Zaria 2602

Description

The 7 3/4 x 11 ligne, tonneau-shaped, windup movement, protected against dirt and amateur repair attempts in a screwed-down container, a licensed copy of the french Lip T18, was the first purebred wristwatch caliber of Soviet production.

There is disagreement about its exact designation. In Russian data sheets and common movement finders, it is listed as Zaria 2602, purely based on the nomenclature, and in other literature, the 18mm wide movement is referred to as Zaria 1802.

The tonneau-shaped design allows for a particularly large mainspring barrel and a large screw balance. Both have a positive effect on the power reserve and accuracy.

Naturally, all important bearings in this movement are jeweled, and the design corresponds to the original Lip movement, with the difference being an additional cutout at the pallet fork.

The gear train is of a classic design; the large mainspring barrel directly drives the central minute wheel, followed by the third wheel, the decentral seconds wheel at 6 o’clock, and the escape wheel. The latter three are aligned in a row.

The lateral lever used is technically interesting, as its fork is mounted longitudinally on one side and not vertically symmetrically. The pallets it uses are traditional ones.

A large monometallic screw balance was used, which is not yet shock-protected, and, unlike the original, is significantly less delicately crafted.

Nevertheless, the Russian version also features a hairspring with a Breguet terminal curve, which, with the long regulator arm, allows for quite precise adjustment of the beat rate of 18,000 A/h.

A small but very practical solution for the watchmaker can be found on the inside of the mainspring barrel bridge: The locking spring, which acts on the ratchet mechanism, here from the inside, is secured against flying out with a screw.

On the dial side, the gigantic setting lever spring is once again immediately noticeable, being particularly robust and thus sturdy enough for even rougher use.

What is always somewhat surprising about this movement is the position of the off-center seconds display, because it is located very close to the center of the movement.

The thick protective bridge for the changer wheel is also somewhat unusual, but this too contributes to the stability and everyday usability of this movement.

Technical data

Usage gallery