dial is thus a tribute to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a detail that enriches the history of this particular Raketa watch model. This piece is a fascinating example of how everyday objects can hold deep stories and meanings, linked to significant moments in industrial and technological history.

Raketa ЗАЭС- 10 Years Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Atomic Energy, Russian Watches, and Red Jasper

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
russian watch Raketa 10 years Zaporizhzhia

Among my favorite Russian and Soviet watches are those made by Raketa with stone dials. I own several, each unique due to the distinct patterns of the stone. The two most commonly used stones are Jasper and Nephrite.

The History and Craftsmanship of Raketa Stone Dials

One might initially wonder why Raketa produces watches with stone dials. The reason is deeply rooted in the origins of the Petrodvorets Watch Factory. Originally known as the Imperial Workshop for Precious Stone Processing, it was established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1721. Hence, it is natural for the factory’s expertise in working with precious and semi-precious stones to extend to watchmaking. You can find various examples of both Nephrite and Jasper dials on the Raketa brand’s official website.

Raketa 10 Years Zaporizhzhia Commemorative Watch

This watch exists in at least two known versions: a general version and a commemorative version celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The commemorative version in my possession features a white Roman numeral “X” on the dial. This “X” is absent in the standard version. According to the ABOUT US page of the official website of the nuclear power plant, the first reactor was commissioned in 1984. Therefore, the Raketa ЗАЭС commemorative watch for the 10th anniversary dates back to 1994, during the post-Soviet period.

Unique Features of the Raketa ЗАЭС

The stone dial of this watch includes two overprints (a typical technique for stone dials). The first is a gold print indicating minutes on the outer part of the dial, featuring the atomic symbol and the inscription “ЗАЭС” over horizontal lines. The second print is white, showing the hour markers in Arabic numerals, except at 6 and 12 o’clock, where a gear/sun symbol appears. The white Roman numeral “X” denotes the 10th anniversary of the nuclear power plant’s operation.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

This is the name of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in present-day Ukraine. The plant is of Soviet origin, with construction initiated in 1977. As of 2021, it remains operational, with decommissioning planned in phases between 2030 and 2041. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and one of the ten largest in the world.

Here are three main links providing information about the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant:

The Raketa ЗАЭС Watch

The distinctive shape of the Raketa Zero gold-plated case enhances the appeal of this watch. The simple shapes of the case harmonize well with the complexity of the dial. The hands are also gold-plated and thin. The back of the watch is straightforward, with a stainless steel back and the serial number 885 engraved.

Technical Specifications

The watch houses a Raketa R2609 caliber with 19 jewels, featuring inscriptions in English for export purposes. This particular stone dial watch is one of the most beautiful in my collection and is quite challenging to find, especially in the 1994 commemorative version. It was likely a gift to shareholders or personnel of the nuclear power plant.

Raketa Zero KGB: A Watch Between History and Hindu Symbolism

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
russian watch Raketa KGB Cosmogony

The Raketa Zero KGB watch is not just a functional object but also a vehicle of deep symbolic meanings. Let’s first examine its technical characteristics and then the symbols on its dial and their meanings.

Characteristics of the Watch

The Raketa Zero KGB is an example of a Soviet watch with a chromed brass case. Here are some of its main specifications:

  • Case: Chromed brass, giving it a robust yet elegant appearance.
  • Movement: The Raketa Zero KGB is powered by the 2609 caliber, a manual mechanical movement known for its reliability and simplicity.
  • Dial: The dial features three elephants supporting a grassy platform with a stylized representation of the Moscow Kremlin and the Cyrillic inscription “KGB” underneath them.
  • Functions: Time-only, without additional complications.

Link for further reading on the 2609 caliber:

The Dial of the Raketa Zero KGB

The dial of the Raketa Zero KGB is rich with symbols that tell a complex and fascinating story.

The Elephants

In Indian mythology, as well as in other cultures, elephants are often depicted as creatures of great strength and stability. They are associated with wisdom, power, and longevity. In Hindu cosmology, the Akupāra myth describes a turtle supporting four elephants, which in turn support the world. This symbolism is rich in meanings:

  • Stability and Strength: The elephants represent the solid foundation on which the world rests, symbolizing the stability and strength necessary to support large structures or concepts.
  • Sustainability and Support: The presence of the elephants suggests robust and reliable support, qualities reflected in the vital functions of institutions or nations.

Further reading:

The Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin is a powerful symbol of Russia. It not only represents the center of political and military power but is also a cultural and historical symbol:

  • Political Power: As the seat of the Russian government, the Kremlin symbolizes authority and control.
  • National Identity: It represents the continuity and history of Russia, evoking images of greatness and national pride.

Further reading:

The “KGB” Inscription

The KGB (Комитет государственной безопасности) was the main security service of the Soviet Union. Its presence on the watch’s dial can be interpreted in various ways:

  • Foundation of Power: The KGB is often seen as the guardian of the Soviet state, crucial for internal security and stability. Its depiction as the base of the elephants underscores its role as the foundation on which the nation rests.
  • Symbol of Control and Surveillance: It also represents the control and surveillance the KGB exercised over the population, maintaining the order and power of the government.

Further reading:

The Vision of the World on Turtles

The phrase “It’s turtles all the way down” refers to the infinite regression in cosmology. This metaphor comes from an ancient creation myth present in Indian, Chinese, and Native American mythologies. According to the myth, the world is a flat disc supported by a series of infinite turtles, one on top of the other. This vision was cited by Stephen Hawking to illustrate the concept of infinite regression in cosmological explanations.

Further reading:

Interpretation of the Combined Symbolism

When these symbols are combined, a complex picture is created that can be interpreted in several ways:

  • The KGB as the Foundation of Russia: The turtle of Hindu mythology is replaced by the KGB, suggesting that the power and stability of modern Russia (represented by the Kremlin) are supported by the foundations created by the KGB.
  • Power and Control: The elephants and the Kremlin above the KGB inscription can represent the immense power and control the KGB had and, by extension, how this control helped sustain the structure and stability of the Russian state.
  • Union of Opposites: Similar to the representation of yin and yang in Hindu cosmology, this watch could symbolize the union of opposites – power and stability (elephants and Kremlin) supported by hidden strength and KGB surveillance.

Further reading:

Final Reflections

This Raketa Zero KGB watch, with its symbol-rich dial, represents more than just a tool for measuring time. It is a cultural artifact that tells a story of power, control, and stability. Every detail of the dial is loaded with historical and cultural meanings, making this watch not only an object of curiosity but also a piece of dialogue about Russian history and politics.

Exploring these symbols offers an opportunity to reflect on how history and culture influence everyday objects and how these objects, in turn, can tell complex and fascinating stories.

Once again, I am amazed. An unexpected watch that has once again sparked my curiosity. A different and definitely unique Raketa Zero KGB!

Conclusion

Exploring these symbols offers an opportunity to reflect on how history and culture influence everyday objects and how these objects, in turn, can tell complex and fascinating stories. The Raketa Zero KGB is more than just a watch; it is a piece of history and culture that deserves to be understood and appreciated.

Verified by MonsterInsights