Russian Watch Guide Logo

Basic info
Russian Watch FAQ
Why Buy a Russian Watch
Where to Buy
Buying Tips
Buying on eBay
Avoiding Counterfeits
Repair Info

Photos and Videos
Videos

Articles and Reviews
Russian Watches 101
History of Russian Watches
Vostok 100 Series
Vostok Amphibia
Vostok Century Time
Raketa 24 Hour
Rekord Standard
Aviator 26669
Aviator 45mm
Moscow Classic 3603
Invicta Russian Diver
Zlatoust Vodolaz Diver
Vostok-Europe Interview
Russian Wristwatches Book
Expert Tips: Mark Gordon
Movement Codes
Vintage Watches

Brand info
Aviator
Buran
Chaika
Denissov
Luch
Maktime
Moscow Classic
Molnija
Nika
Orion
Poljot
Raketa
Rekord
RChZ
Right Move
Slava
Sturmanskie
Tsedro
Volmax
Vostok
Vostok-Europe
Zolotoe Vremya

More resources
Water Resistance Guide
Watch Glossary

Movement Codes Explained
Updated 20 Jan 2009 by Editor, RussianWatchGuide.com



Coding System is a Remnant of the Old USSR

The movement codes used by Russian watch manufacturers were originally developed as a standardized system of codes set up in the USSR in the 1960s.

New codes are added as needed, but not all new, modern codes conform to the original standard.

Deciphering the Code (It's Not that Difficult)

The movement code describes the size and functions of the movement.

The first two digits of the code are the diameter of the movement in millimeters. The last two digits are a code that describes the features of the movement. (Sometimes the second part of the code has more than two digits.)

To completely decipher the code you will need a chart to match the two-digit code to a description of its functions. For that we refer you to the following chart at Russian Times. Russian Times also has good historical and technical information that is useful for collectors of vintage Russian watches.

Example: Let's look at the Raketa 2459. The "24" indicates that the movement is 24 millimeters in diameter. The "59" means that it is a quartz movement with a sweep second hand and a center moon phase function (this information comes from the chart).

The code is not unique to any particular manufacturer and watches from different brands may have the same code. This would indicate that the two movements are the same size and have the same functions. It does not mean that they are identical.







About this site | Privacy policy and Disclaimer - [email protected]

Copyright © 2007-2015 RussianWatchGuide.com. All rights reserved.