Fifty years ago the space age was truly born, as Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite, was launched on Oct. 4, 1957, aboard a Soviet R-7 rocket and touched off an intense space race with the United States.

The spherical Sputnik satellite measured 58 cm (23 inches) in diameter and weighed 83kg (183lb) and it could be seen with the naked eye as it circled the Earth. It emitted a signal that could be heard on a household radio. It completed 1,440 orbits before re-entering the atmosphere and burning-up on January 4, 1958.

Half a century ago, the Soviets launched what would be our first artificial satellite, and set in motion a revolution of technology.
Without Sputnik, Earth orbit would be a much quieter place, and life on Earth would be unrecognizable. Satellite technology is now integral to our lives. It carries the TV news we watch when we wake up in the morning, provides data for weather forecasters, carries phone calls, and even gets us to work, thanks to GPS. Satellites also handle data for our banks, processing credit card transactions. We are utterly dependent on the orbiting bodies.

SPUTNIK

SPUTNIK

1957 - 2007

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Spaceflight, Volmax introduces the new Sturmanskie Sputnik watches.

On the dial of the Sputnik watch the Globe is shown and a red "Sputnik" circles the orbit as an additional second hand. The capital of Russia, Moscow, is marked on the world map as a red star.

Sturmanskie Sputnik are limited to 500 pieces each model. The movement used in Sputnik watches is the caliber 2614.02 manufactured by Vostok in its further improved version.

Two Sputnik models have been produced to the anniversary: the one in the 43mm stainless steel case at 190,- Euros (available in December) and the other one in plated case at 220,- Euros.
Orders and pre-orders at www.vostok-watches.com/sturmanskie.php
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At the same time Volmax is widening the range of Aviator automatic watches.
Vostok movement 2416 automatic, 44mm case , stainless steel btrushed case, screwed-in crown, water-resisastance to 10 atm, indexes, numbers and hands covered with Soperluminova- all these are distingishing features of the new Aviator watches. The retail price of 245,- Euros underlines very good value for money.

The choice of 5 dials is offered: Aviator Automatic