Vostok Komandirskie Automatic Review

I first saw a newer Vostok on a watch channel, something caught my eye, a quick search of the name on eBay ensued, and before I knew it, I had pulled the trigger on a Vostok Komandirskie, champagne dial, model; 020708.

I had committed the horological sin of buying impulsively, but at this price point, you've very little to lose.

(I know, it should have been a vodka bottle. Also, as a few people have commented - it's an air gun. Harmless).

I was already aware of the brand, but really only knew them from weird Soviet era vintage stuff. I own a few vintage Soviet SLAVAS (background, below), but one can't wear them in the field and expect to be taken seriously by the public, so they live in storage, for my eyes only.

After shopping around online, I purchased the watch through an AD for considerably less than eBay, and soon received shipping details via email.

8 days later it arrived from Moscow, which is some kind of record.

There are two versions of the 020708, I elected for the standard with a stainless case back with very elaborate etching for 82 euro+, but there is a display case back option for 106.50 euro+. As the Vostok 2416b 31 jewels movement is not much to look at, I don't know why you'd get the display case back.

At 82 euro (+ shipping), and a 2-year guarantee, the Vostok Komandirskie is sensational value.

It arrives in a red plastic flip-top box which is not intended to become a heirloom. My box was held together with electrical tape, but again, at this price point - not bothered.

My first impression was it looks better than in the pictures - a real no-nonsense, tough-as-nails tool watch. The lack of end-link pieces adds to the utilitarian look.

The case is brushed in a uniform manner, 42mm, 15mm thick, and the polished bezel, while no ratcheting mechanism, has a solid feel to it. I actually had to squirt a little WD-40 at the edges to loosen it up. I doubt it would move if you knocked it.

The bezel insert seems to be plastic, however the bezel numerals appear set into the plastic, and not printed on top.

The model I chose is champagne sunburst in it's colour/design, but there are many variations. I've always thought this colour dial, framed by black bezel insert or chapter ring, is class. This model looks of a higher price-point then it's different coloured variations in my opinion.

the lume is sparse, adequate, but doesn't glow for long.

The crystal is domed acrylic. This is usually a deal-breaker for me, as I don't like the plastic feel, but at this price point... I expected a cheap-feeling bit of plastic, but it feels thick, and almost like glass.

The bracelet, while not precision-cut, is good, fully articulated, allowing 'stacking' of links. It's brushed on the outer links, with basic polishing in the center. Out of the box it was huge with all the links, perhaps even fitting a 9" wrist. I removed 5 links.

The clasp is signed, pressed stainless, double lock. The clasp is also comparatively small, which I like, offering 3 micro-adjusts.

Now to the crown; I've since learnt that a wobbly, loose crown on a Vostok, when unscrewed, is not a defect, but a feature. It prevents folks from putting too much lateral force on the stem and hurting the movement. Takes a bit of getting used too, but very clever. Never seen that before. Text-book Russian brilliant simplicity in engineering.

The crown is brushed in two directions on the sides, with an attractive, light-catching sunburst effect on the flat top.

Position 2 (unscrewed), allows manual winding, and position 3 adjusts the time. There is no hacking, or quick-set for the date, but the date does do the quick-change thing, advancing instantly with a satisfying 'chick!' noise at midnight, as opposed to taking hours to change. The date is in red - a little hard to read.

Tip; at midnight when the date changes, simply rewind to 8pm, and back to 12 - the date will advance again. Saves from winding through 24 hours per date change.

The watch boasts 200 meters water resistance, and I believe it. In fact, after watching a few watch pressure-test videos, I'm quite sure it would withstand 400 meters, however if you find yourself 200 meters below sea level, then your watch is the least of your problems.

Funny story that wasn't funny at the time; after fully winding it manually, the watch stopped within 24 hours after unboxing, and due to my inexperience around Vostok watches, I though it was broken. I had even initiated the return process.

A day later, I picked it up, gave it a good whack on my palm out of frustration, and it started running.

Soon after I stumbled across an info graphic (below) that states this is normal, and is called the 'debut process' - a full wind and a whack!

Hasn't missed a beat since.

Paceba Tavarish.

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Amusing info-graphic.

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The star review ratings are based on this price point.