2.1002 XL KIROVA ‘K-43 TYPE 1’ MILITARY, MOSCOW USSR 1941

This large Kirova K-43 Type 1 was the first wristwatch produced in the Soviet Union, and it was also a military issue watch. The military version featured distinctive features like an issue number, Radium luminescent hands, and 24-hour markers, making it practical and reliable for Red Army officers. Original Soviet military watches from WW2 are rarely seen in good condition. 

The most known military edition of ‘K-43 Type 1’ has luminous dial/hands and serial number stamped on the dial, plus an improved 15-jewel version movement. This watch complies all criteria, it has the dating stamp ‘2-41’ – 2nd quarter of the 1941. It should be mentioned that wristwatches were a part of official equipment set only for higher officers, not for soldiers or corporals.

You can find identical examples online, here is an example with the full story. Beware of fakes and later mockups.

Military Kirova Type 1 are usually extremely radioactive due to Radium luminous paint. We care about our customers so we replaced old Radium paint with safe luminous compound, aged to look like original. The dial itself is 100% original in great preserved condition compared to other examples one can meet in real life. In details ‘Type 1’ looks quite ugly finished – this is absolutely normal, this is how it’s built as a part of mass-production military equipment.

The Kirova-43 movement (size 43mm, thus the code) looks ugly and rough just because it’s ugly and rough. There was the only watch factory in USSR and only one movement type was in mass production – the K-43. Basic version has 7 jewels, improved version has 15 jewels. Surprisingly, it can be quite precise if all parts are genuine and serviced correctly.

Key Features

• Large size 44+mm
• Manufactured by the First Watch Factory Kirova, Moscow
• Army identification inventory number stamped on the dial plate
• Dating stamp 2-41 points to the 2nd Quarter of the 1941, when Stalin and Nazis were still good friends
• The movement Type 1 (also known as K-43), based on the Hampden Size 16 calibre
• Original dial with luminous numerals and 24-hour track
• Original luminous hands
• Subsecond dial at 9 o’clock, rare luminous second hand
• Radioactive paint has been replaced with a safe lume compound, aged to look vintage
• Fully serviced and ready to wear, comes with a 12-mointh movement warranty
• Tested on the wrist for 2 weeks – practical accuracy within 30 sec/day, power reserve 33+ hours