The Russian connection...

[sconehead]

These two Molnijas just arrived, I'll use one in a future Panerai project. The 3601 movement was made using Cortebert tooling in Russia, as you may or may not know the Corteberts were basically re-badged with Rolex to power early Panerai watches.

Be aware though, there are two types of 15 jewel Molinja/Molnia movements, the 3601 and the 3602, the former being the one to go for. Why? because it has a brass holder for the centre wheel and the plates have the same finish overall as the original Cortebert/Rolex.

Both movements are in desperate need of a service, they are gummed up, stiff to wind/move hands and generally bereft of oil, in fact I would guess they probably haven't been serviced since new from the mid 50's...one's lost 2 mins in 24 hours, the other 5 mins.

 

[CP2K]

Lookin' great!
May I ask how much you paid for each?

 

[sconehead]

£21 ($34.61) shipped for the pocketwatch and £32 ($52.74) shipped for the wristwatch. Apparently the term 3601 is used in repland, the correct designation is 3602A...

Here's a few drawings of the markings used on the movements utilized in some Panerai watches, can't remember where I got them from so all credit to XXXX

 

[CP2K]

These really are some beauties
How much do you think you have to pay for the service?

 

[dar123]

Cool finds. Why is the brass holder better?

 

[KBH]

He's talking about the brass center piece in the center of the middle bridge. Because the Rolex/Cortebert movements had that also.

 

[cybee]

Nice sconey. This will make for a fun project. I've been trying to pick up one of these on U.S. eBay but it seems every single auction is from Ukraine, Bulgaria or Russia LoL.

There must be one of these in the U.S. somewhere

 

[KBH]

Nice sconey. This will make for a fun project. I've been trying to pick up one of these on U.S. eBay but it seems every single auction is from Ukraine, Bulgaria or Russia LoL.

There must be one of these in the U.S. somewhere

I've got a 3601 and a 3602 that I've decided not to use. I paid around $45 - $50 apiece and would surely like to pass them on to a good home in the States if you're interested.

I'd love to sell them both as a package.

 

[COLDI]

Check out Nightwatches work with these. His engavings in a vintage build are the way to go...and he's a heck of a lot cheaper than the other vintage guy in Germany

 

[dar123]

I am going to Ukraine in a few months. I can ship a ton back if there is interest.

 

[guru]

saw them on ebay for less then 50 EU, they will make up for a nice PAM project.