this post was submitted on 26 Nov 2023
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Mystery of a Molnija Pocket Watch: Vintage Year and Unusual Electronics? (alien.top)
submitted 9 months ago by guidolospacy@alien.top to c/watches@style.land
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Hello fellow horology enthusiasts!

I'm in need of your collective expertise. I bought a Molnija pocket watch during a visit to Russia in 2002 and recently rediscovered this treasure. I'm including photos for context.

While the exterior showcases the expected mechanical elegance of a Molnija, the interior surprised me with an electronic circuit tailored to play the Russian anthem. This has led to several questions that I'm hoping you can help with:

  1. Can anyone help identify the model and its potential manufacturing era?
  2. Is it typical for Molnija watches, or any pocket watches from that period, to include electronic components for such features?
  3. Given that I purchased this watch in 2002, is it likely that the electronic module was a later addition or could it be an original feature?
  4. The watch is currently not running. I'm assuming the electronic melody function is separate, but could an electronic problem possibly affect the mechanical operation?

I'm looking forward to your insights and thank you all in advance!

https://preview.redd.it/hkf8swqvvp2c1.jpg?width=1152&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9e3042cf9d4387def8ab4b75a9c151fe4dd07f1f

https://preview.redd.it/y0ej44axvp2c1.jpg?width=1152&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7599e235b99095174c18c38eb80e3a3c08c49479

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[–] WisdomKnightZetsubo@alien.top 1 points 9 months ago

There's a mechanical movement behind it

[–] Prisma_Cosmos@alien.top 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

The sound module is original to the watch, supposed to play when you open the lid. I’ve seen a few like this, with various cases and dials. Presumably made late 90s.

Here is another on ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/325506655217

[–] guidolospacy@alien.top 1 points 9 months ago

Thank you! 😊

Now I remember: indeed, the clock played the Russian anthem when the lid was opened. Unfortunately, the lid is now broken (it doesn't close anymore) and the music only starts when touching the circuit.

I don't remember, however, if the mechanism ever worked..