Vintage Soviet USSR Watch Dial with Luminous Markers
Watch Component (Dial) · Brass or Nickel-Silver with trace plating
Purity: None/Base Metal (Au-Plated Indicator)
Type
Watch Component (Dial)
Purity
None/Base Metal (Au-Plated Indicator)
Gold Type
Brass or Nickel-Silver with trace plating
Weight
1.5 - 2.5 grams
Description
A distressed vintage watch dial originating from the Soviet Union. The dial features a circular sunburst graining under heavy oxidation. It contains applied rectangular hour indices that once held luminous paint, now darkened by time. The 'MADE IN USSR' marking indicates it was intended for the international export market rather than domestic Soviet use.
Key Features
'MADE IN USSR' export stamp; sunburst surface texture; applied square index windows; perimeter minute track.
Color & Finish
Tarnished silver-tone with greenish oxidation and sunburst texture
Hallmarks & Stamps
MADE IN USSR (In English) at 6 o'clock; various handwritten markings on the center
Dimensions Estimate
28mm - 30mm diameter (Standard Men's Watch Size)
Gemstones & Inlays
Luminous tritium or radium-based painted markers (degraded)
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (component)
Chain & Links
Not applicable
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped base metal with applied hour markers and printed minute track; finished with a sunburst radial brush pattern.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic Soviet typography and 'MADE IN USSR' English stamp; alignment notch at 9 o'clock; center-hole proportions.
Origin & Maker
USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics); likely Vostok, Raketa, or Poljot factories
Era & Period
Soviet Era (Cold War), likely 1970s-1980s Cold War production
Age Estimate
Approx. 35-50 years old (circa 1975-1985)
Cultural Significance
Represents the industrial output of the USSR's horological sector, which aimed to provide affordable timekeeping both domestically and for global export.
Condition Notes
Poor/Damaged. Significant surface corrosion, oxidation spots, and degraded luminous material. Missing hands and watch movement attachment.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 (Primarily for parts or as a historical curiosity; negligible precious metal content).
Care & Maintenance
Handle only by the edges to avoid further oil transfer; keep away from moisture to prevent further oxidation; do not clean with chemicals as it will strip the remaining finish.
Similar Items
Vintage Raketa, Vostok Komandirskie, or Poljot watch dials; often compared to contemporary Swiss export dials of the same era but with distinct finishing styles.
Interesting Facts
Soviet watches were produced in massive quantities across several State-owned factories and were praised for their durability and robust mechanical movements.