What kind of watch is this?

[awo41]

I have no clue about this watch exept that it's Russian. Is it worth anything? If not then I'll trash it. It does work kind of . There is some Russian writting on the back of the watch. The band says China so I dont think its original to the watch

[awo41]

the back has what appears to be a sea gull??

[Kozlov]

It is of a style of a Soviet tank commanders watch.

Whether it is original or reproduction I cannot tell from these photos.

You can buy repro ones of these from ebay for less than US$10

[Mauser HSc]

It is of a style of a Soviet tank commanders watch.

Whether it is original or reproduction I cannot tell from these photos.

You can buy repro ones of these from ebay for less than US$10

Yes, it is called a Kommandierski. It is made by Vostok and is still manufactured today. This is most likely one of the post Soviet era watches and is worth about $20 new. This model is a popular one.

Vostok watches marked "MO CCCP" are actual Soviet era military pieces. The markings are usually on the bottom of the dial. They were sold in special stores open only to military personnel.

Bood Zdarov!

[Albert]

Those posted can be found with various branch insignia; most often you see armor and airborne. I don't remember seeing them numbered on the back. These are souveneers.

Then there are ones without branch insignia that are numbered on the back as can bee seen on the bellow picture. Those might have been contracted but I don't know.

[Albert]

And here is an example of an original DoD contracted "Komandirskie" probably from the seventies:

[Ciaran Byrne]

These watches were given as rewards for good work to soldiers. Watches in the Soviet Union were considered a status symbol and as such were given for competitions and various other good deeds.
The one you have is a tourist piece, not worth a lot and not very reliable either. I had one and it packed up shortly after I bought it. The ones below are definate Soviet Era military pieces.

[Valter Gorenc]

Let's revive this old thread.

I'm considering to purchase a "komandirski" (or some other soviet military related one) wrist watch, as a collecting piece but also for actual daily wear. Hence I'm looking for a watch that will be in working order, not expensive (cca 40-50 €) and relatively reliable to failures. I don't need perfect time-measuring, as I have a clock and alarm and callendar on my cell phone, and this watch would be more a fashion accessory. So, it should look as soviet as possible (the bigger, the uglier, the better)

There are many on ebay, and I learned the actual military issues are marked "Zakaz MO SSSR" whiled the civilian/tourist ones are marked "sdelano v SSSR"; most of pieces with fancy pictures are actually non-military. There are two type of "komandirskie", one with rugged crown ring and one more oblong and smooth (can't properly describe, sorry) - what is the difference between these two?

Are these watches on sale now good (from actual period, and in working order - or they stop two days after they arrive to buyer), are there any fakes of "zakaz MO" watches, are there good and bad sellers? Any other hints what to look for? What is realistic price for such a watch?

Here are a few examples from ebay:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/191048979842?...84.m1436.l2649

http://www.ebay.de/itm/201025911854?...84.m1436.l2649

http://www.ebay.de/itm/231047806702?...84.m1436.l2649

http://www.ebay.de/itm/400640306659?...84.m1436.l2649

http://www.ebay.de/itm/380815921509?...84.m1436.l2649

http://www.ebay.de/itm/221361503334?...84.m1436.l2649

Thanks in advance for looking!

[Eric Gaumann]

Let's revive this old thread.

There are two type of "komandirskie", one with rugged crown ring and one more oblong and smooth (can't properly describe, sorry) - what is the difference between these two?

I think you mean the crown protector; the two small mountains of metal on either side of the crown that protects the crown from damage.
I prefer them to watches without. I like even more a watch with a "screw-down" crown which means what it says; the crown knob itself has threads that mate with the shaft it sits on. You unscrew it to set the time and then screw it back down to keep it from damage and more importantly keep the watch more waterproof.

Are these watches on sale now good (from actual period, and in working order - or they stop two days after they arrive to buyer),

They should be good. Your examples all seem to be from specialized sellers who seem to check their products. But, you're buying a used watch...it may run perfect right out of the box or it might be dead on arrival. Even if the latter a good watch repair guy should fix it with a cleaning and oiling as it just might be dirty from years of accumulated filth.

are there any fakes of "zakaz MO" watches

Probably, but more than likely just the really high-end, or rare, watches.

are there good and bad sellers?

I don't know anybody in particular. Just do your homework, check the sellers rating and feedback. Even try contacting them and starting a conversation. If they ignore you try another.

Any other hints what to look for?

Number of jewels is a rough indicator of quality. There should be a date stamp on the movement as well.

What is realistic price for such a watch?

You should find a great watch for under $100

Here are a few examples from ebay:

Some nice looking stuff there!
Once you find a good looking and running watch find a good band for it. There are many different styles that can match with the watch.
Good luck and keep us posted! Maybe start a thread in a better spot where more watch experts post? Or I can move this there as I'm a mod.

[Valter Gorenc]

Eric, thank you very much for your detailed explanation! I'll do some more research and then update the progress.

Greetings, valter