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It would be a great find for any collector or chess enthusiast
Up for sale is a remarkably rare and highly collectible piece of Soviet horological and sports history - a vintage mechanical dual chess clock from the golden era of Soviet chess domination (circa 1950s-1960s). Manufactured in Moscow by the legendary 2nd Watch Factory (2 ЧЗ), these early solid wooden models are significantly scarcer and much more sought after by collectors worldwide than the later mass-produced plastic variants.
The clock features a heavy, beautifully styled mid-century wooden case that carries an incredible vintage presence. Both dials proudly display the original factory markings: "ЧАС 2 З-Д МОСКВА". Inside, it houses two fully independent mechanical manual-wind movements, operating perfectly via the classic top tournament switching buttons. It is a fully working, historic timepiece ready to join a premium collection or to time your next classical chess match!
DEFECTS: Honest vintage condition with visible signs of age, minor lacquer scuffs, and slight edge wear on the solid wooden case, beautifully highlighting its decades of historical tournament use. The overall cosmetic look remains excellent and full of retro character.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USSR (Soviet Union)
MANUFACTURER: 2nd Watch Factory (2 ЧЗ, Moscow)
OVERALL CONDITION (10-point scale): 8
CASE
Classic mid-century tournament chess clock case crafted from solid wood, showing charismatic wear that tells the story of its decades-long history. Features the original top metal buttons and a rear transit lock lever.
Condition (10-point scale): 8
GLASS
Material: Acrylic glass
Condition (10-point scale): 8-9
DIAL
100% original factory dials with classic Arabic numbers, fine track scales, and original red flag indicators. Displays the historic Moscow factory logo perfectly.
Condition (10-point scale): 9
Inscriptions on the dial: ЧАС 2 З-Д МОСКВА
MOVEMENT
Mechanical: Dual Hand-winding
Caliber: High-Grade Original 2nd Watch Factory Soviet Movements
Features
Manual wind / Rear stem wind with keys
Dual clock interconnected tournament system
Transit lock mechanism for balance protection during shipping
Data & Markings
Stamped on the dial face: "ЧАС 2 З-Д МОСКВА"
Fully tested, completely functional, and ticking strong!
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, FUNCTIONS
Width |
11.02 inches (28.0 cm) |
Height |
7.28 inches (18.5 cm) |
Depth (Thickness) |
2.95 inches (7.5 cm) |
Total Weight |
53.36 oz (1513 g / 1.51 kg) |
Function |
Dual chess tournament countdown, top button switching |
Country made |
USSR (Soviet Union) |
HISTORY & LORE
The 2nd Watch Factory in Moscow was established in 1930 and became one of the backbones of Soviet horological development. During the mid-20th century, chess was elevated to a grand state-supported discipline in the USSR. Prestigious factories like the 2nd Watch Factory were commissioned to design industrial-grade, heavy-duty mechanical chess timers for official tournaments across the country.
These early wooden-cased models were the choice for chess clubs and championship matches throughout the 1950s and 1960s before being replaced by more economical plastic casings in later decades. Surviving wooden clocks with the "ЧАС 2 З-Д МОСКВА" logo are highly coveted worldwide as a pure symbol of the classic Cold War chess era, capturing the historic aesthetic of Grandmaster tournaments.
RECOMMENDATIONS
All Antique and vintage watches and clocks are mechanical. Repairs require precision, so please handle this historical artifact with care.
- Vintage mechanical timers should not be beaten or dropped - strong shocks can damage the internal balance staffs.
- Vintage clocks are NOT waterproof or moisture-resistant. Keep your item away from humid environments or water exposure.
- Winding any mechanical clock tight may break the mainsprings. Stop winding as soon as you feel the natural resistance tightening up.
- When adjusting the time hands, it is recommended to move them in a clockwise direction to ensure safety of the vintage gear trains.
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Important Operation Note: This clock features a transit locking lever on the back. To unlock and operate the clock, ensure the rear lever is turned fully to the vertical position. Completely press one of the top tournament buttons down, wind the mechanism, and give the clock a gentle sideways shake to kickstart the pendulum balance wheel if necessary.
- Every few years it is recommended to service, clean, and oil vintage mechanical timers to keep them running accurately for decades to come.
- Keep your clock away from strong magnetic fields (large speakers, modern computers) since magnetic exposure can alter the balance spring performance.
PAYMENT
- Total amount due includes the final item price plus Shipping.
- Shipping charges are determined based upon the destination address. Please note that buyers are responsible for any applicable local customs procedures.
SHIPPING
We ship worldwide! This item will be securely packed with deep protective layers and dispatched to you from Europe (Ukraine) via registered international airmail, complete with a tracking number and insurance coverage. Shipments are processed within 1-3 business days after payment clears.
Typical Delivery Timeframes:
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European Countries: approximately 7-10 days;
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USA, Canada, Japan & others: approximately 10-14 days.
NOTE: Actual delivery speeds depend heavily on your local customs handling and postal services. Rest assured, we pack all items with extreme care to guarantee they reach your doorstep in perfect condition!
RETURNS/REFUNDS
We accept returns in compliance with standard platform terms. Items must be returned in their original vintage condition as received. Return shipping costs are to be covered by the Buyer.
FEEDBACK
We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and look forward to earning your positive feedback! If you experience any issues or have any doubts upon receiving your parcel, please contact us immediately *before* leaving neutral or negative marks. We are always here to help resolve any issues amicably.
Thank you for your interest in our vintage treasures!
Please let us know if you have any questions. Good luck!
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