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.
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.
