Varieties of the Vostok watch mechanism of the Soviet period and modern ones. “commander” watches of the USSR

Perhaps the most legendary watches from the times of the USSR are the “Komandirskie” watches, which were manufactured at the Chistopol plant back in 1965. Initially, since 1965, they were produced by order of the military leadership of the USSR. These were mainly award watches. Customers first of all demanded to achieve maximum shockproof and waterproof effect. They were not intended for general sale, and therefore they had a special neck. Then, in 1967, on the basis of the “Komandirskie” series, the “Amphibian” batch was initiated, which had a water resistance of 200 m.

By the end of the same year, they occasionally appeared on the shelves of Voentorg shops and were sold in the shortest possible time (2-3 hours) and were available to ordinary workers, because. their cost was equal to their usual "advance". In the 70s The military leadership ordered a modification of the square-shaped clock. This watch became part of the set dress uniform officers, and were also the best gift for officials.

That is why this watch case acquired the informal name “minister”. Then, in 1991, a large batch (40 thousand) was delivered to the United States to reward the American leadership of veterans of various military operations. Gradually, the quality of the plant’s products began to deteriorate significantly, and since the 90s. was complete failure. But already in the 21st century. The plant took measures to improve the mechanisms and reduce their cost, completely replacing the 22 gauge. More recently, in 2011, they demonstrated a new Russian combat uniform for the military “Ratnik”, with a specialized 6E4 watch integrated into it.

Since the 90s The plant began to produce new popular types of products. Following this, watches were also significantly modernized in design, appearance and quality. Production was no longer aimed primarily at aircraft, but at potential civilian consumers. Watches began to be produced in unreasonably “brutal” large cases. Almost all models have a bezel in the form of a ring scale to demonstrate the oxygen supply (which is noteworthy - even in non-waterproof models).

Quite a few tasteless models such as “Presidential” or “Admiral” appeared with an engraving of the branch of service. In general, the quality of production began to decline. The star moved to the upper area of ​​the dial, significantly growing in size, and the engraving changed. Here are the characteristic properties of real “Commander” watches produced in the USSR: 2234 caliber design; under the number 12 there is a capital inscription “Commander”; a red, small (about 3 millimeters) star under the six, and below it is the engraving “Chistopol”; in the lower section, in small letters in a semicircle, there is an engraving indicating that the watch was ordered by the Ministry of Defense of the Soviet Union; “stop-second”, which interrupts the movement of the second hand if the crown is pulled out, and restores the movement if it is pressed again (handy stopwatch function); luminous elements on the dial, hands (hour and minute); At first, these elements were radios, since the 80s - tritium, and in modern models - phosphor light storage devices. Appearance of numbers in different years release was modified.

Commander's watch

At first glance, Chistopol is an unremarkable town; thousands of them were scattered throughout Soviet Union. An ordinary regional center in Tatarstan, a pier on the Kama River, about 70 thousand inhabitants. And yet, the city of Chistopol was known in many parts of the world, on all continents globe. True, foreigners pronounced this word with great difficulty; they had to break their tongues quite a bit. It was especially hard for the Germans: “Tsshistopol!” - the burghers pronounced with difficulty, and then usually raised them up thumb and happily added “Commander!”

Yes, it was in Chistopol that the famous “Commander” watches were produced. These watches have been one of the most recognizable Soviet brands in the world since the mid-60s. The USSR knew how to produce the best spaceships And ballistic missiles, the Kalashnikov assault rifle was considered the best type in the world small arms, and the T-34 tank - best tank of all times, however, with consumer goods necessary for a person in Everyday life, there were problems, to put it mildly.

The history of the Chistopol watch factory "Vostok" (ChChZ) began during the Great Patriotic War, when the Second Moscow Watch Factory was evacuated from Moscow to the Kama River. During the war years, ChChZ produced watch movements for the needs of the front. Accuracy, reliability and reliability in the most difficult conditions - Chistopol watchmakers were guided by these principles during the war, and these same principles remained the main ones when ChChZ switched to producing civilian products. From the beginning of the 50s, Vostok watches gained popularity in the USSR, and in the early 60s, watches from Chistopol became known abroad - the precision Vostok watches were awarded the Big Gold Medal at the very prestigious International Leipzig Fair at that time. But real fame came to ChChZ after in 1965, the USSR Ministry of Defense ordered a batch of shockproof anchor watches with phosphorescent hands for senior commanders.

The development of the new watch was supervised by the Minister of Defense of the USSR Rodion Malinovsky himself. Such high attention placed a special responsibility on ChChZ workers. “We developed the watch under terrible time pressure,” Valentina Fedorovna Belova, head of the exterior design bureau of the Chistopol plant, recalled in an interview with the weekly Argumenty i Fakty. - 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. (They say that drawings of mechanisms used in military mines helped develop it.) Our group worked on the design of the body. 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.”

The “commander” watch immediately won the love and respect of the officers. Even senior leaders of the defense department, who could afford to wear expensive watches from the best Swiss companies, preferred Komandirskie watches. You could take this watch to the gym, fishing or hunting, or for exercises and not be afraid of damaging it in any way. The shock-proof properties of Komandirskie are such that previously, when checking authenticity, they were simply thrown with all their might into a wall or deliberately dropped on the floor. Sophisticated buyers knew that if these were real Komandirskie, they would pass such a brutal test without any problems. The fakes did not withstand such a test, they fell apart, and, as they say, that’s where they go. Even more unique properties had a special watch for submariners “Amphibian”, created at the Chistopol plant in 1967. “...10...7...5. The wheel of the car moves inexorably, meter by meter. People froze with bated breath. What will happen? ...Three...meters, and finally, what the people gathered here had been waiting for with such curiosity happened: the wheel of the Volga moved... the clock,” this is how the newspapers described the “running” tests of the Amphibia. “Komandirsky” also had to be in combat conditions. Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Angola - in the hot spots of the planet, the “Commander” watches also underwent severe tests along with their owners.

Like any other cult item, the “Commander” watch became an object of folklore. Here, for example, is one of the jokes: “The Commander watch is dust-proof, stone-proof, with a teeth-proof strap and a mortal strike. The clock has from 8 to 12 hands. Four show the time, the rest also show the time, but incorrectly, in order to confuse a potential enemy. The hands are coated with a special phosphorescent compound, thanks to which they glow in the dark; a potential enemy mistakes their owner for the Hound of the Baskervilles and dies on the spot from fear. They don’t relax for a second, they are always ready for battle. According to the UN convention, they are prohibited for use against civilians.”

In fact, the “civilian population” enjoyed using the “Komandirsky”; the watch from Chistopol was considered a truly “general’s” gift among civilians as well. IN Soviet time the watches were distributed through the Main Directorate of Trade of the USSR Ministry of Defense, and a simple civilian could only get “Komandirskie” watches if he had good connections among the military.

For a long time, “Commander” watches were produced with the same classic design - a massive case weighing about 100 grams made of brass or stainless steel, an image of a tank, a submarine (on the “Amphibian” watch) or simply the inscription “Commander” on the dial, a window with current date, leather or metal bracelet. Now the model range of “Commander” watches has expanded, the design of the dial has become more diverse. But the mechanical part of the watch remains unchanged - steel anchor wheels and forks, a support on 17 ruby ​​stones, watch springs made of special precision alloys, a shockproof device for the balance unit.

Abroad, the peak of popularity of “Commander” watches occurred in the second half of the 80s, after the start of perestroika, when everything Soviet became fashionable. “Soviet miracle - watches from Chistopol” - such an advertisement was displayed in the very center of New York. But Komandirskie were not just fashionable, but also a very high-quality product. The reliability of Chistopol watch movements was respected by watchmakers all over the world; it was not without reason that ChChZ supplied its mechanisms to German and Swiss companies. And in 1991, when the Americans were preparing for Operation Desert Storm, the Pentagon ordered ChChZ a batch of “Commander” watches with an image of the American flag on the dial. The Americans liked these watches so much that the initial order of 10 thousand was increased to 40 thousand.

The transition to market conditions turned out to be disastrous for watch factories former USSR. Watch production virtually collapsed. If in the early 80s 40–45 million watches of various types were produced in the Soviet Union, then in 1998 this figure dropped to two million. The former watch giants are eking out a miserable existence, some factories are barely staying afloat, and some have stopped production altogether. The once famous brands - “Slava”, “Chaika”, “Zarya” - are now forgotten.

All of the above does not apply to only one factory and one brand of watches - Chistopol Watch and “Komandirskie”. Popular trademark and skillful management of the leaders saved the enterprise from collapse. Today ChChZ is the only steadily operating watch factory on the territory of the former USSR. “Komandirskie” watches, as before, are recognized throughout the world; in the rating of consumer popularity of one of the most famous watch sites “Watch & Clock”, the “Komandirskie” brand takes fourth place, ahead of the famous Seiko and other famous brands. Times change, but the “Commander” watch, one of the symbols Soviet era, is still in service, because time has no power over true values.

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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, many modifications were produced on the market, differing in design and technical features.

Features and Benefits

Wristwatches from the USSR are different several features:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. Distinctive feature These products included 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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. Most popular female models brands are considered:

  • "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 gems for the design of buildings. 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:

  1. "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.
  2. "Rocket". The designs were equipped with a standard clock mechanism and did not differ from their counterparts. Modern modifications They are distinguished by the decorative design of the chronograph with mother-of-pearl and red crystals.
  3. "East". The watch manufacturer was the Chistopol plant, which equipped it with a 24 division dial and a date indicator. Among the distinctive features of the mechanism are the presence of luminous hands and high precision.
  4. "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.
  5. "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.
  6. "Gull". The production of watches began back in 1937 under the name “Victory”. Over time, the design was improved, which made it possible to improve not only the design, but also specifications. Today they are produced in two collections, among which are wrist and pocket modifications.
  7. "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.
  8. "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.

Buying soviet watch should pay attention to several factors:

  1. Design. The shape and size of the products should be selected in accordance with your taste and preferences.
  2. Availability and possibility of restoration. Please note that factories no longer produce many brands of watches. Therefore, there is no guarantee that if they break down they can be repaired and whether it will be economically profitable.
  3. 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.

A legend of the USSR watch industry, the “Commander” watch still rightfully remains one of the symbols of the bygone Soviet era. Soviet watches “Komandirskie” are one of the most successful brands in the domestic watch industry.


The history of the “Commander” watch began in 1965. The Chistopol Watch Factory received a state order from the USSR Ministry of Defense. It was ordered to produce a large batch of dust-proof, shock-proof watches, especially for command personnel.


Over time, in the USSR, perhaps, there was no more popular brand of mechanical wristwatches than Komandirskie. Their fame also spread beyond the country.


Incredible reliability of the mechanism, accuracy of time indications in any weather conditions, the ability to operate under heavy overloads and strong shock resistance, made the Soviet “Commander” watches attractive not only for people in harsh professions - the military, testers, polar explorers, but also for real watch connoisseurs.


Functional design, impeccable performance and undeniably special appearance“Commander” watches still attract consumers, allowing them to touch patriotic history.


And today the tradition from the USSR has been preserved of awarding “Commander” watches for special merits, on memorable dates and as a bonus.


The popularity of Soviet Commander watches has only grown since the collapse of the USSR.

The first “Commander Watches” in the USSR were made mainly of stainless steel or brass; today preference is given to modern alloy options, but brass is also traditionally present. For a long time, “Commander” watches were distinguished by a classic design, but over time, at the Vostok plant, they studied consumer demand and expanded the model range. Today you can buy “Commander watches” for every taste.


The first Soviet “Commander” watches were produced with a tank or submarine on the dial. Today we see guns, aircraft carriers, airplanes, parachutes and much more on it. Logos of all branches of the military are applied to the dials of “Commander” watches, which allows many owners to preserve the memory of their time in the army.


The main producers of the legendary “Commander” Soviet watches are the domestic watch factories “Vostok” and “Polyot”.


For convenience, the numbers on the “Commander” watch are in large font, and they glow in the dark along with the hands. Each model of the “Commander” watch has a window with the current date - this is another characteristic feature.


 Over many years of production and operation, the Soviet “Komandirskie” watches withstood severe tests with honor, accompanying their owners in various hot spots of the planet.


Victoria Maltseva

It is always nice to receive awards and encouragement, especially well-deserved ones. Distinctive feature there were awards for outstanding actions and successes with watches, 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 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 variability - pocket walkers, inlaid 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 times 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.

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