NAWCC 135 Chapter Meeting (In Person)

Russian watches have a fascinating history, from the Imperial Russian era to the creation of the first Soviet watch factory, built at the order of Josef Stalin. The industry was initially built using American technology and equipment from the Dueber-Hampden Watch Company and later replaced with licensed technology from France's Lip Watch Company.

Up to the fall of the USSR, they bought, stole, copied, and eventually innovated watch designs. Today, there are millions of examples left over from Cold War times, featuring robust movements, low-quality cases, colorful dials, and unique designs. These historic relics can be found for surprisingly low prices, and some models are very collectible.

Rob Apsel is the current co-president of NAWCC Chapter 135. He is a collector of odd, unique, and, of course, Russian watches.