Vostok
Veteran Defense Shield - US Defense Ministry

Military collector’s watch — Vintage Vostok timepiece commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense for American forces deployed during the first phase of the Gulf War in Kuwait as part of Operation "Desert Shield" in 1991. This watch was issued along with the Gulf War campaign medal to all soldiers present on Kuwaiti soil during the Iraqi invasion. A true veteran’s watch, it was produced by the Russian Vostok factory, the only manufacturer able to meet military specifications under time constraints. It is now a highly collectible piece, as it remains the only known example of a watch ever commissioned by the U.S. government from Russia.

Automatic mechanical movement with 31 jewels, powered by the Vostok 2416B calibre. Based on Swiss-designed architecture, this movement has a 31-hour power reserve and beats at 19,800 vibrations per hour. The 40 mm case features a screw-down caseback and crown. The white dial displays the American flag at the center with a backdrop in the colors of the Emirate of Kuwait, all encircled by the inscription "Operation Desert Shield."

The Gulf War was considered a two-phase conflict. The first, a defensive campaign known as “Desert Shield,” saw U.S. troops deployed to defend Kuwaiti territory. The second phase, “Desert Storm,” was an international coalition offensive aimed at neutralizing the Iraqi regime and military. Notably, no veteran watch was issued for the second campaign.

You’ll find many anecdotes and details about collectible watches and the history of their design in our "Watch History" section.