Strela Chronograph Officer BRONZE

Strela Officer Bronze – Historic Column-Wheel Chronograph in a Case Full of Character

With the Strela Officer Bronze OF40CYM-BR, Strela presents an exceptional interpretation of the famous Russian column-wheel chronograph. The warm bronze case gives this classic watch a completely new appearance and turns every piece into an individual companion whose character will continue to develop over time.

The new Officer series combines the legendary history of the Strela chronographs with modern manufacturing quality. The result is a high-quality mechanical chronograph that remains remarkably close to the famous originals from the 1950s and 1960s in both design and spirit.

The History of Strela

The famous Strela chronographs are among the best-known and most historically important wristwatches of the former Soviet Union. As early as the late 1950s, they were produced at the First Moscow Watch Factory with the legendary Venus 3017 column-wheel calibre. This Swiss movement was considered one of the finest chronograph calibres of its time and helped make Strela an icon of Russian watch history.

The Strela also gained special fame through its use in Soviet space travel. Cosmonauts relied on its precision and reliability, which is why the brand remains closely connected with the history of manned space flight to this day.

Today’s Strela Officer deliberately continues this tradition. With its classic proportions, elegant lugs, characteristic pushers and authentic dial design, it preserves the unmistakable style of the historic originals.

Bronze – A Material with Personality

The case is made of high-quality bronze, an alloy that has been used for centuries in shipbuilding, architecture and precision instruments. Bronze has a warm, lively colour tone and develops an individual patina over time.

Each watch therefore ages in its own unique way. Depending on wearing habits, contact with the skin and the surrounding environment, the surface gradually changes and gains its own distinctive character. Over the years, every Strela Bronze becomes a true one-of-a-kind piece, reflecting the personal story of its owner.

It is no coincidence that bronze has become one of the most sought-after case materials in high-quality mechanical watches. Many renowned luxury brands deliberately use bronze for selected models, as hardly any other material combines elegance, character and individuality in such an impressive way. While stainless steel remains almost unchanged for decades, bronze develops a living surface with a charm all of its own – every watch tells its own story.

With a diameter of 40 mm, a height of only 14 mm and water resistance of 10 ATM, the Officer Bronze is very comfortable to wear. The finely crafted case impresses with brushed sides, polished lugs and a polished bezel. The characteristic elongated chronograph pushers are closely inspired by the historic Strela models.

A Dial in the Style of the Originals

The cream-coloured dial follows the design of the historic Strela chronographs almost unchanged. Applied Arabic numerals and raised hour markers give the watch an elegant sense of depth. The classic appearance is complemented by tachymeter and telemeter scales as well as original Cyrillic lettering.

As a small tribute to the historic export models, the dial also bears the inscription "Class 1". While during Soviet times a distinction was made between export and domestic versions, this detail today recalls the rich history of the brand.

The Classic ST19 Column-Wheel Calibre

Inside the watch beats the proven Seagull ST19, one of the most beautiful mechanical chronograph movements still produced today. It is a direct descendant of the legendary Swiss Venus chronograph movement, whose production machinery was transferred to China in the 1960s.

This hand-wound calibre features a classic column wheel, which is still regarded as one of the finest constructions for mechanical chronographs. Compared with simpler cam-operated mechanisms, the column wheel allows a particularly precise and pleasantly smooth start, stop and reset action.

The movement has 21 jewels, beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, offers a power reserve of approximately 45 hours and is equipped with modern shock protection. It is widely appreciated as reliable, durable and easy to service.

Through the screw-down crystal case back, the fascinating interaction of the finely crafted column-wheel mechanism can be admired at any time – a special pleasure for every lover of traditional watchmaking.

Two Leather Straps Included

The Strela Officer Bronze is delivered with the high-quality original Strela pull-through leather strap. In addition, you receive a further premium RIOS1931 leather strap of your choice. This allows you to change the character of your watch at any time according to your personal taste.

A Chronograph with History

The Strela Officer Bronze combines historic inspiration, traditional watchmaking and one of the most fascinating case materials of our time into an exceptional timepiece. With every passing day, the bronze case develops more personality and makes each watch an unmistakable individual piece. Anyone who appreciates mechanical chronographs with history, character and authentic presence will enjoy this Strela for many years to come.