Molnija “First Lightning” 3602

Molnija “First Lightning” mechanical watch.

This Soviet era watch has been custom-built using a vintage Molnija movement and hands, but the original face has been replaced with a one-off custom-made dial made by us.

The U.S. had built and used its own nuclear weapons, but in August 1949, the Soviets secretly tested their own version of the Fat Man, which started the nuclear arms race between the East and the West. The dial of this watch is styled after nuclear warning signs and emits a radioactive-looking glow (doesn’t contain any radium, though!)

The movement has been cleaned and serviced, and now runs at – 10 seconds a day with good amplitude. The stainless case with display case back is brand new, as is the green 22mm wide perlon NATO strap.

The watch is 42mm in diameter, 12mm thick, with a lug width of 22mm. Rated to 3ATM.