The history of the Slava brand and the Second Moscow Watch Factory
The Slava watch is the pride of the Soviet industry. Its technical characteristics were simply revolutionary for the mid-20th century. The watch received many gold medals and was exhibited at international exhibitions, winning respect and awards all over the world. Therefore, they were exported en masse and modified to meet Western standards, and in some years, exports accounted for up to 50% of production. In the USSR itself, this brand of watch was also chosen because it was affordable for the average citizen.
Throughout its history, several modifications of the Slava watch were released: calibers 2409, 2414, 2416, 2427 and 2428. The last model 2428 was released in 1989, after which the plant stopped technological developments. The models differed in caliber and number of ruby stones (in the last modification - 27). They were made in a very shock-resistant case, which was tested and proven many times.
The watch had a small error from minus 20 to plus 40 seconds per day, which is related to the first class of accuracy. It had a double winding drum (flywheel), which provided a 20-hour power reserve with continuous wearing for at least 10 hours. In order not to wind it, it was necessary to wear it daily for at least 10 hours. Winding was carried out by means of a winding crown on the side of the case.
The latest models had a double calendar with dates and days of the week. The dates were changed instantly when it was approaching 12 o'clock. The days of the week were changed with a slight delay. There was a button on the side of the case for changing the days of the week. This was the main progress, because the first model had no days of the week. The service life is not less than 10 years. This is the most standard service life of a watch of the Soviet era.
In all models, design was given priority. The case was made in two colors: white and yellow, i.e. gold-plated and nickel-plated. In gold-plated models, a gold-nickel coating with a thickness of 5 microns was used. The weight of pure gold was 0.19 grams. The case material was brass. The back cover was made of stainless steel and was fixed with nuts. There were fasteners for straps. The dial was covered with airbrush paint, there was relief on the dial. The hands were also gold-plated. The cost of the Slava watch at the end of the 80s was 57 rubles 50 kopecks. Gold watches then cost from 80 rubles and up. And the Slava watch was not gold, but only gold-plated, but its price was above average.
Nowadays, the prices for Slava watches are set as for antiques and can reach several thousand dollars. This depends on the condition and modification, especially if the watch is in excellent condition and has never been used. The quality of these watches is not inferior to Swiss models of their time - they can be worn today, because they have a classic look, and their functionality at this age allows us to judge their extremely high quality. Such watches will serve for a very long time, because they were made for centuries.
