Slava California, Cal. 2428, Men’s Manual Wind Vintage Watch, 1984

Slava California 1984 — First impression Cal. 2428

This striking Slava California from 1984 captures attention at first glance. Its contrasting mix of Roman and Arabic red indices on a deep black dial gives it a dynamic aesthetic rarely seen in Soviet-era timepieces. Powered by the manual-wind Cal. 2428, this mechanical wristwatch blends bold design with precision timekeeping, making it a rare collectible for enthusiasts who appreciate vintage horological statement pieces.

Slava California - Bold “California” Dial

The dial juxtaposes Roman numerals with Arabic markers in vibrant red, set against a jet-black background. A peripheral railroad minute track and pronounced date aperture at 6 o’clock add technical clarity to its avant-garde layout, reflecting heritage Soviet styling with western influence.

California Cal. 2428 - Hands

Silver baton hands provide crisp legibility against the bold dial, while the slim red seconds hand echoes the index color, creating cohesion. The refined hand set ensures precision tracking of time without detracting from the dial’s graphic allure.

Slava California Cal. 2428 - Sculpted Chrome-Plated Case

The angular chrome-plated case presents clean contours and polished facets that echo the dial’s bold geometry. At 36 mm diameter with 42.5 mm lug-to-lug length, it wears contemporary yet evocative of ’80s cinematic lines, reinforcing its collectible appeal.

California Cal. 2428 - Crown

A signed fluted crown at 3 o’clock sits flush with the case’s robust profile, maintaining the watch’s balanced silhouette. The crown offers reassuring grip for manual winding and setting, consistent with era-appropriate mechanics.

Slava California - Fabric Strap

Fitted with a striped fabric NATO-style strap in blue, yellow, and red, this watch adds textural contrast while enhancing its casual elegance. The strap threads through fixed bars, securing it snugly to the wrist—ideal for both everyday wear and collector display.

Caliber 2428 — Manual Wind Precision from Soviet Era

The in-house Cal. 2428 is a robust manual-wind movement featuring a smoothly actuated date mechanism, typical of mid-1980s Soviet manufacture. Reliable and accessible for maintenance, it embodies the era’s characteristic focus on functional engineering, delivering steady performance and historical horological significance.

Heritage of the Slava California in 1980s Soviet Avant-Garde Design

Introduced in the mid-1980s, the Slava “California dial” merged Western styling cues with Soviet manufacturing. This model stands as an emblem of the USSR’s cultural cross-pollination era—its bold numerals and graphic statement redefining what a classic Soviet-made wristwatch could embody.

Slava California — 12-Month Warranty & Worldwide Shipping, Condition & Trust

Presented in excellent condition, this watch retains all original components and operates flawlessly following a complete service. Backed by a 12-month warranty and available for worldwide shipping, it is an ideal pick for discerning collectors seeking a standout, historically resonant mechanical timepiece. Browse our dress vintage watches with chrome-plated cases.