3 ATM Water Resistance (Splash & Rain)
Adjustable Bracelet Fits 6-8" Wrists
4 Slav-Approved Alarm Sounds!
The Elektronika 5 watch was born during a pivotal shift in both the tech world and the watch world.
With the "Quartz Crisis" digitizing wrists worldwide, the Soviet Union flexed its long history of watchmaking to make a watch for everyone with the Elektronika series. Digital watches that performed right up alongside their American TIMEX and Japanese Casio counterparts, the watch was purposefully made to be for everyone - From cosmonauts to politicians to iron workers and students, the USSR wanted to prove to the west that a timepiece need not be a luxury good.
Decades later, with the glory days of the USSR far behind, we get a glimpse into what things were like with simple everyday objects - A simple digital watch with fun & useful features for the everyman.
After searching for ourselves, we found out that unlike some Russian watches that are still in production today, the LCD digital variety is relegated to second-hand markets only. So, we rolled up our sleeves and decided to re-make our favorite one.
Working with a manufacturer to make the movement anew from scratch, we replaced a couple of the melodies, remastered the face, and otherwise kept the look and feel of the original "chrono melody" model intact.
The result is absolutely Slavtastic - Do you recognize any of the melodies?
Specs
Size
The bracelet that comes with our Elektronika 5 is designed to be one size fits most, roughly from a 6" wrist to an 8" wrist.
See product specs for more info about the size of the watch case itself.
If you're picky about your watch bands or want to customize your watch, our Elektronika 5 takes practically any 18mm width spring-bar type watch band!
Adjustment of the bracelet can be achieved by using a watch band tool (which we highly recommend purchasing separately for the best results) or small flathead screwdriver to lift underneath the notch where an arrow symbol is present. Then, you'll slide the clasp mechanism along the bracelet to the desired length. When the desired setting is found, align the pivoting point with an area between the links and firmly push the lever back into place.
You should be able to do this by hand without much resistance, and you'll hear a soft click when it goes into place. If you encounter too much resistance, you may be aligned on top of a link instead of in-between.
Permanently Modifying the Band
If you want to get rid of the extra links on the band instead of having them overlap, it is possible but not recommended to pry open the connecting links on the backside of the watch, which are folded over instead of having pins/screws connecting each link. We will not accept returns or offer exchanges if you decide to modify the links.
If you prefer a different, more bespoke watch band, we recommend purchasing whichever 18mm spring-bar compatible band you'd like from a variety of stores online.
Our Elektronika comes with a full set of instructions, but if you'd like to watch a video instead, you can watch it below.
PSA: When adjusting the band, ensure that the latch is clamping down BETWEEN links. You should feel significantly less resistance when closing it.
Elektronika 55B Melody Watch
Alarm, Stopwatch, and full perpetual calendar capability. 24-hour format with a seconds-counter.
3 ATM water resistance - will take handwashing and the occasional rain, but no swimming.
If you don't like the bracelet, you can swap it out with practically any 18mm band on the market.
Backlight shows through the digits instead of being corner lit for a more retro feel.
The wristband requires no link removal, just unlock the clasp to allow it to slide along the band and snap it in place.
One size fits most, works on 6"-8" wrists (More sizing info available above)
Choose between a standard beep, the Turkish March, Fur Elise, Kalinka, the Bandit Radio music from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. or the USSR national anthem in all it's vintage-chiptune glory.
(See videos on page for sound demonstration)
Our watch mimics the functionality of the original using a brand-new quartz movement made just for KommandoStore.
It's not just a clone of the original, it's our own take with a few tweaks & more fanservice for fans of all things slavic.
If you're living the Slav life, check out more from KS Sport...
The Elektronika series watches were the staple digital watch during the time of the Soviet Union, worn by everyone from politicians to proletariats.
With a rich history of watchmaking, Russia developed their quartz timetelling tech shortly after Japan & The United states, and thrived during an era of turmoil in the watch industry that drove Swiss traditionalists to the brink of bankruptcy.
The Elektronika was used as a propaganda symbol during a notable interaction between Brezhnev and Kissinger — A "Proof in the pudding" statement that said, "the Soviets are right on your tail, and everyone can afford one of these." Of course, this competition didn't last in the end.
After the subsequent collapse of the USSR, the Elektronika did not survive like the larger Russian Watchmakers Vostok and Raketa. Instead, it faded into obscurity with a cult collector market and a second-hand presence on eBay.
We brought it back, but not without picking a few new tunes...
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Rated 4 out of 5
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While it's probably not going to replace my daily driver, it is a nice piece of timepiece that also happens to sing Kalinka.
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Rated 5 out of 5
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easily out drips a Patek
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Got one of each and neither disappoints. Features work exactly as listed and the watches look/sound fantastic. The backlighting is some of the nicest I've seen on any digital watch. My only complaint is that I did have some issues closing the adjustable clasp back down on the gold watch. I was able to resolve it by wrapping it in a napkin and pushing down with water pump pliers, but I was worried about breaking it given the absurd amount of force required. Thankfully there were no scuffs and once set there isn't a need to ever readjust so honestly can't complain too much, but may be something to note if you get the gold model.
To summarize, you get exactly what is on the tin, which in this case is a very nice tin.
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Rated 4 out of 5
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Truly a fantastic and stylish watch. The music is more cute than it is annoying and I am wildly thankful for it. This watch is anywhere from a conversation starter to a incredibly complimentary accessory. The gold version is perfect for any outfit that has a more "natural colors" aesthetic . Wonderfully functional and beautifully designed. I give this watch a large number/10
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Rated 5 out of 5
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I’m incredibly impressed with this watch, it’s one of my favourites. I love the extra features (e.g., hourly signal, stopwatch, timer, alarm, etc.) that add a lot of value to wearing it day to day, and has proved useful for precise time keeping at my workplace. Not to mention it looks stylish, it’s hard to keep your eyes off it when you got it on. The build quality seems sturdy, I’d be confident banging it up a bit. I just wish it had clearer instructions on how to adjust the clasp. I ended up scratching the hell out of the wrist band, because it wouldn’t clamp down. This was due to user error, I didn’t notice I put the wristband into the wrong opening on the clasp. So, if you’re planning on buying and when you go to adjust the wristband size be careful and don’t do what I did. Overall, I’ve got zero regrets buying this on impulse, it was worth it for the Soviet drip!
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Rated 5 out of 5
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