While the Omega Speedmaster Professional made history as the first watch to land on the moon, a Russian timepiece took an earlier giant leap—becoming the first watch in space. This historic event unfolded on April 12, 1961, when Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet cosmonaut, launched into orbit aboard the Vostok 1 capsule, marking humanity's first venture into outer space. For 108 minutes, Gagarin circled the Earth, a monumental achievement in the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States. Throughout this pioneering flight, Gagarin wore a Poljot Sturmanskie, which performed flawlessly in the unique conditions of space.
The Watch That Made History
Gagarin’s watch, the Poljot Sturmanskie, was not an ordinary timepiece. It was a military-grade watch designed specifically for Soviet Air Force navigators. The version Gagarin wore featured a shock-protected movement with 17 jewels, housed in a 33 mm stainless steel case that was about 12 mm thick, with 16 mm lugs. Although modest in size by today’s standards, it was well-engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of spaceflight.
Key features included:
- Hacking mechanism: A crucial function for flight crews to synchronize their watches by stopping the second hand.
- Durable crown and case back: A sturdy, pillow-shaped crown and a screw-down case back provided solid water resistance.
- Distinctive design: The second hand was a striking red, ending in a cloverleaf shape, while the hour and minute hands were blued steel, shaped like lances. The dial was simple and legible, with the word "Sturmanskie" (meaning "navigators") written in Cyrillic under the 12 o’clock position in a subtle rainbow pattern, and the Soviet Air Force logo prominently displayed at the bottom.
Origins of the Sturmanskie
The Sturmanskie watches had a long history before their spaceflight fame. First introduced in 1949 by the First Moscow Watch Factory (also known as the 1st MChZ), the Sturmanskie watches were designed exclusively for the Soviet Air Force. They were not available for sale to the general public, making them highly sought-after among collectors today. The earliest version, with a 15-jewel movement, was released in 1949. By 1954, the watch had been upgraded to a 17-jewel version—the same model Gagarin wore during his historic flight. Production of this iconic model continued until 1962.
The First Moscow Watch Factory: A Legacy in Soviet Watchmaking
The First Moscow Watch Factory was established in 1930 under the directive of Joseph Stalin, as part of the Soviet Union's push for industrialization. The factory's creation was made possible by the acquisition of two American watch companies: the Ansonia Clock Company and the Dueber-Hampden Watch Company. By combining these technologies with Soviet craftsmanship, the factory became a powerhouse, producing millions of watches over the decades.
In the years following Gagarin’s flight, the factory honored its connection to space exploration by renaming itself Poljot(meaning "flight") in 1961. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the factory, as the name became synonymous with high-quality Soviet timepieces. At its peak, Poljot was producing up to 500,000 watches per year, including 60,000 chronographs. The factory also incorporated Swiss ETA movements for some of its models, alongside its own mechanical calibers.
Today, Poljot remains operational, continuing the legacy of Soviet watchmaking with modern collections while still paying tribute to its historical roots. One of the most notable tributes is the Poljot Sturmanskie Gagarin series, which faithfully replicates the design of the original watches worn by Soviet cosmonauts.
The Sturmanskie Today
For collectors and history enthusiasts, the Sturmanskie remains an icon of Soviet ingenuity and space exploration. The Sturmanskie that Yuri Gagarin wore is now displayed at the Moscow Museum of Cosmonautics, a lasting symbol of the Soviet Union’s success in the space race.
Modern reissues of the Sturmanskie, like the Gagarin collection, stay true to the classic design elements of the original models. They feature the same clear dials, bold hands, and practical functionality, including the famed hacking mechanism. These watches offer a piece of history to enthusiasts who want to own a piece of space exploration heritage.
If you’re interested in owning a part of this remarkable history, we offer a selection of Sturmanskie watches right here on our website. Whether you're drawn to the Gagarin reissues or other classic models, you'll find authentic designs that celebrate the legacy of the first watch in space.
Conclusion
The Poljot Sturmanskie may not have the same fame as the Omega Speedmaster, but its place in history is no less significant. It was the first watch to venture beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, accompanying Yuri Gagarin on his groundbreaking journey into space. For collectors, owning a Sturmanskie is not just about the watch itself, but the story it tells—a story of innovation, exploration, and a race to the stars. Explore our collection of Sturmanskie watches and connect with a timepiece that made history.