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History of Slava: The Second Moscow Watch Factory

Sovietaly™ Analisi e Opinioni, Orologi Russi, Orologi Sovietici 18 July 202418 July 20241950s watches, 1960s watches, anni '60, civilian watches., historic models, Moscow Watches, orologeria russa, Russian watchmaking, Second Factory, Slava awards, Slava collaborations, Slava history, Slava innovations, Slava movements, Slava privatization, Slava revival, Slava Transistor 0 Comment

The history of Slava, one of the most iconic brands in Russian watchmaking, begins with the foundation of the Second Moscow Watch Factory. This article explores the origins, development, challenges, and evolutions of this historic factory up to its current state.

Origins of the Second Moscow Watch Factory

Founded in 1924, the Second Moscow Watch Factory was one of the first non-military watch manufacturers in the Soviet Union. In 1929, the Soviet Union acquired two American watch factories, the Dueber-Hampden Watch Company and the Ansonia Clock Company, to start its own watchmaking industry (Wixsite) (Wixsite). Official watch production began in 1931, using the equipment purchased from the Ansonia Clock Company.

During World War II, the factory was evacuated to Chistopol and focused on producing military equipment. After the war, the factory returned to Moscow and resumed civilian watch production (Two Broke Watch Snobs) (Wikipedia).

The Birth of the Slava Brand

In the 1950s, the factory began producing watches under the brand name “Slava,” which means “glory” in Russian. This brand was distinguished for producing watches exclusively for civilian consumption, without military or aerospace pretensions (Wixsite) (Wikipedia).

Innovations and Awards

The Slava factory was innovative from its early years. In the 1960s, it introduced the “Slava Transistor,” a watch with an electronic movement that won a gold medal at the Leipzig Fair in 1964 (DuMarko) (Слава – Русские часы). Other significant awards include the gold medal at the Brno International Fair in 1974 and another gold medal at the Leipzig Fair in 1975 for models with a 24mm caliber (Слава – Русские часы).

Expansion and Collaborations

From 1955 to 1979, Slava exported up to 50% of its production to over 72 countries. It collaborated with other Soviet manufacturers like Raketa and Vostok to develop advanced movements (DuMarko) (Слава – Русские часы).

Challenges of Privatization

After the fall of the USSR, the Slava factory faced numerous difficulties. During the privatization of the 1990s, many movements were exported to China and Hong Kong to produce cheap counterfeits, damaging the brand’s reputation (Wikipedia) (Слава – Русские часы).

Revival and Current Situation

In 2005, the factory and the Slava brand were acquired by Globex Bank and later transferred to the city of Moscow. The production facilities near Belorusskaya metro station were demolished in 2008 to make way for a shopping center, while wristwatch production was maintained and integrated into the Slava Technopark (Wikipedia) (Слава – Русские часы).

Since 2016, Slava has been using movements produced by the Chistopol Watch Factory “Vostok” for its new models (Слава – Русские часы). Today, production continues with new models inspired by historic designs, such as “Slava Televisor,” “Era,” “Mir,” “Sadko,” “Ais,” and “Doctor,” using the original Slava 2427 movements (Слава – Русские часы).

Anecdotes and Trivia

An interesting fact is about the “Slava Transistor” model, which won a gold medal at the Leipzig Fair in 1964. This watch used an electronic movement that was innovative for its time, showcasing the factory’s technological advancement (DuMarko).

Another anecdote involves Slava’s appearance in the 2016 Bulgarian film “Glory” (original title “Slava”), where the protagonist’s Slava watch plays a key role in the plot (Wikipedia).

Conclusion

The history of Slava is a journey through the evolution of Russian watchmaking, from its roots in the Second Moscow Watch Factory to its current production of innovative models. Despite the challenges of privatization and counterfeiting, Slava continues to represent excellence in watchmaking.

For more information and updates on new Slava models, visit the official Slava website.

Sources:

History of the ‘Slava’ Watch Factory in Moscow: A Journey Through Time

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 11 June 202411 June 2024history of Slava, Moscow industrial history, Moscow watch history, Russian mechanical clocks, Russian timekeeping history, Russian watchmaking, Second Moscow Watch Factory, Slava clock production, Slava factory challenges, Slava factory timeline, Slava innovations, Slava Watch Factory, Soviet Union watchmaking, Soviet watch industry, watch factory in Moscow 0 Comment

Orologio da polso vintage sovietico con la fabbrica di orologi Slava di Mosca sullo sfondo.

Original title of the book: История часового завода Слава – В.Г. Богданов, 2002

Chapter 1: On the Measurement of Time in Russia

Description: The first chapter explores the origins of timekeeping in Russia, tracing back to the first tower clocks installed in Russian cities. It describes how these clocks were initially created by local craftsmen and gradually began to be imported from abroad. The narrative transitions from primitive timekeeping methods, such as sundials and water clocks, to the spread of mechanical clocks during the Middle Ages. It includes details about the first watch factories in Russia, established during the reign of Catherine II, and the challenges faced in maintaining stable and high-quality production.

Details:

The first tower clock in Russia was installed in 1404 by a monk named Lazar Serbin.
The Moscow watch factory, established in 1769, produced clocks often used as awards and official gifts.
In the 16th century, mechanical clocks began to spread in churches and cathedrals, becoming symbols of prestige and advanced technology.
The accuracy of clocks improved significantly due to advancements in astronomy and mechanics.

Chapter 2: The Need for a National Watch Industry

Description: This chapter highlights the crisis in the Russian watch industry during the World Wars and the revolution. With the interruption of imports and the closure of existing factories, the need to establish a national industry emerged. Efforts to reorganise existing resources and create new production facilities are described, along with attempts to import technology from abroad.

Details:

In 1920, the Soviet Union created an agency dedicated to managing watch production, called the “Watch Agency”.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the factory purchased machinery from the United States to initiate domestic watch production.
Efforts to train skilled personnel were intensified, with the establishment of technical schools and training programmes.

Chapter 3: The History of the Second Moscow Watch Factory – 75 Years on the Market

Description: This chapter details the history of the Second Moscow Watch Factory (2MChZ) from its founding in 1924 to modern times. It describes the evolution of production technologies, the materials used, and the various challenges faced by workers during times of war and peace. The factory is depicted as a symbol of Soviet industrial innovation.

Details:

The factory was initially founded as part of the Technical Military Department of the RKKA.
In 1930, the factory began producing alarm clocks with components imported from Germany.
The factory was a major supplier of watches for the Soviet army during World War II.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the factory expanded and modernised, introducing new models and technologies.

Chapter 4: The Early Successes

Description: Describes the early years of the factory, focusing on efforts to increase production and improve the quality of watches. It details the technical and logistical difficulties faced, such as material shortages and the need to train new workers. The chapter includes testimonies from workers and managers who contributed to the company’s initial success.

Details:

In 1930, the factory produced 144,000 alarm clocks and 628,000 wall clocks despite numerous initial difficulties.
Factory managers implemented innovative production systems to increase efficiency.
Staff training was a priority, with intensive on-the-job learning programmes.
Production techniques relied on imported machinery and optimised processes for maximum efficiency.

Chapter 5: All for the Front, All for Victory

Description: During World War II, the factory’s production shifted towards military utility goods. The chapter describes the reorganisation of production and the factory’s significant contribution to Soviet war efforts. It highlights how the factory had to quickly adapt to new requirements, producing instruments and equipment for the army.

Details:

The factory produced magnets for explosives and devices for parachute deployment.
Despite wartime difficulties, the factory maintained constant high-quality production.
Many factory workers were awarded for their contributions to the war effort.
Watch production decreased, but technological innovation continued, preparing the ground for post-war recovery.

Chapter 6: Return to Civil Production

Description: The chapter describes the post-war period, during which the factory gradually returned to producing watches for civilian use. It includes details on the modernisation of facilities and the introduction of new technologies. It explores how the factory reinvented itself to meet new market demands.

Details:

In the 1950s, the factory introduced the first Soviet chronometer, marking a significant advancement in precision and reliability.
Production diversified to include wristwatches, wall clocks, and pocket watches.
The factory became a symbol of economic revival and technological innovation.
New production processes were implemented to improve quality and reduce costs.

Chapter 7: The Period of Decline

Description: Examines the years of economic difficulties and declining production faced by the factory during the late Soviet period and early post-Soviet years. Despite challenges, the factory continued to produce watches, maintaining a significant market share. Attempts at restructuring and modernisation to cope with new economic realities are discussed.

Details:

In the late 1990s, the factory received congratulations from the President of Russia and the Mayor of Moscow for its 75th anniversary.
It describes how the factory tried to adapt to global market changes.
Efforts to maintain product quality and reliability were constant despite financial difficulties.
Attempts to diversify production and develop new markets are explored.

Chapter 8: Conclusion and Appendices

Description: The conclusion summarises the achievements and challenges of the “Slava” watch factory. It includes a reflection on the historical importance of the factory and the future of the watch industry in Russia. The appendices offer additional technical details, production statistics, and a bibliography. Individual successes of workers and technological innovations introduced are also mentioned.

Details:

An appendix section is dedicated to the individual successes of factory workers, many of whom received state awards for their contributions.
Detailed production statistics and various models of watches produced are provided.
The factory is presented as an example of resilience and innovation in the Russian industrial landscape.
The appendices also include historical documents and photographs illustrating the factory’s evolution.