Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz: The Story of a Commemorative and Promotional Watch

russian watch Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz

One of the most sought-after watches by enthusiasts of Russian and Soviet space-themed timepieces is the Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz (Восток Командирские Союз Аполлон). This watch is a must-have for collectors, but it is not easy to find and often comes at a high price. After years of searching, I finally acquired two versions: one with a chrome case and another finished in Titanium Nitride (TiN).

russian watch Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz
Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz
russian watch Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz
Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz

The Mystery of the Watch

At first glance, many believe this watch commemorates the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission of 1975, where American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts conducted a joint mission in space. The dial features the spacecraft docking, with the names “Soyuz” and “Apollo” in Cyrillic. However, the real story behind this watch is different.

The Advertising Twist

The Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz was produced as an advertising piece for Apollo-Soyuz cigarettes, a brand launched to commemorate the space mission. These cigarettes were produced by the Java Tobacco Factory in Moscow for the Soviet market and by Philip Morris for the U.S. market, with packaging tailored for each region.

For more details about the cigarette brand, visit Wikipedia and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

The Unique Caseback

One of the most distinctive features of this watch is its caseback. Unlike standard Vostok Komandirskie models, it features unique engravings that highlight its exclusivity:

  • A five-pointed star
  • The word “эксклюзивный” (exclusive)
  • The word “выуск” (edition)
  • A six-digit serial number
  • Another five-pointed star

This marking signifies a special edition, though the exact number produced remains unclear.

The Dial Details

The black dial with its printed elements is the standout feature of this watch. Key characteristics include:

  • Minute and hour markers in white
  • Circular hour markers in white, except for red at 12, 6, and 9 o’clock
  • A date window at 3 o’clock
  • The spacecraft Soyuz and Apollo depicted in blue and white, with curved lines indicating their docking paths

The Hands and Movement

The watch hands are typical of Vostok Komandirskie models: steel with luminous paint for the hour and minute hands, and a red second hand. Inside, it houses the reliable Vostok 2414 mechanical movement.

The Apollo-Soyuz Mission

The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) marked the first international human spaceflight mission, paving the way for future cooperation in space. Launched in July 1975, the mission demonstrated the possibility of joint operations between the U.S. and USSR, despite Cold War tensions. For more details on the mission, visit the official NASA page.

Apollo-Soyuz Cigarettes

Apollo-Soyuz cigarettes were a commemorative brand of the 1975 space event. These cigarettes were sold both in the USA and the USSR, with the brand varying between “Apollo Soyuz” for the American market and “Союз Аполлон” for the Soviet market. This brand symbolized international cooperation in space and represented a unique element of the popular culture of that period.

Conclusion

The Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz is more than just a watch; it is a piece of history blending space exploration with a unique advertising campaign. Collectors cherish it for its story and the mystery surrounding its true origin.

For further reading and detailed images, visit the Apollo-Soyuz gallery on Wikipedia and an in-depth article on the history of the cigarettes on Artefact.

Vostok Komandirskie: Analysis of the Watch and History of Military Unit 3375

Vostok Komandirskie 45 anni unità militare 3375 di protezione MPSR, VGO e SG

The Vostok Komandirskie watch in question is a commemorative model celebrating the 45th anniversary of Military Unit 3375, featuring a chrome-plated case and a 2414A caliber. This particular watch caught attention for three main reasons:

Vostok Komandirskie 45 anni unità militare 3375 di protezione MPSR, VGO e SG
Vostok Komandirskie 45 anni unità militare 3375 di protezione MPSR, VGO e SG

The Holographic Blue Dial

Not commonly found in Vostok watches, the holographic blue dial is more prevalent in some models of Russian Raketa watches. This dial, typical of the early ’90s, represents a curious and characteristic element, albeit of dubious aesthetic taste.

The Case Shape

The case shape is also uncommon, unlike the bezel, which is rather common in Vostok models.

The Cyrillic Inscriptions

Initially hard to understand, the Cyrillic inscriptions reveal a fascinating and complex history.

Dial Details

Upper Part of the Dial: The Cyrillic inscription “ПО ОХРАНЕ МПСР ВГО И СГ” translates to: “REGARDING THE PROTECTION OF MPSR, VGO, AND SG”.

  • MPSR (МПСР): “Special work sites”
  • VGO (ВГО): “Important state structures”
  • SG (СГ): “Special goods”

Symbols and Iconography

  • Missile: Symbol of technological and military development.
  • Atom Symbol: Indicative of nuclear energy.
  • Polar Bear: An animal found in the northern hemisphere, suggesting activity in Siberia. This symbol is commonly used on Russian watch dials. For further examples, you can see HERE.

Lower Part of the Dial

The inscription “ВОИСКВАЯ ЧАСТЬ 3375” means: “MILITARY UNIT 3375”. This watch commemorates the 45th anniversary of the military unit, dating it to 1991.

Historical Context

Military Unit 3375 was created in April 1946 as part of the Department for the Protection of Important Industrial Enterprises, tasked with protecting research institutes and laboratories of the Academy of Sciences engaged in nuclear energy development. This post-war period was characterized by intense espionage and secret research for the development of nuclear weapons, necessitating the creation of special units to protect installations and goods.

Additional References

On VK you can find several references to Military Unit 3375, including a community with 180 members still active. These special units were also among the first responders during the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, along with firefighters.

Sources and Useful Links

  • Topwar: Main source of information about the military unit and its history.

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the Vostok Komandirskie, highlighting the historical significance of Military Unit 3375 and the context in which it operated, while also offering a detailed description of the watch’s distinctive features.

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