Vostok are legendary watch manufacturers. Every man should own a Vostok watch. They are far better than most people might imagine. I would love to show you my recently acquired USSR made Sekonda. It's a 70's made watch, and in my opinion one of the best looking watches ever made. The USSR and Russia have a long history of watch making.

Comrade, you don't wear the Vostok, the Vostok wears you. Get the kettle bells, Timmy.

@blakekaleb3124

2 жыл бұрын

you prolly dont give a damn but does anyone know a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot my account password. I love any assistance you can give me

@darwinskylar1004

2 жыл бұрын

@Blake Kaleb instablaster =)

The wobbling is made to protect the movement. If the crown is unscrewed and you accidentally hit the crown the wobbling is designed to be a shock absorber :)

Tim. Picard's Trieste bathyscaphe used plexi for its porthole, and reached the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench.. Even with a crack it held back vast pressure in the deepest ocean. You must agree it's a great material. Thanks for the video! Greetings from Scotland.

Words to live by: “You cannot scratch another man’s watch.”

Great vid, so happy to se a Vostok, they are great :D BUT, you have to do some more research ;) Panerai is much much older than Vostok. Vostok was founded in 1942 when the germans retreated and the First Watch Factory which had been moved to Zlatoust from Moscow when Germany invaded was split in three. The part that went back to Moscow became Poljot, the part that went to Chelyabink became Molnija and the part, the oldest one that went to Chistopol became Vostok. The plexi is of a special type and is an integral part of the water resistance. It is much thicker and softer than an ordinary plexi crystal. When the pressure increases the plexi changes shape and is pushed outwards within the case into a very wide and soft gasket, the higher the pressure the tighter the seal gets. The same principle is applied to the caseback as well, it is pushed into a very wide and soft gasket when the pressure increases. The reason why the watch have a locking ring for the caseback is because if you would screw it in as an oridnary caseback it would tear the gasket. The russians went this way because they wanted a watch as waterproof as Blancpain and Rolex but the russian watch factories couldnt produce cases with as small tolerances as the swiss when they produced waterresistant watches. The swiss could therefor make their watches waterproof with ultra stable cases that dont change shape under pressure and don have any gaps where water can get into the watch. The russians solved that problem by making a watch which used the pressure to waterproof the watch and allowed the watchcase to change shape without compromising the water resistance, thats why you have the wobly crown. The one that solved the problem is one of the unsung heroes of watch design, and probably the only female horologically signifcant watchdesigner, Vera Bulovna ;) My suggestions for cool microbrands: Sjöö Sandström, Monta, Borealis :D EDIT: You already did take a look at Monta so I change my suggestion to Sjöö Sandström, CWC and Borealis.

@CasebackWatches

3 жыл бұрын

Correct, Panerai is much older. There I've mixed something up.

@robertomaas2600

3 жыл бұрын

Great Comment! Russian Ingenuity, thinking outside the Box.

Nothing like getting home from work coffee and a spliff and caseback watches ;)

That Vostok with green zulu looks like a nice Panerai Luminor hommage. I'd buy it definitely

Everyone should have one! (especially in this 710 case) It's got everything for next to nothing. Real, not 'made up' history. Unique technical innovations. Funky/Quirky design and function. Super reliable. 200m WR with screw-in crown. Built like a tank (reminds me of the old Volvo 244 series). The ideal beater dive/field watch. Almost no loss when reselling. What's not to like?

@simonbailey2151

3 жыл бұрын

In-house movement, too!

@EinarHovdastad

9 ай бұрын

I agree, these are amazing, robust pieces with lots of history. Also top engineering, by simplifying, improving and still getting the best results. One mistake by you; these two aren’t 710 cases, but the uniformly thicker 170 cases. I agree with you, the 710 cases is my favourite too 👏 I’m sure Tim also would love Amphibia 710 case models!

I have two 24 hr Vostoks...1 with a date, and 1 without. From the factory, my no date Vostok stayed within 1-3 seconds a day over 2 weeks of taking readings. My date Vostok stays 20 seconds slow from the factory but can be regulated quite easily. I find them to be very quirky, unrefined, no nonsense and no frills watches...quite like a tank or an ak47 and it just works.

The case back function with the separate ring actually improves water resistance, because with vostoks tests they found out that sometimes with normal screw down case backs, the gasket gets sheared and twists letting water in.

@RickStegman

3 жыл бұрын

All true. I would only add that the more pressure the watch is under, the tighter the case back is pressed into that gasket. Also adding to water resistance.

@michaelzuccardo5414

3 жыл бұрын

You are very correct. The case back and the acrylic crystal are designed to improve pressure resistance with increased pressure.

@radidoc4832

3 жыл бұрын

I have a 70s vintage bulova accutron with ring with the caseback. Is it the same design? You could even say the whole design is vintage from the 60 to 70s, although it's too thick.

@Miginath

3 жыл бұрын

They have different case shapes and I could see you with a 120 case and a fixed bezel.

@micha8006

3 жыл бұрын

I have such ring in my Poljot with zero WR, also saw one in an old Raketa from the 80's.

I appreciate when a reviewer explains the feel of a movement; winding and setting. Thank you Tim.

I once had a vintage Slava (also a russian brand) from a relative in for a strap change, I actually was impressed by the watch because of two reasons. First the look, that was the most 70s watch I have ever seen in my entire live, without any patina on the dial (I dont like patina or stuff like that). The second reason the watch still worked fine without beeing serviced in at least 20 years ore more, and even had a Day Date Function. That was my first expiernce with russian watches. Best regards.:)

Amphibians are awesome - both the plain ones, the slightly upgraded and the top SE-models. I have owned more than 30 - and have 2 left right now. All others have been sold or given away as gifts. I just love them and might get one more in the near future.

Character in these ..."The Kalashnikov" of Dive Watches! I bought one years ago, picked a specific case, dial and even customized the bezel. GREAT Beater Watch! I have even gotten more compliments from it than from my Rolex!

The loose crown is a design feature to protect the movement from damage in case the stem is hit; the impact does not transmit as easily to the movement.

it's not often that I like the look of a Vostok. But these two look actually nice.

The ring on the caseback is a very good design feature ensuring that the very wide gasket does not suffer from the shearing action of a screw down caseback,it also allows water pressure to reinforce the seal of the watch much like the plexi does on the front. My microbrand has to be Perpetual Watches and also Vario..........................

Might hunt myself a Russian Paneria. Looks incredible for the price.

@staszeksowikowski9039

3 жыл бұрын

It really is- i have one. Though it is not a panerai homage. Its a sort of reissue of the vostok NVCH-30 (НВЧ-30 to be exact)

@simonbailey2151

3 жыл бұрын

Sold out at Meranom.

Tim, you really need to get your hands on a Vostok Classica, 39mm, manual wind, Sixties style 3 hander, to me that's the best Vostok has to offer, its incredible for the original purchase price of $168, I paid $200 for mine second hand, but I couldn't pass it up

I'm a big fan of Vostok. I have a couple. The automatic divers are brilliant value. Mine was around 60 euros. The back is designed so that it presses on harder with more pressure. Very clever design

Vostok are great beaters. These models look modded to me. They also make smaller size models. I have this case with a sandwich bgw9 dial, solid signed crown and lumed dive bezel. These are soviet era tanks.

Never expected you to review a Vostok watch but very happy you did. They are very fine watches especially at that price

I would go for the "people's panerai" as well. Vostok continues to impress. I had no idea that they had non-cheesy options in their portfolio. Danke für die Besprechung!

@treehugger3615

2 жыл бұрын

Join the vostoristi!

Unique approach to a watch examination.

Hi Tim! Great channel! Just ordered a Vostok 170962, which is identical to the 170548, but has a blue dial. My first Vostok..

The plexi flatens and bend under pressure, making the seal more hermetic, the crown is loosely connected, to avoid damaging the stem and the seal if you knock it. And the genius of the caseback 😀 is, you have a really robust an solid rubber seal, and the back doesn't turn squeezing the rubber, you only turn the ring, never twisting the seal. Simple solutions, very practical. You should open the watch and enjoy. Greetings Tim!

Glad to see some more Vostok on the channel, Tim! Some interesting names for the next video: Squale (albeit not a microbrand in the strict sense), Heinrich, Vortic, anOrdain (enamel dials), Mirco (Japanese chronographs) and Ianos :)

A piece of advice. I now own twelve now. YOU CAN'T BUY JUST ONE....

@zelja6370

3 жыл бұрын

I've only got 2, another 3 coming, and eyeing another 2 or 3...

@RadioStreetsunited

3 жыл бұрын

Buying bronze Amphibia 1967 today... Damn... I already have 10+ Vostocs and they are very very good!

@derekshearer9049

3 жыл бұрын

@@RadioStreetsunited. Fifteen and counting

@RadioStreetsunited

3 жыл бұрын

@@derekshearer9049 oh yeah!) Just bought bronze Amphibia)) I wish I could stop lol

@user-xe4yb5xc8t

2 жыл бұрын

as a russian i had only one amfibia and thought that`s gonna be enough. but bronze one got me. damn, i was sure it`s not gonna happen again!

I love the 710 ministry case

Hi Tim, I love your videos. Great review on the Vostoks. Fantastic value for money and there are load of different designs out there. An excellent first watch for anyone getting into the hobby. Beware... One Vostok is never enough. Greetings from the West of Ireland🇮🇪😊

Thanks Tim, the last shot of the watch on your wrist is really impressive I must say, the lighting really accents the dial. Hmmmmm...

Microbrands : Horage ; Serica. Nice review Tim, and thanks to the gentleman who pushed it. I like that Panerai looking Vostok, I can wear that.

Love both of these watches! Kind of like tank design. Meaning they are built in a tank factory. I want one!

Thanks Tim, and thanks to Alex too 👍.

Love my single hand Meistersinger Metris in blue. The perfect weekend watch. Be great to see your take on them.

I like the recessed indices on the blue one. Both are very nice. 31 jewels same as Rolex hahaha.

Watching your Friday videos after work is a great way for me to start my weekend, Tim! Halios is called the Rolex of micobrands because they tend to retain their value, the quality is amazing and they are difficult to get. Their current release is the Fairwind with a unique micro adjustment on the bracelet and their next release will be the Universa, an Explorer type watch. For pure beauty, AnOrdain has some of the nicest dials.

Nice job Tim! There are many of us who have both modern and vintage Vostoks - a great reference with lots of color images is: Russian Wristwatches: Pocket Watches, Stop Watches, Deck Watches & Marine Chronometers by Juri Levenberg. As far as microbrands go (and who knows how to define that accurately) here are my suggestions (I have quite a few and I have some from each of these brands - love supporting these enthusiasts): Aquatico, Aragon, Astor + Banks, Audric, Axios, Baltic, Behrens, Bern, Dan Henry, Dificiano, Douglas (brand revival w/ Wolbrook), Helson, Le Forban (brand revival), Lorier, Meccaniche Veneziane, Montage, Nezumi, OVD, Pancor, Phoibos, Seaborne, Second Hour, Stratton, TC-9, 220 Watch, Unimatic, UW, Vario, and Zelos.

Microbrand recommendation for the next video: Melbourne Watch Company.:)

I totally love these things. Solid, reliable, and build with the same passion that was behind the Soviet space program.

They are very utilitarian. I like them.

That blue dial is GORGEOUS ! 👍 I haven't seen either of these models before. The plain style and lack of numbers on the bezel is really nice. The Plexi crystal is actually good to over 700m ! Two different KZread channels have pressure tested Amphibias and both got the same results.

Ohhhhh, you don't send in Russian watch movement for service.....you service it yourself. This is first rule of Russian equipment.

Thanks, yes, a durable, functional and robust diver, with heritage, for 100 or less. Marvellous. And yes, it's appearance is loved by many but will also divide the room. Remarkable.

Loose crown is a feature of shock resistance system. It is a disengaging clutch. Prevents shock from a fall transmitting to the movement.

The bombers are from the Decco era, Rolex used them in the 30’s and the first PaneraiS (the Radiomir) use it to.

Two of my favorites I will mention Tim. I love Perpetual watches especially their simple classic watch with enamel dial and blued hands for a small price. Also loving my new Makina Uriel II watch though it is a bit pricier.

Even if the bezel is flat, it is rotating (at least on the one I own). You have then the possibility to upgrade the watch with a real divers bezel.

@CasebackWatches

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! You're right. It rotates.

Wow, those really do look so different from the other Vostoks I've seen, let alone the one I own! Also great channel, consider me subscribed

You dress quite nicely with a nice background. Perfect way to showcase nice watches.

@user-zt2fe1im3h

6 ай бұрын

Что важнее для вас, мне вот интересно. Красиво одетый чувак и красивая речь, но совершенно без знания дела, это нормально?

Not only the plexiglass dome is compatible with the diving features of the watch, it is there to help with this task since as it goes deeper, the increasing water pressure push the glass, and because of the material it expands, making the watch more resistant.

Like the Paneriski!😂

This one reminds me of the old Panerai. The cushion case evokes the square Panerai case but without the old welded lug wires - and sturdier (sturdier would be Russian, yes?). I have a Vostock Scuba -dude with a blue dial. This one interests me. Thanks for reviewing it. Keep at it!

I've looked all over for the watch with the black dial and can't find it anywhere. There's just something about it. I love it.

I like it, it's a great inexpensive beach watch! I prefer the black dial as well, it's very playful !❤

4:30 The Russians interpret "waterproof" differently: when it says waterproof 200m, it means it is guaranteed to be waterproof at a minimum of 200m, not "up to" 200m. Plenty of tests show that the 200m rating is hugely conservative.

@user-zt2fe1im3h

6 ай бұрын

У волшебника Сулеймана всё по честному, без обмана)

It looks very nice. I've been trying to work out which Vostok model I want to buy first.

The lug-to-lug is very small, so it will fit well on smaller wrists without any overhang.

Love my Vostok ⌚

Vostoks are cool, I have a really kitchy Komandirskie and a cool no date Scuba Dude and I do want a Zissou ⚓️ Great video, Tim 👍🏻

They have a brown sandwich dial like the first you presented on meranom right now. It looks pretty cool with its Paneraiesque design.

Ok...here's a good list of micro brands... Farer (Bradfield), Pinion (TT Maroon), SecondHour (Salmon Mandala), Anordain (Model 1 in cream or blue dial), Feers (Brunswick in salmom). Surprisingly, these are mostly all British brands with the exception of SecondHour, which is an Australian brand. This is my current wish list for micros, minus the purple laborite dialed Signum (Malaysian) , since I know you don't care much for diver's..but it does come in a 39mm offering.

I really like the face with the numbers. Very classy and unique. The blue, not so much. To my eyes it's lacking style and appears like something one would purchase in a department store like Target. This is for sure a company I will add to my list.

Here’s the thing: arguably Vostoks are not cheap (billig), they are actually inexpensive (günstig) Vostoks are on record (not just hearsay it actual records) of shrugging off being frozen, being boiled, and depth pressure tests of 800m, only giving in after something over 815m or so. And is officially “only” rated for 200m... And the “loose” crown is a layer of robustness. Something you don’t need in jewelry watches but in tool watches actually meant for hard work every bit of reliability and survivability is highly appreciated, I’d reckon... Imagine: when you go for serious off-roading (like deep jungle or Siberian steppe) you don’t want some fancy SUV that may be able to handle light off-roading but a serious tried and tested off-roading vehicle with a proven track record of reliability.

Three microbrands to check out: 1. Vario - I know you did a vid on the Empire, but they've got a trench watch coming soon and will be worth checking out. 2. Gekota - Some are turned off by the name, but they're well made pieces. 3. Zelos - They've been getting allot of attention and for good reason. I have a Mako II bronze and that thing rocks!

@Mister_Phafanapolis

3 жыл бұрын

I have a Vario Empire and it's a great little watch and I'd recommend it for others. Them, along with Zelos, Villhelm, RZE and Axios are making incredible watches in Singapore. Forget the Swiss, this is where the most interesting watches are coming from today. Timex also released a JDM trench watch on a bund strap for about $85. Only real negative I can say is that it's a snap back case (which is a little cheap) and quartz (which isn't necessarily a negative but a "deal breaker" for some.

Excellent video Tim, but credits have to go to Alex too!! Brilliant choice of watches to present in the light box! For me, it has to be the "Russian" Panerai!! Those exaggerated numerals and the case design combination make this a very special watch indeed! The movement may not be too bad. I just worked on a vintage Luch 23 jewel 2209 movement and what a clever movement it is. It keeps excellent time. Greetings from the UK!

@Alexander-hk6mb

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Tony, thanks from Alex ,-)

There are so many video's on the Bostoc Amphibia's. I can't believe that you haven't seen them. There are also plenty of places to buy them. Shop around. You can find them for as little as 65 dollars. Amazon sells them for around 80 dollars. Meranom sells them for as little as 75 dollars. Shipping can be a problem now from Russia. The watches are durable and good looking. They have a lot of different cases and they are easily modded. They are a great watch for those people that don't have a lot of money to invest in swiss watches. Plus, there are a lot of people that like the Amphibia watch. I love mine. I will buy more.

Does anyone buy Vostoks and not fall in love? 80% Russian Tank.. 20% Swatch. I have a Seiko LX and honestly seeing my Vostoks on wrist make me just as happy.

5:57 yep I to like the look of the Panari Radiomir PAM00753. Anyway, no complaints about Vostok outstanding value for money and really good watches.

Amphibian was designed’67 to replace Rolex Sub and Omega divers for Russian frogmen. It did the same job but much much cheaper. Makes you think 🤔

Baltic watches.... love the blue gilt aquascaphe, also love to hear your thoughts on the new yema pearl diver, although Yema may not exactly qualify as a micro brand....great quality to price ratio however!

I bought the GMT decent watch for the money the supplied strap isn’t very good I added the Vostok mesh strap sets 5he watch nicely.

I love my Vostoks!

"You cannot scratch another man's watch." - Tim Holzhäuser Amen!

They have the Pan homage with various color dials. I seen brown and blue on ebay.

I never thought I'd be interested in a Vostock. I think I might get the one in blue.

@SilverSergeant

3 жыл бұрын

Caution: They are addictive.

Like this .

You can try the 420 case Vostok. It is their smallest diver @ 39 mm.

I own one Vostok amfibia Zissou model. It is really a good funky watch with a great wearing feeling, and nice time setting operation. What is also cool is that their date complication features instant jump, so you get that Rolex Datejust feeling for just 75€. Still, there is a major downside of Vostok watches, and that is QA, and they are delivered unregulated. They are too often delivered with foreign material inside of the case, which makes the watch stop soon after delivery. Mine also stopped and I took effort to send it back to seller in Russia for a repair under warranty, and after couple of months I got it back fully repaired and precisely regulated.

Tim. Please showcase Auguste Reymond. I love their watches. I have 3 WWII Wehrmacht issued Swiss made ARSA ( Auguste Reymond SA) watches that keep great time. I also have a beautiful Auguste Reymond Flieger that I bought from Germany that is both beautiful and keeps great time. I'm confused as to why the company isn't as popular as it should be. Thank you for your attention, and I'm waiting to hear more smooth guitar sounds.

Yeah, at first I was thinking maybe Panerai, but then I thought it has a bit of the Seiko Turtle look too.

My favorite micro brand is Zelos. Their 42 mm Swordfish is the model I like the best. (I have an 8 inch / 200 mm wrist so I like a larger watch.) Zelos has started putting out more 40 mm and under models in the last few months for those who like that more traditional size.

@NathanChisholm041

3 жыл бұрын

New blacktip looks nice.

@RickStegman

3 жыл бұрын

@@NathanChisholm041 It does. It's a little smaller than I like. But it would work for lots of people. Does look nice though.

I do like the black one. In fact a have a komandirskie and I must say it keeps time very well. I agree with you that the watch case could be 2 to 4 mm smaller. But for a bigger wrist size it's a very decent watch.

Yeah that one w/ the numerals actually looks really cool. Agreed on the polished bezel - why?

Yeah they are cool man.

Τhe thumbnail is hilarious 😂 You should put adidas stripes in your coat too😎😎

I do like the first one. Dial and case shape reminds me of a Panerai... LOL! He just commented on it as I was typing it. I have a 420 SE from Meranom, but I can't get used to the crown wobble. I know it's a design function, but still... The ONE Russian watch I would like to have in my collection is the SE020 white dial on bracelet. Out-of-stock, and hard to find.

Vostok bezels are interchangeable, about 1 minute of work, including tightness of rotation adjustment; purchase 1 of several styles of diver bezels if you prefer. Personally, I think the plain bezel, with that Ministry case style, 3-6-9-12 dial looks unique and very "vintage cool."

Both are pretty cool... I always like plexi but I dont like the hands.

I Like the Pan homage .

I like them a lot. I need some in my collection. But perfect beach watch? Hell no: you'll need a ton of polywatch afterwards to get all the scratches of that plexiglass made by the sand 😂😆

That black one also comes in blue or brown . Brown would be my choice .

Hey Tim- Regarding microbrands . . . I have an Axios Ironclad 40. I got it about six months ago. I'm not a big fan of dive watches (I have only two), but I like this one. I'd be curious to hear your take on it. I can send photos. I'm anxious to start macro photography, and I'll build a homemade light box. If I can get any decent photos, I'll send them along. Thanks.

I feel I should point out that calling the 170548 a panerai homage is not really right. It is homage to a vostok NVCH-30 watch from the late 70s and 80s. Also I wouldnt call the 2415 movement rough and basic. In my opinion it is superior to the miyota 8200 series as it has bidirectional winding, a better more robust rotor and the standard of finish between these two movements is pretty close. The vostok is a bit rough around the edges but all the wheels, pallet fork, pinions and jewels are of high quality. These movements will run for decades with minimal care and can look really good if you get them in top grade.

There is a small seconds version I see as well.

Ok, you've got me with this video... i ordered my first vostok... for your next video: what about Traska?

Welcome to Club Vostok Comrade! haha (My favorite micro-brand... Traska:)

@user-zt2fe1im3h

6 ай бұрын

На счёт микро можно поспорить

It definitely reminds me of a Panerai, with the difference that this watch would buy it. I don't remember if I mentioned this micro-brand in the last video, and if I did I reaffirm it: Ketelaars watches. A company so micro that it has only one employee: Stefan Ketelaars, who makes all his creations by hand, numbered and with adjustments according to the client. More micro than this can not be.

Vostok is a thing you love or hate. I love them. There are various cases arround. The Straps are not really bad but the bracelets are rubbish.