Russian watch. Brands and ratings of Swiss watches

Russian-made watches today, like many years ago, are not inferior to their global competitors in many respects. After all, we have traditions in this matter, and considerable ones at that. Even before the revolution, there were well-known manufacturers of Russian watches. And they were valued even in Western Europe. Modern Russian watches have to withstand a sharp rivalry with the East as well.

You can buy high-quality Russian watches at good prices in the online store site. Their most important advantage is their adaptability to our climatic conditions. Already at the design stage, the properties of frost resistance, water resistance, etc. are laid.

Shop site offers Russian watches:

"Polyot", "Vostok", "Romanoff": maintaining the traditions of high quality inherent in the brand in the Soviet era, combined with modern design. Everyone can choose their own model.

"President": men's watch in which the high precision of the movement is complemented by a patriotic appearance. It is difficult to come up with a better option for a gift to foreign guests.

"Nika", "Platinor": gold and silver watches equipped with first-class movements. Jewelry precision in every second!

"Seagull": women's chronometers with cases made of precious metals. Emphasize the freedom and independence of business women. Will be a great gift for your loved ones.

"Glory": for the military and everyone who loves punctuality, rigor and discipline. It has all the features you need without much frills.

Nesterov, RFS (Russian Style Factory): for those who want to stand out, follow fashion, strive to create their own unique look, and are not afraid to be original.

Raketa, Pobeda: a brand with great traditions. They are created using modern technologies, retaining the quality factor of the Soviet era.

Our store offers a very wide selection of Russian-made watches. They combine reliability and affordability. By purchasing chronometers from us, the buyer is calm about their quality.

Many believe that there is a clear gradation of Swiss manufacturers, a hundred of the best, a prestige rating ... but this is the same myth as a lifetime guarantee for all Swiss watches or a strong opinion that all Swiss watches are made entirely by hand. All watches are really assembled by hand, but most of the watch mechanisms themselves are made by automatic machines. A fully hand-assembled movement is a rarity these days. But this is a topic for a separate article.

There are many independent ratings showing the position of the brand, built, as a rule, by the brand itself or by watch magazines. And all these ratings are different - there is no and cannot be a certain scheme by which one can judge the superiority of a particular brand. The manufacturer, as a rule, positions his position

relative to competitors. Its competitors do exactly the same, but, as you know, each brand has its own position. Other brands are not included in these corporate ratings at all. Journalists write about brands that are interesting to their target audience. The list of the best according to a European magazine can be very different from the ranking compiled by their American counterparts. Yes, and magazine ratings are no longer related to the brand itself as such, but to the novelties and mechanisms presented by it this year. On many watch forums, their ratings and disputes about their correctness do not subside. Forum users break spears. Each brings their own arguments. But the general rating that suits everyone, as it was not and is not. In Switzerland, there are a great many names that can mislead not only a simple layman, but also a person who understands watches. Vacheron Constantin and Frederique Constant sound equally solid, but they are in completely different price niches and produce completely different watches. And it happens the other way around - Balmain and Aerowatch - they sound and look different, but are about the same in price.

Then everything is simple - we take the best-selling brand and it will be at the very top of the ranking. Again, not that - budgetary producers will come forward. And if we take the least sold models, then it turns out incorrectly - why are they sold so little? Perhaps they really are the coolest and most expensive. Maybe they are made by a small company with small production volumes. Or maybe they just don't care?

Watchmaking countries.

There is a wide variety of watches on the market today. And sometimes we don’t even think about what countries watch manufacturers give us this abundance of technical thought combined with a unique design. Everyone is familiar with such countries as watch manufacturers such as Switzerland and Japan (watches are always on everyone's lips). And this is no accident, because Switzerland is the birthplace of wristwatches, reigns supreme in the expensive and elite segment of the market, and Japan in the 80s carried out a “watch” revolution, flooding the market with rather cheap and at the same time very accurate electronic watches, which

She became famous all over the world, having won a large part of the market. But besides these two watch powers, there are other watch-producing countries that quite successfully produce high-quality wristwatches and put them on the market. Below is a table about which brands of watches are produced in which country. This information will be very useful, because in our age of information technology, we must be aware of the product from which country we wear every day on the wrist. After all, we spend almost all day with wristwatches.

Brands and countries of watch manufacturers.

In the minds of many citizens of the post-Soviet space, domestic goods are associated with low quality and are not in great demand. For example, even the best Russian-made watches do not cause due delight among men, although in terms of reliability and stylish design, some models are not inferior to well-known world brands.

One of the reasons is that people are not aware that watchmaking in Russia still exists and develops. Many manufacturers have preserved long-standing traditions and technology for making high-quality wristwatches, which are quite popular even in the West. In addition, good Russian watches can be purchased at very reasonable prices.

Of course, unlike most Swiss men's watches, not all domestic brands deserve respect. In addition, there are fake goods on the market, which requires a competent approach to choosing watches and making purchases exclusively from official suppliers. Next, we highlight the rating of the TOP-5 best Russian watches for men.

RATING TOP-5 BEST RUSSIAN WATCHES

Volmaks (Volmax)

The young company Volmax was founded in 2000 by former specialists from the First Moscow Watch Factory, which produced watches of the famous Poljot brand. The main production facilities are located in the capital of Russia, and a subsidiary is located in Switzerland.

Since 2002, the company has been producing Russian watches under such brands as Aviator, Buran and Shturmanskie. Price range from 120 to 850 euros. Watches are officially sold in more than 25 countries around the world.

East-Europe (Vostok-Europe)

Vostok-Europe watches are assembled in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. For assembly, watch mechanisms of the Russian Vostok plant are used. The brand belongs to the joint Russian-Lithuanian company Koliz Vostok. The first watch collection of 5 models was presented in 2004.

Men's watches "Vostok-Europe" have a modern and fashionable design, are of good quality and style. Some of the movements use Japanese technology. Estimated price from 150 to 500 dollars. Sports models "Energia" and Anchar are very popular.

Rocket

Russian watches of the Raketa brand are produced at the Petrodvorets Watch Factory (Saint Petersburg), founded by Peter I back in 1721. Immediately after the end of the Great Patriotic War, Pobeda watches began to be produced, and in 1961, in honor of the first space flight of Yuri Gagarin, watches were made under the Raketa brand.

In 2009-2010, the company carried out a large-scale reorganization, the latest equipment was purchased, and as a result, the watches began to meet all modern quality standards. Since 2014, the brand has been offering a new Raketa-Avtomat movement, and since 2015, exclusive personalized watches. Prices for Russian watches "Rocket" in the region $150-650.

East

Under the Vostok brand, some of the most famous Russian watches are produced in an affordable price range. Usually the cost is about 50-150 dollars but there are more expensive options. Models have been produced since 1942 (originally for the needs of the front), and since 1965 the company has become the official supplier of products for the Ministry of Defense of the Soviet Union.

Today, the watch factory in the city of Chistopol (Tatarstan) employs 450 employees. The new models of Russian watches "Vostok" are distinguished by high durability and quality, which is confirmed by numerous awards, including international ones. The brand is known for the brands of watches "Komandirskie" and "Amphibian".

Romanoff

Romanoff was founded in 1993 on the basis of the First Moscow Watch Factory. A distinctive feature of the brand is the production of beautiful watch movements with characteristic historical symbols associated with the Romanov family name.

Each model of Russian Romanoff watches is assembled by hand, and the design is carefully worked out. Only the highest quality materials and high-precision parts of Swiss and Japanese production are used in the manufacture. Price within 100-300 dollars.

For almost any man, an expensive watch is the most important accessory that emphasizes good taste and social status. There are no problems with the choice of a suitable mechanism today. Even for a good Russian men's watch, you can shell out several thousand dollars, for example, if the model is made of precious metals or made to order. Basically, the price of domestic brands does not exceed 500-600 dollars.

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 since sunk into oblivion, many manufacturers of Russian watches have not lost their former glory even now. So who are they - watch manufacturers in Russia? We invite you to get acquainted with the best "stars" among domestic companies.

A few words about the history of Russian watchmaking

Not so long ago, the domestic watch industry could boast of the 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 also, experiencing certain financial difficulties, were forced to close.

Despite this, many wristwatches from Russian manufacturers went down in history as the very first accessories that survived the flight into space. So, the "Shturmanskie" watch was clearly flaunted on the wrist of the first Soviet cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, in 1961. A few years later, an accessory under the well-known name "Strela" easily "brightened up the loneliness" of another cosmonaut - Alexei Leonov.

Watches of domestic production: our days

Today, the production of Russian watches does not have the original scale, but is still able to compete with well-known 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 these are, we will tell further.

"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 it began mass production of wristwatches. Initially, the creation of the plant had one goal - to supply soldiers at the front with such accessories.

However, closer to 1943, the management of the enterprise decided to start producing more “peaceful” products, designed for ordinary citizens who had nothing to do with military affairs. As a result, a conveyor line was opened for the production of men's accessories 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 "Amphibian" and "Vostok" appeared. These watches from Russian manufacturers are still valued by collectors and fans of the post-Soviet era.

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 at once, working with the brand to this day.

The first watch factory "Polyot" in Moscow

Poljot is an enterprise that was one of the first to create wristwatches in Russia. It opened in 1930. Since that moment, thanks to the efforts of the working staff, a lot of accessories have been released, among which are the following:

• "Moscow" and "Mayak".
• "Shturmanskie".
• "Motherland".
• "Sports".
• "Ocean" and others.

Poljot and Vostok are the best Russian watch manufacturers. Their rating is still high. However, the fate of enterprises leaves much to be desired. Thus, the legendary Polet 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, enterprising businessman Sergei Pugachev bought it, and then did not promote or do anything with it.

In addition, almost all the equipment was transferred to the ownership of the McTime and Polet-Kronos organizations. And although the Poljot plant as such does not exist today, the popular brands of the enterprise continue to be produced by other subsidiaries, albeit in very limited quantities.

The oldest enterprise "Rocket"

Such manufacturers of Russian watches as Raketa and Chaika deserve special attention. Moreover, the first enterprise was created during the reign of Peter I. It is active and to this day produces the 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 one year later, the enterprise opened a school for people wishing to master such a responsible profession as a watchmaker. And in 2012, Jean-Claude Quesnet, who specializes in the manufacture of balance-springs, 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 the women's watches of Russian manufacturers. During its existence, the plant has repeatedly gone through the restructuring procedure.

So, at first, only two lines worked on it, responsible for the production of Zvezda brand watches. Later, their number increased significantly. Accessories appeared under the "Seagull" logo, as well as "Gloria". At the moment, the production of watches is continued by the jewelry factory "Chaika", which produces 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 the products of the Chelyabinsk watch factory Molniya, founded in 1947. Since its inception, the company has specialized in the production of mechanical brands of 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 manufactures taximeters and the following types of watches:

• Pocket;
• wrist;
• aviation;
• desktop.

The most popular wristwatches for men

Compiling the rating of the most popular men's watches, in the first place, perhaps, you can put the Slava trademark, produced by the 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 - "Spetsnaz", created by the Verny move company, should be transferred to the second step. In third place - a modern brand with a unique body and structure - "Nika", issued by the Moscow company of the same name. These are silver and gold watches. The Russian manufacturer did a good job creating such an original and stylish accessory.

The fourth line is occupied by author's men's watches from McTime, created according to an exclusive design and produced in a limited edition. On the fifth line of the rating were three trademarks at once: Russian Time, Flight-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, the solid Petroff and Romanoff, belonging to business class products.

What are the best women's watches?

Among women's 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 durable case, and are made of precious metals. More “mundane” and not so expensive is the brand “Buran”, which incorporates 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 valued not only for their design, silver or gold “packaging”, but also for expensive diamond inlay.

On the fourth step, we placed the jewelry masterpiece "Charm" from the trading house "Polyot". On these watches, as a rule, a scattering of semi-precious stones and a light gilding of the strap are visible.

Wall clocks from Russian manufacturers

Among the well-known brands of Russian production, the following can be distinguished:

• "Star".
• "Salute".
• "Vega".
• "Vostok" and others.

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