Vintage Gold-Plated Vostok Watch Dial, Made in USSR
Watch Component (Dial) · Yellow Gold plating over a brass or base-metal substrate
Purity: Gold-Plated (estimated 5-20 microns of Au); non-solid gold
Type
Watch Component (Dial)
Purity
Gold-Plated (estimated 5-20 microns of Au); non-solid gold
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a brass or base-metal substrate
Weight
1.5 to 2.5 grams (total weight of the brass plate and plating)
Description
An authentic vintage Soviet-era watch dial featuring a sunburst textured background and applied bar markers. The piece shows significant signs of age-related degradation including moisture damage and 'scaly' oxidation of the gold-colored finish.
Key Features
Cyrillic-style 'Made in USSR' marking in English for export, sunburst finish, and applied black-inset indices
Color & Finish
Pale yellow gold with heavy oxidation, verdigris spotting, and a sunburst texture base
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped "MADE IN USSR" on the right perimeter; handwritten assembly/service markings on the center
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 28mm to 30mm diameter; thickness 0.4mm
Gemstones & Inlays
Applied rectangular hour markers with black enamel paint or lacquer centers; no real gemstones
Clasp & Closure
None; features a dial feet notch at the 9 o'clock position for movement mounting
Chain & Links
N/A; flat metal disc construction with a central pinion hole
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped brass plate with electroplated finish and mechanically applied indices; industrial grade
Authentication Indicators
The 'Made in USSR' stamp is consistent with Soviet export pieces; the oxidation pattern indicates a base metal core beneath a thin gold layer
Origin & Maker
USSR (Soviet Union); likely produced for Vostok or Poljot watch factories
Era & Period
Late Soviet Era (1970s - 1980s Cold War production)
Age Estimate
Circa 1975-1989
Cultural Significance
Represents the industrial output of the Soviet Union's horological industry during its height as a global exporter of affordable mechanical timepieces
Condition Notes
Poor condition; heavy surface corrosion, verdigris (green rust), and scratches around the center hole. Grade: Scrap/Parts only
Value Estimate
Melt Value: Negligible (less than $0.10); Resale Value: $5-$10 as a 'project' part for vintage watch restorers
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with liquids; avoid touching the surface with bare fingers as oils will accelerate the existing corrosion
Similar Items
Poljot 23-jewel dials, Raketa 'Big Zero' dials, or vintage Seiko plated dials from the same era
Interesting Facts
Soviet watches were highly standardized and produced in the millions, yet individual dials like this were often hand-finished or stamped in specialized state factories