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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter pocket watch

Vintage Molnija Russian Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This vintage Russian pocket watch by Molnija features a 48 mm metal case configured with a side-hinged front hunter lid and an attached curb-link watch chain. The light-colored dial displays stylized Arabic hour numerals, an outer 24-hour chapter track, central hour and minute hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at the 9 o'clock position. The dial is signed 'Molnija' below the 12 position and marked 'MADE IN USSR' along the lower edge. According to seller cataloging, the watch contains an 18-jewel unadjusted movement numbered 390163, and the protective front crystal is missing.

Front view of the open Molnija hunter-cased pocket watch showing the dial, hands, hinge, and attached chain.
Front view of the open Molnija hunter-cased pocket watch showing the dial, hands, hinge, and attached chain. — PropertyRoom.com. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.propertyroom.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Molnija
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
15668411
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
USSR
Source-reported serial
390163

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Configuration and Presentation

The pocket watch is configured in a 48 mm metal hunter case with a front lid hinged at the 9 o'clock position. A dual curb-link style metal chain is attached to the pendant bow.

In the primary listing photograph, the front hunter lid is displayed in the open position. According to the seller listing, the front crystal is missing and the item's condition is evaluated as fair.

Evidence for this section
  • “Size:48mm”
  • “Front hunter lid is hinged at the 9 o'clock side and displayed in the open position.”
  • “Missing crystal Condition: Fair”

Dial Layout and Markings

The dial displays stylized Arabic numerals, an outer chapter track, and central hands, with a subsidiary seconds register positioned at the 9 o'clock position. The center of the dial features subtle embossed or printed scrollwork patterning under the brand lettering.

The brand name 'Molnija' is marked on the upper portion of the dial, while the perimeter around the 6 o'clock mark bears the printed inscription 'MADE IN USSR'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Small seconds subsidiary dial positioned at 9 o'clock.”
  • “Dial center features subtle embossed or printed scrollwork patterning under the brand lettering.”
  • “Printed inscription 'MADE IN USSR' appears on the dial perimeter around the 6 o'clock mark.”

Reported Movement and Cataloging Caveats

The movement is not visible in the provided auction photograph, precluding direct visual verification of its caliber, finish, or integrity. Mechanical details reported in the seller catalog include an unadjusted 18-jewel movement designated by number 390163.

The listing notes that the service history is unknown and that the watch may contain non-OEM parts. Operational functionality and mechanical performance are not recorded in the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “#390163”
  • “18 Jewels”
  • “Unadjusted”
  • “Pre-Owned, Service Unknown, May Contain Non-OEM Parts”

Open research questions

  • What specific Molnija movement caliber (such as caliber 3602) is installed beneath the case back?
  • Does the exterior of the hunter case lid or case back bear engraved or relief decorative motifs?
  • Is the mechanical movement functional and capable of running despite the missing crystal?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vintage Molnija Russian Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Size48mm“Size:48mm”
Movement Number390163“#390163”
Jewels18 Jewels“18 Jewels”
AdjustmentUnadjusted“Unadjusted”
Reported ConditionFair, missing crystal“Missing crystal Condition: Fair”
Service HistoryUnknown“Service Unknown”
Original Equipment StatusMay contain non-OEM parts“May Contain Non-OEM Parts”

Visible details

  • Small seconds subsidiary dial positioned at 9 o'clock.
  • Front hunter lid is hinged at the 9 o'clock side and displayed in the open position.
  • Dual curb-link style metal chain is attached to the pendant bow.
  • Printed inscription 'MADE IN USSR' appears on the dial perimeter around the 6 o'clock mark.
  • Dial center features subtle embossed or printed scrollwork patterning under the brand lettering.

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the provided auction photograph; movement specifications and serial number 390163 rely solely on seller description.
  • The listing notes the front crystal is missing.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Vintage Molnija Russian Pocket Watch - PropertyRoom.com

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 412a63bdea

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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