Poljot Kirova age determination by case numbers, dials and models
| imprint | Period | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1МЧЗ im. Кирова (1st Moscow Watch Factory, named after Kirov) | 1935–1960 | Early days before Poljot |
| POLET or POLJOT | from 1961 | "Poljot" means "flight", named after Gagarin's space flight |
| SU or “Made in USSR” | until 1991 | Indicates production before the dissolution of the Soviet Union |
| Made in Russia | from 1992 | Post-Soviet production |
| Movement / Caliber | Period |
|---|---|
| 2609.HA (hand-wound, 17 jewels) | approx. 1970–1990 |
| 3133 (Chronograph, 23 jewels – based on Valjoux 7734) | from 1976–2000s |
| 2416 (automatic) | from the 1980s |
| 2612.1 (alarm clock) | 1960s–1980s |
| Type / Style | Construction period |
|---|---|
| Military / pilot watches (Sturmanskie, Aviator) | 1950s–1980s |
| Dress watches with gold cases | 1970s–1980s |
| Chronographs with two pushers | from 1976 (caliber 3133) |
| Quartz watches | from 1980s (less common) |
Two of the most difficult aspects of collecting Poljot chronographs are determining their age and whether they are still original. I've always been amazed at how little information is available on dating these watches.
This is especially true for early Soviet-era chronographs, for which there are few definitive references to the production year and catalogs. We therefore hope this guide will be helpful to anyone seeking to determine the age and originality of a Poljot chronograph.
A chronograph with the number 3133 is pictured on the cover of the 1982 Poljot catalog: Watch Analog watch Watch accessory Fashion accessory Jewelry Unfortunately, I cannot add enough information to determine the exact year of production during the Soviet era.
However, comparing a chronograph with the following information should narrow its age down to within a few years. In most cases, you'll need to rely on several factors to a) determine the approximate age of the chronograph, b) determine if it has ever been repaired, and c) determine if it was assembled from existing parts.
Additionally, many older chronographs contain spare parts, which can complicate dating. I welcome any information that helps determine the age of a particular early chronograph model and am happy to make changes/updates as needed.
However, my conclusions are by no means based solely on my collection. I use only my own images whenever possible to avoid numerous and sometimes impossible requests.
The Balance
At the beginning of 1993, all Poljot chronograph movements were equipped with a new silver alloy balance wheel. By checking the balance wheel, it's easy to determine which side of the Q4-1992 contains a Poljot chronograph.
However, there's always the possibility that a worn chronograph from the 1980s was reconditioned during service. A 1992 "Made in Russia" chronograph with a brass balance: Watch Analogue watch Watch accessory Fashion accessory Jewelry A NOS "Kosmos-1992" with a brass balance: Watch Analogue watch Watch accessory Fashion accessory Jewelry A NOS "Space'92" from June 1993 with a new silver alloy balance: Watch Analogue watch Watch accessory Fashion accessory Jewelry
Between 1997 and 2004, a “MADE IN RUSSIA” stamp appeared on the balance bridge
The switch from silver to gold-colored chronograph wheels took place around 1983 – roughly the same time as the market launch of chronographs. Often, one finds a mix of silver and gold chronograph wheels due to repairs or tinkering.
Frankenmakers mount this movement on an original or replica dial from the 1980s because it features the "SU" stamp and, in most cases, a brass balance. Later movements also feature fake bridge stamps and brass balances.
After comparing the chronograph above with the information in this document, this should be the ultimate 3133 Frankenchrono! :-( The bridge stamp is fake – "23 JEWELS" in Latin on a so-called OKEAH from the 80s?
Bridge stamps from another era – "SU 3133" on an OKEAH from the '80s? "SU 3133" + "23JEWELS" in Latin never existed. The dial is a reproduction, the hands are fake... Almost everything about this watch is wrong. The movement dates from the late '90s, features a brass balance wheel, and a fake chrono bridge stamp.
The "SU" was removed before the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. A coincidence? Perhaps. Poljot produced numerous commemorative watches for the 1996 Olympic Games.
Because the jewels sit on top of the chronograph bridge, on most Poljot chronographs we are used to seeing a four- or five-digit serial number rotated approximately 120 degrees counterclockwise from the normal horizontal position—with the lower part of the numbers closest to the center of the chronograph bridge.
The upper part of the number is on the left and the lower part on the right. However, some of the earliest models are mirror images, with the upper digits closest to the center of the chronograph bridge.
Now the question arises as to which of the bridge stamps came first. The most logical explanation would be: The original bridge stamp showed the mirrored serial number without the Poljot crown, followed by version two with the added Poljot crown.
Version three with the modern application of the serial number with crown and version four where the crown was removed from the bridge stamp and placed on the main body next to the balance wheel
Another version with the protruding crown release button on the movement. This version bears the crown stamp on the main body of the movement, indicating that it is the latest version of the early 3133 chronograph movements. The chronograph closely resembles the model pictured in the 1982 catalog.
Be that as it may, the absence of a Poljot crown on the main case of the movement and the protruding head of the wave release button are the two common features that allow a movement to be dated to the early years of production.
Furthermore, considering serial numbers above 5,000, it's not difficult to imagine movements with these bridge stamps dating back to the early 1980s. According to some sources, production of the 3017 chronograph was around 5,000 pieces per year, and there's no reason to believe it was much higher for the 3133 chronographs before 1989.
At that time, during perestroika, planned production would have been over 10,000 units per year, so an additional figure would have been necessary.
In 1997, the bridge stamp was completely redesigned, with a significant reduction in the serial number font. Bicycle part: Herzmetall
The date ring
The san serif font on the early date rings is slightly bolder. An early 1980s pilot's model with a replaced chrono second hand, repaired second and chrono minute hands, a replaced crystal, and the original date ring imprint:
Over a decade later, shortly before the end of Poljot, a new and much stronger font made its debut in 2001
The chronograph reset lever was converted from a two-piece, adjustable lever to a one-piece, non-adjustable lever between 1986 and 1987. Another easy way to date your chronograph.
For the sake of clarity, I'll limit myself to the late 1970s and most of the 1980s. Yuri Levenberg's numerous catalogs, available through his eBay store, adequately cover the hundreds of dials from the 1990s. The documented history of the early Poljot 3133 chronographs is, to say the least, vague.
According to numerous sources (all claiming the same thing), the military version, the OKEAH, was produced first, followed shortly thereafter by the military version, the Aviator Sturmanskie. Five years later, the 3133 movement was released for civilian use in 1983—with only a few references to space flights of other models before 1983.
For the period after 1983, however, there is significantly more information, mainly images, from various internet sources. A brief timeline: Text: Green font, line number
First, I'd like to discuss a common feature of all chronograph dials: the finishing of the chronograph lugs. There are some differences. On early dials, the ridge connecting the recessed chronograph lugs to the main face has a curved slope: Mechanical fan circle. Note the slight curve at the rear end of the painted indices next to the chronograph lug.
Some dials from the mid-1980s featured a kind of groove around the vertical walls connecting the recessed chronograph lugs to the main face. Circular numeral display. Later versions are simple, straight-cut right angles: cymbal, hi-hat, musical instrument. The so-called "civilian" dials.
At this time, when Poljot chronographs were still new, serif fonts appeared on Poljot watches in 1980. Although the dials with the sans-serif font clearly date from the 1970s, there is evidence that both the sans-serif dials and the newer serif dials coexisted in the early and mid-1980s.
The chronograph (2) in the center of the image below is identical to the one Gorbatko allegedly wore during the Soyuz-24 flight from February 7 to 25, 1977. Somehow, it found its way into the 1992 Poljot catalog.
Unfortunately, I have no evidence that the older sans serif dials survived until the 1990s.
For the catalog presentation, the hands of all Poljot watches were positioned at 1:43.
OKEAH
OKEAH chronographs, one of the most sought-after Poljot chronographs, are almost unavailable in limited editions from the late 1970s, and original models from the 1980s are rare on today's online marketplaces.
“During the last Soviet-German space flight, the new design of the “Shturmanskie” watch was highly appreciated by astronauts.”
Replica dials
They do exist, so take a close look at the dial of a chronograph from the '80s before buying. The easiest way to tell if it's a reproduction is to look for period luminance, as color, texture, and volume vary significantly.
Original article by Polmax3133 on watchuseek.com in English with pictures
A 3133 Chronograph appears on the front cover of Poljot's 1982 Catalog:
At the beginning of 1993, all Poljot chronograph movements were equipped with a new silver alloy balance wheel. By checking the balance wheel, it's easy to determine which side of the Q4-1992 contains a Poljot chronograph.
A "Made in Russia" in '92 chronograph with brass balance wheel:
A NOS "Kosmos-1992" with brass balance wheel:
A NOS "Space'92" tagged June, 1993 with a new silver alloy balance wheel:
A "MADE IN RUSSIA" stamp appeared on the balance wheel bridge between 1997-2004:
The Chronograph Wheels
The switch from silver to gold-colored chronograph wheels took place around 1983 – roughly the same time as the market launch of chronographs. Often, you'll find a mix of silver and gold chronograph wheels due to repairs or tinkering. Examples of both versions can be found in the following images.
Chronograph bridge stamp – model number stamp
The first model stamp – 1976–1990
Font type: OCR-B
Note that on the "3" the open end of the top bar extends out equally as far as the open end of the bottom bowl.
Early Poljot 3133 chronograph:
Soviet Late era Poljot Chronograph 1990:
Second Model Stamp early-"SU 3133" - 1990-1993
Font Type: OCR-B
An "SU" is prefixed just prior to the break up of the Soviet Union.
A late Soviet era early-"SU 3133" stamp 1991:
A Russian early "SU 3133" stamp 1992:
Frankenmakers recommends this movement fit into an original or replica dial from the 1980s, as it features the "SU" stamp and, in most cases, a brass balance. Later movements also feature fake bridge stamps and brass balances:
After comparing the chronograph above with the information in this document, one should conclude that this is the ultimate 3133 Frankenchrono! :-(
The bridge stamp is fake – “23 JEWELS” in Latin on a so-called OKEAH from the 80s?
Bridge stamps from another era – “SU 3133” on an OKEAH from the 80s?
“SU 3133” + “23 JEWELS” in Latin never existed.
The dial is a reproduction, the hands are wrong…
Almost everything about this watch is wrong. The movement dates back to the late '90s, features a brass balance wheel, and a fake chrono bridge stamp. And here's the kicker: You can buy it for $625! b-)
Third model: late stamp – “SU 3133” – 1993–1995
The font type is a bolder modification of the previous stamp.
Note that:
A)On the "3", the open end of the bottom bowl extends out further than the upper bar.
B)The right stem of the "U" is leaning slightly to the left.
NOS "Space'92" tagged June, 1993 with late-"SU 3133" stamp:
NOS "Kosmos 1994-1996" with late-"SU 3133" stamp:
Forth model stamp - 1995-1997
The "SU" is removed prior to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. A coincidence? Maybe. Poljot produced numerous commemorative watches for the 1996 Olympics.
NOS Poljot "Body Guard" 1996:
Poljot "Casino" 1997:
Fifth model stamp - 1997-present-day
A new stamp with a "P" (which presumably stands for "Russia") prefixed to a bolder version of the original style number font.
NOS Poljot "Alpha Group Sniper" 1997:
Aviator with MakTime 3133 assembled in 2010:
Chronograph bridge stamp – 23Jewels stamp
The conversion of the “23JEWELS” stamp from Cyrillic to Latin script took place with the “Fifth Model Stamp – 1997–present” (see above).
Chronograph bridge stamp – movement serial number and Poljot crown
Assume the jewels are located at the top of the chronograph bridge. Most Poljot chronographs typically have a four- or five-digit serial number, rotated approximately 120 degrees counterclockwise. The lower part of the digits is closest to the center of the chronograph bridge. The upper part of the digit is on the left, the lower part on the right. However, some of the earliest models are mirror images, with the upper part of the digits closest to the center of the chronograph bridge (Figure 1).
There are numerous examples of this.
Also note that the crown/stem release button on all of these movements protrudes rather than being hollow. Want to know if you own an early Poljot chronograph movement? Check this button!
Some versions have the Poljot crown stamped on the bridge (2, 3), others do not (1). Also note that none of the above examples have a Poljot crown on the movement body.
The question now is which of the bridge stamp variants appeared first.
The most logical explanation would be that the first bridge stamp had the mirrored serial number without the Poljot crown (1); followed by version two with the Poljot crown added (2); then version three with the modern application of the serial number with crown (3); and finally version four with the crown removed from the bridge stamp and placed on the movement body next to the balance, as seen below.
EDIT: Another version with the protruding crown release button on the movement. This version bears the crown stamp on the body, indicating that it is the latest version of the early 3133 chronograph movements. The chronograph is very similar to the example pictured in the 1982 catalog (see above).
A typical mid-80s bridge stamp:
This is just my theory, of course. However, any other scenario would eventually result in a change in the serial number.
In any case, the absence of a Poljot crown on the main body of the movement and the protruding head of the wave release button are the two most common features that allow dating a movement to the early production years. Furthermore, considering serial numbers above 5,000, it's not difficult to imagine movements with these bridge stamps dating back to the early 1980s. According to some sources, production of the 3017 chronograph was around 5,000 units per year, and there's no reason to believe it was significantly higher for the 3133 chronographs before 1989. If anyone has any solid evidence, I'd love to see it!
After the military issue period, the serial number changed from four to five digits only in 1989. At that time, during perestroika, planned production was over 10,000 units per year, so an additional digit was necessary.
An early five-digit serial number “04226” from 1989:
A complete bridge stamp overhaul took place in 1997 with a noticeable downsizing of the serial number font.
The Date Ring
The San Serif font on the early date ring prints is slightly bolder.
An early '80s aviator model sporting a replaced chrono second hand, repaired second and chrono minute hand, a replaced crystal, and the original older date ring print:
A mid-80s Aviator with a slightly more refined print of the same Sans Serif font on the date ring:
A new thin and tall Gothic-style font replaces the old Sans Serif date ring font in 1988.
Over a decade later, just prior to the demise of Poljot, a new and much bolder font made its debut in 2001.
The Chronograph Reset Lever
Converted from a two-piece adjustable to one-piece non-adjustable between 1986-87. Another easy way to date your chronograph.
Dials, bezels and cases
For the sake of clarity, I'll limit myself to the late 1970s and most of the 1980s. Juri Levenberg's numerous catalogs, available through his eBay store, adequately cover the hundreds of dials from the 1990s.
The documented history of the early Poljot 3133 chronographs is vague, to say the least. According to numerous sources (all claiming the same thing), the military version, the OKEAH, was produced first, followed shortly thereafter by the military version, the Aviator Sturmanskie. Five years later, the 3133 movement was released for civilian use in 1983—with only a few links to space flights of other models before 1983. However, for the period after 1983, considerably more information, mainly images, can be found from various internet sources.
A quick reference timeline chart:
First, I'd like to discuss something all chronograph dials have in common: the finishing of the chronograph lugs. There are several variations. On early dials, the ridge connecting the recessed chronograph lugs to the main face of the dial has a curved slope:
Note the slight curvature at the far end of the painted indices adjacent to the chronograph eye.
Some mid-'80s dials had what looks to be a trench around the vertical walls that connect the sunken chronograph eyes and the main face of the dial.
Later versions are simple straight cut right angles:
The so-called "Civilian" dials :
Not all of the color variations (silver, black or blue) are listed.
A high-resolution scan of the chronograph(3) alledged to have been worn by Berezovoy on the T-5 Soyuz mission between May 13 - December 10, 1982:
Serif fonts were still new to Poljot chronographs at the time and first appeared on Poljot watches around 1980.
Although the sans serif dials clearly date from the 1970s, there is evidence that both the sans serif dials and the newer serif dials coexisted in the early and mid-1980s:
Almost identical dials.
The chronograph (2) in the center of the image below is identical to the one Gorbatko allegedly wore during the Soyuz-24 flight from February 7 to 25, 1977. Somehow, it found its way into the 1992 Poljot catalog. Unfortunately, I have no evidence that the older sans-serif dials survived into the 1990s. Therefore, I can only assume that (in the absence of an image of the newer model [i.e., with serif font]), an older image from an earlier catalog was used instead.
Notice the hand positioning? For the catalog presentation, the hands of all Poljot watches were positioned at 1:43. Also note the incorrect hands on the left model and the misaligned dial overlay! How did that even get into print?
OKEAH
OKEAH chronographs, one of the most sought-after Poljot chronographs, are virtually unavailable in limited editions from the late 1970s, and original models from the 1980s are rare on today's online marketplaces.
The chronograph that Rashdestvensky allegedly wore from October 14 to 16, 1976, on the Soyuz 23 mission:
The one easily identifiable difference between early(late-'70s, early-'80s) and later model OKEAH dials is the slightly smaller font used to print the name "OKEAH".
A picture taken from the official Volmax web site with the same small font:
A Poljot catalog image (probably from the early '80s) of an early OKEAH:
At the catalog launch, all Poljot watches had hands pointing to 1:43. Note also the red time zone numerals on the rotating bezel—another indication of an early model.
And here is what I believe to be the definitive proof that this is the original OKEAH dial:
This watch has a later model of the original 3133 movement with the protruding head on the crown release button(see "Chronograph Bridge Stamps - Poljot Crown" above).
A mid-'80s OKEAH:
Military OKEAHs have stainless steel cases. I have no evidence to date that OKEAHs were produced until the 1990s.
AVIATOR STURMANSKIES
Limited editions of the Aviator model were released starting in 1986 until it was replaced by the new gray lacquered version. I own two older Aviator Sturmanskies. Both have stainless steel cases and stainless steel pushers. I doubt this chronograph was ever available to the general public.
An Aviator Sturmanskie from the mid-1980s:
The early version of the new style stainless steel Aviator Sturmanskie 31569 - 1987:
How do you tell if the case is stainless steel or not? It's not that easy. Look for signs of wear on the chronograph pushers and the case back – not on the screw-down case back, which is made of stainless steel on all models. The screw-down stainless steel case back is a good excuse for sellers to claim "stainless steel."
A late Soviet-era Sturmanskie 31569 and 3133 -1991:
An excerpt from an early '90s Poljot catalog: "During the latest Soviet-German space flight the new design of watch "Schturmanskie" was highly appreciated by spacemen."
An by modern-day collectors too! :-d
My late Soviet-era Sturmanskie:
Replica Dials
There out there, so take a good look at the dial of any '80s chronograph before purchasing. The easiest way to tell if the dial is a reproduction is by checking for a contemporary application of luminance, as the color, texture, and volume is way off.
I hate to end on a sour note, so here's an awesome image of the still available Volmax OKEAH 3133:
Source: Polman3133 on watchuseek.com