The Elektronika 55B Melody is a remake of the Soviet-era digital watch, rebuilt with a new movement and a remastered LCD face. It keeps the original chrono-melody look, adds an updated wrist clasp and a button mute for the alarms. It suits collectors of Soviet tech and anyone who wants a retro digital watch with melodies rather than a modern smartwatch. Against a Casio or Timex digital it trades modern features like backlight timers and water resistance ratings for history and character.
Availability unknown
Also available at
Lowest price we've seen: $49.99 on Nov 13 at KommandoStore. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 13.
Owners rate it very highly, praising the faithful retro look and the melodies. Most criticism centers on the niche feature set and the melodies being a matter of taste.
The Elektronika 55B Melody Watch is a re-make of the Soviet-era Elektronika "chrono melody" digital watch. The movement was built anew from scratch with a manufacturer. A couple of the melodies were replaced and the face was remastered, while the look and feel of the original model were kept.
The case and bracelet are stainless steel. The reverse-backlit LCD shows the time, and the watch has stopwatch, timer, alarm, hourly chime and full perpetual calendar functions. It plays five melodies composed in house: Turkish March, Fur Elise, Kalinka, STALKER Bandit Radio and the USSR national anthem.
This updated version has a new wrist clasp and a button mute function. The clasp is adjustable, and a watch band tool is recommended for adjusting it. The watch accepts quick release and spring-bar locked 18mm bands. An instruction booklet is included.
