Sturmanskie - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

This magnificent watch is full of history. Indeed, during the first manned space flight on April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin wore this Sturmanskie on his wrist, making it the first watch to accompany a human being in space. Being passionate about space and watchmaking, this watch is one of the must-haves in a collection. To talk a little more about the watch, its case is very small. I would say a 36 to be confirmed but it looks magnificent

On April 12, 1961, the first space flight was made aboard the Vostok rocket by fighter pilot and astronaut Yuri Gagarin. On his wrist, a 33 mm Sturmanskie with a leather strap equipped with the Poljot (pilot) caliber 2609. This watch is a faithful reissue of this model in every way. There were stocks of the mechanism that allowed the production of this limited edition of 2000 pieces. A real pleasure and piece of history to wear and a "real" pilot's watch that is different from the Speedmaster.

Considering its price and its design which at first glance seems "kitsch", it is surprising in its originality (second hand on a disc) and the brushed finish of the case and even the chamfer. The indexes in the shape of small golden rockets, the central globe representing the USSR: incredible, we feel the pride of their exploits. Even the caliber holds up, I measured it at different periods at +6, -8 and +23, quite acceptable at this budget and for a watch which is not positioned as a daily.