Old brown Vostok watch is gnarly
So this arrived today. It's, uhm, I think I'm just hoarding at this point. It's a Vostok, not sure what kind it is. Doesn't say anywhere. But since it's got a bi-directional rotating bezel, I think it's an Amphibia. Got it for about 40 USD, an impulse purchase. I've always been curious about Vostok but not enough to pay for it brand new. I figured, this one, for 40 USD it could be a lemon and I would still enjoy it.
It's clearly seen better days. Crown is a bit wonky, got corrosion all over (see close-up), it just looks dirty and beat up. But it did scratch that Vostok itch. I don't think I'll get another one.
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Sherwin
I've got a god-shaped hole in my life that I'm trying to fill in futility with watches.
Manila, Philippines
Member since
Last active: 7 min ago
6.50” / 16.51 cm
You will know immediately if its an amphibia if you look at the caseback 😀
Does it have a screwback crown?
Amphibias also should be a made of steel and shouldn't corrode.
I think it's just a generic civil Vostok. Also it's more rare than amphibias 😀
You will know immediately if its an amphibia if you look at the caseback 😀
Does it have a screwback crown?
Amphibias also should be a made of steel and shouldn't corrode.
I think it's just a generic civil Vostok. Also it's more rare than amphibias 😀
That's good to know. Thanks for the intel. It doesn't have Amphibia written anywhere. It does have a screwback crown. The only reason I thought maybe Amphibia is because of the bi-drectional bezel.
Those russians do seem to like their bezels, umm, "sculpted". The more dressy the watch, the fancier the bezel.
Even today their slightly upmarket watches have brass cases which are chrome plated or titanium nitride coated although the bezels have been toned down a bit, as on the Partner series.
I own a couple of Vostoks; both 1990s vintage. A Kommanderskie and an Amphibia. They are both "quirky", or should I say "unique" LOL! The "wobbly" crown BTW is a feature, not a bug!
Yours looks like some kinda rare issue Kommanderskie by the looks of the handset??
Very unique and a bargain at $40. Well done and enjoy! 😎
I own a couple of Vostoks; both 1990s vintage. A Kommanderskie and an Amphibia. They are both "quirky", or should I say "unique" LOL! The "wobbly" crown BTW is a feature, not a bug!
Yours looks like some kinda rare issue Kommanderskie by the looks of the handset??
Very unique and a bargain at $40. Well done and enjoy! 😎
I am relieved to hear that the crown may not necessarily be broken. Thanks!
Those russians do seem to like their bezels, umm, "sculpted". The more dressy the watch, the fancier the bezel.
Even today their slightly upmarket watches have brass cases which are chrome plated or titanium nitride coated although the bezels have been toned down a bit, as on the Partner series.
The bezel is actually nice if I can maybe get it polished. But I don't necessarily want to throw money at it. I'll have to think about that one.
I am relieved to hear that the crown may not necessarily be broken. Thanks!
No, not broken ... was designed that way on purpose to prevent any damage to the movement somehow ... there's an interesting article online about it somewhere. You just have to keep some outward tension on the crown when winding the watch or setting the time. As I said, Vostoks are "quirky" 😀 some of us like that! 😎