spazio Archivi - SOVIETALY™

Russian Space Military Forces, a new Vostok added to the collection.

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 30 November 202025 May 20232416b, komandirskie, spazio, vostok 2 Comments

russian watch Vostok Generalskie Russian Space Forces

This watch belongs to the sub-collection dedicated to space, specifically the Russian Space Military Forces. It was acquired through a less competitive auction on eBay.de and was delivered this morning via Deutsche Post. The description provided was inadequate, resulting in the watch not appearing in regular searches conducted by collectors.

THE VOSTOK RUSSIAN SPACE MILITARY FORCES WATCH
Brand: VOSTOK – KOMANDIRSKIE
Category: SPACE – MILITARY
Movement: AUTOMATIC MECHANICAL
Availability: RARE

DIAL

The dial is the most captivating aspect of the watch, featuring a complex and visually engaging design. It can be divided into two distinct concentric parts, both circular in shape.

Outer Part:
The outer part of the dial is light brown in color, showcasing white Arabic numeral indices, excluding the number 3 to accommodate the date window, as well as the numbers 6, 9, and 12. Instead of these indices, there is a white four-pointed star with a brown inner part. The star has the same height as the numerals.

Small minute indices are present, and the hour markers feature a yellow/green luminescent dot. Two luminescent dots are positioned at 12 o’clock.

The absence of any text suggests that it is a transitional era watch.

Inner Part:
The inner part of the dial has a sugar blue color and displays various pieces of information.

At the top, there is a Cyrillic inscription: Военно Космические Силы, which translates to “Military Space Forces.”

In the center, there are abbreviations: МО РФ, representing “Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.”

Immediately below, one of the winged emblems of the Aerospace Forces is depicted.

At the bottom, the Vostok symbol and the inscription “Komandirskie” can be found, although it should be noted that the case is clearly Generalskie.

The dial may have faded over time, as the central part of the emblem should be blue. It is likely that the outer part was originally closer to blue than brown in color.

No additional details are present on the dial.

HANDS

The hour and minute hands have a gold color and feature the classic shape found in Komandirskie watches. The luminescent material on the hands matches the yellow/green color on the dial.

The seconds hand is red and lacks a luminescent dot.

CASE AND CROWN

The case is of the 097XXX type, indicating a Generalskie case finished with TiN (Titanium Nitride).

The screw-down crown is also finished with TiN and has a domed outer part.

No notable features are present on the case.

BEZEL

The gold-colored bezel, also finished with TiN, complements the case. It is a standard bidirectional bezel with 5 red dots, one of which is larger, and the remaining 7 dots are black. The bezel does not click.

CASEBACK

The original caseback of the watch has been replaced with a transparent mineral glass one, making it impossible to determine the original caseback. It is likely that a standard caseback was initially in place.

orologio vostok Forze Militari Spaziali Russe — orologio Vostok Forze Militari Spaziali Russe

MOVEMENT

The watch is powered by a Vostok 2416Б automatic mechanical movement with manual winding capability.

The balance wheel features the Vostok symbol.

Jewels: 31 jewels
Frequency: 19,800 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 40 hours

HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE RUSSIAN SPACE MILITARY FORCES

The Russian Space Military Forces (Russian: Космические войска: воздушно-кос

мические силы; transliterated: Vozdušno-Kosmičeskie Sily Rossii) constituted a branch of the armed forces of the Russian Federation responsible for military operations in space. The military command was based in Moscow.

Established on August 10, 1982, as a separate branch of the Soviet armed forces, the organization became part of the military forces of the newly formed Russian Federation on May 7, 1992. In 1997, the VKS (Vozdušno-Kosmičeskie Sily) were incorporated into the Strategic Missile Forces. In June 2001, they were officially reconstituted as an independent section of the Russian armed forces.

On August 1, 2015, the Space Military Forces merged with the Air Force, forming the Russian Aerospace Forces.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE RUSSIAN SPACE MILITARY FORCES

The emblem of the Space Military Forces, which is displayed on the watch dial and is common among Soviet, Russian, and modern watches, is quite distinct. Finding credible information about it through regular search engines can be challenging. However, I discovered a credible discussion on a Russian antiquarian forum: https://forum.ww2.ru/index.php?showtopic=46257

In a post from 2007, a user reported the following:

Приложение к Приказу Министра обороны СССР 1989 г. №160
ОПИСАНИЕ нагрудного знака для классных специалистов из числа лиц офицерского состава, прапорщиков и мичманов, проходящих службу в соединениях, частях и учреждениях Управления начальника космических средств Министрерства обороны СССР.
Нагрудный знак представляет собой развернутые крылья золотистого цвета. В центре знака на фоне вселенной темно-синего цвета – изображение земного шара светло-голубого цвета. Земной шар опоясан золотистой орбитой спутника. Контур вселенной обрамлен лавровыми ветвями, на крайнюю часть которых наложена пятиконечная звезда, покрытая красной эмалью, на нижнюю часть – ромб, в центре которого соответственно классу расположены цифры – 1, 2, 3 или буква “М”, покрытые белой эмалью.

“Appendix to the Order of the Minister of Defense of the USSR 1989 No. 160
DESCRIPTION of the breast badge for class specialists among the officers, warrant officers, and midshipmen serving in the units, units, and institutions of the Office of the Chief of Space Forces of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR.
The breast badge is an extended wing of golden color. In the center of the badge, against the background of the universe of dark blue color, there is an image of a light blue globe. The globe is surrounded by a golden satellite orbit. The contour of the universe is framed by laurel branches, on the outer part of which a five-pointed star covered with red enamel is superimposed, and on the lower part, there is a diamond, in the center of which, depending on the class, numbers – 1, 2, 3, or the letter “M” covered with white enamel are located.”

COLLECTION

This watch is an appropriate addition to sub-collections featuring watches with both space and military themes.

Pobeda Sputnik 1: A Commemorative Space Watch

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 28 February 202026 June 2024commemorative watch, orologeria sovietica, orologio commemorativo, pobeda, Pobeda Sputnik 1, Pobeda Zim 2602 movement., R-7 Semërka rocket, russian watch, Soviet watchmaking, space, space adventure, spazio, Sputnik 1, zim 0 Comment

Introduction to the Watch

The Pobeda Zim commemorative watch for the 45th anniversary of the Sputnik I launch is a timepiece of great historical and technical significance. This unique piece not only celebrates a significant milestone in the history of space exploration but also embodies the skill and innovation of Soviet watchmaking.

The Dial and Its Symbols

The blue dial of the watch features a series of symbols and images closely linked to the Sputnik I mission. At the top, below the 12 o’clock marker, we see the double-headed crowned eagle, a significant emblem representing the power and authority of the Soviet nation. At 10 o’clock, the Cyrillic inscription “45 лет” (45 years) marks the anniversary of the mission (Wikipedia) (VintageDuMarko).

Proceeding to 2 o’clock, there is an image of Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite launched into space. This central symbol celebrates the beginning of the space age and the Soviet ingenuity that made this historic event possible.

Historical Context: Sputnik I

The launch of Sputnik I on October 4, 1957, marked a crucial moment in the history of space exploration. It was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, signaling the start of the space race, a technological competition between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The satellite remained in orbit for three weeks before its batteries died, and then for another two months before re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere (Wikipedia) (VintageDuMarko) (WatchUSeek Watch Forums).

The R-7 Semërka Rocket

In addition to Sputnik, the dial features a stylized image of the R-7 Semërka rocket, which launched Sputnik I into orbit. The R-7 was the first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and a significant technological achievement for the Soviet Union. This rocket was later used to launch Sputnik 2, carrying the first living being into space, the dog Laika (Wikipedia) (VintageDuMarko).

The Movement of the Watch

The Pobeda Zim 2602 movement, powering this commemorative watch, is known for its simplicity and reliability. This mechanical movement, with a fixed python and a shock-resistant jewel, reflects the robustness and practicality of Soviet engineering (Wix site) (Soviet Watch Gallery).

Conclusion

This Pobeda Zim watch is not just a timepiece, but a piece of history that celebrates a fundamental event in space exploration and world history. The combination of symbols and technical details on the dial offers a visual narrative of the Soviet technological triumph and its lasting impact on the world.

Links for Further Reading

Discovering the Charm of Soviet and Russian Watch Collections

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 16 April 201821 June 202424h, aeroflot, Amphibia, astronaut, Boctok, buran, cccp, collectible watches, collezionismo orologi, horology, Italian market watches, komandirskie, Mosca, orologeria russa, orologi da collezione, orologi russi, orologi vintage, orologio, orologio sovietico, pobeda, polar aviation, poljot, raketa, Russian watches, Russian watchmaking, russo, Soviet watch collection, Soviet watch history, Soviet watches, Soviet watchmaking, sovietaly, spazio, ussr, Valentina Tereškova, vintage watches, vostok, Vostok Amphibia, watch collecting, watch collection, watch history, Yuri Gagarin, zim 0 Comment

It may seem unusual, but sometimes a collection of Soviet/Russian watches can capture the attention and appreciation of even those who are not experts in the field. This intriguing niche of collecting has recently been highlighted in an interview published by the magazine “Collezionare,” available in both print and digital formats (www.collezionare.com).

The Magazine “Collezionare”

The magazine “Collezionare” is a specialized publication focused on the world of collecting, offering in-depth articles, news, and interviews on a wide range of collectible items. From vintage to antiques and modern collectibles, the magazine serves as an authoritative and up-to-date resource for enthusiasts. Available in both print and online versions, “Collezionare” stands out for the quality of its content and the passion with which it tells the stories of collectors and their unique collections.

Two years ago, I contacted several journals related to collecting to promote my father’s Pirelli advertisement collection, including “Collezionare”. The interview with my father can be found at this link. Given the existing contact, a couple of months ago I reached out again to the journalist who conducted the interview, suggesting she might also be interested in my collection of Soviet/Russian watches. A few days later, she contacted me to schedule a phone interview.

On April 14, 2018, the online version of the interview was published and can be read at this link.

Soviet Watches

In the interview, Andrea Manini, a 44-year-old from Milan who has been collecting since 1992, shares insights into his collection of over 400 Russian watches. “What I really enjoy is that, unlike Swiss watches, Russian ones always have a story to tell.”

The Stories Behind Soviet Watches

Many stories surround Soviet watchmaking, particularly those involving Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. The watch he wore during the 1961 mission is still a mystery. Some claim it was a Poljot Sturmanskie, produced by the First Moscow Watch Factory, often referred to as the Russian equivalent of the Speedmaster used by Armstrong and Aldrin on the moon. Others believe it was the Type One by Sturmanskie, citing a photo where Gagarin wears this model over his red suit. “But who can say for sure? Maybe it was just a training shot,” says Andrea, emphasizing the mystery that often surrounds these famous timepieces.

The Influence of History on Soviet Watchmaking

The end of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s marked the beginning of a new era for Russian watchmaking in Italy. Andrea, like many other enthusiasts, started his collection in 1992, the year after the USSR’s dissolution. “1992 is my year zero, the year I began to appreciate these beautiful watches. That year, the first after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, all the unique goods from the former USSR became very sought after, including Russian watches, which started appearing in our jewelry stores. Over the years, I have expanded my collection to about 400 pieces.”

Early Discoveries

Andrea’s first purchase was a Vostok Komandirskie wristwatch. “The military look and the rocket on the dial attracted me, and only later did I discover that it was a Vostok Komandirskie model, with the Vostok 1 rocket that Gagarin used to orbit the Earth in 1961.”

Collection Categories

Russian watches are categorized in various ways. Andrea focuses on Russian space adventures and Soviet watches made for the Italian market. Other themes include Soviet polar explorations and Russian railways, particularly the BAM line.

The History of Russian Watchmaking

Russian watchmaking has a complex history intertwined with the country’s social, political, and military developments. During the Tsarist era, watches were mainly produced by artisanal workshops. With the advent of the Soviet Union, watch production became essential for both civilians and the military. Initially, pocket watches were produced, but gradually, wristwatches became the focus.

Watch Factories

Numerous companies arose in the Soviet Union, named after war or space adventures. “The First Moscow Watch Factory, later named Poljot (which means flight), Raketa (rocket), Pobeda (victory, dedicated to WWII), and Chaika (seagull, which was Valentina Tereshkova’s code name during her space flight).”

Export and Marketing

In the 1960s and 70s, Soviet watches were exported at low prices to promote sales. This was a state-imposed strategy. In Italy, Russian watchmaking has often been underrated due to its proximity to Switzerland. However, the Russians understood the importance of marketing and created watches with logos for export or specific models for certain markets.

Rare Models

Among the rarest models in Andrea’s collection is a Raketa Big Zero with a nephrite dial, a green stone similar to jade. Finding rare models is challenging, especially online where many fakes and assembled pieces are sold.

Tips for Collectors

To avoid buying fakes, Andrea advises consulting more experienced and reliable collectors. “Today, there are many forums and groups where you can exchange opinions and advice.”

This collection of Soviet/Russian watches, with its rich history and intriguing models, continues to captivate not only enthusiasts but also newcomers to the world of collecting.