The world of Russian watches is quite unlike any other. In terms of what they put into wrist watch design there is no other nation which can match Russia. I do not mean that they make the best watches in the world, although they are good, but that each Russian made watch comes with a large measure of national spirit. You cannot say that about Swiss watches or the Japanese. We all know how good Seikos are, but what is there about them which is obviously Japanese? Swiss makers have set the benchmark - but the world's greatest watchmakers prefer to remain discrete craftsman.

Poljot were the first big watchmaker in the Soviet Union and they are today gaining in reputation for making interesting designs, Russian or otherwise, using movements based on many Swiss classics. As the Swiss have largely turned to quartz, Poljot are one of the most important manufacturers to keep the mechanical tradition going. The Aviator watches are probably the most popular and the Sturmanski is the most famous, particularly the type worn by Gagarin in space. At the high end of the scale can be found the Romanoff gold plated chronographs which typically sell for about £400.

Of the other Russian makers - Orion is relatively new and known mainly for its beautiful skeleton watches. Although Raketa are now sadly out of business I still manage to find new old stock. The 24 hour watches are popular as are the World Time models. The Moscow based company Slava has in its catalogue many designs which have a strong Russian appearance but as well as these classics the company now makes many slick designs such as the Skeleton Pro.