Behind the scenes
June 17, 2024, marks an important date for all enthusiasts of Russian collectible watches: the second volume of “Russian Collectible Watches” has been published. This 192-page book is a bilingual work in Italian and English, published by Reverdito. Its dimensions are 16.3 x 1.8 x 24 cm, making it a substantial yet manageable volume. The authors Lorenzo Fe, Andrea Manini, Karl Samsa, and Vanni Stefanini guide us on a fascinating journey through time and the history of Russian watchmaking.
Introduction to the Book
“Russian Collectible Watches – Volume 2” is a natural expansion of the first volume, which has already captured the attention of Soviet and Russian watch enthusiasts. This second book further delves into the vast and fascinating world of Russian watches, exploring over 150 models covering a time span of more than 100 years, from the first watches donated by the Imperial Romanov family to modern watches produced in the same factories that once belonged to the First Moscow Watch Factory.
A Journey Through Models and Stories
The over 300 high-quality photographs in the book reveal details that tell epic stories and the heroes of an era. Not only the watches, but also political and religious figures of the time find space in these pages. The space race, with its triumphs and challenges, is a central theme, and the images transport us to the crucial moments of this human adventure. The Perestroika, already mentioned in the first book, becomes a real fashion phenomenon, especially in Italy, with the “Red Army watches” flooding the market.
Technical Details and Innovations
Soviet engineers achieved extraordinary successes with ultra-thin, electromechanical, and quartz movements, remaining at the forefront of their time. This book not only explores these technical details but also contextualizes them within broader historical and cultural innovations.
Book Details
Here is a detailed preview of the main chapters of the book, offering a comprehensive and engaging overview for enthusiasts of Russian collectible watches:
Imperial Period
- Pavel Buhre: The watches of the official jeweler of the Romanov family.
- 1ГЧЗ: The first attempts at industrial watchmaking.
- НЧ-С “Generalskie”: Watches reserved for officers of the Red Army.
Soviet and Space Era
- LUCH: Models that marked an era.
- POBEDA: Symbols of victory and hope.
- Galactika and Austro MIR 91: Watches that traveled into space.
- POLJOT: The excellence of the 3017 chronographs.
- Sturmanskie: The watches of pilots and cosmonauts.
From Perestroika to the Present Day
- Vostok Komandirskie: Watches symbolizing military strength.
- SLAVA: Models representing innovation and progress.
- RAKETA: From the Soviet period to modern Russia.
- Moscow Aerospace ’93: Watches celebrating space missions.
Special Features
One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is the attention to technical details. Soviet engineers achieved extraordinary successes with ultra-thin, electromechanical, and quartz movements, remaining at the forefront of their time. The book not only explores these technical details but also contextualizes them within broader historical and cultural innovations.
Furthermore, the volume also addresses lighter themes such as commercial productions that hint at military ones, or watches to be understood as real advertising gadgets or political propaganda tools. A curious example is the Vostok with a plastic case, a watch as innovative as it was unusual for its time.
Back Cover Presentation
The back cover of the book offers a perfect summary of what the reader can expect: a total immersion in a vast and fascinating subject like Soviet and Russian watchmaking. Through the over 300 high-quality photographs, the reader can explore details that tell epic stories and the heroes of an era, immersing themselves in a time span of over 100 years.
Conclusions
“Russian Collectible Watches – Volume 2” is a book for enthusiasts, made by enthusiasts. It does not represent any political or ideological inclination but is a work that explores the world of Russian and Soviet watchmaking as a pretext to study, photograph, and understand the world society, interconnected with the Russian one in many aspects. With the publication of this volume, another important piece is added to the knowledge of a sector as fascinating as it is little known, continuing a journey begun with the first book and destined to continue for a long time.
For those who wish to delve deeper, it is possible to contact the authors at russiancollectiblewatches@gmail.com. Happy reading and enjoy the journey through time!
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