The era of the Soviet Union is moving further away, and we are beginning to look at many items of those years in a different way. There are Soviet things that have passed through the centuries and not only never lost their value, but on the contrary – only increased it. One of them is a pocket watch. Then-the pride of the Soviet people and a common award for special services, and now-a rare item and a collectible. The Molniya watch brand produced by the Chelyabinsk watch factory of the same name was wildly popular in the Soviet Union and was valued by foreigners as the best souvenir "from behind the Iron curtain". This watch was characterized by high accuracy and excellent quality of materials. Lots of Molniya pocket watches were exported to more than 30 countries around the world; each country developed its own unique design. Special thematic series of watches were also produced for significant events in the history of the USSR. We can say that the USSR invested part of its chronicle in these hours.

History of the legendary watch brand

Pocket watch Lightning the history of the legendary watch brandachasovoy factory "Lightning" is still functioning. It is located in Chelyabinsk. The history of the brand was not easy: the starting point can be considered three different dates. 1877-the year of creation of the Duber HAMPTON manufactory.

1929: the Duber HAMPTON manufactory was bought "turnkey" for the USSR on Stalin's orders. Based on it, a watch factory is being created in the southern Urals.

1947: the factory, which was evacuated to Zlatoust during the war, was transferred to Chelyabinsk and the first Russian watch production was established there. The company was given a new name – "lightning". This point of reference is considered the main one.

In the first years, the main products of the factory were watches for the army and aviation. In the 1960s and 1970s, the plant was at the peak of popularity. But during the "quartz revolution" (in the early 80's) reduced the demand for mechanical pocket watches. For a long time, the plant worked mainly for the needs of the Ministry of defense; in the mid-90s, its existence was threatened for financial reasons. Fortunately, the production was saved, and it was launched again. Now Molniya produces watches for aviation and other high-precision mechanical devices.

Appearance of the watch and its device.

Molniya pocket watch (USSR) is a mechanical watch in a round case for carrying in a pocket. In different years, many different models were produced; there were also special series: for example, for The victory anniversaries and as a gift to the participants of the Olympic games-80. Exclusive watches of the Chelyabinsk plant were awarded for special services to the country: outstanding doctors, scientists, pilots. The price of pocket watches "lightning" even in those years was quite high, but they were in great demand, because it was considered prestigious to have them.

"Lightning" is a watch in a round case with a hinged top cover. The case is made of steel or technical silver; enamel is used for decoration. The watch is equipped with shockproof protection; the movement is based on ruby stones (15-16 pieces), and the mechanism was developed by analogy with the famous Swiss watch.

Now the Molniya watch, produced in the USSR, is valued as a collectible. You can see them in antique stores, museums, and private collections. Limited-edition watches are in particularly high demand.