Zarya (Заря) brand "watch with comics"
A charming 28mx34mm watch from the USSR, a boys watch in all probability, in excellent condition, very well made with a double back, and keeping time.
Not having seen one before, I thought it best to ask Alex, our marvellouswatchmaker in the Ukraine - Here is his comprehensive answer -
Hello, Martyn!
I call this watch - "watch with comics". There are some with Carlson, with the lion cub from the Soviet cartoon, etc.
Here is what the chat GPT answered (I agree with it :-))):
This is a mechanical wristwatch made in the Soviet Union under the Zarya (Заря) brand. Here are the main details:Dial and Appearance:
The dial features ice hockey players, likely promoting sports and
hockey in the USSR.
The inscription "ЗАРЯ" ("Zarya") is the brand name, produced by the Penza Watch Factory (Пензенский Часовой Завод, PChZ).
"21 jewels" indicates the number of synthetic ruby bearings used to
reduce friction in the movement.
The inscription "СДЕЛАНО В СССР" means "Made in the USSR", suggesting the watch was produced in the 1970s–1980s.Movement:
The movement is marked with the number 20095 and a triangle-shaped logo — the symbol of the Penza Watch Factory.
This is a typical Soviet hand-wound mechanical movement, most likely caliber Zarja 2009 or 2009A, commonly used in smaller men's and women's watches.
Collector's Value:
These watches are of interest to collectors, especially because of the unique sports-themed design, which is relatively rare.
If the watch is in working condition and relatively well-preserved,
its market value can range from $30 to $80+, depending on condition, originality, and demand.
What does caliber 2009 mean? Caliber 2009 is an internal designation used by the manufacturer to identify the specific type of watch movement. In the case of the Zarya watch, caliber 2009 (sometimes marked as 2009A, 2009B, etc.) has the following features:Main characteristics of caliber 2009 (Zarya):
Type: Mechanical, hand-wound (not automatic)
Diameter: Approximately 18 mm
Thickness: Around 4.2 mm
Jewels: 21 synthetic ruby bearings
Beat rate: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: ≈ 36 hours
Seconds hand: Central or absent, depending on version
Escapement: Swiss lever with balance wheel (typical for the era)
What was caliber 2009 used for?
This movement was mainly used in women’s and small men’s wristwatches,
especially in models produced under the Zarya brand by the Penza Watch Factory. It was known for its simplicity, reliability, and durability, making it one of the factory’s most widely produced calibers.
Caliber ≠ Watch Model
It's important to note that "2009" is not the model of the watch, but rather the type of movement inside. Many different watch designs and cases could house the same 2009 movement.> >
> > Kind regards.Alex
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