The Russian watch industry was unorganized with many enterprises focusing on just one aspect of the production, and many of the parts were made abroad.

The year marked the completion of the First State Watch Factory (1st SWF) in Moscow, which started its first production using the equipment and technologies of the American company, Duber Hempton. Its first batch of watches comprised pocket watches, named K-43. The factory gained instant reputation and exported some of its first batch production.

1st SWF continued to receive technical assistance from American and German specialists but after two years, it was totally independent and started to develop their own innovations. It started the development of airplane board clocks and also stopwatches.

1st SWF was renamed as “S.M. Kirov”, known simply as “Kirov”, named after the former head of Leningrad’s regional communist party. The factory continued to buy equipments from different parts of the world, and over 120 new machineries were imported during the period. It also started making its own equipments. Annual production capacity for pocket watches reached 450,000 pieces.

The production of various new innovations commenced, including aviation and vehicle clocks.

The onset of World War II led the production facility to be transferred to the Ural mountains region in 1941. Military-related products were made in the factory, including ammunitions, and parts for the first Katyussha (rocket launcher).

In 1945, it returned to Moscow and was renamed First Moscow Watch Factory (1st MWF). 1st MWF ceased production for the military, and embarked on the development of its first wristwatch, codenamed K-26.

Stalin himself approved the design, specifications, and the name “Pobeda” (Victory) for the first wristwatch. Production of “Pobeda” started in this period and soon, other models and movements were being researched and developed.

One such model included the legendary “Sturmanskie” (Navigator), which was made solely for the Soviet Air Force, and was not available to the public at that time.

The factory recorded several key milestones during this period. Annual production of wristwatches reached 1.1 million pieces.

The first Chronograph from the factory, “Strela”, with 3017 movement, tachymeter, and telemetric, was introduced during this period. “Strela” was exclusively made for the Air Force officers under the stringent check of the Air Force itself.

Over the next 20 years, there were 100,000 of 3017 watches being produced.

The first Chronograph from the factory, “Strela”, with 3017 movement, tachymeter, and telemetric, was introduced during this period. “Strela” was exclusively made for the Air Force officers under the stringent check of the Air Force itself.

The factory made history with its “Antarktida” (Antartics) model, specially commissioned for the first Soviet Expedition to the South Pole.

“Antarktida” has a 24 hour dial, a movement based on that of “Pobeda”, and a special shield protecting it against the strong magnetic fields of the South Pole.

In October, the factory launched “Sputnik” (Satellite) watches to mark Soviet’s launching of the world’s first man made satellite.

These two models were highly sought after by collectors as they were only produced in one year.

The famous Soviet alarm wristwatches “Signal” were made using 2612 movement. 1st MWF was awarded the leading enterprise in watch export, with more than half of its production being exported to countries like the US, UK, Italy, Hong Kong, and so on.

On 12 April 1961, Yuri Gagarin made history by becoming the first cosmonaut who circled the Earth in a space shuttle called “Vostok” (East). This earmarked the success of the Soviet’s advanced development in space exploration, well ahead of its American counterpart.

It was a historical moment for 1st MWF as well with its “Sturmanskie” watch strapped around Gagarin’s arm throughout the space journey.

The birth of the “Poljot” (Flight) trademark was recorded in 1964 not long after the flight and it has since became well known as the first watch that traveled to the outer space, not only in the USSR, but throughout the world.

The first Chronograph from the factory, “Strela”, with 3017 movement, tachymeter, and telemetric, was introduced during this period. “Strela” was exclusively made for the Air Force officers under the stringent check of the Air Force itself.

New machinery and equipment for manufacturing complex watches were imported from Switzerland. A new chronograph movement, 3133, was born using the Swiss technology. It has been improved over the years and is still one of the most popular movements for “Poljot” watches’ use today.

The first 3133 model, “Okean” (Ocean), was made exclusively for the Navy officers. Watches with this movement were only available for the general public in 1983.

Following the steps of Yuri Gagarin, “Poljot” watches were taken to space flights by astronauts from Russia, France, Germany, and Ukraine. The first 3133 model, “Okean” (Ocean), was made exclusively for the Navy officers. Watches with this movement were only available for the general public in 1983.

Poljot watch also accompanied cosmonaut V.V. Poljakov in his world record breaking journey of the longest space travel in history during this period.

Production reached 5 million pieces and it was rewarded with the International Award “Golden Trophy for Quality XX” in Madrid, Spain.

The first Japanese astronaut, Toyohiro Akiyama, made his country proud in 1990 with his space travel in the Russian Mir 08 space shuttle. His time companion was none other than the legendary Poljot’s “Stursmanskie” with 31659 movement.

Poljot has generated plenty of interest from watch enthusiasts all over the world. With the help of the Internet, the popularity of the watches became more widespread than ever.

Its rich history, high quality mechanism, and unique designs, have garnered strong followers internationally.

At the same time, despite its long history, it is still regarded as a non mainstream brand, which has become a strong reason behind its popularity.

The birth of Poljot International range of watches. It is a new brand targeting the international market with captivating design and high quality of finishing. Another era has begun for the factory.


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