Quote:
Originally Posted by davidmash
I have a russian (I think) pocket watch from by grandfather. He was blinded in WWI and he had this pocket watch that still works. It has no crystal on it. SO you can feel the hands and there are nubs on 12/3/6/9. I need to get it cleaned and serviced as well.
|
I know the Russians made wrist watches for the blind. Was not aware of Pockets. Prior to The Soviet era Russian watch industry was a very small bespoke home handicraft show. Mostly assembling components from other countries or simply importing them direct.
The Soviets tried setting up an industry by importing defunct American watch factories equipment that had folded during the depression but it remained small and was completely re-purposed during the war for military production. The Chistopol factory where Vostok are made was origiinally in Moscow but was relocated to Tatarstan when the Germans invaded and remained their ever since. After the war the Soviet watch industry kicked into high gear and they actually made some interesting products such as the Amphibia.
Vostok almost ceased to exist when the Soviet Union collapsed but the employees managed to band together and save it and incredibly turned it around and made a success of it to the extent that they have something of a cult following. Which is quite remarkable. I wonder though if they will survive the sanctions imposed as a result of Putins debacle.
- Peter.
__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S