This manual wind watch by Aviator is a limited edition of 1,000 pieces that features the same venerable cal. 3603 manual wound movement with sub seconds as the Molnija pocket watches the manufacture of which ceased in 2007, completing an impressive production run that began in 1941! The latter was the same year production of the legendary Ilyushin Il-2 - the tank busting Soviet military plane this timepiece fittingly commemorates - commenced.
The IL-2 'flying tank' was the bane of the Wehrmacht panzer divisions: bristling with 23mm cannon and rockets, this heavily armed and armoured (yes: to make matters worse for the invaders it was also notoriously difficult to shoot down) ground attack aircraft proved so effective Stalin himself once said to the factory management responsible for producing the planes:
"Our red army needs IL-2 aircraft like the air it breathes, like the bread it eats. I ask you not to try the government's patience, and demand that you manufacture more ILs. This is my final warning."
Over thirty-five thousand IL-2's were manufactured, making it the single most widely produced military aircraft in aviation history.
Of particular interest to watch aficionados are the origins of the Molnija cal. 3603 design, which was duplicated from Swiss Cortébert movements as used in 1940's vintage Rolex wrist and pocket watches! Refined over the decades during which it was produced, this latest and best incarnation of the legendary movement features 18 jewels, shock resistance, blued screws, and 'cotes de Geneve' all showcased by an exhibition case back. Manual wind with 'nine eater' sub seconds under a spotless domed mineral crystal add to the vintage appeal of this modern-sized (43 mm diameter without crown x 11 mm high) stainless steel case rated water resistant to 10 BAR (100m).
Worn only a handful of times by its original owner (me), this Aviator is easily in 95%+ condition and comes complete on its original strap with signed buckle and with its original presentation box and manual (not shown). Just $395 on your wrist (or F2F Ottawa), EMT preferred.