Vostok Aurora: A Review of the 70th Anniversary of the October Russian Revolution Commemorative Watch

russian watch Vostok Komandirskie Aurora

The October Revolution of 1917 was a momentous historical event that led to the founding of the Soviet Union. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of this revolution, the Vostok watch factory produced a special model of the Komandirskie watch, called the “Aurora”.

The watch has a unique dial, with a bronze/brown background featuring the image of the Aurora, the battleship that fired the cannon shot that began the revolution. In the background, which takes up almost the entire dial, is a sky full of small explosions, halfway between cannon shots and fireworks.

This combination of elements is symbolic: on the one hand, it represents the first cannon shot fired by the Aurora, which began the revolution; on the other hand, it represents the celebration and joy that accompanied the event.

The watch is made of stainless steel, with a chrome-plated case and a bi-directional bezel. The movement is mechanical manual, with a Vostok 2414 caliber, which has 17 rubies and 19,800 vibrations per hour. The power reserve is 45 hours.

The watch is a collector’s item, combining a unique design with an important historical significance. It is perfect for fans of Soviet watches or of the history of the October Revolution.

Information about the October Revolution:

The October Revolution was a historical event that took place in Russia in 1917. The revolution led to the fall of the Russian Empire and the founding of the Soviet Union.

The revolution was led by the Bolsheviks, a political group led by Vladimir Lenin. The Bolsheviks were convinced that Russia could be transformed into a socialist society only through a revolution.

The revolution began on November 7, 1917, when the Bolsheviks took control of the city of Petrograd, now St. Petersburg. The Bolsheviks marched towards the Winter Palace, the seat of the imperial government, and captured it.

The October Revolution had a significant impact on world history. It led to the birth of the first socialist state and helped to spread socialist ideas around the world.

Information about the Aurora:

The Aurora was a Russian battleship that was built in 1903. The ship was used during World War I and the Russian Civil War.

The Aurora is famous for firing the cannon shot that began the October Revolution. The cannon shot was fired on November 7, 1917, from a distance of about 2 kilometers from the Winter Palace.

The Aurora is now a museum, located in St. Petersburg.

The Mystery of the Tank on the Dial of the Vostok Komandirskie Watch

soviet watch Vostok Komandirskie Tank

The Vostok Komandirskie Tank watch is one of the most iconic and widespread Russian watches. With its robust military design, it has captivated collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. A particularly intriguing detail on the dial is the stylised tank, which has led to much speculation: which specific tank model is depicted?

Features of the Vostok Komandirskie

Produced by the Chistopol Watch Factory, the Vostok Komandirskie is synonymous with quality and durability. It is known for being designed to withstand extreme conditions, and its design reflects Soviet military pride.

soviet watch Vostok Komandirskie Tank
Vostok Komandirskie Tank

Which Tank is Depicted?

T-34/85: This is one of the most famous tanks of World War II. Celebrated for its battlefield effectiveness, the T-34/85 is often considered a symbol of Soviet military might. Its distinctive shape and crucial role in the war make this model a probable candidate for the stylisation on the dial.

T-62: Another suggested model by experts is the T-62. This tank represents a technological evolution compared to its predecessors and has stylistic features that might correspond to the stylisation on the watch.

IS-2: The heavy tank IS-2, known for its powerful cannon and thick armour, played a significant role during World War II. This model has also been considered as a possible inspiration.

Notes on the Film T-34

The 2019 Russian film “T-34” offers an exciting and gripping look at this legendary tank. Set during World War II, the film follows a young Soviet tank commander, played by Alexander Petrov, who is captured by the Germans. Using a T-34, he orchestrates a daring escape. The plot highlights the ingenuity and bravery of Soviet soldiers, paying homage to the T-34 as a symbol of resistance and victory. This cinematic representation has rekindled interest in the tank and might reinforce the hypothesis that the model depicted on the Vostok Komandirskie dial is indeed the T-34/85. T-34 (film) – Wikipedia

Discussions and Sources

Discussions on which tank is depicted continue on various forums and specialised sites. For instance, Wikipedia and meshok.net offer insights and speculations on the matter. Additionally, enthusiast groups on platforms like VK and forums dedicated to Soviet watches provide further suggestions and theories.

Conclusions

Precisely identifying the tank model depicted on the Vostok Komandirskie Tank watch dial remains a mystery, but the most credible hypotheses are the T-34/85 and the T-62. The stylisation makes a definitive confirmation difficult, but these two hypotheses remain the most probable.

For more details and discussions, I recommend visiting the links to the sources and forums mentioned above, where the enthusiast community continues to share information and opinions on this fascinating historical detail.

Raketa Khersones: A 24-hour Watch Celebrating the Iconic Russian Training Ship

Close-up of a Khersones wristwatch showing different world cities and a ship illustration on the dial.

The Raketa Khersones is a timepiece that truly embodies the spirit of seafaring and pays homage to one of Russia’s most celebrated training ships. Its nautical design immediately catches the eye: crisp whites, metallic and blue tones, an internal rotating bezel displaying city names in English, and at the centre, a detailed image of the Khersones sailing ship. The chromed case, black bezel and signature TiN (titanium nitride) finishing make this 24-hour model stand out, powered by the reliable Raketa 2623.H movement.


The Khersones Training Ship

The Khersones is a three-masted tall ship built in 1989 at the renowned Gdańsk shipyard in Poland, part of a distinguished series of six sister ships (the most famous being the Mir). It measures 108.6 metres in length, 14 metres across, and boasts a main mast height of nearly 50 metres. With a sail area of 2,771 m², the Khersones can achieve impressive speeds relying solely on wind power.
Designed for the training of cadets at the Black Sea State Academy of Navigation, Khersones has taken part in numerous international regattas, earning an excellent reputation among Russian training ships.

russian watch Raketa Kersones
Raketa Kersones

Historical Highlights and Curiosities

  • Launch and early years: Launched in 1989, Khersones immediately set sail as a training vessel, standing out in major international regattas.
  • World circumnavigation: Between 1997 and 1998, it completed a round-the-world voyage, visiting ports across five continents and acting as a floating ambassador for Russian seamanship.
  • Film and media fame: The ship has appeared in several films and documentaries, cementing its status as a maritime icon well beyond the sailing world.
  • Present day: Today, Khersones sails under the Russian flag, mainly seen in the Black Sea near Sevastopol, where it continues to serve as a training ship.

Would you like to track its current location? See it live on MarineTraffic.


Collecting the Raketa Khersones

Collecting watches such as the Raketa Khersones is a way to dive into the world of Soviet watchmaking and celebrate the legacy of historic sailing ships. Personally, I enjoy pairing these watches with related memorabilia—stamps, postcards, and pins featuring Khersones make any collection even more evocative.


Features of the Raketa Khersones Watch

  • Dial: 24-hour, featuring an image of the Khersones
  • Case: Typical Raketa 24h, with TiN finishing
  • Bezel: Internal rotating, city names in English
  • Movement: Raketa 2623.H 24h, sturdy and reliable
  • Style: Distinctly nautical, with metallic and blue details
  • Wearability: Perfect for fans of technical timepieces looking for something unique and original

Conclusion

The Raketa Khersones is more than a beautiful accessory; it is a true tribute to maritime history and the prestige of the Russian training ship. Owning this watch means appreciating both the art of navigation and the craftsmanship that makes every detail of this timepiece remarkable.