Wrist watches made in the USSR. History of all watch factories in the USSR. The heyday of the watch industry of the ussr

Everything related to time was of particular importance in the USSR. In particular, a good watch on the wrist was made of an ordinary engineer or doctor an object worthy of female attention.
They all had approximately the same clothes, their hairstyles were within the acceptable standard, the salary was within the acceptable tariff rate. And some "Ray", "Raketa" or "Electronics" talked about financial opportunities and character traits ...

After the Great October Revolution, the Bolsheviks inherited a very meager "legacy" in the sphere of watchmaking. Until 1919, the Watch Agency, which was structural unit The Supreme Council of the National Economy (VSNKh), oversaw the conduct of watchmaking in the country.
Subsequently, in 1920, on the basis of the Agency, the Main Directorate of Precision Mechanics was created, which united former factories Platov and Reinova for production wall clock(which turned out to be stopped at that moment), the former workshops of G. Moser, as well as the preserved stock warehouses and handicraft workshops.


In an attempt to establish their own production, Soviet diplomats are in vain negotiations with Swiss developers. And only in 1929, the purchase of two bankrupt American watch companies made it possible to open their own Soviet factories specializing in the production of wall and wrist clocks.
Thus, the repurchased enterprises become the basis for the creation of the 1st and 2nd State Watch Factories, which began to work in Moscow already in the 1930s. And the "First State Factory of Precise Technical Stones" (TTK-1), created in Peterhof on the basis of a stone-cutting factory in 1931, starts producing stones directly for the watch industry. As a result, the 1st Watch Factory soon produces wrist and pocket watches, and the 2nd Watch Factory - alarm clocks and electric watches for enterprises.


In 1936, the Soviet government entered into a deal with the French watch company "Lip" for the purchase of watch movements and parts, and then production technological lines, and in December 1938, a product of international cooperation, a women's wrist watch of the "ZIF" brand, appeared on sale. They were made at the 3rd State Clock Plant, and on the eve of the war all models of watches produced here received a new name "Star".

There are a lot of pocket watches of those years, converted into wristwatches. Those who wished brought pocket watches (or just money) to watch repair shops all over the country, the masters welded the bows to the pocket cases. In the same place, wrist cases were made to order, sometimes from silver and gold, the workshops also made dials - as a result, the watches turned out to be quite similar to the factory ones.

With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War connected with the creation of another famous Soviet watch factory "Chistopol", opened in the Republic of Tatarstan on an emergency basis. Since the summer of 1942, this plant has been actively working to meet the needs of the military industry, and later became one of the leading factories in the USSR, producing watches of the brands "Pobeda", "Mir", "Vostok", "Cosmos", as well as automobile and street watch.
And since 1965, Chistopol has become the official supplier of watches for the USSR Ministry of Defense. The plant existed until 2010, but was subsequently declared bankrupt, and the watch production was transferred to the subsidiaries of Chistopol.


A month before the hoisting of the Victory flag over the Reichstag, in April 1945, the watchmakers were assigned a special mission: preparations began for the release of the new K-26 Pobeda watch. Serial production of "Victory" began in 1946. The name, design and technical data of the watch were personally approved by I.V. Stalin, and they were produced until 1953.

In 1949, especially for the Air Force, the production of Shturmanskie watches was mastered, which were not commercially available. On April 12, 1961, this watch went into space.



Each era chooses its own iconic watch models. In the early 60s, they were "Shturmanskie-Gagarin", and then the cult "Arrow", which was worn on the arm of the cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, going into outer space. This fact was of great importance during the Cold War and rivalry with the West. Say, not your "Omega" has been in space, but our "Arrow", produced by the First Watch Factory.
Arrows of this kind were produced only for the command staff of the Air Force. They were attached to the sleeve of the spacesuit. The movement was equipped with a stopwatch and a 45-minute chronograph counter.

By the way, for those who do not know what the number of stones means (in this case 23 stones), and what they are for. In childhood, when asked about pebbles in watches, adults usually joked that the watch allegedly lacked a couple of stones. Put on one, and slam the other.

In fact, the number of stones indicated the number of ruby ​​stones that were used as plain bearings on the pinions of the gears.
All parts of the watch are in motion. And if there was metal there, it would quickly wear off. And the ruby ​​has not been erased for centuries. The more stones, the greater the durability of the watch movement. Because ruby ​​stones do not wear out by themselves and hardly wear out the pinion axle. Good and reliable mechanisms were made on 30 stones.

The most popular gift for women! Luch clock. Many have probably stayed and still work.


The largest wristwatch that I have seen is our Soviet diving watch.


A little about modern replica diving watches. In the post-perestroika period, the Chelyabinsk Watch Factory produced many souvenir watches made in the same case and design as the ZChZ underwater watch. However, the technology was violated - instead of steel, they used chrome-plated brass, and they completely forgot about water protection. As a result, such remakes leak, break, the coating peels off.
It is possible that these watches are still being made, because there are still a lot of them on sale. Literally every shop on the Arbat is replete with “Soviet underwater clocks,” which in fact are nothing more than a dummy. Due to its low price, such watches are popular among tourists, and they even began to make them with a chronograph and an alarm clock (you had to think of this, and how would a diver hear it ???). The watch is often accompanied by a new set of documents dated 1970-1980.


The main achievement of the 70s is the electronic watch of the "Electronics" brand. They shone, squeaked and amazed everyone with their modern chrome design. From that moment on, everyone was chasing just such, alluring with their graphic numbers.





Watches for children were also produced.
Most popular with a fox.


USSR watches for children and youth.


Steel watches are more expensive than gold ones ?! Raketa 3031. Stainless steel case, inside a mechanism on 33 stones with functions of a double calendar, self-winding and alarm clock! The watch was sold for 150 rubles. Only ... they weren't for sale. There were no people willing to buy a steel watch for that kind of money - gold watches were cheaper, and you could buy an ordinary Rocket for change. And gold ones are always cooler! ..




Gold watches were also produced in the USSR.


Leonid Brezhnev wore a gold watch "Raketa", the design of which was developed in the 60s.
(Unlike modern leaders - my point)



Today, many watches released in the Soviet years attract the attention of collectors, as well as ordinary lovers of stylish and elegant things. For example, the watch “70 years of the KGB of Belarus” was sold at the Gelos auction for a tidy sum.




Of course, many will have a question: "What are the most expensive wrist watches produced in the USSR"?
One of the most expensive watches is the post-war Kirov Chrones. Very beautiful.


Very rare super thin Flight. If it pops up where, then the cost will be sky-high.
(Rummage in your bottom section)

Before the revolution of 1917, the watch industry was well developed in tsarist Russia. Its main feature was that it was mainly assembly production from foreign parts. The watch movements were produced in Switzerland, Germany and France, and then supplied to Russia. The largest watch traders and manufacturers in Russia - Trading houses of Pavel Bure, Heinrich Moser and Victor Gabu, had plans to open full-fledged production facilities in our country. However, the 1917 revolution and the devastation that followed did not allow them to be realized.

The new Soviet government nationalized all enterprises and property of watch firms. On their basis, as well as at the expense of smaller private enterprises, the Clock Agency was formed as part of the Supreme Council of the National Economy (VSNKh). In 1920, it was transformed into Gostrest Tochmeh (State Trust of Precision Mechanics). However, the authority of the pre-revolutionary brands was so great that even in the 1920s, the nationalized Moser factory continued to produce watches under this brand. Famous poet V.V. Mayakovsky commissioned by GUM created several advertising slogans and posters dedicated to Moser's watches:

A man with only a watch.
Only Moser's clock.
Moser is only at Gum's.
…

Most business-like,
neat most,
in Guma get
Moser watches.

By the mid-1920s, the stocks of parts and mechanisms seized from the previous owners ran out. Components for watches, which were in dire need of the Soviet industry, had to be bought for gold abroad.

The first watch factories

In 1927, it was decided to create its own watch industry. Negotiations with leading manufacturers in Europe ended in vain. Only in 1929 was it possible to acquire equipment from two bankrupt factories in the United States.

The equipment of the Duber Hempton factory was intended for the production of pocket and wristwatches. On its basis, in September 1930, began work in Moscow 1st State Watch Factory... On the equipment of the Ansonia plant in 1931, also in Moscow, 2nd State sentry the factory began production of alarm clocks, wall clocks and electric clock systems. Since that time, the rise of the watch industry of the USSR begins.

Watch "Made in the USSR"

The production of watches in the USSR overcame the difficulties of the 30s, withstood the most difficult conditions of the Great Patriotic War, the post-war devastation.

Watchmaking 1940s - 1970s

By the middle of the 20th century, the country had its own full-cycle production, in many respects not inferior to foreign counterparts. The number of watch factories grew, production capacities increased. The priority task was to provide the industry with clocks, so the shortage of hours for the needs of the population was eliminated only in the 60s.

It should also be noted that despite the efforts made, the country could not do without foreign watch technologies. The world's leading manufacturers refused to cooperate with the USSR. A great success was the agreement concluded in 1936 with the French watch company "LIP" on the purchase of equipment and technologies for the production of several types of mechanisms (calibers) for 3rd State Watch Factory (ZIF) in Penza.

Clock "Victory". Post-war revival symbol

The most famous and very successful Soviet clock "Victory", approved for release personally by Stalin and produced from 1946 to 2002, were based precisely on the LIP K-26 caliber.

In the book of V.G. Bogdanov dedicated to the watch factory "Slava", there is an interesting story of the appearance of the watch "Victory", based on the personal memories of its participants:

“In the second half of the 1940s, a minister, who was subordinate to the watch industry and the director of one of the Moscow watch factories, was summoned to the Kremlin to see Stalin. We didn't stay long at the reception. We entered the office to "myself". In addition to Stalin, Kaganovich and Beria were there. Without preamble, Stalin opened a desk drawer, took out his wristwatch and, showing it to the minister and director, said:“There is an opinion of the Politburo that the Victorious People need a watch. We suggest you master this sample in production and name them "Victory", in honor of the Victory over Germany. How long do you need to master? Is a year enough? "

“Enough,” the minister answered quickly. It was not customary to debate in this office.Going out into the street, the director pounced on the minister:“What are you? What year? We won't master them even in three! "We returned to the reception area. "Comrade General," the minister addressed to Stalin's secretary, Poskrebyshev. “We conferred here and think that we will not be able to handle the clock in a year. What will you advise us? " “Shoot yourself,” the general replied curtly.

A year has passed. Beria invites K.M. Britsko, Deputy Minister of Industry in charge of the watch industry. "Made?" - asks Beria. “We did it, Lavrenty Pavlovich,” answers Konstantin Mikhailovich. "Let's". Taking a watch in his hands, Beria twisted it in his hands for a long time, put it to his ear and suddenly threw it against the wall. A cold trickle of sweat ran down Konstantin Mikhailovich's back. He lifted his watch and leaned it to his ear. “They are walking, Lavrenty Pavlovich,” he said. "That's it," Beria replied. ".

In 1945, on the personal order of Beria, at the same 2nd State Watch Factory, they began to master the production of watches " Firework"... The watch was based on the model of the Swiss company "Kartebor" (" Cortebert "), which happened to be with Beria and really liked him. It took a long time to master the clock on the existing equipment. It was possible to establish production only in 1949, but the resulting model was unsuccessful and after a few years its production was discontinued.

It can be ironically noted that Stalin's watch turned out to be much more successful than Beria's.

After the war, obtaining new foreign equipment was still very difficult. Soviet specialists had to solve complex problems of creating technologies for producing new watches on the equipment that was available. We have seen an example of the formulation of such a task by the country's leadership above. Nevertheless, the engineers managed to establish mass production of watches at a very limited resources... Some series of watches were even produced on watch movements captured in Germany. Gradually, by the 1960s, the USSR mastered the production of domestic watch equipment. Also, the independent development of their own watch movements begins, among which there were very successful models. However, in the future, foreign calibers were often adapted in the USSR, setting up their production on their own equipment.

If you have a watch made before about the mid-20th century, be sure to read the information at the end of the article.

The heyday of the watch industry in the USSR

By the early 1980s, the Soviet watch industry reached its maximum development. that produced famous watch brands: “ Flight" , « Rocket" , « East" , « Gull" , « Commanding " , « Lightning" other. In addition, household clocks were produced as additional products at some instrument-making factories. Up to 70 million watches for various purposes were produced per year.

About 15-20 million hours were exported. The peculiarity of the export of the USSR was that much more attention was paid to the quality of products intended for foreign markets than to the same goods inside the country. Soviet watches exported abroad did not stand out for their advanced design or rich decoration. However, they were well assembled, reliable and relatively cheap. In many countries, watches with the " Made in USSR" enjoyed great success.

The watch industry was characterized by all the features caused by the planned economy of the USSR. The quality of the same watch models varied in different factories. For this reason, watches in export performance were in great demand within the country. Also highly appreciated were the closed from sale series of watches, mainly intended for the army, where there were very strict technical requirements and acceptance standards. Little attention was paid to design; only gold was used from precious metals in the manufacture of watches. There were practically no clocks adorned with precious stones. The lack of competition and real struggle for the consumer limited the introduction of new models. Isolation from the world's leading equipment manufacturers hampered the introduction of new technologies.

Unfortunately, after 1990, when large-scale changes began to take place in the country, the once powerful watch industry fell into decay. Watch factories located in Russia have almost completely ceased their activities, well-known trade marks acquired new owners.

Attention! If you have an old watch, produced before about 1950 in the USSR or abroad, we advise you to pay attention to the hands, numbers and the dial itself. If they glow or you have suspicions that they may have been painted with glowing paint, we recommend that you measure their background radiation with the appropriate specialists. The fact is that radium was used to obtain paint glowing in the dark at the beginning of the 20th century. Such watches have radioactive properties and it is especially dangerous for paint particles to enter the human body.

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. A lot of modifications were released on the market at that time, 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 the rules. This made it possible to obtain not only beautiful, but durable products capable of working in various conditions.
2. Accuracy. Some of the most accurate mechanisms skewed time by about 5 seconds a 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, to which electronic modifications can be attributed.
4. Unique design. Most of the 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 times of the USSR are still popular today. Some of the models are antiques and very rare. You can find such old watch movements only from collectors of such items.

The modern market is also saturated with these rare goods, which are distinguished by originality and practicality.

Mens

The watches produced for men were quite diverse in design and shape. Some of them were designed to be worn in extreme conditions, so they withstand heavy loads. Such products were appreciated by representatives of the officer corps, who received them as a reward for service. A distinctive feature of these products was the presence of various inscriptions.

V Soviet time wrist watches 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 for the Air Force only. It was difficult to find them on the free market at that time. Today, the cost of such products can reach significant sums.
2. Commanding. Watches of this brand are one of the most popular men's models. They went on sale in 1965. The design was distinguished by the presence of a shockproof, dustproof and waterproof case. Also, the mechanisms were supplemented with special night illumination.

Womens

The main manufacturer of Soviet women's watches at that time was considered plant "Zarya"... The first models were released in 1938. They were equipped with 15 stones, which ensure durability and reliability. After that, watches with 17 and 21 ruby ​​stones appeared on the market. The most popular female models are brands:

• Zarya;
• "Star";
• "Aurora";
• "Ray";
• "Spring".

After 1965, the plant began to produce all watch movements under one name - Zarya.

Materials (edit)

Soviet watches were notable for their practicality, as they were made of high quality materials. Most of the models were made of high quality stainless steel, which could withstand significant physical exertion.

There were also mechanisms made of bronze, distinguished by originality and sophistication. But expensive models were covered with gold or silver.

Manufacturers at that time did not use precious stones to decorate their cases. Most of these products were intended for dignitaries or sold abroad.

Stamps

The watch market in Soviet times was oversaturated with various products, allowing you to choose them for every taste. It should be highlighted several brands popular at that time:

1. "Glory"... These products did not have a unique design and high price, although they were equipped with a reliable watch movement. Produced to this day, but with a modified design.
2. "Rocket". The designs were equipped with a standard movement 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.
3. "East". The watch manufacturer was the Chistopol plant, which equipped them with a 24-division dial and a date indicator. Among the distinctive features of the mechanism, one can also highlight the presence of luminous hands and high accuracy.
4. "Flight". These products were popular with researchers, cosmonauts (Yu. Gagarin took them with him). The products are 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 plated are used as the main material. Some models can withstand water pressure up to 30 meters. Another representative of the Penza plant is the "Spring" watch, which was popular with women.
6. "Gull". The watch was launched 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 work under water at a depth of up to 200 meters, so they became popular among sailors and divers who used them to solve their problems.

Particularly popular were watch "ZIF", which before the war were renamed "Star". Also, Soviet manufacturers produced many other brands, among which are:

• Mayak, Strela (Polet plant);
• "Spartacus";
• Molniya (Slava plant);
• "Space";
• "Capital";
• "Second";
• 1945 classic submachine gun 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 the decorative finish. So, one of the first mechanisms "Victory", "Peace" or "East" released back in the distant 1940s. Today it can be purchased at a price of 700 to 2000 rubles.

Some of them are very difficult to find. Popular women watch "Luch" connoisseurs will cost no more than 400 rubles. Diving models are still popular today. Collectors purchase similar items for no more than 1200 rubles.

Please note that some of these structures were produced only as an accessory and did not have high-quality protection against water exposure.

Bright chrome plated clock "Electronics" today can be found on the market for up to 800 rubles. Unique representative "Raketa 3031", equipped with 31 stones, will cost the connoisseur no more than 100 rubles.

The most expensive were items decorated with gilding. Among such modifications, the Kirov chronographs are considered the most valuable. They have a unique design and stand on modern market about 2-3 thousand rubles. Some Amphibian models are already priced at several thousand dollars. But it all depends on the specific characteristics of the product.

Buying a Soviet watch should pay attention to several factors:

1. Design. The shape and size of the products should be selected according to your taste and preferences.
2. Availability and possibility of restoration. Please note that now 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 viable.
3. Accuracy level. 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.

The production of watches was excellently established in the Soviet Union, about 10 factories were productively operating throughout the country, which produced more than 100 watch brands. The manufactories produced precise movements that were not inferior to the Swiss ones, while having an excellent well-thought-out design. Today, when the watch industry in the post-Soviet space is practically destroyed, Soviet watches are a rarity and their price is more than one hundred dollars.

This is the brainchild of the oldest in Russia Petrodvorets watch factory. Today I will also build this plant, and in the days of the USSR it was one of the largest watch factories, and exported its products to more than 30 countries. The plant produces a variety of models, including automatic, with a calendar, with various scales for professionals and even watches for the blind. Leonid Brezhnev wore one of the Rocket models of this plant, made of gold. A modern analogue of this famous model RAKETA W-15-50-10-0009 Ballerina 009. The watch is made of stainless steel with gold plating and has a size of 30.5 x 9mm. The quartz movement Quartz 763 is installed inside the watch, and the water resistance of the case is 50 meters.

The history of the First Moscow Watch Factory is more than 80 years old and the models of this manufacturer have not lost the glory of high-precision and reliable watches. The flight actively collaborated with aviation and the navy, as well as for scientific expeditions and in rocket and space activities. Since 1940, Poljot watches have become a regular accessory for officers of the Soviet Army. Flight Watch was in space with Yuri Gagarin. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the formation of Russia, the factory did not disintegrate and since 1992 it has been an award-winning watch brand. Poljot watches for export are produced under the Sekonda de Luxe brand.

Watches of this brand originate from 1935, when the decision of the USSR government was to organize the production of women's watches on the basis of the Frunze watch factory in Penza, while it was decided to use the in-line assembly method. The mechanism of the new Zarya watch was half the size of the mechanism of the Zvezda watch produced at this factory before the production renewal. The thinnest women's watch that women wore on their wrist was the Zarya-5 watch. Today the factory produces watches and Zarya Solo is popular. This is a sleek and sophisticated watch with balance wheel protection. The watch case is made of rhodium-plated brass. The movement 1509В.1 is installed inside the watch, which operates on 17 jewels and has a power reserve of 40 hours. The watch case is water-resistant up to 30 meters.

The first watches appeared at the plant in Uglich in 1937, and the first watches were assembled from parts of the Penza watch plant, and this watch was called Pobeda. Only after some time did he set up the production of his own women's wrist watches Chaika, which were in great demand both in the USSR and abroad. The watch even received a gold medal at the Leipzig exhibition international fair... Today this plant offers two collections: Classic Collection and Art Collection. The first consists of classic wristwatches, pocket watches, pendant watches and signet rings. The latter are used in the design and decoration of watches. folk motives, painting, enamel, semi-precious and semi-precious stones.

These watches are produced at the Second Moscow Watch Factory and were one of the most popular in the 70-80s. The plant was founded in 1924 and initially produced walkers, street electric clocks and alarm clocks. And since the 50s, the production of electronic-mechanical watches has been launched. Today Slava watches also do not lose popularity and are almost always among the leaders in terms of sales. One of the latest models of the manufactory is the watch Derzhava D034-54-2824 with a mechanism produced in-house by the Slava 2824 company. The watch case of this model is made of silver and has a diameter of 39 mm, and the dial is covered with a sapphire crystal.

These watches were produced at the Minsk watch factory. In the 60s, every intellectual dreamed of getting a Luch watch on his wrist. The Minsk Watch Factory is the ancestor of the watch industry in Belarus. Watches were produced High Quality and in 1974 were awarded a gold medal at the Leipzig Fair, specifically the women's watch Luch-1816 with automatic winding and date indication. Today, the super-flat men's watch Luch with a movement of 2209 and a 39mm diameter case, made of stainless steel and plated with gold, released in the USSR, is a desirable exhibit for collectors.

At first, there were no good watch factories in the Soviet Union. All the owners of watch factories left the country after the revolution, so it took a long time to establish the production of high-quality chronographs. Diplomats negotiated with Swiss factories, but only the purchase of two bankrupt watch factories in the United States in 1929 helped to solve the problem. After that, watch factories appeared in the USSR.

In the 1930s, there were two watch factories in Moscow, they were called Plants of Precise Technical Stones, or TTK. TTK-1 was also engaged in the production of stones for the watch industry, and TTK-2 made electric clocks for the industry and alarm clocks.

During the Great Patriotic War, watches were of the first importance for supporting combat operations. In Tatarstan, a watch factory "Chistopol" was opened on an emergency basis, which made watches especially for the military.

After the victory over Germany, the watch industry received special attention. Special mechanical watches K-26 "Victory". The first watch models, including "Victory", were personally approved by Stalin. For Pobeda, he reviewed and approved the design and specifications.

Anniversary watch

After the successful experience of producing watches dedicated to the victory in the war, Soviet watch factories began to make special watches after a variety of events. For example, very famous models on the space theme, such as "Shturmanskie-Gagarin", made in honor of the first flight into space, "Strela" - these watches were on the wrist of Alexei Leonov and withstood being in outer space. Highly good reputation at Poljot watches, which were made especially for pilots.

Certain watch models were produced in a strictly limited edition: "Strela" was produced only for the command personnel of the Soviet flight forces.

Mechanism features

The so-called Soviet diving watch is popular nowadays. Watches are made in violation of technology, so they break under water. Sometimes modern products are even supplied with a fake registration certificate of 70-80 g.

The quality was based on special technologies. For example, journal bearings, which are usually made of metal and therefore wear out quickly, were made using rubies in Soviet watches. The stones are practically not erased, therefore such watches are distinguished by a special longevity. The more rubies there were in the watch mechanism, the longer it worked. Some of the older clocks still run fine. The highest quality mechanisms consisted of up to 30 rubies.