Vintage Watch

CCCP Sputnik 1 – A Watch That Celebrates the Space Age

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CCCP Sputnik 1 – A Watch That Celebrates the Space Age

Introduction

The CCCP Sputnik 1 is more than just a watch: it is a tribute to the first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. This timepiece captures the spirit of an era filled with discoveries and technological advancements, symbolizing the history of space exploration.

Design Inspired by the First Satellite

The design of the CCCP Sputnik 1 directly reflects the iconic Sputnik 1 satellite. The watch features a dial that prominently displays the historic date of October 4, 1957, celebrating a pivotal moment in history. The dial is meticulously crafted, with elements that evoke the four antennas of the Sputnik 1, giving it a distinctive and captivating appearance.

Technical Specifications of the CCCP Sputnik 1

Beneath its vintage exterior, the CCCP Sputnik 1 houses a robust mechanical movement. It is powered by the Slava 2427 caliber, an automatic movement produced during the Soviet era. This movement has a 24 mm diameter and contains 26 or 27 jewels, providing a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. It also features two barrels for enhanced durability and precision, as well as shock protection.

The movement supports three central hands for hours, minutes, and seconds, and includes a day/date function positioned at 3:00. A quick date adjustment is made possible via a dedicated pusher at 2:00, making this watch both functional and visually appealing.

The CCCP and Slava Brands

The CCCP brand draws inspiration from the Soviet era of Russian history, a period marked by significant technological and scientific progress. The name CCCP is derived from the Cyrillic acronym for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Союз Советских Социалистических Республик, transliterated as Soyuz Sovetskikh Sotsialisticheskikh Respublik.

Slava, one of Russia’s most historic watch brands, has a storied past that dates back to the Second Moscow Watch Factory. Today, however, the brand is owned by Citychamp Watch & Jewellery Group Ltd., a Chinese holding company that acquired Slava as part of its global expansion strategy. Citychamp also owns prestigious brands such as Corum and Eterna, blending European and Soviet watchmaking traditions with modern Chinese manufacturing capabilities.

Citychamp is renowned for preserving the historical identity of the brands it acquires, continuing to produce watches that are not only functional but also collectible. For more information on CCCP and Slava watches, visit their official website www.cccptime.com.

Why Choose the CCCP Sputnik 1?

Owning a CCCP Sputnik 1 means having a timepiece that not only commemorates a significant moment in human history but also represents a fine example of Russian watchmaking craftsmanship. It is ideal for watch enthusiasts who value both historical significance and technical excellence.

Conclusion

The CCCP Sputnik 1 is more than just a watch: it is a tribute to an extraordinary historical event. With its design inspired by the first artificial satellite and the Slava 2427 automatic movement, this watch is poised to become a collectible piece for all horology and space history enthusiasts.

Discover the Exclusive Raketa Aspol Watch: A Piece of Polar History

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
russian watch Raketa ASPOL Blue

Description and Features of the Raketa Aspol Watch

The Raketa Aspol watch is a rare and fascinating piece, created to celebrate polar explorations and honour the explorers associated with the Association of Polar Explorers (ASPOL). This watch stands out not only for its design but also for its historical and collectible value.

russian watch Raketa ASPOL Blue
Raketa ASPOL Blue

Technical Specifications

  • Movement: Calibre 2623H manual wind, known for its robustness and accuracy, with a 24-hour format.
  • Case: Made of chrome-plated brass, giving the watch a shiny and durable appearance.
  • Crystal: Plexiglass, lightweight and impact-resistant.
  • Dial: Available in two colour variants – blue and red. The red version is particularly rare and sought after by collectors.

The Commemorative Raketa Aspol Dial

The dial of the Raketa Aspol watch is rich with symbols and inscriptions celebrating polar heritage:

  • Central Globe: Represents the significance of polar explorations, with a polar bear at the centre, symbolising ASPOL.
  • Aspol Inscriptions: The association’s name is present in both Cyrillic (АСПОЛ) and Latin (ASPOL), emphasising the connection to polar explorations.
  • City Names: Lists various cities around the world, facilitating time reading across different time zones.

The Association of Polar Explorers (ASPOL)

Founded in 1990 during the All-Union Congress of Polar Explorers, the ASPOL aims to protect the interests of polar workers and indigenous peoples of the Far North. The association plays a crucial role in implementing Russia’s state policy in the Arctic and Antarctic.

ASPOL’s Mission and Activities

ASPOL is involved in various areas, including:

  • Environmental Sustainability: Promotes projects and policies for the environmental protection of polar regions.
  • Education and Culture: Organises events such as the International Forum “Arctic: Today and the Future” and celebrates “Polar Explorer Day” on May 21st, commemorating the first scientific expedition to the “North Pole-1” station.
  • International Collaboration: Facilitates cooperation between governmental entities, scientific institutions, and non-profit organisations for the sustainable development of polar regions.

Historical Facts and Soviet Legacy Related to the Raketa Aspol Watch

During the Soviet era, polar explorations were a scientific and strategic priority. Polar expeditions, like the “North Pole-1” station in 1937, collected crucial scientific data and contributed to the understanding of atmospheric processes in the Arctic.

Artur Chilingarov and ASPOL

Artur Chilingarov, president of ASPOL and special representative of the President of the Russian Federation for international cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctic, is a key figure in promoting polar explorations. Under his leadership, ASPOL continues to support scientific research and environmental protection in polar regions.

Conclusion

The Raketa Aspol watch is not just a piece of Soviet horological history but also a tribute to polar explorations and the men and women who dedicated their lives to these missions. Its rarity, especially the red dial variant, makes it a highly valuable item for collectors and history enthusiasts.

For more information about ASPOL and its activities, visit the official website: ASPOL.

Slava California Watch: An Iconic Timepiece of History and Innovation

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russian watch Slava California

Slava watches are renowned for their quality and reliability, and the Slava California watch is no exception. Produced by the Second Moscow Watch Factory, this watch stands out not only for its unique design but also for its historical and technical significance. In this article, we will explore the features of the Slava California watch, the Slava 2428 caliber, and the fascinating stories behind the famous “California” dial used by Rolex and Panerai.

Description of the Slava California Watch

russian watch Slava California
Slava California

Design and Case

The Slava California watch is easily recognizable by its distinctive dial, featuring a combination of Roman numerals on the upper half and Arabic numerals on the lower half. This unique design is complemented by:

  • Chrome-Plated Brass Case: The brass case with chrome plating gives the watch an elegant appearance, though it is less resistant to everyday wear. Over time, the chrome can deteriorate with daily use and contact with sweat.
  • Black Dial: The black background of the dial provides perfect contrast with the pink hour markers outlined in gray, enhancing readability.
  • Minute Markers: Gray, aligned along the railroad track surrounding the dial.
  • Polished Metal Hands: The hands, without luminous material, feature a hollow interior, while the second hand is distinguished by a red “lollipop.”
  • Date Display at 6 o’clock: The date display at 6 o’clock allows for vertical reading of the date and day, a practical and distinctive feature.

Technical Details of the Slava 2428 Caliber

The heart of the Slava California watch is the Slava 2428 caliber, a manual winding mechanical movement known for its reliability. Here are the technical specifications:

  • Dimensions: 13 lines (32.2 mm diameter).
  • Height: 4.85 mm.
  • Power Reserve: 47 hours.
  • Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (vph).
  • Jewels: 17.
  • Complications:
    • Sweeping Seconds.
    • Day and Date.
  • Regulator Type: Pinned regulator (or index regulator).
  • Escapement Type: Swiss lever escapement.
  • Winding and Setting: Stem winding, stem setting.

The Story of the California Dial: Rolex and Panerai

The “California” dial has a fascinating history involving some of the most prestigious watch brands.

Origins of the California Dial

The term “California dial” originated in the 1980s when dial refinishing shops in Los Angeles, particularly on Melrose Avenue, began using the half Roman, half Arabic design to refinish vintage watch dials. This style quickly became popular among collectors of Rolex “Bubbleback” watches​ (Welcome to RolexMagazine.com)​​ (Fratello Watches)​.

Rolex and Panerai

Rolex was one of the first to use the California dial in the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in models designed for Panerai, which supplied watches to the Italian Navy. These watches were known for their readability and robustness, essential features for underwater missions​ (Watch Swiss)​.

The Rolex California

The California dial of Rolex has become an icon among collectors. Initially used to improve readability in difficult conditions, it was later adopted by various vintage models. Today, the California dial is highly sought after and represents a piece of watchmaking history.

Beware of Counterfeits

Unfortunately, with the growing popularity of the Slava California watch, unscrupulous sellers have emerged, counterfeiting California dials for these watches. Fake dials can be found on various marketplaces, so it is important to be cautious and verify authenticity before making a purchase.

The Value of the Slava California Watch Among Collectors

The Slava California watch has become highly sought after among collectors. The combination of unique design, fascinating history, and technical reliability has increased its market value. Currently, a Slava California in excellent condition can fetch between 300 and 350 euros.

Conclusion

The Slava California watch is more than just a timepiece; it is a piece of watchmaking history. With its distinctive design and robust Slava 2428 caliber, it continues to captivate collectors worldwide. Whether you are a vintage watch enthusiast or a collector seeking unique pieces, the Slava California is an excellent choice.

Raketa 3031: The Sovereign Watch of Soviet Technology

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Raketa 3031: The Sovereign Watch of Soviet Technology

The Raketa 3031 is considered one of the most complex and fascinating watches ever produced by the Soviet watch industry. This article delves into the technical characteristics, history, and rarity of this unique model, providing a comprehensive overview for collectors and vintage watch enthusiasts.

History and Production

The Raketa 3031 was produced by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory, one of the oldest watch factories in Russia. The model was introduced in the 1970s and 1980s, with two main production batches:

  • First Batch (1974): 200 units
  • Second Batch: 1,000 units

Technical Characteristics of the Raketa 3031

  1. Movement:
    • Caliber: 30 mm
    • Qualification: 3031 (indicates the presence of a calendar and shock protection)
    • Mechanism: Manual winding mechanism with 17 jewels
    • Differences from subsequent movements:
      • Rotor positioned on the right side of the movement
      • Calendar star is straight
      • Calendar disk has a slight “jump” before setting
  2. Construction:
    • Case: Stainless steel
    • Crystal: Slightly domed
    • Case Back: Screwed
    • Crown: Offset
    • Alarm Bezel: Red with a pointer for setting the time
    • Water Resistance: Supports water pressure up to 20 atmospheres
  3. Functionality:
    • Alarm Setting: The winding crown is pulled out and turned counterclockwise to set the alarm time.
    • Alarm Sound: A buzzer sounds at the set time.
  4. Variants:
    • Lug Design: Some variants feature integrated lugs, while others have separate, more pronounced lugs.
    • Second Hand: Some versions have a red second hand, others silver.
    • Date Window Frame: The golden frame can have different background colors (black or white).

Variants of the Raketa 3031

Variant 1

  • Dial: Silver with black rounded indices and silver hands.
  • Case: Rounded shape with integrated lugs.
  • Date and Day: Day indicated in Cyrillic and date with a golden frame and black background.

Variant 2

  • Dial: Silver with black rounded indices and silver hands. Red second hand.
  • Case: Rounded shape with separate, more pronounced lugs.
  • Date and Day: Day indicated in Cyrillic and date with a golden frame and white background.

Analysis of the Internal Movement

The photo of the Raketa 3031’s internal movement reveals a well-finished and decorated mechanism. The rotor of the automatic movement features particular decoration, highlighting the attention to detail typical of this model. This confirms the complexity and precision of the Raketa 3031, making it the most complicated Soviet watch ever produced.

Brochure Translation for Raketa 3031/303318

Description of Model 3031/303318

Model 3031/303318 — stainless steel case, waterproof — supports water pressure up to 20 atmospheres. The dial is silver, with a ray design, and a calendar window. The indices are in relief, silver-colored with black tips, filled with luminous material. The calendar frame is superimposed, silver-colored. The inscriptions are printed in black. Around the dial is a signal device ring, which also serves to measure underwater time. The hands are nickel-plated, with luminous material.

Rarity and Collecting

The Raketa 3031 is extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. The current value of this watch ranges from €5,000 to €10,000. Its technical complexity and limited production contribute to its high market value.

Conclusion

The Raketa 3031 is an excellent example of Soviet watchmaking engineering. Its unique features, limited production, and distinctive design make it one of the most complex and appreciated watches among collectors worldwide. If you are a watch enthusiast, the Raketa 3031 is definitely a piece to add to your collection.

Reference Videos

For more details and an in-depth look at the features of this extraordinary watch, here are some useful videos:

  1. Video by Dmitry Brodnikovskiy: “Самые дорогие часы СССР-легендарная Ракета 3031” Watch on YouTube
  2. Other Informative Videos:
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