Here are five of the classic Soviet watch brands, but keep in mind that modern companies have bought out most licenses and are producing contemporary watches under their names.
Poljot
Made under Stalin’s First Moscow Watch Factory, Poljot is arguably the preeminent Soviet watch, known for quality craftsmanship in movement and design. Poljot was the first watch worn in space, when Yuri Gagarin brought a Sturmanskie on his 1961 flight.
Raketa
Manufactured under Petrovorets, Russia’s oldest watch factory, founded by Peter the Great in 1721, Raketa produced its classic watches between 1962 and 1990. Famed for its 24-hour watches, their prices are among the highest for Soviet brands.
Vostok
Vostok started off as the official watch supplier for the Soviet defense department, before expanding into military- and diver-style timepieces. Popular watches include the Amphibia and Komandirskie.
Luch
Produced in Belarus’ Minsk Watch Factory, Luch is one of the few brands still producing retro-style watches under the same manufacturer. Vintage watches were made for the domestic market, and were often utilitarian.
Blonie
A rarity in the Soviet world, Blonie was produced in the First Moscow Watch Factory, before being designed and assembled in Poland’s Mera Blonie factory. Watches include Polan, Atlas, Wars and Zodiak.
