mechanical watches Archivi

Soviet Zaria Watch: A Symbol of the 1990 Goodwill Games

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 15 June 202415 June 20242009b calibre, calibro 2009b, Cold War, collecting, collezionismo, cooperazione internazionale, Goodwill Games 1990, Guerra Fredda, historical memorabilia, international cooperation, mechanical watches, memorabilia storica, orologeria sovietica, orologi meccanici, orologio Zaria, Soviet watchmaking, Zaria USSR, Zaria watch 0 Comment

Introduction

In the realm of Soviet watchmaking, the Zaria watch from the 1990 Goodwill Games stands out as an intriguing piece of historical memorabilia. Produced by the Zaria brand, this watch features a 21-jewel, manually wound 2009b calibre. Although an economical model, its design and the historical context in which it was made make it noteworthy for enthusiasts of Soviet horology.

Orologio Zaria commemorativo dei Goodwill Games del 1990 a Seattle, simbolo di amicizia USA-URSS.

Technical Specifications

The Zaria Goodwill Games 1990 watch uses a manually wound mechanical movement, identified as the 2009b calibre, with 21 jewels. This type of movement was common in watches from that era. The watch case is made of coated brass, a material often used for budget watches, providing basic protection for the internal mechanism. The technical specifics of the 2009 calibre include an oscillation frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph) and a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. This movement is simple and functional but not particularly known for long-term reliability.

Dial Analysis

The watch dial is rich in symbolism. At the centre, it features a logo depicting two hands shaking, one with the colours of the United States flag and the other with those of the Soviet Union. This symbol of international cooperation is surrounded by the text “Seattle ’90” and “Goodwill Games,” clearly indicating the event and the year.

Significance of the Goodwill Games

The Goodwill Games were conceived by media mogul Ted Turner as a response to the Olympic boycotts during the Cold War. The first edition was held in 1986 in Moscow, and the 1990 event in Seattle marked a moment of détente between the United States and the Soviet Union. This sporting event aimed to promote peace and cooperation between the two superpowers.

Dial Details

In addition to the central logo, the dial features two red stars and the text “Zaria USSR,” confirming the Soviet origin of the watch. The gold-coloured hands stand out clearly against the white background of the dial, offering good legibility.

Conclusion

The Zaria watch from the 1990 Goodwill Games is an interesting example of Soviet watchmaking, with a design reflecting a specific moment in world history. Despite being an economical model with modest technical features, its value lies primarily in the historical and symbolic context represented by the dial. For enthusiasts of Russian and Soviet horology, this watch represents an intriguing piece to add to their collection, helping to preserve the memory of a period of international collaboration.

How to read a Raketa 24h watch: a comprehensive guide

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 29 September 202317 March 202524-hour dial, Arctic Circle, cccp, hour hand, how to read time, mechanical watches, minute hand, orologi meccanici, orologi russi, orologi sovietici, raketa, Raketa 24h watch, Saint Petersburg, Soviet watches, ussr, watch guide 0 Comment

How to Read the Time on a Raketa 24-Hour Watch

Raketa 24-hour watches are mechanical timepieces produced by the Raketa factory in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Their defining feature is a 24-hour dial, rather than the standard 12-hour format. This means that the hour hand completes a full rotation once per day, providing a clear and precise time display without the need to distinguish between AM and PM.

russian watch Raketa 24h Marine — Raketa 24h Marine

How the Hour Hand Works

The hour hand is the shorter hand and takes 24 hours to complete a full revolution. Unlike a traditional 12-hour watch, where the hour hand circles the dial twice a day, on a Raketa 24-hour watch, it moves around the dial just once over the course of a full day.

When it points to 18, it is 6 PM.
When the hour hand points to 0 or 24, it is midnight.
When it points to 6, it is 6 AM.
When it points to 12, it is noon.

russian watch Raketa 24h Zestril — Raketa 24h Zestril

How the Minute Hand Works

The minute hand is the longer hand and functions just like on a standard watch: it completes a full rotation in 60 minutes. The dial markings indicate the minutes in the usual way.

For example:

If it points to 30, 30 minutes have passed since the last hour (e.g. 12:30 or 18:30).
If the minute hand points to 0, the time is on the hour (e.g. 12:00 or 18:00).

Soviet and Russian Raketa 24-Hour Watches

Raketa 24-hour watches were widely used by scientists, explorers, and military personnel, particularly in environments where natural light could not reliably indicate the time of day. They were especially valuable for:

Submariners and naval personnel, who operated in enclosed spaces for extended periods.
Scientists and workers in polar regions, where the sun remains above the horizon all summer and never rises in winter.
Pilots and astronauts, who needed an accurate time reference unaffected by artificial day-night cycles.

Even today, Raketa 24-hour watches remain an iconic example of Soviet-era design and are highly sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts alike.

russian watch Raketa 24h Red Star — Raketa 24h Soviet navy

The Watch Cooperatives of the Petrodvorets Factory

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 25 May 20239 July 20241980s watches, Alexander Brodnikovsky, artigianato sovietico, collectible watches, history of Soviet watches, jasper, mechanical watches, mirror dials, orologi anni '80, orologi da collezione, orologi da polso, orologi meccanici, orologi Raketa, orologi sovietici, perestroika, peterhof masters, Peterhof Masters watches, Petrodvorets watch cooperatives, Petrodvorets Watch Factory, pocket watches, precious stone watches, Prestige watches, raketa, Raketa watches, rare watches, Renaissance watches, Soviet craftsmanship, Soviet watches, stne dial, unique watches, wristwatches 0 Comment

During the Perestroika, a period of major economic and social reforms in the Soviet Union led by Mikhail Gorbachev, the historic Petrodvorets Watch Factory (also known as Raketa) gave rise to three unique cooperatives: Renaissance, Prestige, and Peterhof Masters. These cooperatives, active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, represent a fascinating chapter in the history of Soviet watches. Here, we will explore the history, activities, and peculiarities of each of these cooperatives.

Renaissance: The Art of Watches in Precious Stone

Origin and Specialization

The Renaissance cooperative emerged in the late 1980s at the Petrodvorets Watch Factory in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Founded during the Perestroika, Renaissance specialized in producing wristwatches and pocket watches with dials made of semi-precious stones such as jade, jasper, malachite, and nephrite. These watches were particularly appreciated for their beauty and uniqueness.

Activities and Production

Renaissance was renowned for the impeccable quality of its stone dials, making each watch a unique piece. The watches produced were mainly mechanical but also included quartz models. The pocket watches with stone dials were rare and produced in limited quantities, making them highly sought-after collectibles.

Sources and Videos

Video Playlist on the Renaissance Cooperative

Prestige: Elegance Reflected in Mirror Dials

Origin and Specialization

The Prestige cooperative was also founded in the late 1980s, during a period of economic transition for the Soviet Union. Prestige is distinguished by its production of watches with mirror dials and iridescent coatings that change color depending on the viewing angle. This type of dial was particularly innovative and attractive.

Activities and Production

Prestige was famous for its mirror dials, often decorated with religious themes and images of churches. These watches were not sold commercially and were probably produced in very small batches. The watches had tall cases with a projection for the calendar, giving them a distinctive appearance.

Examples of Models and Technical Details

Mirror dial with an image of Saint George the Victorious
Gold-plated case nicknamed “Peterhof frog”
Mechanical movement 2609

Sources and Videos

Peterhof Masters: Creativity and Printed Themes

Origin and Specialization

The Peterhof Masters cooperative, also founded in the late 1980s, focused on producing watches with printed dials on various themes. This cooperative was known for the high quality of its prints and the variety of themes covered in its designs.

Activities and Production

Peterhof Masters’ watches were often decorated with naval and military themes. The dials were detailed and well-finished, giving the watches a particular charm.

Examples of Models and Technical Details

Atomic Icebreaker Yamal: Printed dial with the image of the atomic icebreaker Yamal, mechanical movement 2614
Koppernik: White dial with Roman numerals, naval and military themes, caliber 26NP movement

Sources and Videos

The Charm of Petrodvorets Cooperative Watches

Watches produced by the Renaissance, Prestige, and Peterhof Masters cooperatives not only represent the excellence of Soviet craftsmanship but also tell a story of innovation and adaptation during a period of significant change. These watches, with their unique characteristics and fascinating history, are precious items for collectors and watch enthusiasts.

Authoritative Sources

Alexander Brodnikovsky, a recognized expert in this field, has shared much of this valuable information, providing a detailed view of these rare watches and the cooperatives that produced them.

Conclusion

The cooperatives of the Petrodvorets Watch Factory represent a unique chapter in the history of Soviet watches. Each cooperative left a distinctive mark, creating watches that are appreciated today not only for their beauty and quality but also for their historical significance. Collecting these watches means owning a piece of history and celebrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the past.

Precision of Russian Watches: An In-Depth Analysis

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 10 March 202226 June 2024C.O.S.C., collezionismo orologi, GOST mark, mechanical watches, orologi meccanici, orologi sovietici, orologi vintage, precision of Russian watches, Russian watch history, Russian watch maintenance, Soviet standards, Soviet watches, timegrapher, vintage watches, Vostok 2414A caliber, watch collecting, watch robustness, watch technology 0 Comment

Introduction The precision of Russian watches is a fascinating topic for many watch enthusiasts. Often, people wonder how accurate they are compared to their Swiss counterparts. This article explores the precision of Russian watches, debunking myths and providing concrete data for enthusiasts and collectors.

Orologio sovietico raketa con marchio GOST

Historical Context and C.O.S.C. To understand the precision of Russian watches, it is useful to start with the reference parameters of Swiss precision. The C.O.S.C. (Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) is the Swiss body that certifies the precision of watch movements. Founded in 1973, this institution measures the precision of movements with a tolerance of -4/+6 seconds per day.

Learn more about C.O.S.C.

The Soviet Quality Mark: GOST In the Soviet Union, the quality mark for industrial products, including watches, was “ГOСT” (GOST). Established in 1967, it certified products based on strict standards, with a particular focus on the final product rather than the production process.

Discover more about GOST

Precision of Russian Watches Russian calibers, such as the Vostok 2414A, have a declared precision of -20/+40 seconds per day at a temperature of 20°C (+/- 5°C). This range may seem broad compared to Swiss standards, but many enthusiasts find that individual pieces can exceed these expectations with proper maintenance and adjustments.

Details on Vostok Calibers

Dettaglio del passaporto di un orologio russo in cui viene indicata la precisione

Factors Influencing Precision Several factors can influence the precision of a Russian watch: the manufacturing plant, the production period, and the conditions of use. Russian watches are known for their robustness and longevity, with a recommended service interval of at least ten years.

Maintenance and Adjustment To keep a Russian watch in good condition, periodic service and precise adjustments are essential. A timegrapher can be a useful tool for monitoring accuracy and making necessary adjustments.

Guide to Using a Timegrapher

dettaglio dello schermo di un cronocomparatore per la misura della precisione degli orologi russi

Conclusions Although they do not always reach the precision of Swiss chronometers, Russian watches offer a unique combination of robustness, history, and charm. They are ideal for collectors who appreciate variety and robust engineering.

Useful Links for Further Reading