Pobeda

Pobeda, translating to “Victory” in Russian, stands as a historic Russian watch brand currently owned by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory. Originating from a series initiated by Stalin in April 1945, following the Red Army’s conquest of Berlin, the first watches for public consumption emerged from the Moscow-based Kirov Watch Factory in April 1946. The Pobeda movement, characterized by its 15-jewel mechanism, has French origins, drawing expertise from the renowned French manufacturer Lip before World War II. Seeking international collaboration during the rapid industrialization of the Soviet Union, Lip assisted in establishing the Penza Watch Factory and licensed the production of select mechanisms to the USSR. Among these was the improved K-26, an enhancement of the 1908 R-26 movement. Despite a temporary halt during World War II, Penza swiftly completed the development of the new watches as victory drew near. Even before the official triumph, in April 1945, Stalin chose the name “Pobeda” in anticipation of victory. These watches gained immense popularity in the USSR and were mass-produced by various Russian watch factories. Petrodvorets Watch Factory, Chistopol Watch Factory, and the second Moscow Watch Factory joined in the mass production of Pobeda watches, starting from 1946 and extending through subsequent years.