Lovers of Swiss quality know firsthand 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 sunk into oblivion, many manufacturers of Russian watches have not lost their former glory at present. 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 watch industry could boast of recognition of the whole world. At that time, Soviet accessories were popular not only within the USSR, but also far beyond its borders. At that time, Russian watches were spoken of as beautiful, reliable and accurate accessories, many of which have been perfectly preserved to this day. After the collapse of the Union, domestic producers not only reduced their output, but, experiencing certain financial difficulties, were forced to close.
Despite this, many wristwatches of Russian manufacturers went down in history as the very first accessories that survived a flight into space. Thus, the “Shturmanskie” watch clearly flaunted on the wrist of the first Soviet cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, in 1961. A few years later, the accessory under the well-known name “Arrow” easily “brightened up the loneliness” of another cosmonaut - Alexei Leonov.
Domestic watches: today
Today, the production of Russian watches does not have an initial scale, but is still able to compete with well-known foreign brands and models of accessories. The following manufacturers of Russian watches are currently known:
- "East".
- "Flight".
- "Rocket".
- "Gull".
- "Lightning" and others.
We will tell further what manufacturers of Russian watches they are.
"East is a delicate matter
One of the most famous manufacturers of domestic watches is the city-forming enterprise "Vostok", located in Tatarstan, Chistopol. It was founded in 1941 and exactly one year later began mass production of military watches . Initially, the creation of the plant had one goal - to supply the soldiers at the front with such accessories.
However, closer to 1943, the management of the enterprise decided to launch production of more “peaceful” products designed for ordinary citizens who are not related to military affairs. As a result, a conveyor line for the production of men's accessories was opened under the patriotic name “Victory” and the production of automobile watches with a dial glowing in the dark, “Volga” and “ZiM”, was launched. Later, the legendary brands Amphibia and Vostok appeared. These watches of Russian manufacturers are still appreciated by collectors and lovers of the post-Soviet time.
In 2010, the plant itself was declared bankrupt. However, the production of Vostok watch products was simply transferred to the shoulders of several small companies working with the brand to this day.
The first watch factory "Flight" in Moscow
“Flight” is an enterprise that was one of the first to create watches in Russia. It opened in 1930. From that moment, the efforts of the working staff produced a lot of accessories, among which we can name the following:
- “Moscow” and “Lighthouse”.
- "Navigators".
- "Homeland."
- "Sports".
- "Ocean" and others.
“Flight” and “Vostok” 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 it lost the rights to its main brand. Back in 2006, it was bought by an entrepreneurial businessman Sergei Pugachev, and then did not begin to promote and do anything with him.
In addition, almost all of the equipment was transferred to the ownership of the Maktime and Polet-Chronos organizations. And although the Polet plant does not exist as such today, popular brands of the enterprise continue to be produced by other subsidiaries, although in very limited quantities.
The oldest enterprise "Rocket"
Particularly noteworthy are such manufacturers of Russian watches as Rocket and Seagull. Moreover, the first enterprise was created during the reign of Peter I. It is active and to this day 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, a school was opened at the enterprise for people who want to master the watchmaking profession that is so crucial. And in 2012, Jean Claude Kene, specializing in the manufacture of balance-spirals, joined the team of professionals.
Uglich factory "The Seagull"
This company was founded in 1942 in Uglich. Initially, it was engaged in the production of rubies and corundum used in watches. 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 only two lines were operating on it, responsible for the release of the Zvezda brand watches. Later, their number increased significantly. Appeared accessories under the logo "The Seagull", as well as "Gloria." At the moment, the production of watches continues to jewelry factory "The Seagull", producing new models of accessories in gold and silver.
Plant "Lightning" in Chelyabinsk
Many Russian manufacturers of men's watches could only envy the speed and quality of products of the Chelyabinsk watch factory "Lightning", founded in 1947. Since its opening, the company has specialized in the production of mechanical brands of accessories for women and men. Currently, the area occupied by the plant has slightly decreased. However, this did not affect the quality of the created goods. Currently, the plant produces taximeters and the following types of watches:
- Pocket;
- wrist;
- aviation;
- desktop.
The most popular watches for men
Making a rating of the most popular men's watches, perhaps the first place is to place the Glory trademark, produced by a trading house of 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.
The official accessory of the Russian security service - Special Forces, created by the company "True Move", should be moved to the second step. In third place - a modern brand with a unique building and structure - Nika, released 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 McTime designer watches for men, created by an exclusive design and produced in a limited edition. Three brands immediately appeared on the fifth line of the rating: Russian Time, Polet-Chronos and Pilot Time.
These are high-quality accessories in classic and sporty styles. In sixth place, you can leave the Polet-Elite jewelry watch, presented in silver and gold, and the reputable Petroff and Romanoff watches belonging to business-class products.
What are the best women's watches?
Among the women's watches, the “Flight” brand representatives are the undisputed leader. And this is understandable, because most models have a classic design, endowed with an original mechanism and a durable case, made of noble metals. More “mundane" and not so expensive is considered the brand "Buran", which includes sapphire glass, a crown and natural stone. In third place in the ranking of the best women's accessories, you can leave “Maktime”. Such watches are highly appreciated not only for design, silver or gold “packaging”, but also for expensive inlaid with diamonds.
On the fourth step, we placed the Charm jewelry masterpiece from the Polet trading house. On this watch, as a rule, a placer of semiprecious stones and a light gilding of the strap are visible.
Wall clock of Russian manufacturers
Among the well-known brands of wall clocks of Russian production, the following can be distinguished:
- "Star".
- "Salute".
- "Vega".
- "East" and others.
All of these products deserve special attention. They are a clear confirmation of the capabilities and prospects of the domestic watch industry.