A very large Molnija regulator watch featuring a map of the trans Siberian railway and the Soviet Union.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The movement used in this watch had such a long production life it was originally in pocket watches! However there were several technical changes, quite well documented, which lead us to believe this watch was made in the Chelyabinsk Watch Factory between 1975 and 1984. We have selected a mid point year.
CONDITION
The trans Siberian railway is the World’s longest, going from Moscow to Vladivostok. The journey takes eight days, and crosses eight time zones. The Soviet Union were quite proud of this, even if it was built under the Tsar before the communist revolution, and this watch is them boasting about the trainline. The watch is nearly as large as the railway line, more like a pocket watch on the wrist. If the size and subject matter were not niche enough, the watch is also a regulator – all three hands read separately, with hours near one, minutes on the centre pivot and seconds running at nine. This was commonly used by watchmakers, as the hands cross over less and make accurate time reading easier – but it does take some getting used to. The movement is a Molnija (Russian for Lightning) 3602, and it is running well. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.
This watch will be supplied with a presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 54.8 mm
Width without crown 49.5 mm
Between lugs 22 mm
Lug to lug length 58.2 mm
Case Thickness 14.0 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 2 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
