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Russian Watches 101
Updated 12 Jun 2009 by Editor, RussianWatchGuide.com New to Russian watches? This page is designed to get you up to speed fast. Here we've assembled links to a handful of the absolute best articles and discussions about Russian watches. Spend 15 minutes reading the information below and you'll quickly become informed on the topic of Russian watches. You'll get tips, advice and opinions from some of the most experienced Russian watch experts and collectors online. Russian Watch Roundtable at Poor Man's Watch Forum, 3 Dec 2007 (PDF file) This is the text of a "roundtable discussion" among four very knowledgeable Russian watch enthusiasts. The discussion touches on topics such as favorite Russian brands, experiences with online vendors, problems with Russian watches, fakes, and the future of Russian watches. It's fascinating reading and highly informative. Sample quote: "The most serious problem with Russian watches is getting them serviced outside of Russia. There are few, if any, US based service centers for Russian watches." Tips from a Russian Watch Expert: Interview with Mark Gordon, 10 Jun 2009 Mark Gordon is a leading Russian watch expert with a personal collection of more than 1,200 Russian watches. In this interview he discusses the top Russian brands, the quality of different movements, and offers tips for people considering buying their first Russian watch. Sample quote: "If you are new to Russian watches, my advice is don't buy on eBay unless you know the seller or the seller is recommended by someone who is experienced and knowledgeable." Soviet meets Swiss: Sturdy utilitarianism "inspired" design, International Herald Tribune, 27 Feb 2006 This beautifully written article walks through Russian watch history and shows us why Russian watches look and function the way they do. Sample quote: "Where the Swiss loved elegance and complexity, the Soviets from the very beginning went for utility and reliability." For more basic information about Russian watches, see our Russian Watch FAQ
I may be of some help here. My native language is one of Slavic, though I do not speak Russian, so I understand what is the problem here - at least in one instance. To start with - "KLG" is actually "KGB"! "L" turned upside-down is "G" (capital letter) in any Slavic language, in Cyrillic (it is Slavic letter). "G" in "KLG" is more likely similar to "6", and it is actually letter "B" in Cyrillic. "K" is the same (although the styles are different) in Cyrillic and English. So, where it seems to be written "KLG" (with "L" turned upside-down) you can BE SURE it is "KGB"! Right now I am looking at one such watch on one web page. Past few hours I was investigating Russian watches on Internet, so I spent some time at www.vostok-watches.com (actually, I started from there) to find out whatever I can. It is the web site of the authorized watch dealer for Europe for top Russian watch brands. The company is located in Germany. On the left side of the page you will find a list of brand names and amongst them is "Vostok". There is also, on top of the list, "Vostok Europe" but I am relating to "Vostok" in this "KGB" "story". One of the production names inside Vostok brand is called "Komandirskie". You take this path to come to a particular model under that name, the very one under consideration here ("KGB"): Home -› VOSTOK -› Komandirskie -› Komandirskie Automatic KA 921945. That is the watch I am looking at right now! It was the watch made a present (a gift) to KGB officers!
"Komandirskie" means "Of Commanders" or more likely ("For Commanders" - commanders as high ranked officers in charge in army, police, and alike formations. Vostok was formed secretly under direct order of Stalin for the sole purpose of producing watches which were to be given as gifts to those commanders, for their good service and to distinct them from the rest of the population. Those watches were not produced to be sold to, or to be owned by, ordinary people. That is how it all started. That story I found somewhere on that web site. So, in the group "Komandirskie" you will find various watches which were designed to be associated by their very appearance to particular military (probably also police, secret service, etc.) force, or profession. Those can be easily distinguished once you know what are you looking for. As far as now, that's all I can say - I am still learning myself. how do i find out what kind of watch i have the markings are KLG CCCP I pick up a Russian pilot watch with one parachute and two what looks like Migs and a red star at 12 o'clock. The watch has a red second sweeper and date at 3 o'clock and is 31 jewels movement.It also winds automatic when you move your wrist.It has a blue background. i bought a russian watch from a thrift store in Ajax, Ontario, canada it's got a white face with a triangular russian flag on it.I believe it says our home russia(in russian) and some smaller writing as well whice I can't translate. It's a wind up watch with a tach meter and in the back of the watch it's stamped 23 jewels 3133 if anyone know's about this watch can they please email me at reign-sainth@hotmail.com thanx I found what appears to be a Russian wind-up wrist watch but can't find out anything about it -the name appears to be "poccuuckomy" is as close as i can type . The 2nd u has a punc. mark . Also there is a 3 masted ship in gold and crossed flags the left is white with a blue X on it ; the other has white ,blue , and red stripes.In between the flags it has "300" below that what appears to be "Aem" If anyone can can help me out please reply to "vtownterryob@msn.com". the back is engraved with a stlyized sunburst with a seagull on the left and the is a banner on bottem that has a lot of letters I never knew existed. thank you very much I recovered an old Vostok Amphibian that I bought in Germany in the 1990s. It has a white face with an Olive Drab shield, an a red/gold outline star with the hammer/sickle in the middle. I have been unable to find one anywhere on the web. Any thoughts? Help?
Many Thanks! I have a Russian watch that has a red star, white, blue and red flag on the face and on the back what looks to be a sunrise with a big on the left side. The watch looks to be gold around the face. The word on the face of the watch is Kau........can anyone tell me something about this watch? the name of the watch appears to be KLG but as it states below the L and g are upside down but it does have a hammer and sickle on the face of it as well. THE L AND THE g ARE UPSIDE DOWN and the words on the back of the watch have a bunch of letters that dont look like english letters at all but its not chinese either so I dont know how to check it out. Sven - It's likely Molnija but you might want to try to identify from pictures at this vintage site:
http://www.ussrtime.com/
Hello:
Found a pocket watch buried in the sand of a Cuban beach. Encrusted with sand but writing visible thru the glass.
Cannot under stand the writing but am sure that it is Russian. Has big dial for minutes and small dial divided in 3's to total 30. Can anyone give me help in identifying?
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