Vintage Soviet Watch Svet Cal. 2603 (16 Jewels) – Cream Textured Dial

Vintage Soviet Watch "Svet" – Cal. 2603 (16 Jewels)

Vintage mechanical wristwatch "Svet" (Свет), produced in the USSR by the Leningrad Electrical Clock Factory (ECHL / ЭЧЛ). A rare and collectible Soviet timepiece from the 1960s.

Factory Background

The Leningrad Electrical Clock Factory (ECHL) was established in 1946 and became known for producing precision timing systems for public infrastructure. In the 1960s, the factory assembled wristwatches under the “Svet” brand using movements supplied by other Soviet manufacturers.

Dial

• Color: Light cream / off-white
• Finish: Textured (waffle pattern)
• Markers: Applied Arabic numerals with aged patina
• Sub-dial: Small seconds at 6 o’clock
• Branding: “Свет” signature and factory logo
• Marking: “Сделано в СССР”

The dial features a fine textured pattern (not guilloché) and shows natural, even aging consistent with its vintage character.

Case

• Material: Chrome-plated brass
• Caseback: Stainless steel with screw-down retaining ring
• Markings: Dust-protected and splash-resistant
• Case diameter: 32 mm (34–35 mm with crown)
• Lug to lug: 41 mm
• Thickness: 10.3 mm
• Lug width: 16 mm

The case shows visible wear and chrome loss, especially around the lugs and edges, which is typical for watches of this period.

Movement

• Caliber: 2603
• Type: Mechanical, hand-wound
• Jewels: 16
• Frequency: 18,000 A/h (2.5 Hz)
• Escapement: Pallet lever
• Balance: Monometallic screw balance
• Shock protection: Yes
• Lift angle: 42°
• Movement size: 26 mm, height 3.9 mm
• Finish: Industrial (no decorative Geneva stripes)

Crystal

• Material: Acrylic (plexiglass)
• Shape: Slightly domed

Strap

No strap included. The watch is fitted with fixed spring bars showing visible oxidation.

Specifications

• Brand: Svet (Свет)
• Manufacturer: ECHL (Leningrad Electrical Clock Factory)
• Country: USSR
• Era: 1960s
• Movement: Cal. 2603, manual winding
• Jewels: 16
• Case material: Chrome-plated brass
• Caseback: Stainless steel, screw ring
• Crystal: Acrylic
• Dial: Cream textured with small seconds

Condition

The watch has been fully serviced and regulated by a professional watchmaker in April 2026. The movement was disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted for proper operation.

The watch is in working condition. The movement appears clean and well-preserved.

• Visible wear and corrosion on the case
• Chrome loss on lugs and edges
• Oxidation on spring bars
• Dial shows natural patina

Collector’s Note

“Svet” watches are relatively uncommon compared to major Soviet brands. Produced in the 1960s, they represent a niche segment of Soviet horology associated with the Leningrad Electrical Clock Factory.