Vintage ZIM Watch Made in USSR – Cal 2602 Mechanical 1970s Soviet Watch
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Vintage ZIM Mechanical Watch – Made in USSR, 1970s
This authentic vintage ZIM mechanical wristwatch was produced in the Soviet Union at the Maslennikov Watch Factory in Samara during the 1970s. ZIM watches are appreciated by collectors for their reliable movements and distinctive Soviet-era design.
The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial with applied hour markers and elegant gold-tone hands. A small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock adds balance to the dial layout and enhances the traditional mechanical watch aesthetic. The dial is signed in Cyrillic and marked “Сделано в СССР” (Made in USSR), confirming its Soviet origin.
Inside the watch is the well-known ZIM Caliber 2602 manual-winding movement with 15 jewels. This movement was widely used by the Maslennikov factory and is valued for its durability and straightforward construction. The movement decoration features a beautiful Geneva wave pattern, which adds an extra touch of craftsmanship to this classic Soviet mechanism.
The watch has been fully serviced by a professional watchmaker on March 14, 2026, ensuring proper operation and reliability for everyday use or collecting.
The case is made of chrome-plated brass, typical for Soviet watches of this era. As expected from a vintage timepiece, the watch shows visible traces of time on the case and dial, which add authentic character and history to the piece.
Specifications
- Brand: ZIM (Maslennikov Watch Factory)
- Origin: USSR
- Production Period: Approx. 1970s
- Movement: ZIM Caliber 2602
- Type: Mechanical, manual winding
- Jewels: 15 jewels
- Frequency: 18,000 A/h
- Power Reserve: Approx. 37 hours
- Lift Angle: 42°
- Case Material: Chrome-plated brass
- Dial: Silver sunburst with applied markers
- Hands: Gold-tone
- Case Size: 34 mm (without crown) × 42 mm (lug to lug)
- Thickness (with crystal): 10 mm
- Lug Width: 18 mm
- Strap: Not included
- Service: Fully serviced on 14.03.2026
Condition
Good vintage condition. The watch shows normal signs of age on the case and dial consistent with a timepiece that is over 50 years old. These marks contribute to its authentic vintage character.
A wonderful example of Soviet watchmaking from the Maslennikov factory — a collectible vintage watch with historical charm and a reliable mechanical movement.
Overview
- Period
- 1970s
- Factory
- Maslennikov (ZIM)
Movement
- Movement
- Mechanical (hand-wound)
- Caliber
- 2602
- Jewels
- 15 jewels
Case size
- Diameter (Ø)
- 34 mm
- Weight
- 100 g
Case
- Case material
- Chrome-plated
- Case finish
- Chrome-plated
Dial, hands & crystal
- Dial color
- Silver
Condition & service
Condition: Fully serviced
Carefully packed and sent with tracking — typically 7–21 business days depending on destination.
Every watch is a genuine Soviet-era original, inspected and (where noted) serviced before it ships.
If it isn't right, return it within 14 days for a refund — just get in touch and we'll sort it out.
A Soviet mechanical watch has no battery — it runs on a tiny wound spring, just as it did decades ago. Treat it kindly and it will keep good time for many years. Here is how to wind, set and care for yours.
Winding a hand-wound watch
- Wind it off your wrist. Hold the watch in one hand so you do not put sideways stress on the winding stem.
- Turn the crown clockwise (away from you) with your thumb and forefinger, in smooth, steady turns.
- Stop as soon as you feel firm resistance. Do not force that last turn — a fully wound spring stops abruptly, and pushing past it can damage the mainspring.
- A full wind lasts roughly 24–40 hours. Winding once a day, at about the same time, keeps the watch running and accurate.
Automatic (self-winding) models
Some Soviet watches — certain Vostok and Slava models — wind themselves from the motion of your wrist. If one has stopped, give the crown 20–30 gentle turns to get it started, then simply wear it. You cannot over-wind a healthy automatic.
Setting the time & date
- Gently pull the crown out to the setting position and turn it to move the hands. Setting the time forwards (clockwise) is kindest to the movement.
- If your watch has a date, avoid changing it between roughly 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. The date mechanism is engaged during those hours and forcing it can break it — move the hands to mid-morning first, then set the date.
- Push the crown fully back in when you are finished.
Everyday care
- Keep it dry. Vintage watches are not water resistant, even if marked so decades ago. Take it off before washing your hands, swimming or showering.
- Avoid magnets — speakers, phones, laptops and magnetic clasps can magnetise the movement and make it run fast.
- Avoid knocks. Take the watch off for sport or heavy work.
- A vintage movement that keeps time to within about a minute or two a day is running well. Small variation is normal and part of their charm.
Storage & service
When you are not wearing it, store the watch flat in its box, away from heat and moisture. There is no need to keep it fully wound at all times. To keep it healthy, have it professionally serviced every 3–5 years — a clean and fresh lubrication is what lets these watches run, quite literally, for generations.
Look after it and your Soviet Time piece will outlast its battery-powered cousins many times over. If anything ever feels wrong, write to support@soviet-time.com. You can also review our Returns & guarantee. — Igor, your watchmaker
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