Wear & Tear: 1970′s Vostok Amphibia Diver Watch
Yes, its that time again. Not sure how this came to my possession recently I’ve been really into Vostok Watches.
A bit of background on the watch…
The Vostok Company was founded in 1942 when one of the Moscow watch-making plants of the First Moscow Watch Factory was evacuated to Chistopol, a small town located on the Kama River in Tatarstan.
Presumably the “Vostok” brand was named after the Vostok space program, which gave the initial advancement of the USSR in the Space race (as some others soviet watch brands, named to space topics in 1960s – Poljot and Raketa).
The company was appointed an official supplier of watches for the Defense Department of the Soviet Union in 1965.
This watch is the Amphibia Diver Watch that the Submarine Divisions used.
How Does it Hold Up? 7/10
Well considering this watch has been around since the 70′s I’d say 40 years is pretty dang good! True the crystal has seen better days and is quite scratched. Doesn’t keep this guy from telling time. A few dings on the crown, who knows where this thing has been before me?!(I actually kind of don’t want to know)
It keeps time beautifully though and has recently been serviced by a Russian Master Watchmaker.
Quality 9/10
This thing was made for the Soviet Army, and was subjected to rigorous quality controls and tests. When I asked the Watchmaker about the history behind it he said these had amazing movements and sighed asking why more watches weren’t made like this.
note…i’m not a watchmaker, so this was his opinion. i also think its great but i just like wearing it and one day when i’m in my 60′s i’ll start repairing watches, not kidding.
Is It Worth The Money? 10/10
Worth the money?! Are you kidding, this thing cost me $65 and it probably has more story and history behind it than dang near anything I own. It’s not like the previous owner shook Stalin’s hand (awkward), but it does have some military history and that always adds value.
The fact its a great waterproof metal watch makes me feel like James Bond, keeps better time than your boss’s Blackberry, and looks slick with everything I wear.
Money well spent.
I love Vostoks. I’m on the lookout for a rare one that will maybe pop up on ebay some day.
If you like Russian watches check out these guys:
http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/list.php?4
http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/list.php?10
The second is a sales forum where you can find some in excellent condition (and some really nice vintage brands, also)
ahh yes Poor Man’s Watch Forum. I’m a big fan of that site. Its great.
so many knowledgeable folks on there
Diggin’ it!
I have a few Vostoks, and I am a huge fan or Russian watches in general. Excellent.
I recently just bought a Vostok Europe Anchar watch.. Do you think it has the same great quality as the original Vostok brand?