Why I own a Vostok...
The 24th February 2022 was a very significant day for me... it was the day my daughter was born. But it was also the same day Russia invaded Ukraine. Notwithstanding the awfulness of the ensuing war in Russia, it has divided watch enthusiasts as to whether it's "OK to own or buy a Russian-made watch". I am not going to start that debate here - people have their own views and opinions, which I respect and I am not aiming to challenge them.
But I am writing a post as to the reason why I own a Russian-made watch, in particular the Vostok Amphibian Classic 150344. It also gave me an opportunity to improve my photography skills!
Firstly, to hopefully clear up the naming confusion, from what I can gather:
Амфибия - the one, true name. These are the 'Classic' models. It is in Russian cyrillic writing. Stamped on the caseback on printed on many of the dials
Amphibia - the same as the Russian word using standard Latin based alphabet. This is the most commonly employed spelling, at least for English speakers and writers.
Amphibian - the most commonly used English translation of the Russian name. Some sellers will use this name for English speaking buyers. (For no particular reason, this is what I use)
Amfibia - the name used by Vostok for their new, modern styled 'Turbina', 'Reef' and 'Seaman' models. 'Amfibia' is written in English on the dial and caseback, however if you see the name written on a Russian language website or a Russian language brochure, it is still 'Амфибия' : the Russian spelling for Amfibia is exactly the same as it is for the 'Classic' models.
{Source: Various online forums}
History of the Vostok Amphibian
Amphibian watches were manufactured in 1967 in the USSR by the Chistopol watch factory: 'Vostok'. Professional seamen, divers and submariners gave their preference to Amphibian watches because of their simplicity and reliability.
Under the order of the Navy of the USSR, military modifications were made to the Amphibians, whereby they must be able to operate down to depths of up to 200m in conditions of significant temperature drops, in any excited environment. Amphibians stood extreme overloads and impacts. (You can research their design to achieve this).
During these tests, a Russian submarine 'bottomed' on the seabed at a depth of approximately 120-130 meters, simulating a catastrophic failure. A group of rescue divers were equipped with the new Amphibians while they were participating in rescue. Both, tests and exercises passed successfully.
In 1975 Amphibian watches were reportedly sent to Space by the spaceship Souz-17 to the Space station Salute-4.
Amphibian watches were also tested by less exotic, but not less evident ways. They were run over the trucks or hammered, but they continued to operate correctly.
{Source: Meranom website}
Why I own a Vostok Amphibian
Vostok Amphibians are worn by Russian Navy submariners. I have spent my career, currently of 24 years, playing a game of 'cat and mouse' in the world's oceans with my Russian opposite numbers in a post-World War II and post-Cold War era. Through this, I have learned to respect Russian submariners, how they operate and the dedication they have for their cause, irrespective of any political belief.
I am not allowed to give much detail on my experiences, but to wear a watch I know my Russian counterpart is wearing is a reminder that the calculated risks both of us take is borne out of a respect for each other's capability and skill.
Maybe there is a Russian submariner who is a watch nerd wearing a Christopher Ward??
If you've got a Vostok, or other Russian-made watch, let's see it in the comments.
UK 🇬🇧. Royal Navy Submariner. Things I like: Single Malt Whisky, Books, Coffee, Cribbage, Photography, oh... and Watches.
Got this lovely after watching a few watch reviews from Teddy. Of course I had to throw a mod or two on it. Love this watch…
Got this lovely after watching a few watch reviews from Teddy. Of course I had to throw a mod or two on it. Love this watch…
Very nice, looks good. Yes I have looked into modding mine too, not happy with the friction fit bezel, I want some clicks! I am also contemplating a jubilee bracelet on it (I don't have any watches on a jubilee). Never done a mod and a cheap Vostok might be the place to start.
I purchased some 1950s Russian watches ages ago to practice movement servicing on.
I purchased some 1950s Russian watches ages ago to practice movement servicing on.
Wow, amazing. What a skill to learn. What is your opinion of the Russian movements? Are they well built?
Very nice, looks good. Yes I have looked into modding mine too, not happy with the friction fit bezel, I want some clicks! I am also contemplating a jubilee bracelet on it (I don't have any watches on a jubilee). Never done a mod and a cheap Vostok might be the place to start.
Jubilee is super comfortable. I have them on most my watches that are on bracelet.
Jubilee is super comfortable. I have them on most my watches that are on bracelet.
I wanted to look into the compatability with this Vostok case, I'm sure it will be fine and look fine.
As someone who was born in Portsmouth, I remember the subs at HMS Dolphin.
"Navy days" in the 60's when the Navy was far larger.
In the early 70's it was normal for matelots to go out drinking while in uniform!
As someone who was born in Portsmouth, I remember the subs at HMS Dolphin.
"Navy days" in the 60's when the Navy was far larger.
In the early 70's it was normal for matelots to go out drinking while in uniform!
It was only up until very recently we still did our submarine escape training at Dolphin. Everything else had moved but the 'Tank' remained. That has now moved up to Faslane now too.
Much smaller fleet nowadays, so Fleet Review will never be on the same scale. And yes, only Remembrance Weekend (Submarine Remembrance is held the weekend before) is the only time you'll see matelots on a "rig run". You'll still see all the weekend warriors with their bags sat outside the Ship Anson with a pint on a Friday afternoon waiting for their trains though 😄
Russian or German? I'm not really sure.
I had one, liked the looks but it never clicked with me so I moved it on.
I had one, liked the looks but it never clicked with me so I moved it on.
I think people either love them or are not overly fussed. They aren't exactly beautiful, and very quirky with the wobbly crown and no date adjustment.
Russian or German? I'm not really sure.
Either way, looks good. 👌
I only have one non-Vostok diver. I like them because they're built for the job, no frills, in house everything, and design wise they stand out from an ocean of divers.
My entire Vostok collection, though I still need to put together my Lunar Dude:
I only have one non-Vostok diver. I like them because they're built for the job, no frills, in house everything, and design wise they stand out from an ocean of divers.
My entire Vostok collection, though I still need to put together my Lunar Dude:
Nice collection. I can see how these become addictive with so many variants to chose from. I love a 369 dial and why I chose my particular one. But there is something quite cool about the Scuba Dude, might keep my eye open for one. I did see a black and orange version that I quite liked.
I have two Vostoks (Amphibia and Komandirskie) and a Sturmanskie. They're low maintenance and easy to mod. You get a very solid piece for the price. I plan on getting more once I get a chance to look through their extensive catalog.
Awesome watch wear it with pride. If we boycotted every product by every person who happened to the same nationality as any of the many (all) corrupt governments, we'd all be homeless and wouldn't own anything.
Love my Vostock 😁
Ref?
I have a scuba dude and a Komanderski
I have a scuba dude and a Komanderski
Very nice pair 👌
I had this one, for a long time. my first dive watch. As many said, solid watch and does the job for a tenth of price point of other divers. As a first time collector, I was a little scared to go into the pool with something expensive. Also tried taking some shots as a hobby! I liked the simple design of this one compared to more colorful options!
As you know, it's quite an effort to pull the crown and that bezel 😀 is something! Sold it recently but kind of missing it
I had this one, for a long time. my first dive watch. As many said, solid watch and does the job for a tenth of price point of other divers. As a first time collector, I was a little scared to go into the pool with something expensive. Also tried taking some shots as a hobby! I liked the simple design of this one compared to more colorful options!
As you know, it's quite an effort to pull the crown and that bezel 😀 is something! Sold it recently but kind of missing it
Very nice, good photos too 👌
Ref?
Vostok Amphibian 71009A
In my opinion, you can love the watch manufacturers without loving where it is made. Just like Fliegers. We love the watch but we hate where it was made (in this case, Nazi Germany).
Here is my Vostok Komandirskie.
That's a good point indeed!
Awesome watch wear it with pride. If we boycotted every product by every person who happened to the same nationality as any of the many (all) corrupt governments, we'd all be homeless and wouldn't own anything.
Very true
I'm from Russia, thanks for your post! 🤝
Most recently, I added the Vostok watch to my collection. It's amazing that a full in-house manufactory can be for $ 50.
I have 6 Vostok watches because I like them. I like Russia, I like Russians, I've watched a lot of Russian movies, read a few Russian books, listened to a lot of Russian music (always support them in the Eurovision Song Contest), always support Russia in the Olympics, drink vodka, and even eat Russian foods... and yeah, RUSSIA!
It took almost 4 months to get mine. I got it a week before the war broke off. I love it simple fun to wear and well made.
My Blog would read … Why I own a Dozen or two !!! Lol 😂 . They can be worked on, they are not expensive, 200 meters f water resistance, and you can Mod the Hell out of them ! That’s why I own a few Dozen !
Just joined the Vostok cult! The 710059 amphibia is my favorite design.
Done a simple mod, brushing the bezel and the case and a strap swap.
Wow, amazing. What a skill to learn. What is your opinion of the Russian movements? Are they well built?
Yes . Very easy to work on and to regulate .