Poljot
sturmansky pilot cccp air force - TU 160

Soviet Air Force military chronograph Poljot Sturmanskie from 1975. This aviation military watch features a flyback function and a rotating 12-hour bezel, protected beneath the glass. The bezel is adjusted by turning the crown located on the left side of the case. The chronograph is operated using the pushers on the right side of the case. The upper pusher starts the chronograph, while the lower one instantly resets and restarts the timing after a flyback to zero. A second press of the top pusher while the chronograph is running stops the timer, and at that point, a press of the lower pusher halts it completely.

These military-issued watches were manufactured using industrial equipment purchased from Jura-based companies (including Lip) by the Soviet Union during the quartz crisis of the 1960s. The Poljot factory No.1 is located on the outskirts of Moscow and has been producing watches for both civilian and military use since 1940. This navigation chronograph, commissioned by the Soviet Ministry of Defense, equipped most pilots of the Soviet Air Force and naval aviation units, primarily operating Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack and Tu-95 Bear aircraft. This watch, very popular among Russian air forces, also accompanied Russian cosmonauts on Soyuz and Mir space missions. Many archival photos show the Sturmanskie on the wrists of cosmonauts aboard the Russian space station.

The Sturmanskie is powered by the 21-jewel “stop-second” calibre 3133. This movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and includes an in-house flyback mechanism on some models. It comes with its original steel bracelet. Given its historical background and extended use within military aviation, it is a highly desirable collector’s piece, still accessible to aviation and space enthusiasts alike.

Discover stories and history about watches manufactured in the Soviet Union on our Mostra Mag page — the blog that explores iconic models and the watchmaking brands that defined their eras.