3 ATM Water Resistance (Splash & Rain)
Folding-Clasp Bracelet Fits 6-8" Wrists
4 Slav-Approved Alarm Sounds Now With Mute Function!
Updated Version now in stock with an updated wrist clasp and button mute function!
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. On the interior part of the clasp, (the one below the face of the watch when you lay it flat), there is an arrow pointing up and a retaining clasp to keep everything in place. Lift the retaining clasp toward the watch face, then use the watch tool to lift beneath that arrow until it comes loose.
Once the clasp is loose, it slides up and down the band. Adjust the clasp to fit, then flip the latch down at the nearest link. You should be able to press firmly and have it shut.
If you feel a lot of resistance, slide the clasp down slightly lower until it closes easily.
It may take a few tries to get the sizing perfect, but you only should have to do this once.
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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Works great for keeping the time and date. Also has some absolute banger tunes.
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Rated 5 out of 5
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I have a couple mid level watches that i only wear for special occasions and i wanted something that wouldn't break the bank. Originally i was going to get a cheaper Casio till i came across the 55B replica Kommando was making. Sense getting it I have worn it every day and its probably the most comfortable sub $100 dollar watch i have worn. My friends that are watch people always give me second looks, confused why the A158 im wearing has Russian on it. I get to to talk about the 55B and explain its history to people.
If you are looking for something unique that is still functional, stylish, and comfortable. This is the watch for you
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Rated 5 out of 5
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i really like the watch ! the band ‘s adjustment portion fell apart when i tried to adjust it, so i ended up swapping the band, but it is a very unique piece to wear everyday !
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Rated 3 out of 5
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I really like the watch overall, the actual watch itself is great, seems as robust as any Casio. I thought the band felt a little on the cheap side to begin with, when I tried to adjust it I did end up breaking the clasp. It was definitely user error but a sign of it being kind of finicky. I just ended up switching the strap out for this nylon one and it works out great. Also this watch has a great backlight.
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Rated 4 out of 5
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it does everything as described, just wish you could mute the button presses making the noise, but leave the hourly alarm to go off
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Rated 3 out of 5
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