Sturmanskie 31659 - Historical Background
The Sturmanskie 31659 is one of the most sought-after Soviet-era chronographs, prized by collectors for its history, rarity, and unique technical features. Produced only from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, it represents the final and most advanced stage of the iconic Soviet pilot’s watch line.
“Sturmanskie” literally means “Navigator’s watch” — a name that reflects its original purpose. These watches were not sold to civilians. They were issued to Soviet Air Force pilots and navigators, where accuracy, durability, and reliability were crucial.
The Sturmanskie 31659 model appeared around 1986 as an evolution of the famous Poljot 3133 chronograph movement. Its short production run (ending around 1992, after the collapse of the USSR) makes it significantly rarer than most other Soviet watches.
The 31659 Movement — What Makes It Special
The defining feature of the 31659 is its hacking seconds mechanism, also known as stop-second. When the crown is pulled out, the entire movement stops, allowing the wearer to synchronize the watch precisely to the second — an essential function for military pilots.
Other key characteristics include:
Manual-wind mechanical chronograph,
23 jewels,
All-stainless-steel case (unlike many civilian models that used chrome-plated brass),
Chronograph with a 30-minute counter,
Date complication,
Power reserve of roughly 42 hours.
The hacking mechanism makes the 31659 mechanically distinct from the standard 3133 and contributes to its high desirability today.
Sturmanskie 31659 - Collectibility and Rarity Today
The Sturmanskie 31659 has earned a historical reputation as one of the true “holy grails” of Soviet watch collecting. Its background contributes greatly to its appeal: the model was produced for only a very short period and carries a clear military heritage that makes surviving pieces scarce. Collectors are also drawn to the many dial variations, the distinctive 31659 hacking movement, and the robust stainless-steel military cases used for these watches. Because original, unmodified examples have become increasingly difficult to find—especially those with fully functioning hacking mechanisms and untouched dials and hands—well-preserved specimens can reach notably high prices on the collector market.