Vintage Mechanical Watch Movement Caliber 3602 18 Jewels Soviet Union
Watch · Steel and brass components with gilded gear wheels
Purity: Not solid gold or precious metal (movement component)
Type
Watch
Purity
Not solid gold or precious metal (movement component)
Gold Type
Steel and brass components with gilded gear wheels
Weight
Movement weight approximately 10 to 15 grams
Description
A well-preserved vintage mechanical watch movement featuring 18 synthetic ruby jewels, the distinctive caliber 3602 designation, and the 'SU' Soviet Union marking. The movement showcases classic industrial watchmaking of the mid-20th century with striped bridge finishing and visible gear trains.
Key Features
Caliber 3602 18-jewel mechanical hand-winding mechanism, SU export hallmark, synthetic jewel bearings, and distinct serial numbering
Color & Finish
Silver-toned brushed bridges with polished screw heads and brass-colored gilded gears
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamps visible include '18 jewels', caliber number '3602', Soviet Union export marker 'SU', and a serial number '341352'
Dimensions Estimate
Standard pocket watch or large wristwatch movement diameter around 36mm
Gemstones & Inlays
Synthetic ruby bearing jewels (18 jewels)
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable for a watch movement
Chain & Links
Not applicable
Craftsmanship Details
Mechanical hand-wound movement utilizing traditional bridge architecture, chatons, synthetic jewel bearing placement, and striped finishing on the top plates
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Soviet watch manufacturing stamps including the Cyrillic or export 'SU' mark and standard factory caliber stampings
Origin & Maker
Soviet Union, likely manufactured by the Molnija (Lightning) watch factory in Chelyabinsk
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to late Soviet era
Age Estimate
Circa 1960s to 1980s
Cultural Significance
Represents the robust and widespread industrial watchmaking heritage of the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, producing reliable timepieces for domestic and international markets.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with clean metal surfaces, intact ruby jewels, and visible serial and caliber stamps. Appears unserviced but structurally sound.
Value Estimate
Low to moderate collector value, typically ranging from $30 to $100 depending on working condition and completeness of the watch casing
Care & Maintenance
Keep away from moisture and dust, handle only by the edges or mounting ring, and require professional watchmaker servicing and oiling if intended for functional use
Similar Items
Other Soviet watch movements such as the Molnija 3601 or Vostok mechanical calibers
Interesting Facts
The 3602 caliber is heavily based on the Swiss Cortebert 548 movement, which was acquired by the Soviet Union in the mid-20th century and became the basis for numerous military and civilian pocket and wristwatches.