Help choosing
TL;DR timex Waterbury count up inner bezel quartz VS vostok mechanical count down inner bezel mechanical
I'm looking into these two watches, and am unsure which to get. The time Waterbury is quartz, which is nice because it's easily and cheaply serviced when it's needed (I have a hard time affording the maintenance cost with most mechanical pieces). It's also nice that you can set, and forget it. It has a count up inner rotating bezel. I like to use them to time while I'm cooking. The bezel crown also screws down.
The next option is a Vostok with an inner rotating bezel. The crown for the bezel on it is on the left.
Which could be a little awkward to operate without removing the watch. Neither of the crowns screw down. And my biggest concern being that it could be difficult to find someone to work on it when it ever needs repairs. The appeal is that it's mechanical (always gave a fascination with mechanical pieces). Also it has a count down bezel rather than counting up.
Help me choose.
14 comments
Sort by
Cobra
I have been a watch nerd for going on 5 years now. Favourite type of watch is a flieger. Particularly like the type b. Beyond that other pilots watches, and some field watches tend to be ones that I e...
British Columbia Canada
Member since
Last active: 1 week ago
Ooh, please use my chart for this type of decision!
Ooh, please use my chart for this type of decision!
Damn that’s a spicy chart. I will just confirm out of autistic stupidity (ie my autistic inability to catch on to a joke), that this is in fact, supposed to be a friendly joke correct?
Damn that’s a spicy chart. I will just confirm out of autistic stupidity (ie my autistic inability to catch on to a joke), that this is in fact, supposed to be a friendly joke correct?
It will approximate my opinion.
I like the aesthetic of the Vostok more, but the Timex will likely be better for you. Plus finding a Vostok (excluding places like Amazon) isn't very easy these days.
Ooo I didn't know Vostok made one with inner bezel. As someone who own a Komandirskie, I'll choose it
I've not taken notice of this Vostok either, I feel the need to investigate...
I like the aesthetic of the Vostok more, but the Timex will likely be better for you. Plus finding a Vostok (excluding places like Amazon) isn't very easy these days.
The website the photo is from is an American online retailer. So a bit less scetchy. I actually like the look of ether. My biggest concern with the timex is will I appreciate it as much being a quartz. While on the other hand the vostok might be difficult to get repaired in the distant future
Ooo I didn't know Vostok made one with inner bezel. As someone who own a Komandirskie, I'll choose it
Yes, and the way I’ve heard this model described is as basically a modern watch with a Vostok movement. It’s got mineral crystal, and a few other little touches that are supposed to make it an upgrade from the basic vostoks
I've not taken notice of this Vostok either, I feel the need to investigate...
Definitely do. They have some decent watches. Just need to be aware of the quirks that come with it. Also don’t be discouraged by the plethora of frankly ugly watches. They definitely have some nicer models. The scuba dude tents be be a popular one
It will approximate my opinion.
So then going off the chart. I’d assume your vote is for the Waterbury. Basing that off the “is one quartz- get the quartz one” part. I find that intriguing. I realize quartz will always have more practicality, but I tend to feel less connected to them at times. My biggest concern with a quartz is will I wear it over my mechanical pieces
The website the photo is from is an American online retailer. So a bit less scetchy. I actually like the look of ether. My biggest concern with the timex is will I appreciate it as much being a quartz. While on the other hand the vostok might be difficult to get repaired in the distant future
Basic repairs you may as well do yourself. There is a big following of these Vostoks in the modding scene, so finding a crystal or bezel likely isn't too difficult. You could then just take those parts to a watchmaker and have them fitted. Servicing shouldn't be a concern with those old Russian movements. It'll be due a service when your tastes have evolved so much that the watch won't be worth much to you. I'm guessing maybe twenty years. Replacing the watch would probably work out cheaper. Good luck deciding!
So then going off the chart. I’d assume your vote is for the Waterbury. Basing that off the “is one quartz- get the quartz one” part. I find that intriguing. I realize quartz will always have more practicality, but I tend to feel less connected to them at times. My biggest concern with a quartz is will I wear it over my mechanical pieces
Honestly this one is a tough call. The Vostok cool factor is clearly greater, offset by Timex quartz assurance. The Timex is more of an everyday watch, whereas funky Vostok is a bit more out there.
Timex of not so long ago used mystery quartz movements that were unavailable for replacement. Has that changed? Your fears of repair of Soviet or even Russian watches is legit, as parts are a hassle. Service, probably not as big a deal but some may be scared off.
Apart from the decision flow chart of @PoorMansRolex, I'd say get both hehe 😉
Honestly this one is a tough call. The Vostok cool factor is clearly greater, offset by Timex quartz assurance. The Timex is more of an everyday watch, whereas funky Vostok is a bit more out there.
Timex of not so long ago used mystery quartz movements that were unavailable for replacement. Has that changed? Your fears of repair of Soviet or even Russian watches is legit, as parts are a hassle. Service, probably not as big a deal but some may be scared off.
That’s an interesting thought. I’m unsure what quartz movement it uses. I’ll definitely be doing some looking into that now