Aviator Rodina (Kirovskie Retro) Automatic Ref. 2824/2704705
Pilot / Aviation Watch · Aviator (Volmax). Formed by former Poljot employees, Volmax is a mid-tier Russian watch brand known for military-inspired designs.
Period: Neo-Vintage / Pilot Design. The style is a modern homage to the 1940s Soviet-era 'Kirovskie' pilot watches, blending mid-century military aesthetics with modern manufacturing.
Type
Pilot / Aviation Watch
Brand
Aviator (Volmax). Formed by former Poljot employees, Volmax is a mid-tier Russian watch brand known for military-inspired designs.
Movement
Automatic, likely Vostok 2416B or Poljot 2824 (Russian produced). It features roughly 31 jewels, 19,800 bph, and a power reserve of approximately 38-40 hours.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 40mm; Thickness: 12mm; Lug-to-lug: 48mm; Lug width: 20mm.
Description
The Aviator Rodina is a robust homage to Soviet aviation history. It captures the utilitarian spirit of early cockpit instruments with high-contrast legibility and a no-nonsense brushed steel case. Its presence on the wrist is authoritative yet classic, making it a favorite for collectors of Eastern European horology.
Key Features
Cyrillic 'Rodina' (Motherland) branding, oversized pilot crown, and characteristic 1940s-style numerals designed for maximum legibility.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with 'Aviator' logo and 'Rodina' in Cyrillic. Features large Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 with baton indices. Hands are luminescent sword-style. Includes a date window between 4 and 5 o'clock.
Case Material
Brushed stainless steel (316L) with a thin polished bezel ring.
Crystal Type
Flat mineral glass or sapphire crystal (depending on specific production run), typically without AR coating.
Bezel Details
Fixed, smooth, brushed stainless steel bezel integrated into the case structure.
Crown & Pushers
Large onion-style or oversized knurled pilot crown (push-pull) for ease of use with gloves. No crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Brown calfskin leather strap with contrast white stitching and a stainless steel pin buckle.
Caseback Details
Exhibition (display) caseback showing the mechanical movement and rotor, screw-down steel rim with Cyrillic engravings.
Movement Type
Automatic, likely Vostok 2416B or Poljot 2824 (Russian produced). It features roughly 31 jewels, 19,800 bph, and a power reserve of approximately 38-40 hours.
Water Resistance
50 meters (5 ATM). Suitable for light splashes and rain; not recommended for swimming or diving.
Origin & Provenance
Russia. Assembled in Moscow using Russian-made components and movements, historically linked to the First Moscow Watch Factory (Poljot).
Age Estimate
Circa 2005–2015. This specific model was part of the modern Russian revival era before Aviator moved its main production to Switzerland.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of the Russian watch industry from state-owned military manufacture to a commercial luxury/enthusiast market in the post-Soviet era.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The case shows minor surface wear; dial and hands appear clean. The movement is visible through the back and appears correctly seated. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$200 - $450 USD. Value is driven by the niche interest in Russian mechanical watches and the scarcity of early Volmax Rodina models.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5 years. Avoid magnetic fields as these movements are minimally shielded. Check gaskets for water seals annually.
Similar Watches
Poljot Aviator 1, Laco Augsburg (German Pilot), Hamilton Khaki Field, and Vostok Commander (Komandirskie).
Interesting Facts
The 'Rodina' name refers to the first Soviet automatic watch produced in the 1950s. This modern version by Volmax was intended to celebrate that engineering milestone.