Poljot Watch Co.: Russian Precision and Space Legacy Since 1964

Poljot Watch Company is a historic Soviet and Russian watch brand celebrated for its precision engineering, robust mechanical watches, and prestigious role in space exploration. Founded under the First Moscow Watch Factory in the early Soviet era, Poljot became synonymous with reliable watches worn by cosmonauts and military professionals.
Key Highlights

Origins and Foundation:

The roots of Poljot trace back to 1930 with the establishment of the First State Watch Factory in Moscow, initially equipped with machinery purchased from U.S. companies Ansonia Clock and Dueber-Hampden.

Early watches even bore American markings as Soviet technicians trained to master watch production.

In 1943, the factory relocated back to Moscow during WWII, adopting the name First Moscow Watch Factory.

Brand Launch:

The Poljot brand name, meaning “flight” in Russian, was officially introduced in 1964, consolidating earlier models under a single label.

Poljot became the flagship Soviet watch brand, noted for precision and durable mechanical movements.

Space Heritage:

Poljot’s watches gained international fame for their role in Soviet space missions.

The Sturmanskie watch, worn by Yuri Gagarin during the first human spaceflight on April 12, 1961, was produced by this factory.

The Strela chronograph, inspired by Swiss technology, was worn by Alexei Leonov during the first spacewalk in 1965.

Innovations and Models:

Poljot developed in-house mechanical and chronograph calibers, including the famed 3133 chronograph movement derived from Swiss Valjoux designs.

Watches catered to military, aviation, and civilian markets, blending high quality with practical robustness.

Post-Soviet Era:

After the USSR’s dissolution, Poljot became the official watch supplier to the Russian Federation’s president.

Despite economic challenges and downsizing, the brand continued producing mechanical watches with a focus on heritage models and limited editions.

Some former employees founded Volmax, continuing the tradition of manufacturing Poljot-style watches.

Legacy and Collectability:

Poljot watches embody a unique combination of industrial Soviet craftsmanship and space-age prestige.

Vintage Poljot models, especially those linked to historic cosmonauts, are highly prized by collectors worldwide.

Why Poljot Matters

Pioneer of Soviet Watchmaking: Integral to establishing the Soviet Union’s independence in precision timekeeping and watch production.

Space Exploration Icon: The “flight” brand proudly associates with historic space missions, cementing cultural and technological significance.

Mechanical Excellence: Known for durable, mechanically sophisticated wristwatches including celebrated chronograph calibers.

Collectible Heritage: Poljot stands as a symbol of Russian industrial prowess and horological history, attracting dedicated enthusiasts.

Poljot Watch Company remains a storied name bridging Soviet industrial heritage and the romantic allure of human space exploration, celebrated for timeless mechanical craftsmanship and historic achievements.