At first I wasn't sure if it was appropriate to make a video about Russian watches given recent events. Right now, people are boycotting Russian products and I guess anything you can do to put pressure on ending this conflict is a good thing (except for the part where Russian civilians who are against war are also suffering).
However, it's not a straightforward solution. You also have to consider who you're really helping or hurting. With Pobeda Sputnik watches, in particular, a lot of them are sold on eBay by Ukrainian civilians -- who've had their lives turned upside down by this invasion!
This is what the eBay seller had to say about his current situation.
Good afternoon, due to the current situation in Ukraine, parcels can take much longer, please do not open cases and returns, now our family is at the level of the financial crisis, and the store_ is the only income for my family!!!please don't worry and get into my position!!!as soon as everything is fine, we will definitely send all the parcels!Please pray for us, our families and our Ukraine!!!!
His eBay store, which is filled with Soviet watches and Russian cameras is his main source of income.
Affiliate Links:
Pobeda Sputnik Watch (from Ukraine): https://ebay.us/IT1RMy
Mark_Milana_Makar's eBay Store (based in Ukraine): https://ebay.us/21RQJS
*Earnings from the use of these affiliate links will be donated to the UNHCR (United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees).
So if you want to buy a Pobeda Sputnik watch, consider buying from sellers in Ukraine. But just note that the delivery will be delayed until things get back to normal over there.
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When I was looking through eBay back in December, I saw this watch. It had an uncommon case shape and instead of a stick for sub-seconds, it had a disc with a hole.
I saw it had a familiar brand name, it was within my budget, and so I went and bought it without really knowing anything about it. It was only after I got it that I started reading up on it in forums and blogs.
This particular watch I got is a reissue of the original Pobeda Sputnik in the 1950s. It was released to celebrate the launch of the first satellite by the Soviet Union.
The watch arrived in a plain black box, nothing fancy. It came on a white satin pillow. It was labelled as "used" but it looked brand new or it could be new old stock. The case and dial looked brand new and the crystal still had the sticker on it.
Specifications:
- Case diameter/width: 34 mm (excluding crown)
- Lug to lug: 42 mm
- Case thickness: 10mm (including the domed acrylic crystal)
- Lug width: 18 mm
The case is chrome-plated brass, which at first I thought was stainless steel, but upon closer inspection, especially in the lug area, the ripple of the plating is more obvious and you can see a bit of brass peek through.
On the top it says "Sputnik" which means satellite. These two words here means "Made in USSR". On the bottom it says "G43 Chistopol". The hands are lumed but they're pretty weak.
Anyway, the main highlight of this watch, to me at least, is the sub-seconds portion. Instead of a hand that indicates the seconds, it has a rotating disc which features a satellite. The satellite has a hole which shows the seconds in increments of five. How cool is that?
As for the stainless steel case back, it says Pobeda here, which means "victory" and I'm guessing the 2602 here is the movement. On the bottom, Google Translate captured it as "dust proof" but I think it says 30 meters water resistant (because of the "3" which I assumed meant 3ATM).
The Sputnik is powered by the caliber 2602 which is a non-hacking manual wind movement that started in the 1930s. This movement was supposedly cost-effective, reliable, and easy to manufacture and maintain. Using the Toolwatch Test app, I got a result of -19.9 seconds per day which is pretty decent.
It came with this soft leather zulu strap which feels and smells like genuine leather. This strap style gives it a rugged military look but I like wearing it on a more classic-looking leather strap.
The Pros:
- It's a cool looking fun watch, especially with this unusual case shape and unique sub seconds. Where else can you find a watch that has its roots in the 1950s with a disk for sub-seconds? It was unique in its time and it's still unique now. This would definitely be a great conversation piece!
- It looks good dressed up and dressed down. Use the brown zulu strap for a casual style and change it to black leather strap for a more formal style.
- This style in particular with the applied gold hour markers and gold hands make it look more expensive than it is. While there are other Sputnik dial styles which look closer to the original Sputnik. from 1950s, I think this is the best looking one out there right now.
The Cons:
- It probably wasn't properly cleaned when it got assembled. I spotted some flecks floating around inside. Also the number two has smudges.
- There are also some bumps on the case considering it's a brand new watch (or new old stock). However, it's not a big deal for me but I just needed to point it out.
- The case is chrome-plated brass, not stainless steel. While I think it was a nicely done plating (fooled me at first), many years from now the chrome-plating will chip off and expose the brass underneath.
- The power reserve doesn't go beyond 24 hours. I got 19 hours on the first try and then 23 hours on the second try. And because it's less than 24 hours, that means I would have to wind it twice a day if I want it to run continuously for days. I guess it would make a good watch for a fun day out but it would be too much of a hassle to use as a daily watch.
Reminder: If you want to buy a Pobeda Sputnik watch, consider buying from sellers in Ukraine!
Affiliate Links:
Pobeda Sputnik Watch (from Ukraine): https://ebay.us/IT1RMy
Mark_Milana_Makar's eBay Store (based in Ukraine): https://ebay.us/21RQJS
*Earnings from the use of these affiliate links will be donated to the UNHCR (United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees).
SOURCES:
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