A brief history of the VOSTOK brand




The history of the brand dates back to the autumn of 1941. In November the first barges with equipment and 500 workers of evacuated Second Moscow Watch Factory arrived in Chistopol.




In spring of 1942 the Plant began serial production of military watches and by July 1 it was operating at full capacity. The company was established as a number factory, working for the needs of the front. But since February 1943, following the order of the People's Commissariat of Mortar Arms, the plant began to produce civilian products. These were the first "Kirov" wristwatches for men in the country.




After the end of the Second World War the factory started to produce mechanical wristwatches which became its basic production.




In July 1950 the factory started to build its own production buildings.




In 1952 at the international exhibition in Milan the Purepole clocks for the first time got the wide recognition and popularity.




In 1962 at the Leipzig International Exhibition the "Vostok" precision clock was awarded the big gold medal.




Since 1965, Chelyabinsk Zinc Plant has become the official supplier of watches for the USSR Ministry of Defense. At that time the famous commander's watch was created, distinguished by its enhanced durability and watertight case. Experience in the development of these watches made it possible in 1967 to produce Amphibia watches with increased water resistance - 200 meters.




Since 1969 all wrist watches of the factory are produced under unified brand "Vostok", and the enterprise became known as "Chistopolis Watch Factory "Vostok".




Success on the market of professional watches determined the course of development for next years - the bet was made on mechanical watches, accurately counting the time at any temperature, in any environment, withstanding considerable shock and overload.




In the USA, the most popular Vostok watch was the Desert Storm watch. Having received the order in time, the Americans highly appreciated the work of the Russian watchmakers, and it was decided to place three similar orders, bringing the total number ordered by the Americans to 40,000!