Vostok - the AK47 of watches

[Bash64 17]

I thought I would post something on one of the gens I have that gets regular wear and is a worry-free, hard to kill beater.

 

This is a Vostok Amphibia Ministry. Vostok has a long history in the Russian Military and they cranked them out like Timex did at one point in North America. Some have described the Vostok as the AK47 of watches. Simple, cheap and tough.

 

All Vostoks have an in-house built movement - in this case the 2416B automatic (31 jewels) with a 31 hr power reserve. This one is rated at 200m, but it has only seen a little swimming and snorkeling with me. The bezel a no click, friction controlled, bi-directional movement and does not really have much of a precision feel. But mine is snug enough it does not get bumped around when I adjust it, and in reality, what does it really matter

 

First of all – the things I like about the watch:

· I think it is a good looking watch and it often gets compliments (always surprises me what people who know nothing about watches will comment on – makes me wonder how much the rest of us are affected by brand recognition)

· Cheap price - $70 new

· Reliable so far ( I have three with no problems)

· Comfortable to wear and looks good on 22mm Nato)

 

Things that are not so great:

· Lume is almost non-existent (I purchased an extra dial to see if I can perk it up with a re-lume)

· Stock bezel (and bracelet for that matter) is thin and nasty IMO, I switched it out for a Murphy bezel and Dagaz insert- much better and more substantial

· I generally prefer watches that are a little larger. This one at 40-41mm is just a little on the small size, but it wears bigger due to the case shape.

· The “wobbly” action crown is awkward. It is screw down, but to engage the hand setting ir must be pulled out and held with tension to set the time. The “so-called’ quick date set function is also awkward and not quick at all and as a result, unless I have an extra few minutes when I put it on, the date does not get adjusted. (unless, by luck it happens to be within a week or so)

 

On a side note, I have a ordered a glass case back to try out and see what that 2416B looks like pimped and on display. Also the Natos pictured is from JaysandKays on eBay and is longer and heavier than any others I have tried. Quite a beast.

 

On to the pics

 

 

 

 

The crystal has a nice dome to it.

 

Very close in size to the new style sub, but wears slightly bigger I think due to the case shape.

[Aren 27]

Very nice. Thanks for the comparison shot with the sub.

I like the domed crystal and it probably has a great lume too.

Nice watch...haven't seen this one before.

 

Kalashnikov just died at the end of last year at an old age. RIP

 

Now, where is the vodka, absinth, lemon, cinnamon and sugar to flesh out this thread?

 

Thanks for sharing!

[nyckid 0]

Ahh brand recognition...of course that's ANOTHER subject.

 

But anyway, this is a banging looking watch. And for the price, wow! Would deffo buy one of this if given the opportunity.

 

Congrats on a (what I call) wise purchase

[<RJ> 0]

Thanks for the review

I have a vostok originating from the late 80s

No other watch in ive had start to tick so fast. Unfortunately it stops ticking even faster. 27 years without service might be the cause

Someday i will treat it with a new movement.

[Bash64 17]

Very nice. Thanks for the comparison shot with the sub.

I like the domed crystal and it probably has a great lume too.

Nice watch...haven't seen this one before.

 

Kalashnikov just died at the end of last year at an old age. RIP

 

Now, where is the vodka, absinth, lemon, cinnamon and sugar to flesh out this thread?

 

Thanks for sharing!

 

You are correct. I cannot believe the oversight. (I hope this is Russian vodka - this might be the Ukrainian stuff - both are excellent)

Also - the lume absolutely sucks. I need to do something about that.

[Aren 27]

Very nice. Thanks for the comparison shot with the sub.

I like the domed crystal and it probably has a great lume too.

Nice watch...haven't seen this one before.

 

Kalashnikov just died at the end of last year at an old age. RIP

 

Now, where is the vodka, absinth, lemon, cinnamon and sugar to flesh out this thread?

 

Thanks for sharing!

 

You are correct. I cannot believe the oversight. (I hope this is Russian vodka - this might be the Ukrainian stuff - both are excellent)

Also - the lume absolutely sucks. I need to do something about that.

 

Nice bottletie.

Maybe it was the downtime, but I didn't know you quoted me and just came back to look at the watch again.

Really, the lume sucks...That's a shame.

There is always the great and wonderous KenNy !!!

 

[Mechwarrior 2]

Mine says hello (i have an amphibian also)

 

Edited April 6, 2014 by Mechwarrior

[Mechwarrior 2]

and my old beaten but still working fine vostok komandirskie

 

[Martinjogs 0]

That is actually a pretty cool watch. The vodka is golden Lvov and it is indeed Ukrainian. The writing on the dial is "Amfibia" Amphibia water resistant 200m 21/31 jewels...just in case anyone is interested!

[Mechwarrior 2]

Bad pic of my amphibina + revolver nagant both rusky and old ^_^

[Robin195959 2]

Very nice. Thanks for the comparison shot with the sub.

I like the domed crystal and it probably has a great lume too.

Nice watch...haven't seen this one before.

 

Kalashnikov just died at the end of last year at an old age. RIP

 

Now, where is the vodka, absinth, lemon, cinnamon and sugar to flesh out this thread?

 

Thanks for sharing!

Hi Aren, Bash,

 

Nice post and pics.

 

I have one of these( there's a million variations) nice lookers and reliable but the lume is non existant.

[Robin195959 2]

Ps. Love the bezel. Not sen that one before. Lifts it above the average Vostock.

[James. 4]

Nice,watch, the domed xtal is the balls

[elp 26]

Nice one for sale here:

 

http://www.homageforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=26633

 

(I have noting to do with the sale or seller)

[trailboss99 994]

Actually the AK-47 of watches would be the Kalashnikov, wouldn't it?

 

http://www.kalashnik...ollection/c1rvt

[Bash64 17]

Ps. Love the bezel. Not sen that one before. Lifts it above the average Vostock.

 

Yes, the bezel and insert are both mods on this watch. Dave Murphy makes the bezels and Dagaz supplies the inserts. The little dome on the crystal is the right touch for sure, James.

[Bash64 17]

Actually the AK-47 of watches would be the Kalashnikov, wouldn't it?

 

http://www.kalashnik...ollection/c1rvt

 

A Swiss made Kalashnikov? That's just not right. :(

[Aren 27]

Actually the AK-47 of watches would be the Kalashnikov, wouldn't it?

 

http://www.kalashnik...ollection/c1rvt

 

A Swiss made Kalashnikov? That's just not right. :(

Well, tonnes of them are made in China these days !

[medezonok 0]

Hi. These are mine the Aмфибия . Looks interestingly and it is made new bezel.

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Edited May 25, 2014 by medezonok

[TK01 0]

Beautiful watch !

[medezonok 0]

To whom it is interesting, here I saw this model

[medezonok 0]

These are novelties let out today, one model and is unrealized.

куда залить картинку

хостинг картинок для форумов

фотохостинг png

[loiidol 0]

Thats a true beast of a watch!

[TheSav 2]

I like some of the vostok watches and just bought one myself for a beater. The OP's is a nice looker but too small for my liking.

[mrtsumoto80 0]

A rusky is def. on my list!! I've been wanting one for years but never took the plunge.

I want a sturmanskie strella