Real History
Alternative History
ZIM is a watch brand of the Samara Maslennikov Factory. The factory was founded in 1911 and during its existence has produced various defense products, including shells for multiple launch rocket systems, as well as equipment for spacecraft. But the factory is most famous for his "peaceful" products — and above all watches: ZIM and "Pobeda"
History of the Factory
The Maslennikov Factory (ZIM, from Russian Завод имени Масленникова, ЗИМ) was a defense enterprise in Samara that existed in 1911 — 2006. The factory produced elements of ammunition and civilian goods, the most famous of which were watches of the ZIM and Pobeda brands.
The Russo-Japanese War, lost by Russia, showed the need for technical re-equipment of the Russian army. In 1906, Emperor Nicholas II signed a decree on the construction of several military enterprises with state funds. Among them was the Samara Fuse Factory, which was to become the country's largest manufacturer of fuses for shells. The construction of the factory began in May 1910. The government allocated a huge amount at that time for the important facility — more than five million rubles. On September 14 (27 New Style), 1911, the official opening of the Second Fuse Factory took place in Samara. According to the project, 500 thousand fuses and other parts for shells were to be produced here per year. But already in 1913 the design standards were exceeded. During the First World War, 15 million fuses were produced in Samara. In the pre-revolutionary years, about 2.5 thousand people worked at the factory, among them were the later famous Bolsheviks and statesmen Nikolai Shvernik and Valerian Kuybyshev. Samara was later named after the latter (the city was called Kuybyshev from January 27, 1935 to January 25, 1991).
In 1917, in connection with the Decree on Peace, the restructuring of the factory to produce peaceful products began. In 1918 - 1919 the enterprise produced irons, bronze mortars and pestles. During the Civil War, the factory did not work. It was only in the spring of 1923 that a stable output of products focused on the needs of the country's electrification was resumed. At the same time, they produced water valves, metric weights, lamp shade holders, irons, spare parts for agricultural machines.
The Russo-Japanese War, lost by Russia, showed the need for technical re-equipment of the Russian army. In 1906, Emperor Nicholas II signed a decree on the construction of several military enterprises with state funds. Among them was the Samara Fuse Factory, which was to become the country's largest manufacturer of fuses for shells. The construction of the factory began in May 1910. The government allocated a huge amount at that time for the important facility — more than five million rubles. On September 14 (27 New Style), 1911, the official opening of the Second Fuse Factory took place in Samara. According to the project, 500 thousand fuses and other parts for shells were to be produced here per year. But already in 1913 the design standards were exceeded. During the First World War, 15 million fuses were produced in Samara. In the pre-revolutionary years, about 2.5 thousand people worked at the factory, among them were the later famous Bolsheviks and statesmen Nikolai Shvernik and Valerian Kuybyshev. Samara was later named after the latter (the city was called Kuybyshev from January 27, 1935 to January 25, 1991).
In 1917, in connection with the Decree on Peace, the restructuring of the factory to produce peaceful products began. In 1918 - 1919 the enterprise produced irons, bronze mortars and pestles. During the Civil War, the factory did not work. It was only in the spring of 1923 that a stable output of products focused on the needs of the country's electrification was resumed. At the same time, they produced water valves, metric weights, lamp shade holders, irons, spare parts for agricultural machines.
Then, in 1923, at the request of the workers, the factory was named after the first Chairman of the Samara City Soviet, Alexander Maslennikov. The revolutionary, although he did not work at the Fuse Factory for a day, was familiar to the workers from speeches at rallies. Since 1925, the former Fuse Factory was subordinated to the Supreme Soviet of the National Economy of the USSR. It was known as Samara Factory No. 15, and since 1929 as Factory No. 42. From 1942 to 1971, ZIM is listed as an enterprise a postbox 59 (and still Factory No. 42). During the Great Patriotic War, the Maslennikov Factory in a short time mastered the production of shells for the famous Katyusha rocket launcher. At the same time, the production of ammunition for all types of troops was increased. Naturally, information about the factory was immediately classified. For example, he disappeared from all maps — on the schematic plan of Kuybyshev in 1940, gardens are marked in its place.
After the War, the factory again partially (and according to the official version — completely) switched to the production of peaceful products. The assortment in different periods was quite wide — from electronics for the instrument-making industry to sewing machines. Even before the war, the factory was producing pocket watches under the ZIM brand. One of the most famous ZIM brands is the Pobeda wristwatch and (later) also ZIM wristwatch. They were produced at the factory from 1950 to 2002. In 1947, the Maslennikov Factory was entrusted with fuel equipment for the Leningrad tractor "Kirovets-D35". In the same year, an experimental batch of alarm clocks appeared. Since 1949 the factory has been developing the Volga autodrinker. In 1959, the serial production of electronic devices for the instrument-making industry began, from 1959 to 1961, machine-tool production and the production of photo shutters were organized, in the 1970s, the production of medical equipment and electrical equipment was launched, and in the 1980s, the production of household sewing machines, electric motors and a number of products for the automotive industry. During the heyday of the enterprise, the factory employed 30 thousand people.
After the War, the factory again partially (and according to the official version — completely) switched to the production of peaceful products. The assortment in different periods was quite wide — from electronics for the instrument-making industry to sewing machines. Even before the war, the factory was producing pocket watches under the ZIM brand. One of the most famous ZIM brands is the Pobeda wristwatch and (later) also ZIM wristwatch. They were produced at the factory from 1950 to 2002. In 1947, the Maslennikov Factory was entrusted with fuel equipment for the Leningrad tractor "Kirovets-D35". In the same year, an experimental batch of alarm clocks appeared. Since 1949 the factory has been developing the Volga autodrinker. In 1959, the serial production of electronic devices for the instrument-making industry began, from 1959 to 1961, machine-tool production and the production of photo shutters were organized, in the 1970s, the production of medical equipment and electrical equipment was launched, and in the 1980s, the production of household sewing machines, electric motors and a number of products for the automotive industry. During the heyday of the enterprise, the factory employed 30 thousand people.
Alexander Maslennikov (1890 — 1919)
Russian revolutionary, Bolshevik, participant in the Civil War in Russia, after whom ZIM was named. He actively participated in the establishment of the Soviet power in Samara in 1917. The first Chairman of the Samara Soviet (May-June 1918). Shot by the White Guards on April 18, 1919 in Omsk
In the early 90s, the Maslennikov Factory began to run into a pretty fever. The scenario was similar to that played out at dozens of other factories across the country. The workers (they did not receive a salary for half a year) even blocked Novo-Sadovaya street, where the factory was located, in 1998, but the fate of ZIM was a foregone conclusion. In 1998, due to financial problems, an arbitration board was introduced. In 2005, due to the impossibility of paying off debts, bankruptcy proceedings were introduced at the factory. On June 30, 2006, at a meeting of creditors, it was decided to complete the bankruptcy proceedings, since all the factory's property had been sold. In 2007, the site of the former Maslennikov Factory was transferred for residential and commercial development. In 2009 ZIM completely ceased to exist as a legal entity. Factory buildings are mostly destroyed, and in the very near future the territory will be built up with another portion of skyscrapers. What is left of ZIM now, you can see here and here (Russian langauge, but the photos are understood without words).
Creation of Watch Production at ZIM
In 1933 — 1939 with the help of the French company LIP SA d'Horlogerie, they mastered a watch production at ZIM (the third one in the country after the 1st and 2nd Moscow watch factories). At first it was pocket watches — already in 1946 the factory produced more than 46 thousand of them. Here is a historical document relating to the creation of watchmaking at ZIM (excerpt):
Resolution of the Council of Labor and Defense of the USSR No. 292 of April 21, 1935
On the organization of watch production at the factories of the NKTP [People's Commissariat of Heavy Industry]
Accept the proposal of the NKTP to organize the production of watches at the factory No. 50 named after Frunze and No. 42 named after Maslennikov, having approved the following production tasks and capacities for these enterprises:
No. 50 - women's wrist watches - 1 million pieces per year.
No. 42a - men's pocket watches - 2 million pieces per year.
No. 42b - men's wrist watches - 1 million pieces per year.
To re-equip the Moscow watch factories for the production of pocket watches for men, of the type manufactured by 1st State Watch Factory, with increasing the capacity:
1st State Watch Factory - 410 thousand (360 thousand pocket watches, 10 thousand of chroniflights [aviation clocks]).
2nd State Watch Factory - up to 360 thousand pocket watches.
To oblige NKTP to complete construction of the factories:
No. 42a in IV quarter of 1935.
No. 42b, No. 50 in III quarter of 1936.
Re-equipment of Moscow watch factories and start-up at full capacity, January 1936.
On the organization of watch production at the factories of the NKTP [People's Commissariat of Heavy Industry]
Accept the proposal of the NKTP to organize the production of watches at the factory No. 50 named after Frunze and No. 42 named after Maslennikov, having approved the following production tasks and capacities for these enterprises:
No. 50 - women's wrist watches - 1 million pieces per year.
No. 42a - men's pocket watches - 2 million pieces per year.
No. 42b - men's wrist watches - 1 million pieces per year.
To re-equip the Moscow watch factories for the production of pocket watches for men, of the type manufactured by 1st State Watch Factory, with increasing the capacity:
1st State Watch Factory - 410 thousand (360 thousand pocket watches, 10 thousand of chroniflights [aviation clocks]).
2nd State Watch Factory - up to 360 thousand pocket watches.
To oblige NKTP to complete construction of the factories:
No. 42a in IV quarter of 1935.
No. 42b, No. 50 in III quarter of 1936.
Re-equipment of Moscow watch factories and start-up at full capacity, January 1936.
It is clear that not all plans were destined to come true. Nevertheless, the document is fundamental — it gave impetus to watch production at ZIM and the Penza ZIF, the production of stopwatches, Type 1 watches at the 2nd State Watch Factory, the so-called "General Chronograph" and the future Sturmanskie... And possibly the post-war Pobeda as well.
This is how the creation of watch production at ZIM is described in a book dedicated to the history of the factory:
This is how the creation of watch production at ZIM is described in a book dedicated to the history of the factory:
“
The year 1936 is marked by another major event, which is practically difficult to overestimate. The creation of the country's third production facility for mechanical watches was completed. It was the year of birth of ZIM watches.
On a rainy autumn morning in 1933, on a vacant lot outside the factory, the ringing brass of the orchestra announced the beginning of the meeting. Here, despite the rain, came the veterans of the Revolution and the War, representatives of the Party, trade union and Komsomol organizations, team leaders, workers. A significant event in the life of the factory took place — the watch production building was laid.
There were no specialized watch factories in tsarist Russia, movements were imported from abroad — from Switzerland, Germany, America. The supplying countries dictated prices on the world market, created situations in which it was necessary to pay more and more for their products.
In order to get rid of the foreign dominance in the watch market, depending on it, the Soviet government decided to create watch factories. Equipment (by the way, quite outdated) was purchased in America. The 1st and 2nd Moscow watch factories were equipped with them.
Significant funds were allocated for the construction of the building, people and equipment were sent. The Party and trade union committees took special control over the supply of the construction site with materials, cement, and bricks. Socialist competition developed among the construction workers for the quickest introduction of the building into the active ranks. Thanks to the measures taken, the watch production building was built in a year and a half.
The contract for the supply of equipment for watchmaking was signed with the French company LIP. The first machines began to arrive at the factory in early 1936. The equipment was sent directly from the railway platforms to the building and installed.
Watchmakers were trained. In 1935, a group of workers, mainly graduates of the factory school, was sent to the 1st Moscow Watch Factory. Engineers and technicians, those who were to manage watch production, also went there. The business was absolutely new for everyone, and everything had to start virtually from scratch.
At that time, there were no educational institutions in the country that trained specialists for the production of watches, and there were no teaching aids. It was necessary to acquire knowledge and skill exclusively in practice — from assembly lines. So the factory's envoys had a very serious task, but they coped well with it. All 50 people have mastered the profession of watchmakers in six months.
Instructors from Switzerland were invited to the factory, but their services had to be abandoned soon. They received a lot of money, but the quality of training did not match the costs. The language barrier was a big obstacle between teachers and students, and the Swiss were reluctant to transfer their knowledge, they showed mainly working techniques, without explaining anything.
There was no special equipment for the production of watch parts at the factory. They had to adapt the existing machines and mechanisms and make parts in a universal way. Naturally, their quality was low; out of a hundred, only a few were suitable. But, despite this, by the fall of 1936, several pairs of K-43 pocket watches [it is so in the original — "pairs of watches"!] were assembled. This can be considered the birth of ZIM brand watches, although the watchmakers themselves are reporting the fall of 1937, when the first experimental batch of watches was produced.
The release of ZIM watches was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Great October Revolution. Operations with miniature parts were not easy. But the pilot batch was assembled on time, and the tests showed excellent results.
It became a celebration for the entire factory! The watches were transferred from workshop to workshop, they could not stop looking at them, everyone tried to touch them. The real birthday people were the head of production V. Stepin, chief engineer I. Eliseev, chief technologist A. Fogenberg, chief designer B. Lokai, watchmakers S. Shagaev, P. Miloradov, I. Sivakov, P. Zelenin and their comrades. There was no person at the factory from whom they would not have heard a kind word of gratitude, wishes for new labor victories.
The watches made for the experimental batch served as standards by which the mass batches were subsequently assembled. Stamps, tooling, and necessary tools were made in the tool shops based on them. Technologists have developed a technology for the production of parts and assembly of movements, which had no analogues in the country. After all, at the Moscow factories, equipment of a completely different type was used, naturally, the technology there was also different.
Mastering the production of watches was the impetus for the expansion of production. New buildings were urgently erected, equipment was brought, and its installation was in progress. Expansion of watchmaking increased the area occupied by the factory, bringing it closer to its present size.
With the expansion of production areas, the production of watches has increased, and specialized equipment has served well in improving their quality. Watchmakers were gaining experience. The basic school of factory training began to train personnel for watchmaking shops. The production was getting stronger. Its products found their customers, and the quality of the watches made the demand higher.
The planned mass production of ZIM watches began in 1938 and by the beginning of the Great Patriotic War it reached 25 thousand pieces per month. And although the demand for them was great, pocket watches no longer satisfied the market. Fashion persistently dictated the need to establish the manufacture of wristwatches, since the future was theirs.
The K-24 wristwatch was taken as a sample. The designers have developed drawings of stamps, tools and equipment, the original technology was created by technologists. Tool shops started to implement orders for watch production, retraining of personnel proceeded at a rapid pace.
It was planned to start mass production of wristwatches by the beginning of 1942. But volleys of guns at dawn on June 22, 1941 interrupted the peaceful construction of the country. Soon the watch production was mothballed, its equipment was readjusted for the manufacture of products for the front, the workers put on soldiers' overcoats.
Running ahead, we should say that as soon as the Nazis surrendered and the War ended, watch production revived. Already in 1946, 46138 pieces of pocket watches, assembled by the hands of young workers, were sent to consumers. At the same time, preparations for the production of wristwatches resumed. Dust-covered stamps were taken from the storerooms. In accordance with the latest advances, changes were made to the technology.
On a rainy autumn morning in 1933, on a vacant lot outside the factory, the ringing brass of the orchestra announced the beginning of the meeting. Here, despite the rain, came the veterans of the Revolution and the War, representatives of the Party, trade union and Komsomol organizations, team leaders, workers. A significant event in the life of the factory took place — the watch production building was laid.
There were no specialized watch factories in tsarist Russia, movements were imported from abroad — from Switzerland, Germany, America. The supplying countries dictated prices on the world market, created situations in which it was necessary to pay more and more for their products.
In order to get rid of the foreign dominance in the watch market, depending on it, the Soviet government decided to create watch factories. Equipment (by the way, quite outdated) was purchased in America. The 1st and 2nd Moscow watch factories were equipped with them.
Significant funds were allocated for the construction of the building, people and equipment were sent. The Party and trade union committees took special control over the supply of the construction site with materials, cement, and bricks. Socialist competition developed among the construction workers for the quickest introduction of the building into the active ranks. Thanks to the measures taken, the watch production building was built in a year and a half.
The contract for the supply of equipment for watchmaking was signed with the French company LIP. The first machines began to arrive at the factory in early 1936. The equipment was sent directly from the railway platforms to the building and installed.
Watchmakers were trained. In 1935, a group of workers, mainly graduates of the factory school, was sent to the 1st Moscow Watch Factory. Engineers and technicians, those who were to manage watch production, also went there. The business was absolutely new for everyone, and everything had to start virtually from scratch.
At that time, there were no educational institutions in the country that trained specialists for the production of watches, and there were no teaching aids. It was necessary to acquire knowledge and skill exclusively in practice — from assembly lines. So the factory's envoys had a very serious task, but they coped well with it. All 50 people have mastered the profession of watchmakers in six months.
Instructors from Switzerland were invited to the factory, but their services had to be abandoned soon. They received a lot of money, but the quality of training did not match the costs. The language barrier was a big obstacle between teachers and students, and the Swiss were reluctant to transfer their knowledge, they showed mainly working techniques, without explaining anything.
There was no special equipment for the production of watch parts at the factory. They had to adapt the existing machines and mechanisms and make parts in a universal way. Naturally, their quality was low; out of a hundred, only a few were suitable. But, despite this, by the fall of 1936, several pairs of K-43 pocket watches [it is so in the original — "pairs of watches"!] were assembled. This can be considered the birth of ZIM brand watches, although the watchmakers themselves are reporting the fall of 1937, when the first experimental batch of watches was produced.
The release of ZIM watches was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Great October Revolution. Operations with miniature parts were not easy. But the pilot batch was assembled on time, and the tests showed excellent results.
It became a celebration for the entire factory! The watches were transferred from workshop to workshop, they could not stop looking at them, everyone tried to touch them. The real birthday people were the head of production V. Stepin, chief engineer I. Eliseev, chief technologist A. Fogenberg, chief designer B. Lokai, watchmakers S. Shagaev, P. Miloradov, I. Sivakov, P. Zelenin and their comrades. There was no person at the factory from whom they would not have heard a kind word of gratitude, wishes for new labor victories.
The watches made for the experimental batch served as standards by which the mass batches were subsequently assembled. Stamps, tooling, and necessary tools were made in the tool shops based on them. Technologists have developed a technology for the production of parts and assembly of movements, which had no analogues in the country. After all, at the Moscow factories, equipment of a completely different type was used, naturally, the technology there was also different.
Mastering the production of watches was the impetus for the expansion of production. New buildings were urgently erected, equipment was brought, and its installation was in progress. Expansion of watchmaking increased the area occupied by the factory, bringing it closer to its present size.
With the expansion of production areas, the production of watches has increased, and specialized equipment has served well in improving their quality. Watchmakers were gaining experience. The basic school of factory training began to train personnel for watchmaking shops. The production was getting stronger. Its products found their customers, and the quality of the watches made the demand higher.
The planned mass production of ZIM watches began in 1938 and by the beginning of the Great Patriotic War it reached 25 thousand pieces per month. And although the demand for them was great, pocket watches no longer satisfied the market. Fashion persistently dictated the need to establish the manufacture of wristwatches, since the future was theirs.
The K-24 wristwatch was taken as a sample. The designers have developed drawings of stamps, tools and equipment, the original technology was created by technologists. Tool shops started to implement orders for watch production, retraining of personnel proceeded at a rapid pace.
It was planned to start mass production of wristwatches by the beginning of 1942. But volleys of guns at dawn on June 22, 1941 interrupted the peaceful construction of the country. Soon the watch production was mothballed, its equipment was readjusted for the manufacture of products for the front, the workers put on soldiers' overcoats.
Running ahead, we should say that as soon as the Nazis surrendered and the War ended, watch production revived. Already in 1946, 46138 pieces of pocket watches, assembled by the hands of young workers, were sent to consumers. At the same time, preparations for the production of wristwatches resumed. Dust-covered stamps were taken from the storerooms. In accordance with the latest advances, changes were made to the technology.
Pocket Watches ChK-6
ZIM ChK-6 (Russian ЧК-6, "pocket watch, second hand at 6 o'clock") is an interesting watch, the first-born of cooperation between the USSR and the LIP company (France). The early pocket ZIM was an exact copy of the LIP — only the caseback slammed shut, but was not hinged, and the ring was flatter — not for a chatelaine (chain for a pocket watch), but for a rawhide strap.
Having studied photographs of watches and real pocket ZIMs, the following conclusions can be drawn. There are mainly the following ZIM ChK-6 types of movements:
Having studied photographs of watches and real pocket ZIMs, the following conclusions can be drawn. There are mainly the following ZIM ChK-6 types of movements:
LIP 432 is most likely a prototype of the ZIM pocket watches
- gilt without identification marks, with a number, without a quarter and a year. It is generally accepted that such movements went to the ZIMs from LIP, and that they are pre-War;
- gilt with the inscription "ЗИМ, 15 камней" (ZIM, 15 jewels), with a number, without quarter and year;
- not gilt, with the inscription "ЗИМ, 15 камней" (ZIM, 15 jewels), with a number, no quarter and year;
- the same with a quarter and a year.
Dial designs are of three types:
- large second hand, large straight numbers, there is no number "six", inside there is a circle with a diameter of 25 mm, similar to LIP, the inscription "ЗИМ" (ZIM) in small letters. These watches, as a rule, contain movements of the first and second types;
- the same, with the missing numbers 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11 (instead of them there are strokes), the inscription "ЗИМ" (ZIM) is made in specific italics. These watches contain movements of all 4 types;
- a small second hand, the numbers are smaller, the number 6 is missing, there is a circle of about 32 mm inside, that is, the design of the dial is similar to the "thin Molnija" of the 2nd Watch Factory. The "ЗИМ" (ZIM) inscription is curved around a circle, underlined. As a rule, they have movements of the third type, and if the fourth, then the watches are dated from 1947 to 1950.
The glasses on the watches are plexiglass or gutta-percha. Mineral glasses are rare. There is a theory that watches with a gilt movements (without marking — so that there were no conflicts with LIP in terms of intellectual property rights) and mineral glass were exported, around the mid-late 50s, their numbering was different from domestic supplies. This theory is supported by the fact that the integrity of such watches is better than that of pieces of the 40s — 50s. Those ones are almost always after repairs, have a shortened spring (obviously due to a breakdown), the spring lock is often homemade, the power reserve is less than a day. And the gilt ZIMs look almost like new.
It is clear from the document below that in 1940 the pocket ZIM was being produced with might and main, and already under the the People's Commissariat of Ammunition, and not the NKTP (which is logical — after all, the main product of ZIM was ammunition):
786 On the rate of turnover tax on pocket watches "ZIM" manufactured by the enterprises of the People's Commissariat of Ammunition.
The Council of People's Commissars of the USSR decides:
1. To establish from July 1, 1940 the 60% rate of turnover tax to the retail price (minus the trade discount) on the pocket watches "ZIM" produced by the enterprises of the People's Commissariat of Ammunition.
2. The turnover tax rate established by this Resolution shall be applied to the turnover of invoices paid from July 1, 1940.
3. Instruct the People's Commissariat of Finance of the USSR to make changes to the financial plan for 1940 of the People's Commissariat of Ammunition.
4. To consider as invalid since July 1, 1940, clause 3 of the Decree of the Economic Council under the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR dated February 27, 1939 No. 174 "On retail prices for watches" in terms of the turnover tax rate on pocket watches of the ZIM brand.
N. Bulganin, Deputy Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR.
Y. Chadayev, Administrator of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR.
Moscow Kremlin. December 7, 1940 No. 2464.
The Council of People's Commissars of the USSR decides:
1. To establish from July 1, 1940 the 60% rate of turnover tax to the retail price (minus the trade discount) on the pocket watches "ZIM" produced by the enterprises of the People's Commissariat of Ammunition.
2. The turnover tax rate established by this Resolution shall be applied to the turnover of invoices paid from July 1, 1940.
3. Instruct the People's Commissariat of Finance of the USSR to make changes to the financial plan for 1940 of the People's Commissariat of Ammunition.
4. To consider as invalid since July 1, 1940, clause 3 of the Decree of the Economic Council under the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR dated February 27, 1939 No. 174 "On retail prices for watches" in terms of the turnover tax rate on pocket watches of the ZIM brand.
N. Bulganin, Deputy Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR.
Y. Chadayev, Administrator of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR.
Moscow Kremlin. December 7, 1940 No. 2464.
This document indirectly confirms the theory that the gilt movements without markings are pre-War, possibly from LIP (there are no watches with markings earlier than 1946 in online auctions and in collections).
This topic at the Russian watch forum is devoted to the collection and systematization of information about ZIM ChK-6 pocket watches (Russian language).
This topic at the Russian watch forum is devoted to the collection and systematization of information about ZIM ChK-6 pocket watches (Russian language).
Wristwatches K-26
Soon after the successful start of production of the Pobeda wristwatches, an unexpected turn took place at the Penza Watch Factory. According to the official version, in 1949 it was decided to reorient the Penza Fctory to the production of only women's watches, so the production of Pobeda watches was transferred from Penza to other enterprises of the industry. There is information that in 1949 the Penza Factory transferred the production of the K-26 movement and Pobeda watch to Chistopol (Chistopol Watchmakers) and Kuybyshev (ZIM).
One of the variants of the ZIM trademark
The Maslennikov Factory was not a "full-fledged" watch factory. It was a defense enterprise where watches were produced as consumer goods — these were the simplest and most inexpensive watches in the USSR. Therefore, the development of the watch business did not really bother the factory's management — there were enough other concerns for the defense industry and other industries more important for the factory. The result of this is an extreme paucity of information on these watches. There are very few ZIM watch catalogs. This is despite the fact that the ZIM watches themselves were produced in huge quantities - up to 2.5 million pieces per year! The colossal production volume and affordable price made the Pobeda and ZIM brands almost the most popular in the USSR. The watches went on free sale, they were awarded to war and labor veterans.
ZIM watch, 1957
“
The first batch of ZIM-Pobeda watches was released in 1950. Such a long and careful preparation for manufacturing went to the advantage of the watch. Until now, the factory archive contains hundreds of letters from Soviet people with gratitude to manufacturers for the good quality and reliability of factory products. Having passed the tests of popularity in the domestic market of the country, the ZIM-Pobeda watch began to storm the world market and did it not without success.
K-26 means "Caliber 26", that is, with a movement diameter of 26 mm. The 15-jewel movement was originally a copy of the French caliber LIP-26 and was distinguished by its simplicity and reliability. Wristwatches with K-26 (at first under the Pobeda brand name, the ZIM brand appeared later) ZIM began to produce, as mentioned above, from the second half of 1950, at the same time ceasing the production of pocket watches. (There is a theory that the production of pocket watches was stopped later — they were simply produced without marking the movement.)
The production of wristwatches at ZIM ended in the early 2000s, simultaneously with the closure of the enterprise (the watches were officially released until 2002, but much later, watchmakers assembled these watches from components left over from production in Samara, and they were in demand). Thus, ZIM produced watches based on the K-26 movement longer than all other factories, although it should be admitted that the quality of these watches clearly left much to be desired for the last couple of decades. ZIM turned out to be very prolific in terms of the number of design options— there are almost more of them than of all other Soviet watch brands. More than 20 case types alone have been used!
ZIM watches belonged to the second category of complexity and accuracy (the third did not exist). That is, in terms of their technical characteristics, they were not the standard of watches. But their price was also low — now they would say "economy class". ZIM's caliber K-26 is considered primitive (there is no shock-proof device for the balance axis, no automatic winding, the accuracy is not at the highest level). The ZIM watch case, which was manufactured using outdated technologies, was short-lived and quickly lost its original appearance. But on the other hand, no one in the USSR made such beautiful and diverse dials — the dials on these watches were sometimes just amazing! Very beautiful are the models with two-tone black and white dials, dials with sector markings, with a star on the dial (there was an impressive version of such a watch with a black dial).
The production of wristwatches at ZIM ended in the early 2000s, simultaneously with the closure of the enterprise (the watches were officially released until 2002, but much later, watchmakers assembled these watches from components left over from production in Samara, and they were in demand). Thus, ZIM produced watches based on the K-26 movement longer than all other factories, although it should be admitted that the quality of these watches clearly left much to be desired for the last couple of decades. ZIM turned out to be very prolific in terms of the number of design options— there are almost more of them than of all other Soviet watch brands. More than 20 case types alone have been used!
ZIM watches belonged to the second category of complexity and accuracy (the third did not exist). That is, in terms of their technical characteristics, they were not the standard of watches. But their price was also low — now they would say "economy class". ZIM's caliber K-26 is considered primitive (there is no shock-proof device for the balance axis, no automatic winding, the accuracy is not at the highest level). The ZIM watch case, which was manufactured using outdated technologies, was short-lived and quickly lost its original appearance. But on the other hand, no one in the USSR made such beautiful and diverse dials — the dials on these watches were sometimes just amazing! Very beautiful are the models with two-tone black and white dials, dials with sector markings, with a star on the dial (there was an impressive version of such a watch with a black dial).
Several interesting vintage designs of ZIM watches and Maslennikov Factory's Pobedas
The production of watches was carried out in the 23rd workshop — the watch "factory in the factory" inside ZIM. By the way, they say that the watch production in the 23rd workshop was originally conceived for the production of watch movements for fuses. But despite the fact that defense production has always been the main thing for ZIM, the Kuibyshev Maslennikov Factory produced (there is a version that as a "cover") about 200 thousand watches per month. In Samara's times it was already only 30 — 35 thousand.
Manufacture of watches in the 23rd workshop. Late 1970s
The most famous of the surviving buildings of ZIM (in Soviet times, No. 155) is known to Samara residents today as the Zakhar Trade and Office Center (got its name thanks to its owner, the odious Samara businessman Vladimir Zakharchenko). It was built in the first half of the 1980s. As the factory large-circulation newspaper wrote, "with its commissioning, the production of watches with the ZIM brand will significantly expand, and their class will rise".
The late ZIM watches were produced here, in building 155
The main movements of ZIM K-26 watches are calibers 2602 (side second hand) and 2608 (central second hand), there is also caliber 2604 (side second hand, date). All movements contain 15 ruby jewels. Below in the "Samples" section there is also an example of a ZIM watch with a central second hand and a calendar — caliber 2614 on 19 jewels.
ZIM 2608 and 2602 watches with different logo versions
There is a known fact of cooperation between ZIM and the Petrodvorets Watch Factory in the framework of horizontal cooperation to improve the efficiency of watch production. In this case, cooperation is a form of organization of production, in which enterprises jointly participated in different, but interconnected production processes — movements (Raketa 2609.N by Petrodvorets Watch Factory) and elements of external design (by ZIM).
ZIM watches with a similar dial design, but different movements — 2602/161027 and 2608/171076
By the way, until the very end, all watch designs were produced in two versions — Pobeda and ZIM. You can also find ZIMs with a strange squiggle instead of an inscription — this is the Soviet-German joint venture Optim-Maveg (in 90s).
ZIM and Pobeda, identical in everything except logos
Certificate for mechanical wrist watch ZIM 2608, issue date April 28, 1975:
This topic is devoted to the collection and systematization of information about ZIM watches of caliber 26 at the Russian watch forum. And here and here there is a large number of vintage ZIM watches for sale.
Not Only Watches
In addition to watches, the Maslennikov Factory produced a huge range of products. And some electronic and radio devices included... a mechanical ZIM clock! For example, a radio alarm clock and an electronic alarm clock:
Model 196 ChS. Caliber 2608, 15 jewels. 1970s
The portable transistor radio receiver of the 4th class Signal-601 has been producing the Kamensk-Uralsky Instrument-making Plant since the first quarter of 1971. The radio is switched on at a given time using a signal from a mechanical clock. It has been exported to a number of countries
ZIM Tourist
Mechanical clock with electronic alarm
And here is the rare ZIM lecturers' clock:
And no less rare mechanical alarm timers:
Samples. Pocket watches ZIM ChK-6
Two small collections of different pocket ZIMs
Early (?) gilt movements without identification marks, with a number, without a quarter and a year
It is generally accepted that such movements went to the ZIMs from the LIP, and that they are pre-War. But there is at least one more theory — that these are watches from the mid-50s, an export version
Gilt movements with the inscription "ZIM, 15 jewels" with a number, no quarter and year
An intermediate version: the movement plate is not gilt, the bridges are gilt!
With the inscription "ZIM, 15 jewels" with a number, no quarter and year
Not gilt, with the inscription "ZIM, 15 jewels" with a number, without a quarter and a year
Not gilt, with the inscription "ZIM, 15 jewels" with a number, with a quarter and a year
In chronological order
Three different types of movement
An interesting sample: the dial is photographic paper!
Even the phosphor dots are plotted. It is not known that this is: a homemade product or some small pilot batch. According to the inscription on the dial it is 1947
Samples. ZIM K-26 wristwatches
A watch from our collection: "Puck" (aka "Cheburashka" and "Sunny"), 1980s
A large chromium case with a fluted bezel (hence the nickname of the watch — "Cheburashka", similar to the famous Soviet cartoon character). Green-white dial with ombré effect (smooth colour transition), minute markers and applied gilded indices. White and gilded hands. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. The 44 mm case diameter, unique for that time, impressive for vintage watches (hence the popular name "puck"). Very good condition. The original Soviet steel spring bracelet — without buckle, stretches like a hair tie!
A watch from our collection: white-green dial, "braided" bezel
Small chromium-plated case with a diameter of 34 mm, usual for those years. But the bezel is unusual — "braided". Here, as well as in the previous "puck", there is a white-green dial with an ombré effect (smooth colour transition), minute markers and applied gilded indices. Gold plated lance hands. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Very good condition, even the branded box has been preserved. The original Soviet steel spring bracelet — without buckle, stretches like a hair tie!
A watch from our collection: tonneau case, 16 mm strap, export version
A chromium-plated tonneau case (not so common). This is an export version of the watch — the inscriptions on the dial are in English (ZIM, Made in USSR). The strap size is only 16 mm, but this is still a men's watch, typical for those years. Radiant silvery dial, gilded applied indices, gilded-black rectangular hands. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Very good condition.
A watch from our collection: the famous Olympic Mishka (Bear) with a green dial, 1980
Chromium plated case. Green dial, fashionable by now, with minute markers and the image of the mascot of the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. Steel-coloured rectangular hands. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Unfortunately, the watch is not in very good condition, so we will look for new one to replace it, or restore this. The original Soviet steel bracelet with cosmonaut and rocket — dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the first manned flight into space (1991).
A watch from our collection: another vintage Olympic ZIM with a green dial, 1980
Chromium plated case with a diameter of 36.3 mm (lug to lug 40.2 mm), height 10.7 mm. Trendy even now green dial with gilded applied indices, minute markers and the inscription "Moscow 80". Gold-coloured rectangular hands. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Unfortunately, the watch is not in very good condition, so we will look for new one to replace it, or restore this. Modern light green leather strap matched to the dial.
A watch from our collection: another vintage Olympic ZIM with a green dial, 1980
Chromium plated case with a diameter of 36.3 mm (lug to lug 40.2 mm), height 10.7 mm. Trendy even now green dial with gilded applied indices, minute markers and the inscription "Moscow 80". Gold-coloured rectangular hands. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Unfortunately, the watch is not in very good condition, so we will look for new one to replace it, or restore this. Modern light green leather strap matched to the dial.
Beautiful red vintage ZIM, 1980s
Chromium plated case with a diameter of 33.8 mm (lug to lug 42 mm), height 10.3 mm. Stunning red (cherry) dial with gold-plated applied indices. Gold-coloured rectangular hands. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Unfortunately, the watch is not in very good condition, so we will look for new one to replace it, or restore this. The modern red leather strap is matched to the tone of the dial.
New gilded ZIM, with original certificate and box, 1992
The watch number (on the caseback) corresponds to the number indicated in the certificate (146195), this is not often found! According to the certificate the production month is January, that is, this is one of the very first watches made in Russia, and not in the USSR. Nevertheless, on the dial, of course, there's the inscription "Made in USSR" — there were no other dials at that time. Case 33.6 mm wide (lug to lug 42 mm), height 10 mm. The gilding of the case goes well with the beautiful blue dial with "gold" applied markers. Gold-coloured rectangular hands. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Authentic Soviet/Russian reptile (snake) leather strap, 1990s.
Chromium-plated barrel case, "gold" applied markers and hands, beige dial
The chromium-plated case is 33.9 mm wide (excluding the crown), lug to lug 42 mm, height 11 mm. "Gold" applied markers. Gold-coloured rectangular hands. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, lower seconds, 15 jewels. Authentic Soviet/Russian reptile (snake) leather strap, 1990s.
Gilded square-shaped ZIM, with original certificate (by OPTIM-MAVEG), warranty repair coupon and box
The watch number (on the caseback) corresponds to the number indicated in the warranty repair coupon (180140). From it, by the way, you can find out how much gold was used for gilding the case — 0.141 grams. Production month according to the certificate is August 1991, a month that became fatal for the USSR. By the way, the certificate is in English, from the joint Soviet-German enterprise "OPTIM-MAVEG" (but the watch itself does not bear the OPTIM-MAVEG logo, there is the usual ZIM emblem on the dial). The square-shaped gilded case is perfectly preserved. Case width is 34 mm (excluding the crown), lug to lug 42 mm, height 10 mm. Dial with minute scale, gold-coloured applied indices. Hands are rectangular, black. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Authentic Soviet/Russian reptile (snake) leather strap, 1990s.
ZIM with an unusual dial: Roman numerals on the yellow colour ring
A watch with an unusual dial, with a certificate (not filled) and a box. Chromium-plated round case with a diameter of 33.8 mm, lug to lug 42 mm, height 10 mm. Gold-coloured dial with minute scale and Roman numerals on the yellow colour ring. Hands are rectangular, golden. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Authentic Soviet/Russian reptile leather strap by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory, 1990s.
Case and dial of an unusual shape, steel bracelet
The chromium-plated case of an unusual shape is 34 mm wide (36 mm including the crown), lug to lug is 41.8 mm, height 10 mm. Steel colour/white rectangular hands. Organic glass, "box". Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, lower seconds, 15 jewels. The steel bracelet merges into a single whole with the case.
Elegant vintage ZIM in a round case, with a central second hand
The set includes an original box and a badge for the 70th anniversary of ZIM. Chromium-plated case with a diameter of 33.7 mm, lug to lug 40.8 mm, height 11.9 mm. Beige dial with minute markings. Hands and indices in golden colour. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2608, manual winding, central second hand, 15 jewels. Authentic Soviet/Russian reptile leather strap by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory, 1990s.
Unusual black case and unusual lugs, with a certificate and a box, NOS, 1982
Round case with black finish and unusually shaped lugs, 33.9 mm in diameter (lug-to-lug 43 mm, height 10.2 mm). The dial is textured (linen-like), yellow/orange, with minute markers and gold hour indices. Black lance hands. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Custom Bund strap made of genuine leather to match the case and dial, by master Stanislav Kim (Moscow).
Black dial, gold-plated hands and hour indices, with a certificate and a box, NOS. 1991
Case with a signature shape, chromium-plated, diameter 33.9 mm (lug to lug 41.9 mm, height 10.6 mm). Black dial with minute markers. Gold-plated hands and hour indices. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2602, manual winding, side seconds, 15 jewels. Steel bracelet, made in the USSR.
Classic round case, dark blue dial, gold-coloured hands ans indices
Chromium-plated case with a diameter of 33.9 mm, lug to lug 40.9 mm, height 11.6 mm. Dark blue dial with minute markings. Hands and (partially) appliqué indices are gold-coloured. Organic glass, convex. Movement ZIM 2608, manual winding, central second hand, 15 jewels.
Sources
- The Maslennikov Factory in Wikipedia
- Maslennikov, Alexander in Wikipedia
- This Day in the History of the Region. The Fuse Factory
- Forum watch.ru: pocket ZIMs
- Forum watch.ru: ZIM wristwatches
- A Brief History of the Maslennikov Factory State Enterprise
- ZIM is a great watch! History of a Samara brand
- The History of the Legendary Pobeda Watches
- Watches of the USSR
- Close-up. Novo-Sadovaya Street: Zvezda Club, Kitchen Factory and the ZIM Ruins
- ZIM ZIM, open up! Black hussars, red drummers and the gray present of the Maslennikov Factory
- ZiM watches: made in the USSR
- Kutkovoy A. Our fantastic "Pobeda"
In the Alternative Watch History, the Samara 2nd Fuse Factory was also named after Alexander Maslennikov. In "our" reality, he was a revolutionary Bolshevik. In the alternative one, his fate turned out differently: he retired early from revolutionary activities, fell in love, got married, began to make a career... As a result, he is a hero of the First World War, an ace pilot. Before the War he worked for some time at the Fuse Factory. He died heroically in an air battle at the end of the War. In 1923, on the initiative of the employees of the enterprise, the factory received his name, becoming ZIM — The Maslennikov Factory (Russian Завод имени Масленникова, ЗИМ).
Pocket watches under the ZIM brand also began to be prodised at the factory in the 1930s, and in the 1950s, a transition to wrist watches took place. Now they are produced in a separate production facility from the main factory (former shop 23), and the ZIM brand is preserved as a tribute to the past. The products are mainly of economy class.
Pocket watches under the ZIM brand also began to be prodised at the factory in the 1930s, and in the 1950s, a transition to wrist watches took place. Now they are produced in a separate production facility from the main factory (former shop 23), and the ZIM brand is preserved as a tribute to the past. The products are mainly of economy class.
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В. Serpukhovskaya,
19/37, b.4, fl.5
Phone: +7 495 997 68 35
Email: mail@russian.watch
© 2020 Russian Watches LLC
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