Soviet temptation | Norton of Morton

I love old things. If it has a story then I’m sold.
I recently watched the 2015 film, The Man from U.N.C.L.E, which was enormous fun. I was intrigued by the watch worn by Illya Kuryakin, which he inherited from his father. It played a small role in the plot, which I enjoyed.

As a watch aficionado, as soon as the credits rolled, I was scouring the internet to find out what model it was. By the time the kettle had boiled, I’d discovered that the watch was a Pobeda and found one just like it on Messrs E&Bay for £25. I couldn’t resist – within a few clicks and I’d splurged out.
The watch arrived in a few days. Considering it dates to the 1950s, it really is in marvellous condition.

There’s something about a watch that you wind up. Especially with a small timepiece that isn’t like some of today’s dinner plate sized monstrosities – this one is only 34mm.

The strap is new too, which was a nice touch from the seller.

Have you ever bought anything after seeing it on television or in a film?

G.M. Norton

Protagonist of ‘Norton of Morton’