I've been considering a simplistic handwind, mechanical field watch of a sort, not for any real specific purpose, just style and nostalgia I guess. I've looked at some of the more inexpensive offerings, from this kinda obscure, (to Americans anyhow) brand and have heard, that it's like most things russian, it's pretty reliable, kinda ugly, and not just super accurate, I've read a great deal on watch forums about them, but am curious as to if anybody here as one, or any experience with them. At 35-40 bucks I'm really having a hard time, not purchasing one, but don't want this to be an impulse buy. I think it may be quality, but will certainly require a new strap (thinking a colorful NATO of a sort).
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Vostok Komandirskie Mechanical Watch
- Thread starter whetrock
- Start date
zippofan
Gold Member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2011
- Messages
- 2,305
Very reliable:
Had this since 2005, when I first got it I thought it was broken because of the floppy crown/stem, but it's really a design feature to allow for a thicker winding stem. Mine has been all over, in all sorts of weather with never an issue. Vostok's straps/bracelets are horrendous though, NATO's or rubber are a good choice.
The only caveat is they are chrome plated brass. While I have no wear on mine, for another 30 bucks you can get a dive rated Amphibian that is all 316L stainless:
If you want more info, just shoot me a PM.
Cheers,
Griff
Had this since 2005, when I first got it I thought it was broken because of the floppy crown/stem, but it's really a design feature to allow for a thicker winding stem. Mine has been all over, in all sorts of weather with never an issue. Vostok's straps/bracelets are horrendous though, NATO's or rubber are a good choice.
The only caveat is they are chrome plated brass. While I have no wear on mine, for another 30 bucks you can get a dive rated Amphibian that is all 316L stainless:
If you want more info, just shoot me a PM.
Cheers,
Griff
Thanks for the helpful insight zippofan. You're the man when it comes to affordable watches. I do know that the Vostok-Europe offerings, are from a slightly different outfit, being assembled in Lithuania, versus Russia, using some Vostok movements, and a few others. Some Vostok fans. aren't too hot about the Vostok Europes I guess and opt for the legit, 100% Russian Vostoks. I want a Komandirskie, and maybe later an Amphibia, but already have a decent Automatic at the moment, but not a true "dive watch". Some food for thought, also I've found HMT, which is a manufacturer in India that produces, several utilitarian designs, that are mostly hand wind, and pretty bare bones. I like the looks of the Pilot model. Right now though, I've decided the Komadirskie will come first, and maybe an Amphibia later. I need to pick up a replacement strap as well and am leaning towards the proven NATOs.