Sat 7 Feb 2009
My search for the ultimate recession-friendly watch fixes once against brings me to a clock! This time, its one of those Russian MiG fighter aircraft clocks that those Russians and Ukranians are always selling. I figured an authentic working Waltham or Wakmann would be a bit pricey for a watch fix at several hundred or more, so I settled on a $68 + Shipping peice, the cheapest I could find that has a Chronograph/Timer. Choosing the model without the heater saves me an additional $5.
I picked the silver model, because I like the contrast, and think this one will look better in my office. It looks great alongside my Breitling display and Seiko world time clock. Movement is a 5 day manual wind, with a Chronograph that measures up to 60 minutes. The models with the additional hour counter costed about $40-50 more, so I decided against it for my first feeler purchase.
Accuracy is pretty good as far as I can tell, but there is no second hand except for the chronograph function. The Chronograph is monopusher type, with the same button start/stop/reset in that order, and the button for that is one on the right. The left hand button is responsible for setting and winding the clock. Turn it counter clockwise to wind (a bit odd), and pull it out and turn it to set. I had to figure that out since it did not come with instructions.
The clock measures about 5″ in diameter, which is a decent size but not really big enough to have as a mantel clock. It works well as a desk clock, or a shelf clock like I am using it for. The clock came in like new condition, with a few rubs here and there as it is supposedly NOS and has some shelf wear. It is for the most part pretty clean. There is a switch on the back that I am not sure what it does. Perhaps for adjusting the time? I dont know. It moves in a u-shape pattern and does not do anything explicitly that I can tell.
Overall I’m really happy with my clock, and it brings me much more joy than a $65 watch would. I’m really glad that I started buying a few sub-$100 clocks here and there.. it keeps the watch bug at bay, and keeps my cash in the bank, where it should be 🙂
February 16th, 2009 at 12:23 am
Where can you find one of these my dad would love it!
February 16th, 2009 at 12:30 am
I got mine on ebay.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
The “switch” on the back is a sliding cover that does allow access to the clock ± speed adjustment.
I just bought a pair, one like your tank one and a MIG one, for $84USD shipped.
I now have three, one in my Jaguar E-Type and I don’t know what I’ll do with the other two. Maybe put one in my MGB and the other on my clock wall.
Ciao
They keep really great time too.
November 18th, 2009 at 6:21 am
The design of the hands makes me think this clock might have been made by the German company Tutima
(http://tutima.com/en/index.php) – who supply NATO aircrew with wrist watches.
See, for example, the hands on “The Tutima Classic Flieger Chronograph”: http://tutima.com/en/product_info.php?products_id=34
Is there any information on the back?
November 18th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Hmm.. I don’t think so. This clock is Russian made.
February 21st, 2010 at 3:00 pm
MY MIG CLOCK STOPPED RUNNING AFTER I WOUND THE CLOCK. KEPT GOOD TIME FOR PAST YEAR. ANY SUGGESTIONS WHERE I CAN HAVE IT REPAIRED?
February 21st, 2010 at 3:04 pm
I would try a local clock repair shop.
February 28th, 2011 at 11:30 am
Hello, I live in France. i’m looking for that Mig Fighter Aircraft Clock. Do you know how to locate a distributor, may be in Paris or around? Thanks in advance.
February 28th, 2011 at 11:39 am
Sorry I do not know the area, at all. I am based in Canada.