Best manufacturers of Russian watches

Fans of Swiss quality know firsthand about the prices of imported watches and accessories from abroad. But even among them today you can meet people who prefer the domestic manufacturer. And although the times of the USSR have long since sunk into oblivion, many manufacturers of Russian watches have not lost their former glory. So who are they - manufacturers of watches in Russia? We suggest you familiarize yourself with the best "stars" among domestic companies.

A few words about the history of Russian watch production

Not so long ago the domestic chasoprom boasted recognition of the whole world. At that time Soviet accessories were popular not only within the USSR, but also far beyond its borders. The Russian watch at that time was spoken of as beautiful, reliable and precise accessories, many of which were perfectly preserved to this day. After the collapse of the Union, domestic producers not only reduced their output, but also, having experienced certain financial difficulties, had to close down.

Despite this, many wrist watches by Russian manufacturers went down in history as the very first accessories that survived a flight into space. Thus, the "Watchtower" watches distinctly flaunted on the wrist of the first Soviet cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, in 1961. A few years later, an accessory under the well-known name "Arrow" easily "brightened up the loneliness" of another cosmonaut - Alexei Leonov.

Hours of domestic production: our days

Today, the production of Russian watches is not of the original scale, but still able to compete with famous foreign brands and models of accessories. At the moment, the following manufacturers of Russian watches are known:

• "East".
• "Flight".
• "Rocket".
• "Gull".
• "Lightning" and others.

About what manufacturers of Russian watches are, we will tell further.

"East is a delicate matter

One of the most famous manufacturers of domestic wrist watches is the city-forming enterprise "Vostok", located in Tatarstan, Chistopol. It was founded in 1941 and exactly one year later it started serial production of military watches . Initially, the establishment of the plant had one goal - to supply soldiers at the front with such accessories.

However, closer to 1943, the company's management decided to start production of more "peaceful" products, designed for ordinary citizens who are not related to military affairs. As a result, the conveyor line for the production of male accessories under the patriotic name "Victory" was opened and production of a car watch with a dial glowing in the dark - "Volga" and "ZiM" - was established. Later, the legendary brands Amphibia and Vostok appeared. These watches of Russian manufacturers are still appreciated by collectors and fans of the post-Soviet period.

In 2010, the plant itself was declared bankrupt. However, the production of watch production "East" was simply transferred to the shoulders of several small companies working with the brand to this day.

The first watch factory "Polet" in Moscow

"Flight" is an enterprise that was one of the first to create a wrist watch in Russia. It was opened in 1930. Since that time, a lot of accessories have been released through the efforts of the working staff, among which you can name the following:

• "Moscow" and "Mayak".
• "The navigators."
• "Motherland".
• "Sports".
• "Ocean" and others.

"Flight" and "East" are the best Russian watch manufacturers. Their rating is still high. However, the fate of enterprises leaves much to be desired. So, the legendary "Flight" sold part of its production lines to representatives of the Chistopol Watch Factory in 2002, and then he lost his rights to his main brand. Back in 2006, he bought out an enterprising businessman Sergei Pugachev, and then did not promote and do anything with it.

In addition, almost all the equipment was transferred to the ownership of the organizations "McTaym" and "Flight-Chronos". And although there is no such plant today, the popular brands of the enterprise continue to be produced by other subsidiaries, albeit in a very limited number.

The oldest enterprise "Raketa"

Special attention should be given to such manufacturers of Russian watches as "Rocket" and "Seagull". And the first enterprise was created under Peter I. It is still active and still produces world-famous watches "Light" and "Rocket". In 2009, the plant was reorganized, during which the company opened several new lines at once, and also invited Swiss specialists.

Exactly a year later the school opened for the people who want to master such a responsible watchmaker's profession. And in 2012, Jean Claude Kene, who specializes in making a balance-spiral, joined the team of professionals.

Uglich plant "Chaika"

This enterprise was founded in 1942 in Uglich. Initially, it was engaged in the production of rubies and corundum, used in wristwatches. It is these stones that adorn women's watches of Russian manufacturers. During its existence, the plant has repeatedly undergone a restructuring procedure.

So, at first there were only two lines working on it, responsible for the issue of the Zvezda watch. Later, their number increased significantly. There were accessories under the logo "Seagull", as well as "Gloria". At the moment, the production of watches continues the jewelry factory "Chaika", which produces new models of accessories in gold and silver.

Factory "Molniya" in Chelyabinsk

Many Russian manufacturers of men's watches could only envy the speed and quality of the production of the Chelyabinsk watch factory "Molniya", founded in 1947. Since its opening, the company has specialized in the production of mechanical accessories for women and men. At present, the area occupied by the plant has somewhat decreased. However, this did not affect the quality of the products created. At the moment the plant produces taximeters and the following types of watches:

• Pocket;
• Wristwatches;
• Aviation;
• Desktop.

The most popular wrist watch for men

Making the rating of the most popular men's watches, in the first place, perhaps, you can put the trademark "Glory", produced by the trading house with the same name. It was put into production in early 1924, received a lot of gold medals and awards, and was also successfully exported to England, France and Canada.

On the second step, you should transfer the official accessory of the security service of Russia - "Spetsnaz", created by the company "The True Move". The third place - a modern brand with a unique hull and structure - "Nika", produced by the Moscow company of the same name. This is a silver and gold watch. The Russian manufacturer did a good job creating such an original and stylish accessory.

The fourth line is occupied by the author's men's watch from McTime, created by exclusive design and produced in a limited edition. At the fifth line of the rating were just three brands: "Russian time", "Flight-Chronos" and "Pilot-Time."

These are high-quality accessories in classic and sports styles. In the sixth place you can leave jewelry watches "Polet-Elite", presented in silver and gold, solid "Petroff" and "Romanoff", belonging to the products of business class.

What are the best ladies watches?

Among women's wrist watches, the undoubted leader is the representatives of the Polet brand. And this is understandable, because most of the models have a classic design, are endowed with an original mechanism and a robust casing, made of precious metals. More "mundane" and not so expensive is the brand "Buran", which includes a sapphire crystal, a crown and a natural stone. On the third place in the rating of the best female accessories you can leave "McTime". Such watches are highly appreciated not only for design, silver or gold "packaging", but also expensive diamond inlays.

On the fourth step we placed a jeweler's masterpiece "Charm" from the trading house "Polet". On these watches, as a rule, there is a scattering of semi-precious stones and a light gilding of the strap.

Wall clocks of Russian manufacturers

Among the famous brands of Russian-made wall clocks, it is possible to distinguish the following:

• "Star".
• "Firework".
• "Vega".
• "East" and others.

All these products deserve special attention. They are a clear confirmation of the opportunities and prospects of the domestic watchmaking industry.