Watches of Soviet brands were in great demand not only in our country, but also in Europe. And this is not surprising, because in terms of accuracy and design they were in no way inferior to recognized Swiss brands. And in some respects they even surpassed them. The wristwatch “Glory” was the dream of many Soviet citizens, and they will be discussed in this article.
The second Moscow watch factory: the history of the creation of the famous enterprise
In Soviet Russia there were no watch factories, this significantly spoiled the image of the young state, which did its best to become the first in all areas of the economy and the production of goods for the population. It was necessary to adopt experience from foreign colleagues, the first equipment of far not the best quality was also purchased there. But it was it that became the basis for the opening of watch factories in the Soviet Union.
In the twenties of the XX century, the Second Moscow Watch Factory opened in the capital, which was formed as a result of the merger of numerous workshops and a radio telegraph factory. In those days, only the best watchmakers of the former empire worked at the newly opened enterprise. They actively collaborated with the Soviet government and were glad of the opportunity to do what they liked. These same people independently trained newcomers, who later became the ones who created the Glory brand. The clock of the USSR has always received quite sonorous names that characterize the spirit of the young state. In addition, they were of high quality and therefore quite carefully developed. The debut product of the Second Moscow Watch Factory came out only six years after its formation. And it was not a watch, but a street watch. For more than twenty years, the plant was separated from the moment of the creation of the Glory brand (watches, USSR), which will become the pride of the enterprise.
After the first street hours, Muscovites got alarms. They were accessible not to every resident of the capital, but were in great demand and were a symbol of success.
Brand "Glory"
The USSR began to produce watches massively around the threshold of World War II. The watch factory did not lag behind the general trend. Various brands of wrist watch movements - “Era”, “Victory” were put into production. Pocket models called "Salute" were actively sold out. Desktop mechanisms and the previously mentioned alarms have become fashionable.
Soviet people sought to acquire goods manufactured by the industry of our country, which were of high quality. This aspect was given special importance, because the citizens of the USSR had to own only the best goods. That was the policy of the state.
With the outbreak of World War II, watch production was suspended, and the factory itself was evacuated to Chistopol. Subsequently, this company was established in this city, which is a subsidiary of the Second Moscow Watch Factory.
A few years after a significant victory, the first men's mechanical watches “Glory” were put on sale. A few years later, a female model came out under the same name.
Brief description of the Glory watches
The Glory model appeared only after the factory’s masters managed to master the production of small-sized alarm clocks. In addition, to create a new brand, it took many years spent on the development of stop watches and various watch movements. Literally since its first appearance on store shelves, Soviet citizens fell in love with the Glory brand. The clock of the USSR in the second half of the twentieth century was more a luxury than a routine. Therefore, the people of our vast country were happy to accept the appearance of models that were designed for the capabilities and needs of the average person. Already this alone provided this watch movement with enormous popularity.
Over time, a fairly wide range of plant products began to be produced under this brand:
- women's and men's watches;
- alarm clocks;
- wall mechanisms;
- desk clock.
Most of the models were mechanical, but the first quartz watches in the country were produced under the so-called Slava brand, beloved by Soviet citizens.
Feature of famous watches
The design of the clockwork was given great attention. Almost all models used shockproof housing, a stopwatch and a dual calendar. For the middle of the last century, such a filling was truly revolutionary.
Since the mid-sixties of the twentieth century, watchmakers began to exhibit models under the Glory brand at international exhibitions. And, as expected, they were highly praised by foreign experts. More than once the products of the Second Moscow Watch Factory were awarded gold medals. This fact played a role in the fact that the products of the Slava brand (watches, USSR) began to be exported. They were delivered to different countries of the world, sometimes more than half of all products went for export. This served as an impetus for the modification of mechanisms, watchmakers actively worked to ensure that their brand was not inferior to Western innovations in technological characteristics. One of the characteristic features of all models, without exception, was a double windup drum. Over time, it became a symbol of the Glory watch.
Modification of mechanisms used in watches
Men's mechanical watches “Slava” underwent major changes and modifications. Over the entire existence of the brand, several mechanisms have been developed:
- 2,409;
- 2414;
- 2416;
- 2427;
- 2428.
In the eighties of the last century, the last modification of the clockwork was put into production, and from this period the plant did not make any new developments.
The Glory watch had a different amount of stones. The mechanisms with twenty-one and twenty-five stones differed. Many models had a winding, and some even showed the days of the week.
The case of most watches was made of brass; it was covered with chrome or gilding. Quartz models "Glory" are not too fond of the consumer. They were produced in a limited series in the nineties of the last century.
Watch "Glory" today
The history of the Glory watches in the 21st century is not as rosy as many watchmakers would like. With the collapse of the USSR, the sunset of the factory began, the products could no longer compete with foreign models. Consumers preferred collections with intricate designs, and the Second Moscow Watch Factory did not keep pace with modern trends. Naturally, this affected the number of sales. The company was slowly approaching bankruptcy.
In 2005, the Slava trademark, together with the factory building and the remaining equipment, was purchased by a private bank. A year later, the Glory Trading House was formed, which performed the task of reviving watchmaking in the country.
Today, products under the brand name "Glory" work on Japanese and domestic mechanisms. In some models, the original parts of the Second Moscow Watch Factory are used, in other mechanisms of the Vostok enterprise.
In recent years, the Trade House "Slava" has united several brands under its own brand and is actively developing them. Watches are regularly sent to international exhibitions and gradually return to their former popularity. The past three years have significantly influenced the sale of watches of this brand. They began to be bought up as a souvenir by foreigners visiting our country as part of tourist trips. Especially popular products of the brand "Glory" among the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom.
Watch models
To date, the range of products of the brand "Glory" is quite wide. The largest selection is represented among the collections of men's watches:
- "Patriot";
- "Tradition";
- "Business";
- "Bravo";
- Premier and many others.
Even the most scrupulous man will be able to choose among himself a variety of models something for himself. Women also have the opportunity to please themselves with elegant watches on a gold and silver bracelet of the Instinct collection. But for youth developed a special unisex watch. They are distinguished by innovative design, in addition, they can be made in a single copy with an individual pattern on the dial. This takes the brand to a new level and returns to its former glory.
The cost of hours "Glory"
When we talk about the price that must be paid to become the proud owner of the Slava watch, you need to understand that it varies depending on the model range and the year of production. The easiest way to deal with the cost of modern watches. Usually it ranges from three thousand rubles to ten thousand rubles. This applies to models with a mechanical and quartz movement with a modern design. When we talk about the Business collection or a gold watch, it’s worth carrying at least one hundred and fifty thousand rubles. The cost of some models exceeds two hundred thousand rubles.
Absolutely other amounts will be discussed when you see a rare watch “Glory” (USSR).
Soviet-made watch price
Now on the Internet you can find many sites that sell rare products of the brand "Glory". Their cost ranges from several tens of thousands of dollars. Such a high price depends on the collection value and condition of the watch. Indeed, sometimes rare specimens are found that have been working properly for more than fifty years and can tell the whole story of someone's family.
Simpler products or those that have some breakdowns can be purchased literally for one and a half to two thousand rubles. Watchmakers claim that almost any breakdown can be eliminated and the watch will serve you faithfully for many years to come. It is not for nothing that the Soviet brand “Glory” was known throughout the world.