Buran is a Russian watch brand named after the Soviet space shuttle Buran (meaning 'snowstorm' in Russian). Originally established as part of Volmax by former Poljot employees, Buran produces affordable mechanical watches ranging from pilot chronographs to dress watches. The brand relocated production to Switzerland in 2007, becoming Buran S.A., while maintaining its distinctive Russian heritage and space-inspired design philosophy.
Buran was founded in 2000 as one of three watch brands (alongside Aviator and Sturmanskie) created by Volmax, a company formed by former employees of the legendary First Moscow Watch Factory (Poljot). The brand drew its name and inspiration from the Soviet Buran space shuttle, which completed its historic unmanned orbital flight on November 15, 1988. Initially, Buran watches were assembled in Moscow using classic Russian Poljot movements such as the caliber 3133 chronograph and 2612 alarm movement. The brand quickly established itself as the luxury-oriented line within the Volmax portfolio, featuring chronographs, moonphase complications, and pilot watches. In 2007, Volmax made the strategic decision to relocate Buran production to Switzerland, founding Buran S.A. in Porrentruy. This move transformed Buran into a 'Swiss Made' brand while retaining its Russian design heritage. Modern Buran SA watches utilize Swiss ETA and Peseux movements. Original Russian-made Buran watches with Poljot movements remain highly collectible among enthusiasts.
PRICE SEGMENT
Entry LevelMOVEMENT TYPES
MANUFACTURING
AssemblerSPECIALIZATIONS
HEADQUARTERS
SwitzerlandAviator Watch S.A.
2000 Volmax
2007 Volmax
