Don't miss the next drop
Some of the most interesting stories in vintage horology come from the most unexpected places. While Switzerland often gets the spotlight, the savvy collector knows that fantastic design and robust engineering were happening all over the world. This funky Sekonda is a perfect example of the wildly cool and impressively built watches that were coming out of the Soviet Union and marketed to the West.
The history here is fascinating. Sekonda was a British brand, established in 1966, with a brilliant business model: import the best, most durable watches from various Soviet state-run factories, give them a stylish flair, and offer them to a Western audience. Beneath this British-branded exterior beats a Soviet heart—in this case, the Caliber 2614.2H from the Raketa factory. These movements were the unsung heroes of Soviet watchmaking; they were true “tractors,” designed not for delicate finishing, but for absolute, unwavering reliability. They were built to be tough, simple to service, and to run forever.
This particular Sekonda is a textbook example of 1970s funk, and it’s all about that dial. What we have here is a stunning ombré (or fumé) dial, which graduates beautifully from a deep, moody charcoal at the edges to a bright, shimmering silver at its center. A subtle vertical brushing gives it an incredible texture that plays with the light. The chunky, applied indices and the vibrant red sweep-seconds hand add a perfect pop of contrast. The whole package is housed in a quintessentially 70s stainless steel tonneau case that flows into an intricate multi-link bracelet, giving it a wonderfully integrated look. And the best part? That tiny script at 6 o’clock: “U.S.S.R.”, an authentic mark of its Cold War-era origins.
This watch is a beautifully preserved survivor. The dial is nearly flawless, its gradient effect as crisp as the day it was made. The case retains its sharp lines and original brushed finish, showing only the lightest signs of a life enjoyed. It’s an incredibly honest and complete example of a watch that is becoming increasingly appreciated by collectors.
In our opinion, this Sekonda offers one of the best value propositions in vintage collecting. It’s a mechanical timepiece that blends groovy 70s design, a unique British-Soviet history, and bulletproof engineering. It’s a watch for the enthusiast who wants to wear a story, not just a brand name. For a fraction of the cost of its Swiss contemporaries, you get a watch that is arguably cooler and guaranteed to be a conversation starter.
