Sturmanskie (?) Gagarin First Man in Space Watch ZIM 15J USSR

  

) mechanical wristwatch celebrating one of the greatest achievements in human history- Yuri Gagarin's historic Vostok 1 mission on 12 April 1961, when he became the first human to journey into space. Featuring a striking dark green commemorative dial, this watch pays tribute to the Soviet space program with inscriptions honoring Gagarin's pioneering flight. The combination of its aviation-inspired design, exhibition caseback, and reliable Soviet mechanical movement makes it an outstanding collectible for enthusiasts of Soviet horology, military aviation, and space exploration. This example is presented in excellent vintage condition and has been fitted with a quality brown suede leather aftermarket strap, providing modern comfort while complementing the watch's classic pilot aesthetic. Commemorative Yuri Gagarin "First Man in Space" dial.

Dark green dial with luminous Arabic numerals and hands. Small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. ZIM 15-jewel manual-wind mechanical movement. Brown suede leather aftermarket strap. Running and in working condition. The Sturmanskie name-meaning "Navigator's" in Russian-holds a special place in horological and space exploration history. Originally produced for Soviet military pilots and navigators, Sturmanskie watches were never intended for civilian sale and became synonymous with precision, durability, and Soviet aviation. On 12 April 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made history aboard Vostok 1, becoming the first human to travel into space and orbit the Earth. During this historic mission, Gagarin famously wore a Sturmanskie wristwatch, forever linking the brand with one of mankind's greatest achievements. This commemorative edition celebrates that milestone, featuring dial inscriptions reading "????????????????????? " ("First Man in Space"), "12?????? 1961" ("12 April 1961"), and "??????????? " ("Yuri Gagarin"), alongside the iconic winged Sturmanskie emblem. Today, Gagarin-themed Sturmanskie watches remain highly desirable among collectors of Soviet watches, military timepieces, and space memorabilia.

The Yuri Gagarin Commemorative Dial. The defining feature of this watch is its beautifully executed dark green commemorative dial, celebrating Yuri Gagarin's historic journey into space. Large luminous Arabic numerals and matching luminous hands provide excellent legibility, while the small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock preserves the appearance of classic Soviet pilot watches. The commemorative inscriptions and winged Sturmanskie emblem create a dial that is both historically significant and visually striking.

The rich green finish gives this model a distinctive presence, making it an exceptional display piece as well as a highly wearable mechanical watch. This watch is powered by a genuine ZIM 15-jewel manual-wind mechanical movement, produced by the renowned Maslennikov Factory (ZIM).

Beautifully displayed through the exhibition caseback. The ZIM movement is well regarded for its simplicity, robustness, and dependable performance. The exhibition caseback allows the owner to admire the movement's gear train, balance assembly, and ruby jewels-an attractive feature rarely found on vintage Soviet watches. Condition & Modifications (Full Disclosure). The dial is exceptionally clean with bright luminous numerals and hands.

The chrome-plated case shows only light cosmetic wear consistent with careful vintage use. Fitted with a quality brown suede leather aftermarket strap with contrast stitching, providing excellent comfort while complementing the vintage military aesthetic. The watch has been fitted with a professionally installed exhibition (display) caseback, allowing full visibility of the genuine ZIM mechanical movement. Overall, this is an outstanding example that successfully combines authentic Soviet heritage with tasteful modern enhancements.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the item's description. Model: Yuri Gagarin "First Man in Space" Commemorative. Movement: Genuine ZIM manual-wind mechanical. Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds.

Case Diameter: Approximately 34 mm. Lug Width: 18 mm (17 mm strap). Dial: Dark green commemorative Yuri Gagarin dial. Strap: Brown suede leather strap (aftermarket).

The watch is running at the time of listing unless otherwise stated. No service history is known. The watch is offered in its current condition as a vintage collectible, and buyers should assume its maintenance history is unknown. All photos carefully, as they are considered part of the item's description. We make every effort to provide accurate descriptions, clear photographs, and disclose any noticeable cosmetic or mechanical condition issues to the best of our ability.

We never use stock photos-every listing features the actual watch you will receive. As many of our watches are vintage mechanical timepieces, minor cosmetic wear consistent with age should be expected unless otherwise noted. ComradeChronos specializes in authentic vintage Soviet and Russian watches, many of which are 30-50+ years old. They may require adjustment, regulation, or servicing depending on their service history and age. Normal variations in timekeeping are expected from vintage mechanical movements.

Purchasing a vintage mechanical watch means understanding that these timepieces are collectible historical objects, not modern quartz watches. Signature confirmation may be required for higher-value orders.

I carefully inspect each watch for originality and accurately describe any known replacement parts or modifications when applicable.