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

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.

Vostok Komandirskie Export Italy “Aviation Badge”: An Iconic Soviet Watch for the Italian Market

soviet watch Vostok Komandirskie Soviet Air Force Emblem

Introduction

When it comes to Soviet watches exported to Italy in the 1980s, the Vostok Komandirskie stands out as a true favourite among collectors. Among the various models that reached Italian shores, the one featuring the striking “Aviation Badge” on its dial remains particularly memorable—a tribute to the insignia worn by high-ranking Soviet Air Force officers.

soviet watch Vostok Komandirskie Soviet Air Force Emblem
Vostok Komandirskie Soviet Air Force Emblem

Technical features of the Vostok Komandirskie Aviation Badge

  • Brand: Vostok
  • Model: Komandirskie (Export Italy, Aviation Badge)
  • Case: 341XXX, chromed, classic 1980s export type
  • Movement: Vostok 2414A, 17 jewels, hand-wound
  • Bezel: Black bidirectional bakelite
  • Dial: Deep green with Soviet Air Force badge
  • Date window: Yes
  • Script: Cyrillic
  • Markings: “СДЕЛАНО В СССР” (Made in USSR)
  • Distributor: Time Trend, Italy
  • Production year: Late 1980s

History and context: The Komandirskie as a tribute to Soviet pilots

The Vostok Komandirskie Aviation Badge is a great example of how Soviet manufacturers adapted their products for Western tastes while remaining true to their roots. In 1980s Italy, the appetite for “military-style” watches was booming. Thanks to importer Time Trend, the Komandirskie quickly became a symbol of toughness, Soviet charm, and adventure.

The dial features a detailed reproduction of the badge sewn onto the caps of high-ranking officers in the Soviet Air Force. With its golden wings and red star, the emblem evoked both prestige and the proud heritage of the USSR’s elite aviation corps. This watch, then, wasn’t just a practical tool—it was also a nod to Soviet aeronautical prestige and culture.


Why add a Vostok Komandirskie Aviation Badge to your collection?

While this Vostok Komandirskie may not be the rarest model, it remains an essential item for anyone collecting Soviet and Russian watches. It stands out for:

  • Unique design: The aviation badge dial is one of the most recognisable from the export era.
  • Reliability: The 2414A movement is a robust classic of Vostok engineering.
  • History: It reflects the meeting of Soviet horological tradition and Italian 1980s style.
  • Collector appeal: The CCCP marking and official Time Trend distribution make it especially desirable.

Curiosity: Italian distribution and the Komandirskie phenomenon

In Italy, these Komandirskies were advertised as “original military watches from the USSR,” capitalising on the myth of Soviet durability. In reality, production was aimed squarely at export markets, and these models often differed from those sold within the Soviet Union.


Conclusion

The Vostok Komandirskie Aviation Badge is more than just a vintage wristwatch—it’s a piece of history, representing Italy’s fascination with Russian watches and the USSR’s clever marketing to Western audiences. Visit the Vostok section of my website to discover more commemorative and export models, each with its own unique backstory.