Sekonda in the Soviet and Russian Era: A Historical Analysis

The Historical Context and the Role of Soviet Watch Factories

The Sekonda brand was launched in 1966 by ChasProm, the Soviet Union’s scientific institute for horology, in collaboration with a British distributor. The initiative aimed to export the best Soviet-made timepieces under a single, easily pronounceable international brand. Sekonda thus became the umbrella brand for a wide range of watches produced by major USSR factories, rebranded for export purposes.

Key contributors included the First Moscow Watch Factory (Poljot), Second Moscow Watch Factory (Slava), Petrodvorets Watch Factory (Raketa), Chistopol Watch Factory (Vostok), Chelyabinsk Watch Factory (Molnija), Minsk Watch Factory (Luch), Penza Watch Factory (Zarja), Uglich Watch Factory (Chaika), Maslennikov Factory (ZIM), and Integral Electronics (Elektronika-5).

All these factories supplied Sekonda with their own models, retaining the signature robustness and quality of Soviet watchmaking. Sekonda’s competitive pricing, mechanical movements with jeweled calibres, and durability made it a strong contender against Swiss brands. By the late 1980s, Sekonda had become the UK’s top-selling watch brand. After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the partnership ceased, and by 1993 production shifted to fashion watches made in Hong Kong.

The Soviet Factories Behind Sekonda

Molnija – Chelyabinsk Watch Factory

Founded in 1947 in the Ural region, Molnija specialised in pocket watches from the outset. The factory’s iconic 3602 calibre, derived from a Swiss Cortébert movement, became one of the USSR’s most enduring. Molnija produced watches for specific professions including railway workers, miners, and even Braille models. Sekonda imported many of these vintage-styled pieces to the West.

Vostok – Chistopol Watch Factory

Established during WWII from evacuated sections of the First Moscow Factory, Vostok became a major supplier for the Soviet Defence Ministry by 1965. It produced rugged timepieces like the Komandirskie and Amphibia, the latter offering 200m water resistance. Many export models bore the Latinised “Wostok” name. Through Sekonda, these reliable 17-jewel mechanical watches gained popularity in Western markets.

Poljot – First Moscow Watch Factory

Founded in 1930, Poljot became the USSR’s flagship watchmaker. It famously made the watch worn by Yuri Gagarin in 1961 and was known for its high-end chronographs like the Strela (calibre 3017) and later the 3133 (based on the Valjoux 7734). Sekonda sold premium Poljot models in the West, offering exceptional quality at attractive prices.

Elektronika-5 – Integral Electronics (Minsk)

During the 1970s, Integral spearheaded the Soviet Union’s transition to quartz and digital watches under the Elektronika brand. These included LCD and LED models, some of which were exported as Sekonda watches. Featuring quartz modules developed domestically, these models offered a Soviet alternative in the digital segment.

ZIM – Maslennikov Factory (Samara)

Originally a munitions plant, ZIM shifted to producing reliable, low-cost mechanical watches after WWII, including Pobeda-branded models. The factory also contributed to early Soviet digital watches like the Elektronika B6-02. Sekonda used ZIM to supply affordable yet sturdy export watches, popular for their retro charm.

Luch – Minsk Watch Factory

Founded in the 1950s, Luch specialised in elegant, small-format watches, particularly for women. Its ultra-thin calibre 2209 became a hallmark of Soviet dress watches. Sekonda marketed many Luch models abroad, often as affordable yet refined timepieces with slim profiles and high jewel counts.

Zarja – Penza Watch Factory

This factory focused on women’s watches and contributed significantly to Sekonda’s export catalogue. Notably, it developed miniaturised movements such as those used in the Zarja range. Despite being mass-produced, many of these watches are now valued for their historical context and craftsmanship.

Raketa – Petrodvorets Watch Factory

With roots going back to 1721, Petrodvorets transitioned to watchmaking post-WWII, launching Raketa in 1961 to commemorate Soviet space achievements. Raketa produced everything in-house, including movements, and offered innovative models like the Polar 24-hour watch. Many Raketa models were exported under the Sekonda brand.

Slava – Second Moscow Watch Factory

Slava catered to civilian markets and became known for its dual-barrel 24xx calibres, offering smooth power delivery and extended reserve. Notable was the Slava 828 with built-in alarm, rare for a wristwatch. Sekonda leveraged these innovations for mid-range civilian watches in Western markets.

Chaika – Uglich Watch Factory

Initially a supplier of watch parts, Uglich later focused on miniature women’s watches under the Chaika name, inspired by cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s call sign. Some models reached record miniaturisation, while others included quartz prototypes. Sekonda sold Chaika models primarily as elegant, affordable women’s watches.

Collectors’ Favourites: Soviet-Era Sekonda Watches

• Sekonda Strela (cal. 3017, 19 jewels): A manually wound chronograph originally reserved for cosmonauts and military pilots. Now considered a prized collector’s item.
• Sekonda Chronographs (cal. 3133, 23 jewels): Built on Poljot’s improved Valjoux 7734 design, these offer excellent value and Cold War-era heritage.
• Sekonda Amphibia (cal. Vostok 2416/2415): Soviet dive watches boasting 200m water resistance and celebrated for their engineering.
• Sekonda Polar (cal. Raketa 2623.H): 24-hour dial watches made for polar expeditions, now sought-after for their unique function and history.
• Sekonda Molnija Pocket Watches (cal. 3602): Elegant mechanical timepieces featuring robust, vintage Swiss-derived movements and historical engravings.

Conclusion

Sekonda remains a unique chapter in watch history—a brand that bridged East and West. It introduced the world to the diversity and ingenuity of Soviet horology, from utilitarian Pobedas to elite Strela chronographs. Today, vintage Sekonda watches offer collectors a tangible link to a fascinating era of Cold War craftsmanship and innovation.

Sources: Historical and technical information drawn from specialist archives, Soviet watch enthusiast communities, and curated projects like Watches of the USSR, Wikipedia pages on individual factories, and dedicated blogs such as Storie di orologeria meccanica and Dumarko.com.