![](https://www.historynet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/soviet-soldier-purchases-wristwatch-berlin-1945-WW2-April2022.jpg)
A Soviet soldier buys a wristwatch from a U.S. Army photographer (above). The Soviets coveted watches and prices skyrocketed—a Mickey Mouse watch (below) was described as “worth more than a jewel-studded trinket from Cartier.” (Fred Ramage/Keystone Features/Getty Images)