Josef Koudelka and the famous wristwatch photograph.
Prague 1968, Josef Koudelka photo is probably - I dare to say - one of the most famous wrist-shot in history!
The famous watch photograph taken on August 22, 1968 in front of the deserted Wenceslas Square is one of his iconic images. The watch shows the time of what was supposed to be a protest rally the day after the Soviet invasion. The appointment was actually a trap, a provocation by Moscow to gather people in the square and be able to trigger incidents that would justify the entry of Soviet soldiers into Prague. Thanks to word of mouth, no one showed up.
And now guys, let's ID the watch! 😬
I have a preference for straightforward, utilitarian timepieces. While dress watches don't quite align with my taste, I find myself drawn to the elegance of divers' watches. What captivates me most is...
No idea what the watch is. But I've been in that square in 1992 and 1993, only learning about its relevance much later.
Cool story. No idea what the watch is!
Raketa 2603. And it wasn’t Koudelka’s watch.
no idea about the watch, but visited Prague twice back in 2014/2015. Ate at a restaurant just a bit up the street on the right and had a beer at a place on the corner to the right. Such a lovely city
Not sure about the watch but I went to Prague on a photography holiday 10 years ago, and was a big fan of Koudelka. I wanted to pay homage to that photo so found the place to take it: turns out it’s the bra section of a department store 😂
Needless to say I found the spot and took a photograph - and quickly got told off by security saying “this is a shop not a tourist spot!!” 😬😬
Raketa, because of the region and the long lugs, but I don’t know what model
Raketa
Love Koudelka! I wonder if it's his arm or that of someone else. Saw a big show of his work when I was in Arles. His life story and work is very impressive!
Here is a longread about the photo: https://leicaphilia.com/josef-koudelkas-wristwatch/
Here is a longread about the photo: https://leicaphilia.com/josef-koudelkas-wristwatch/
Nice article, thanks 👌
What about a Poljot De Luxe
What about a Poljot De Luxe
I think this article, shared by @drunkengmtmaster, solves the 'mystery' 😉