Molnija
For other meanings of the word, see Molniya (disambiguation)
Molnija (sometimes transliterated Molniya) was a Russian watch and clockmaker based in Chelyabinsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast. Molnija (Молния) is the Russian word for lightning.
History
The Molnija clock and watch factory was opened on November 17, 1947. The company's main customer was then the Soviet Union Department of Defense, providing them with wrist watches, pocket watches and table clocks. Unique clocks were also produced specifically for use in Soviet tanks, fighter aircraft, submarines and, eventually, spacecraft.
Today
Molnija's main product is mechanical pocket watches with military, religious and historical motifs. About 80% of the work on most of the watches is done by hand. Some Molnija movements are used in oversized men's wristwatches.
The company ceased production in October 2007.[1] However, new Molnija pocket watches are still available on the market (presumably old stock) and typically sell for between $150 and $250.[2]
Today the factory "Molnija" produces technical watches for aircraft and ships, and is actively developing new markets.[3]
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Molnija pocket watch
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Molnija AChS-1 cockpit chronograph mechanism
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View of a finished Molnija watch movement