Poljot Kosmonaut

Somewhat rare limited edition chronoraphs

I'm guessing that with "Kosmonaut" printed on the dial, "PLESETSK" stamped on the case side, and the Buran spacecraft stamped into the case back cover, that this chronograph commemorates the Russian space program in general, rather than any connection between the three. At the time, no manned space flights that I am aware of were launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, and the first and only launch of the dormant Buran spacecraft took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, not the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

The watches do have a unique look to them, mainly because of the multi-piece casing, but unfortunately more suited as collection pieces than something you would want to wear on a regular basis. Despite being in near new condition, the coating on the bezels is starting to show signs of minor flaking around the inner edges. You really have to be careful when polishing or wearing some of these late-nineties novelty pieces, as the coatings can be so thin that even slight rubbing against a strap end can quickly expose sub-layers of plating or the base metal.

Case back

A very well designed case back stamp reads "Military Space Forces Pletetsk Cosmodrome". I can't recall seeing any in the 250 plus range so it may well be that less than 500 were produced.

Case side

Since the Baikonur Cosmodrome is located in Kazakhstan, Plesetsk Cosmodrome is serving a greater roll in Russian space operations since the break up of the Soviet Union.

Wrist shot

Ah, maybe I will wear it occasionally...

Along for the ride