Poljot

Poljot is a Russian watch brand with a storied history in the watchmaking industry. The name "Poljot" means "Flight" in Russian, and the brand is closely associated with the Soviet Union's aviation and space programs.

1. **Soviet Era**: Poljot was originally founded in 1961 as a brand under the First Moscow Watch Factory (FMWF), which was the largest and most prestigious watch manufacturer in the Soviet Union.

2. **Aviation and Space Watches**: Poljot gained popularity for producing watches designed for aviation and space missions. The brand was officially selected to be the timepiece used by Soviet cosmonauts during their space missions.

3. **Strela and Poljot Chronographs**: The "Strela" (Arrow) and "Poljot Chronograph" models are among the most well-known and sought-after Poljot watches. These chronographs were used by Soviet astronauts and are highly collectible among watch enthusiasts.

4. **Manual Wind Movements**: Poljot watches were equipped with manual wind mechanical movements, which were reliable and robust, suitable for the challenging conditions of space travel.

5. **Post-Soviet Era**: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the Poljot brand continued to produce watches in Russia, and the watches became available in international markets.

6. **Poljot International**: In the 1990s, the rights to the "Poljot" name were acquired by a private Swiss company, which continued to produce watches under the name "Poljot International."

7. **Heritage and Collectibility**: Vintage Poljot watches from the Soviet era, especially those with historical significance, are highly valued among collectors due to their connection to space exploration and their unique place in watchmaking history.

It is essential to note that since my last update in September 2021, the availability and status of Poljot watches may have changed. Additionally, given the brand's historical significance and its various iterations, there might be different companies or entities using the "Poljot" name or producing watches under similar names. As with any vintage or collectible watch brand, it is crucial to research and verify the authenticity and provenance of Poljot watches when considering a purchase.

Poljot: A Legacy of Soviet Watchmaking and Space Exploration​

Origins and Establishment

Poljot, meaning "flight" in Russian, originated from the First Moscow Watch Factory (FMWF), established in 1930 as the Soviet Union's first large-scale watch manufacturer. The factory was founded as part of the USSR's first Five-Year Plan, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign imports. To achieve this, the Soviet government acquired equipment and expertise from the defunct American companies Dueber-Hampden Watch Company and Ansonia Clock Company. Twenty-one American technicians were brought to Moscow to train local workers, and the initial products bore the "Dueber-Hampden, Canton, Ohio, USA" stamp, making them highly collectible today .​

Space Exploration and Iconic Models

Poljot's reputation soared with its association with the Soviet space program. In 1961, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin wore a Sturmanskie watch, produced by FMWF, during his historic flight as the first human in space. This timepiece, designed exclusively for Soviet Air Force pilots, was not available to the public at the time .​

In 1965, during the first spacewalk, cosmonaut Alexei Leonov wore a Strela chronograph, another FMWF creation. The Strela, introduced in 1959, was inspired by the Swiss Venus 150 movement and became a symbol of Soviet horological prowess .​

Product Range and Innovations

Poljot produced a diverse array of watches, including:​

• Sturmanskie: Initially exclusive to military pilots, later released to the public.​

• Strela: Chronographs used in space missions, featuring the 3017 and later the 3133 calibers.​

• Poljot de Luxe: Ultra-thin dress watches powered by the manual-wind 2209 caliber.​

• Okean: Chronographs developed for the Soviet Navy, utilizing the 3133 movement.​

• Signal: Mechanical alarm watches equipped with the 2612 caliber.​

The 3133 chronograph movement, introduced in the 1970s, was based on the Swiss Valjoux 7734. Poljot enhanced it by increasing the jewel count and beat rate, resulting in a robust and reliable movement that remains popular among collectors .​

Transition and Legacy

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Poljot faced challenges adapting to a market economy. In the early 2000s, businessman Sergei Pugachev acquired the brand, and the factory's assets were eventually divided. Former employees established Volmax, producing watches under the Aviator, Buran, and Sturmanskie brands, using movements from MakTime, a company that utilized Poljot's original equipment 

Today, original Poljot watches are highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and distinctive designs. While the brand itself is no longer in production, its legacy endures through the continued popularity of its timepieces and the ongoing production of related models by successor companies.​