Catalog of clocks with a pendulum and striking, wall, table, fireplace, alarm clocks - wall table clocks east. Varieties of the Vostok watch mechanism of the Soviet period and modern ones
Today (October 2006) the Board of Directors of OJSC Chistopol Watch Factory Vostok decided to discontinue production of one of the most famous models of Russian watches, the Komandirskie, from January 1, 2007.
“The decision to stop the production of these watches was caused by the fundamental changes in its personnel composition taking place in the army, and the increased demands of officers on the appearance and quality of watches. To replace the obsolete Komandirskiye models, watches have already been produced that meet the latest requirements of watch fashion and are included in the domestic niche of middle and prestigious class watches,” said Vladislav Tsivilin, General Director of the Vostok Innovation and Production Technopark OJSC.
The first samples of new models of watches for the military have already gone on sale. The company is confident that the diverse range of Chistopol chronometers and their fashionable design will satisfy the needs of the most demanding consumer.
Vostok has been producing “commander” watches for over 30 years! All this time, they were in constant high demand among buyers, were known on all continents, visited space more than once and still have the status of award watches of the Russian Ministry of Defense. This watch is worthy of being included in the Guinness Book of Records. The successful production of professional watches for the military determined the main course of development of the Chistopol Watch Factory: the production of mechanical watches that accurately keep time at any temperature, in any aggressive environment, and can withstand high pressure, shock and overload. The history of “Vostok” is closely connected with cooperation with the USSR Ministry of Defense, on whose order the “Commander”, “General”, “Admiral” and “Amphibian” watches were developed for military personnel of all branches.
Watchmakers have never deviated from the classical scheme: all models of watch movements have a Swiss escapement system, steel escapement wheels and forks, support on ruby stones, watch springs made of special precision alloys and a shock-proof balance unit. The traditions are continued - the new watch has become an example of high-precision mechanics.
http://old.intertat.ru/index.php?cat=r&bigoffset=0µoffset=0&id=100040&showresults=1
If we name the military symbols of the Soviet Union, then in addition to such world-famous ones as the Kalashnikov assault rifle or the T-34 tank, we can also name the commander’s watch. The exact name of these watches is “award”. But it was the adjective “commander” that stuck with this watch and became very famous...
The history of Komandirskiye began in 1965, when the Ministry of Defense of the then Soviet Union ordered the Chistopol Vostok watch factory a large batch of dust-proof shockproof watches for its command staff.
In Soviet Russia, everything that was connected with the military or intelligence services had a connotation of prestige and elitism. Practically unavailable for free sale, Komandirskie were no exception - they have always been a source of envy and pride, a symbol of belonging to the Big Red Machine.
These are premium watches, they are given, given, awarded. They make up jokes about them, you will see Commander's watches on dozens of pages of modern Russian fiction, you see their owners every day on TV and on the street.
The awarding of commander's watches to Red Navy, Red Army and Cavalry soldiers became widespread during the merciless Civil War. At that time there were no rules or reward systems, so watches were given to almost everyone.
Awarding a commander's watch was a very common form of encouragement at that time, so the commander of a unit could take it out of his pocket right at the formation and hand it to the most brave and distinguished subordinate on a mission.
However, such a negligent attitude towards the award did not play a very good role in history. Indeed, in such cases, there was no need to draw up a proposal for the recipient on behalf of his colleagues, certified directly by the boss himself, or to fill out a service record and send it to Moscow for consideration, and then wait for a negative or positive response. As you know, failure to comply with any formalities has never led to good things. Therefore, it was to be expected that all awards would eventually be confiscated.
And so it happened. For example, watches and other award items were taken from members of the First Cavalry Army, which became the world's first cavalry of the Red Army, created during the Civil War in Russia under the pretext of fighting the remnants of the tsarist regime.
Since then, remembering the unsuccessful experience, government officials strictly observed all the necessary formalities, and the award ceremony became more thoughtful and organized. Only those soldiers who truly deserved it received awards from their commanders, having proven their courage and bravery in difficult battles.
The first victory of the CSKA team in the USSR championship, 1973. The “Commander’s Watch” is presented to the champions by the Minister of Defense of the USSR A.A. Grechko
When, after the fall of the Soviet Union, goods from the world's most famous manufacturers poured into the Russian market, these mechanical watches ceased to have status, but then their other qualities came to the fore, thanks to which the popularity of the brand even grew.
In Soviet times, officers were awarded such watches, and this award itself could not be called official. It is difficult to compare it with such awards as orders and medals, and it is also not easy with cash bonuses. Commander's watches were and remain a type of award for a serviceman that would become a kind of memory for him and at the same time would not oblige him to anything.
Today, many watch factories even produce women's watches under the guise of command watches, declaring that such watches (with a smaller dial) should be given to female military personnel. However, real commander's watches are not for women. Perhaps discrimination, but still it is a fact.
They have a standard dial diameter, a special version of mechanical winding and characteristic additional functions that allowed the owner of the watch to navigate the terrain in a certain way.
Military models of commander's watches also have civilian analogues. After all, in our country it is customary to reward not only military personnel with watches. For example, those employees of a manufacturing enterprise who distinguished themselves in fulfilling the annual plan are also often presented with a special watch, which may contain the company’s logo.
Unfortunately, cases of fraud have come to light recently. They are associated with the purchase by citizens of the country of watches with fake award documents.
As an example, I will give one fact: the famous doctor of historical sciences Viktor Isaev conducted his own investigation into scams and fraud with various awards. According to him, around the beginning of the 90s, it was possible to purchase the most honorable letter of those times, signed by the head of state himself, for three thousand dollars, and a commander’s watch for five thousand dollars. The value of such a watch is obvious!
Among the “swindler” buyers, mainly high-ranking officials were noticed: directors of the largest industrial enterprises, deputies of the State Duma and other persons holding high positions. In general, those who could afford such watches.
However, I believe that in this case, award watches lost their significance as an item issued for courage and valor, and beautiful models became completely ordinary watches, and not awards “suffered” in battle. This proves that real commander’s watches were very valuable in the USSR, and literally everyone dreamed of owning them. A person who owned such a watch was considered a real hero and aroused great respect from almost everyone.
The Russian army will no longer receive mechanical “Commander” watches produced by the Vostok plant with their equipment. As the military department explained, the reason was the lack of independent production of watches and watch mechanisms in Russia.
“Unfortunately, the Chistopol watch factory “Vostok”, which produced “Komandirskie” watches, has stopped mass production of watches, and other Russian factories make them from foreign components. Therefore, we have so far refused to include watches in equipment,” said a representative of the military department.
The Vostok factory could not explain why they no longer produce watches. Watch expert Timur Baraev says that the production of original movements was stopped at Vostok in 2004, and by 2008 watch production was completely curtailed.
“In Chistopol, at the Vostok plant, they made unique watches that worked without rewinding for 36 hours, withstood being run over by an army jeep, impacts, falls, immersion in water of 50 meters and other extreme tests. They had their own, very reliable mechanism and the highest production culture - their defect rate was lower than that of the Swiss ETA,” said Barayev.
“Time now shows everything - from phones to microwaves. Therefore, if a person puts something on his hand, he does it not to know the time, but to show his meaning. Unfortunately, “Vostok” was not suitable for this role...”
Baraev noted that there are practically no watch movement manufacturers left in Russia. “The only factory that makes watches with its own movement is the Petrodvorets Raketa Factory. But they are just restoring production and watches there, of course, are unlikely to cost 600 rubles, like Vostok’s - people there buy machines in Switzerland and invest huge amounts of money in modernizing production.”
Today, the younger generation doesn’t even have a clue what “ commander's watch Soviet ones, because before they had to be earned, but today they are freely sold, and you can even order them with home delivery via the Internet. The heroes of the past never dreamed of such a thing!
compilation of material – FOX
The commander's watch is as much a living legend as a Kalashnikov assault rifle or a matryoshka doll. Buying them today is not a problem, but previously almost half of the population of one sixth of the land stood in line for the products of the Chistopol watch factory.
Watch from the Minister of Defense
Marshal Malinovsky armed the Soviet army with “commander’s” chronometers. By order of the Minister of Defense in 1965, in Chistopol they developed a massive shockproof watch for command personnel on an anchor movement with phosphorescent hands and, as people said, dust- and stone-proof. And so that the watchmakers in Chistopol would not get bored at all with orders from the military-industrial complex, officials assigned them a quota for purely civilian watches, which could be sold in ordinary department stores, and allowed them to write “Commander’s” on the dials.
An anchor, another anchor!
“We developed the watch under terrible time pressure,” recalls one of the developers of the legend, Valentina Belova, head of the exterior design bureau. - It's no joke! After all, Marshal Malinovsky himself ordered them to be made. The watch had to be the most accurate, because punctuality is needed in war, and the most durable. What was new was a dial with luminous numbers. But the main highlight is the stopping mechanism, or, in other words, the stopwatch. Drawings of mechanisms used in military mines helped to develop it. Our group worked on the design of the building. We offered more than fifty options. Most of all, the minister liked the option with a star on the dial in a round case. For this we were rewarded with a bonus of 50 rubles. Enormous money - almost half my salary. It seems that the portrait was also hung on the honor board.
"Ministerial Amphibian"
The watches began to be distributed through the General Directorate of Trade of the Ministry of Defense, and civilian buyers received them extremely rarely. Not every watch factory manager could afford to wear “Komandirskie” watches or their version for sailors, “Amphibian”.
Of course, such watches became the best gift in Moscow, where Chistopol residents went to sign papers. It got to the point that they released a special batch of watches with the purposeful name “Ministerial Amphibian”. The hermetically sealed Amphibian did not let through the tears that the touched official shed over the gift.
The need for invention is cunning
In Soviet Russia, everything that was connected with the military or intelligence services had a connotation of prestige and elitism. Almost unavailable for free sale, “Komandirskie” were no exception - they have always been a source of envy and pride, a symbol of belonging to the Big Red Machine - real Soviet kitsch in the best sense of the word. In the 70s, only stolen Komandirskie aircraft could be honestly bought. Many Komandirskie owners called their chronometers assholes. “What do you think they wear when they leave the factory?” - they explained.
Over the hill
The exceptionally masculine, weighty, even slightly rough design made the Komandirskie unlike any other wristwatch. Their time came in the late 1980s, when military-style watches came into fashion all over the world. Moreover, a fashion for everything Soviet has appeared in the West: Gorbi, perestroyka... And then there is a watch from Russia, and with a red five-pointed star! The fame of the famous Commander's Watch, made at a defense plant for the production of clockwork for mines, spread throughout the world. 40 thousand of them were bought per year in the USA alone. One of my close relatives, who had gone abroad more than once in the past, told me that in Soviet times, “over the hill,” our Commander’s watches were very much valued. The profit from shipping one of these watches was something like 45 dollars. So, when the watch was received at a store in the city of Køge (Denmark), its tightness and reliability were checked by boiling.
Hand watches and wild
At the Chistopol plant they proudly tell stories about fakes. It's nice, of course. As Yesenin wrote, a thief cannot take away a bad horse.
So, one day the general director of Vostok, Vladislav Tsivilin, while in New York, looked into a supermarket with his colleagues, where he found in the window... Can you guess what? Well, of course, if he had found a Tula samovar there, there would have been nothing to talk about. But in the window there was a watch with the name “Commander’s”.
- Made in Tshistopol! – the seller recommended the product.
Chistopol, however, has never seen such a watch. The winding crown was attached to the case with a miniature chain.
“It was obvious: in front of us lay a fairly skillful fake,” recalls Tsivilin. – Alas, our technical secret of fastening the head turned out to be inaccessible to someone. We asked to see the watch and then introduced ourselves. We were immediately invited into the office and offered coffee. When we left, “Komandirskie” was no longer in the window.
Fake for a KGB agent
“Stories with fakes are real detective novels,” continues Tsivilin. – When they started counterfeiting Chistopol watches in Europe, we had to open our own law firm there to fight the “competitors.”
But despite the efforts of the Russians, watches created by shockproof labor with a supposedly Chistopol brand, and designed with great imagination, continue to walk around the world. For example, in Western Europe watches were advertised as if they were made in Chistopol for KGB agents. On the dial, under the image of a shield and sword, it was written: “KGB of the USSR.” Presumably, the dial was luminous, so that the secret agent could light up with this watch even in the dark.
Against the storm
During the preparation for Operation Desert Storm, the Americans began to select watches that could work reliably in those conditions. At first glance, an hourglass would be best suited for the desert, but the US Department of Defense preferred Chistopol chronometers. The Americans were so impressed by the reliability and accuracy of the Komandirskie that all soldiers who participated in Operation Desert Storm were equipped with this watch. Initially, the contract included 10 thousand watches, but soon the Americans increased the order to 40 thousand. For the Americans, we made a new drawing: crossed sabers against the background of a palm tree and an American flag.
From “Komandirskie” to “Kremlinskie”
Several years ago, Chistopol residents collected the “wrong” watches and they were intended for the President of the Russian Federation! The fact is that Putin is left-handed and wears a watch on his right hand. Ordinary watches are designed for use on the left, and wearing them on the right is inconvenient due to the crown protruding on the “wrong” side. The Chistopol residents made a kind of mirror copy of the watch specifically for the President of Russia.
True, the plant still does not know whether their gift reached President Putin. The watch at the factory was presented to a fellow countryman who was to receive the Golden Star of the Hero of Russia in the Kremlin. He handed the watch to someone from the president’s entourage, but how the latter disposed of the unique watch remained a mystery.
It is always nice to receive awards and encouragement, especially well-deserved ones. A distinctive feature was the awarding of watches for outstanding actions and successes, and “Commander” watches were considered especially prestigious. The USSR has long since sunk into oblivion, but today's fans of this kind of attributes will never refuse such a pleasant and meaningful gift.
Gifts of this kind were one of many types to reward military personnel, and after some time they began to be called “Commander” watches. They could only be received by those military specialists who showed outstanding valor, boundless courage and bravery, that is, what ultimately influenced the positive outcome of the military operation.
Reward value
In those distant times, a serviceman who received the “Commander” watch of the USSR was considered an undeniable hero, and such an award was sometimes more honorable than a medal or order. It was almost impossible to buy original award watches, because the production was limited and strictly controlled, and the awarded heroes valued them madly. Therefore, the question of how much the USSR “Commander’s” watch costs has never been raised. It’s one thing to buy them for crazy money, but it’s another thing to explain to others where you got such a reward. Of course, in those harsh times there were craftsmen who, in one way or another, got themselves such watches, but these were isolated cases.
Today's realities make it possible to buy “Commander” watches of the USSR (price from 2 to 8 thousand rubles) in any store or from online shelves, and therefore they have completely lost their former material and, most importantly, cultural value.
Several years ago, a fairly well-known historian in his circles, Viktor Isaev, began his own and unbiased investigation into scams and fraud with various awards, and the Commander watches of the USSR were considered as a priority.
According to the collected data and surveys of direct participants of both one and the other side (seller-buyer), he found out that in the early 90s of the last century it was possible to get the most respectful award in writing at that time for three thousand dollars, and signed directly by the head of state. But the “Commander” watch (17 stones, USSR - original) already cost more than six thousand dollars. The value of such an award is obvious.
Among the general mass of this kind of “buyers” there were mainly high-ranking officials: deputies of the legislative assembly, directors and owners of the largest industrial enterprises and farmland, that is, people with high status, and therefore a solid income.
Naturally, in this case, the “Commander” watch of the USSR lost its significance as a cult and indisputable item, which was received for courage and valor, and the perfect and unique design became ordinary watches, but not a reward hard-won in battle. In any case, the customs of those times prove that the owner of such a unique award was considered a true patriot and hero, earning respect from one and all.
Our days
The current generation has no idea about the value of such an attribute as the “Commander” watch of the USSR, because you can buy “something like” literally at every step, and at extremely affordable prices. To have such a toy, it is not at all necessary to perform any heroic deeds, much less feats.
Nowadays, the production of such watches is carried out by the Vostok company, which bought the brand from the original source for mere pennies. This is not to say that the products produced by the plant are bad, but mass production still affected the quality. In the assortment you can see expensive “Komandirskie” waterproof watches (USSR analogue) and more affordable models without protection from shock and moisture.
The birth of traditions
The awarding of watches, not only “Commander’s” watches, but also ordinary registered mechanical ones, dates back to the distant 14th century (the era of the Middle Ages). In those days, traditions of this kind were purely interstate in nature, that is, various diplomats, merchants or traveling aristocrats gave such souvenirs to their foreign colleagues in order to quickly resolve a problem or initiate an important dialogue.
Europe
If we turn to the same history textbooks and archives of the State Treasury, we will see that in Medieval Europe, walkers were an extremely honorable gift worthy of kings. This attribute was often compared with the works of famous jewelry makers and outstanding blacksmiths who created their products from precious metals.
In addition to being a gift, watches at that time were an indispensable attribute of decoration in aristocratic houses. Naturally, such a copy cost a lot of money, and not everyone richer than that era could afford such a pleasure.
Russia
In the Russian Empire, personalized watches began to be awarded at the beginning of the 19th century. But then it was a narrow and not at all military phenomenon: only civil officials and high-ranking courtiers received them (usually as a gift).
The award ceremony always took place in the presence of the emperor, and the watches themselves were made by the only elite Russian brand at that time - “Pavel Bure”. The production was located in St. Petersburg and did not differ in variety - pocket watches inlaid with precious metals on a chain. The cover or dial of such masterpieces was decorated with the Russian coat of arms and the name of the future owner.
Military environment
The culture of awarding watches arose only at the beginning of the last century, and extended only to certain military units. For example, famous Siberian shooters could receive gold or silver walkers as a reward for excellent possession of small arms.
During the Civil War, the awarding of watches became widespread. They were received by Red Navy, cavalry and Red Army soldiers. At that time, there was simply no reward system, so many people were encouraged with this attribute. This was one of the most common forms of reward for soldiers, so the commander of any unit could easily take a watch out of his pocket and hand it to a particularly distinguished soldier right on the parade ground.
The White Guards also did not remain aloof from this kind of awards. The famous general Lavr Kornilov celebrated his subordinates for accurate shooting with a red personalized watch with engraving.
However, such a disorderly presentation and attitude towards awards in general played a very insidious role in history. The awards, carried out bypassing the main intermediary in the person of Moscow and all sorts of formalities, led to the fact that most of the watches were subsequently confiscated. For example, members lost their awards under the simple pretext of fighting the costs of the tsarist regime.
Since then, the official command, remembering the unsuccessful experience, strictly observed all formalities of rewards, and the reward ritual became gradual - thoughtful and organized. Only those fighters who truly deserved it began to receive such an important attribute, having repeatedly shown their valor, courage and bravery in difficult battles.
The Soviet watch industry was one of the most powerful in the world at one time. There were about 10 factories in the country producing high-quality and original products. At that time, a lot of modifications were produced on the market, differing in design and technical features.
Features and Benefits
Wristwatches from the USSR are different several features:
- Reliability. The assembly of mechanical structures was carried out strictly and in compliance with all rules. This made it possible to obtain not only beautiful, but durable products that can work in various conditions.
- Accuracy. Some of the most precise mechanisms distorted time by about 5 seconds per month. But there were relatively few low-quality systems. They often worked with an accuracy of about 5-20 seconds/day, depending on the modification and model.
- Functionality. Many mechanisms were equipped with a signal that measured certain time intervals. There were also watches with an alarm clock, which included electronic modifications.
- Unique design. Most watch movements are standard and do not differ much in appearance. But there are several rare models that are examples of style and beauty.
Models
Wristwatches from the USSR are still popular today. Some models are antiques and are very rare. You can find such antique watch movements only from collectors of such products.
The modern market is also saturated with these rare goods, distinguished by their originality and practicality.
Men's
The watches produced for men were quite varied in design and shape. Some of them were designed to be worn in extreme conditions, so they could withstand heavy loads. Such products were valued among officers, who received them as a reward for service. A distinctive feature of these products was the presence of various inscriptions.
In Soviet times, wristwatches with a coat of arms were popular, which was a sign of patriotism.
In every era there were Several popular men's watch movements:
- Navigation. This model was produced in 1949 and was intended only for the Air Force. It was difficult to find them on sale at that time. Today, the cost of such products can reach significant amounts.
- Commander's. Watches of this brand are among the most popular men's models. They went on sale in 1965. The design was distinguished by the presence of a shockproof, dust- and waterproof housing. The mechanisms were also supplemented with special night lighting.
Women's
The main manufacturer of Soviet women's watches at that time was considered Zarya plant. The first models were released in 1938. They were equipped with 15 stones, ensuring durability and reliability. After this, watches appeared on the market with 17 and 21 ruby stones. The most popular female models are the following brands:
- "Dawn";
- "Star";
- "Auror";
- "Ray";
- "Spring".
After 1965, the plant began to produce all watch movements under one name - "Dawn".
Materials
Soviet watches were practical, as they were made from high-quality materials. Most models were made of high-quality stainless steel, which could withstand significant physical stress.
There were also mechanisms made of bronze, distinguished by their originality and sophistication. But expensive models were plated with gold or silver.
Manufacturers at that time did not use precious stones to decorate cases. Mostly such products were intended for high-ranking officials or sold abroad.
Stamps
The watch market in Soviet times was oversaturated with various products, allowing you to choose them to suit every taste. It should be highlighted Several popular brands at that time:
- "Glory". These products were not distinguished by their unique design and high price, although they were equipped with a reliable clock mechanism. They are still produced today, but with a modified design.
- "Rocket". The designs were equipped with a standard clock mechanism and did not differ from their counterparts. Modern modifications are distinguished by the decorative design of the chronograph with mother-of-pearl and red crystals.
- "East". The watch manufacturer was the Chistopol plant, which equipped it with a dial of 24 divisions and a date indicator. Among the distinctive features of the mechanism are the presence of luminous hands and high precision.
- "Flight". These products were popular among scientists and cosmonauts (Yu. Gagarin took them with him). The product is distinguished by high precision and reliability of the mechanism.
- "Zarya". Designs of this type were distinguished by a thin body (Zarya-5). The watches were intended mainly for women. Today, brass and rhodium plating are used as the main material. Some models can withstand water pressure at depths of up to 30 meters. Another representative of the Penza plant is the “Spring” watch, which was popular among women.
- "Gull". The production of watches began back in 1937 under the name “Victory”. Over time, the design was improved, which improved not only the design, but also the technical characteristics. Today they are produced in two collections, among which we can highlight wrist and pocket modifications.
- "Ray". The manufacturer of these watches was the Minsk Watch Factory. The design of the products is very simple and will suit most users who are not looking for originality.
- "Amphibian". This model was released in 1967. A distinctive feature of this mechanism is the presence of a shockproof mechanism. Such watches could operate underwater at a depth of up to 200 meters, so they became popular among sailors and divers who used them to solve their problems.
They were especially popular watch "ZiF", which before the war were renamed "Star". Soviet manufacturers also produced many other brands, among which are:
- "Mayak", "Strela" (Polet plant);
- "Spartacus";
- "Molniya" (Slava plant);
- "Space";
- "Capital";
- "Second";
- 1945 classic automatic 143;
- "50 years of victory".
Price
The value of Soviet watches depends on many factors, such as the year of manufacture, the number of copies and decorative trim. Thus, one of the first mechanisms "Victory", "World" or "East" released back in the distant 1940s. Today you can buy it at prices ranging from 700 to 2000 rubles.
Some of them are very difficult to find. Popular women's watch "Luch" will cost connoisseurs no more than 400 rubles. Diving models are still popular today. Collectors purchase similar items for no more than 1,200 rubles.
Please note that some of these designs were produced only as an accessory and did not have high-quality protection against water.
Bright chrome watch "Electronics" today you can find it on the market for up to 800 rubles. Unique representative "Rocket 3031", equipped with 31 stones, will cost the connoisseur no more than 100 rubles.
The most expensive items were those decorated with gilding. Among such modifications, Kirov chronographs are considered the most valuable. They are distinguished by a unique design and cost about 2-3 thousand rubles on the modern market. Some Amphibian models are already valued at several thousand dollars. But all this depends on the specific characteristics of the product.
When buying Soviet watches you should pay attention to several factors:
- Design. The shape and size of the products should be selected in accordance with your taste and preferences.
- Availability and possibility of restoration. Please note that factories no longer produce watches of many brands. Therefore, there is no guarantee that if they break down they can be repaired and whether it will be economically profitable.
- Level of accuracy. Many modifications of Soviet products at that time were compared with the most expensive Swiss products. Therefore, if this factor is important to you, buy only certain watch models.