onzenuub 307 Posted November 5, 2009 The official commemorative Sturmanskie Gagarin model worn by cosmonaut Yuri Shargin and other models in the Gagarin Sturmanskie Navigator line. These watches honor the first space flight of Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961, where he wore a Sturmanskie on his wrist. Commemorative editions of the Sputnik and Strela, both tied to Russian firsts in space achievement. The Sputnik commemorates the first human built object to enter space, launched in October of 1957 to the amazement of the world. This edition comes in both 12-hour and 24-hour versions. The Strela, which means "Arrow" in Russian, is one of the most coveted watches in the world of Russian horology. Introduced in 1959, the 3017 Strela became a legend in Soviet space history when worn on the wrist of Aleksei Leonov during the first walk in space in 1965. The original Strela featured a chronograph with a 45 minute counter and did not have a date function. Exclusively designed for the officers of the Air Force, the early Strelas were not available to the public and were constructed to strict military specifications. The 3017 movement ceased production in the late 1970s and was replaced with the current 3133 model. Today, Sturmanskie, which means "Navigator" and was the first watch in space on the wrist of Yuri Gagarin, carries that tradition forward with two 3133 chronograph commemorative editions of this famous watch. These boast a 44 mm case size and, unlike the originals have an exhibition caseback and decorated movement. 50 Years Spaceflight Fifty years ago the space age was truly born, as Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite, was launched on Oct. 4, 1957, aboard a Soviet R-7 rocket and touched off an intense space race with the United States. The spherical Sputnik satellite measured 58 cm (23 inches) in diameter and weighed 83kg (183lb) and it could be seen with the naked eye as it circled the Earth. It emitted a signal that could be heard on a household radio. It completed 1,440 orbits before re-entering the atmosphere and burning-up on January 4, 1958. Half a century ago, the Soviets launched what would be our first artificial satellite, and set in motion a revolution of technology. Without Sputnik, Earth orbit would be a much quieter place, and life on Earth would be unrecognizable. Satellite technology is now integral to our lives. It carries the TV news we watch when we wake up in the morning, provides data for weather forecasters, carries phone calls, and even gets us to work, thanks to GPS. Satellites also handle data for our banks, processing credit card transactions. We are utterly dependent on the orbiting bodies. SPUTNIK SPUTNIK 1957 - 2007 To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Spaceflight, Volmax introduces the new Sturmanskie Sputnik watches. On the dial of the Sputnik watch the Globe is shown and a red "Sputnik" circles the orbit as an additional second hand. The capital of Russia, Moscow, is marked on the world map as a red star. Sturmanskie Sputnik are limited to 500 pieces each model. The movement used in Sputnik watches is the caliber 2614.02 manufactured by Vostok in its further improved version. Two Sputnik models have been produced to the anniversary: the one in the 43mm stainless steel case at 190,- Euros (available in December) and the other one in plated case at 220,- Euros. Orders and pre-orders at www.vostok-watches.com/sturmanskie.php Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 994 Posted November 5, 2009 Schweet! Good price for a nice collectable piece. Vostok don't make a bad watch either. Thanks Onze! Col. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
