SOLD
This is NOT the FAKE ‘USSR’ SOViET BiG Diver flooding ebay, and elsewhere on the net. Those have the same case style, size and movement of OriGiNAL Vintage models, BUT the current-made replicas are just that, made in 2008 and 2009. Made to look like the now RARE BiG USSR-marked SOViET DiVERS that were actually made in the 70s for REAL Soviet Military Divers.
The newer, FAKE ‘USSR’ models are made in current-day Russia. They have more embellished dials (falsely stating ‘CCCP’, Russian letters for USSR), and ornate bas-relief medallion casebacks. The movements are the same caliber, but made today, not quite the BULLET-PRooF Rugged movements that were manufactured for actual Divers, rather than to sell as false Vintage watches on ebay.
This ACTUAL 1970s SOViET USSR BiG 58mm case (without the HuGE screw-on crown) was purchased by me as a collector piece in 2005, and the original Soviet papers are filled out with that as the date of sale from the company that purchased the remnants of these from the Russian Govt. after the fall of the Soviet Union.
There is NO current-day ‘Medallion’ on the caseback as have the current replicas. All it has is the simple and spare Original Issue number from the Soviet Government. The dial is the Original, cleanly stating CCCP (Russian cyrillic for USSR), NO trendy 9 o’clock position second hands. NO second hands at all, as the Originals were spare and rugged with only an hour and minute hand.
The 70s Original BiG Soviet Military Diver watches are reputedly more ruggedly built than today’s, which are made for collecting and selling on ebay, not real diving. They are true relics of the Soviet era, more rugged than the current-day replicas, but with a slightly rougher finish at times.
Compare the pictures of this Original BiG Soviet USSR/CCCP Military Diver with the current-day Russian replicas on ebay, and you will see the authentic differences. Purchased for $185 new by me in 2005, the REAL 70s Vintage pieces are now going for over $300 on websites specializing in the REAL DEAL (CLiCK Here to see).
This piece is UNUSED in the Original blue box with all original papers, presentation pillow, large Dive strap, and the metal grate made to protect the thick glass from impact during dives. Unlike the current made replicas, this has some small spots of aging on the original dial. No doubt this is a TRUE Vintage BiG SOViET MiLiTARY 70s Diver! Fifteen-jewel original bullet-proof movement. If you plan to use this, note that it hasn’t been serviced since manufacture so will need a servicing. However, this is a heavy piece, if you do use it you might prefer to have it as your desk clock!
Originally purchased as a collector’s piece, this BiG 70s Soviet CCCP/USSR Military Diver is now at over $300 for real vintage versions, and $190 or more on ebay for the current-day replicas. I’m letting this one go, UNUSED with the original blue box, papers, huge dive strap, glass protecting grate, for a steal. Just trying to move some pieces I no longer have space for. It won’t last, so why not be the one who snags it ; )