Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's clock

Vostok submarine ship's clock

Partially verified

This object is a Soviet submarine ship's clock produced by the Vostok manufacturer during the 1970s. The clock features a beige-lacquered steel case with a hinged, glazed front cover. The cream-colored dial displays black Arabic numerals and a motif featuring an anchor and a submarine. A red Soviet star is positioned at the twelve o'clock marker. The clock is powered by a mechanical 8-day hand-wound movement, which provides central indications for hours, minutes, and seconds. An inscription in Cyrillic, "СДЕЛАНО В СССР" (Made in the USSR), is printed near the bottom of the dial. The piece is equipped with a rear mounting plate for installation and is accompanied by a winding key. The auction description reports that the clock is in a used condition consistent with its age, is currently running, though its accuracy has not been tested.

Front view of the Vostok submarine ship's clock, showing the dial with the submarine, anchor, and red star motifs.
Front view of the Vostok submarine ship's clock, showing the dial with the submarine, anchor, and red star motifs. — Kunst- und Auktionshaus Quedlinburg (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Ship's clock
Maker / attribution
Vostok
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
686
Source-reported date
1970s
Source-reported place
USSR

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 and Dial Design

The clock is housed in a beige-lacquered steel case designed for maritime use. It incorporates a hinged front cover that protects the dial behind a glass window. The case construction includes a rear mounting plate intended for securing the instrument within a vessel. The overall diameter measures 21 cm, with a depth of 7.5 cm.

The cream-colored dial is marked with black Arabic numerals for hour tracking. Decorative elements include a submarine motif centrally located on the dial and an anchor motif situated near the six o'clock position. A red Soviet star is featured at the top of the dial. The dial includes the Cyrillic text "СДЕЛАНО В СССР" indicating its Soviet production.

Evidence for this section
  • “Beige-lacquered steel case with hinged front cover”
  • “cream-colored dial with Arabic numerals, anchor and submarine motif, and red Soviet star”
  • “Below the dial, Cyrillic inscription "Made in the USSR”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece utilizes a mechanical movement that requires manual winding. It is described as an 8-day movement, indicating the power reserve capacity when fully wound. The watch displays central hours, minutes, and seconds.

The auction description reports that the movement is currently operational. However, it notes that the timekeeping accuracy has not been verified or tested by the vendor.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mechanical 8-day hand-wound movement with central time display (hours, minutes, seconds)”
  • “clock is running, accuracy not tested”

Provenance and Condition

The object is attributed to the Soviet era, specifically the 1970s, and is identified as an authentic naval timepiece of the Vostok type used on Soviet submarines. The clock remains in a used condition that corresponds to its age.

Documentation for the lot includes the original clock, its mounting hardware, and the necessary winding key for operation. The object was listed as lot 686 by the auction house.

Evidence for this section
  • “original Soviet Navy submarine clock of the “Vostok” type, made in the USSR in the 1970s”
  • “Condition consistent with age and use”
  • “key included”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific model or caliber designation of the Vostok movement used in these submarine clocks?
  • Were these clocks exclusively manufactured by the Chistopol Watch Factory (Vostok) or by other Soviet state enterprises as well?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vostok submarine ship's clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVostok“Soviet submarine ship’s clock “Vostok””
MovementMechanical 8-day hand-wound“Mechanical 8-day hand-wound movement”
CaseBeige-lacquered steel“Beige-lacquered steel case”
Dimensions7.5 x 21 cm“7.5×21 cm (D×W)”
InscriptionСДЕЛАНО В СССР“Cyrillic inscription "Made in the USSR”
IncludedWinding key“key included”

Visible details

  • The dial features a central graphic of a submarine on a dark background
  • The hour and minute hands are dark in color with a red seconds hand
  • The case shows a hinged front cover with a circular glass window
  • A Cyrillic inscription is visible at the bottom of the dial

Research qualifications

  • The accuracy of the movement is not tested
  • The exact origin within the USSR is not specified beyond the Vostok designation

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

Consulted source

Soviet submarine ship’s clock “Vostok”, USSR, 1970s, anchor and submarine motif

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 71c2dc3075

Terms in this record

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

Other ship's clock records