I joined a Cult! The Cult of Vostok. Amphibia Scuba Dude Review

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I'm in love with a quirky Soviet! This thing is great. $65 for a 200m diver, in house automatic and more charm than you can shake a stick at.

[@eusupporter8438]

I bought one in a flea market in Berlin in 1992. It still works. The design is a but more older style but nearly the same but no wonder, it IS old and originally made in the old USSR.

[@63viet]

I hate your channel. I just ordered another watch because of your review. Lol. Keep up the good work.

[@riseuplight]

Just one more! 😉

[@jonathanm877]

thats it this time, just this one then thats it, i mean it

[@TheTrav0]

I love JOMW, but my wallet doesn't!

[@lupo1185]

more than three years later and still in love with these watches - currently owning 5 vostoks, two fully modded (bezels, hands, mathcing datewheel, crown, dial, caseback, case finish), 2 still in process...sooooo much fun!

[@foggypete1860]

Wow, I thought we Russians stopped making watches like 25 years ago! Great, informative and visually pleasant review. Thanks, you've definitely earned a subscriber!

[@herinam450]

Foggy Pete tri paloski

[@riseuplight]

Foggy Pete you probably would have without international market!

[@BaddaBigBoom]

@@herinam450 You calling him a Gopnik? ;-)

[@johndonnelly5971]

I kinda like the Vostok bracelets as they add a bit of funky authenticity to the piece.....besides the words stainless steel in cyrillic letter is pretty cool as well. Cheers.

[@erikbasil2787]

I picked up one of these 710 "Ministry case" Amphibians (from Meranom, nice experience), along with some spare parts because I anticipated the ability to swap things around. Adding the exhibition case back was simple, but I found the soft, supple silicone straps to be a little short for my just over 7 inch wrist. Vostok bezels for the Neptune model fit this case, and so I was able to get a Pepsi and an Orange for 22 bucks a piece and I have been rotating bezels and straps for the last 3 weeks, enjoying this marvelous little watch. It keeps great time by the way. Now mine is an SE, which comes with a slightly decorated and more regulated version of the caliber, and it has been with only a few seconds per day for the last 3 weeks. Anyhow, this review was what created the tipping point for my order. I'm quite happy.

[@TheHandsomeMatt]

My membership "card" came yesterday, thanks to you and Nick Shabazz for sponsoring me into the cult!

[@jakelee1344]

Jodi, thanks for the spiffy videos. Love them! You single-handedly put a Vostok in my drawer. I got the 670 case, which comes stock with a stainless steel crown AND bezel, and actually a pretty nice resin strap. No mod required! (Although, that might be the point of these...) I was still a little skeptical until it came. What a beaut! Thanks again.

[@ameyamore4769]

A NATO strap on a Soviet watch. Oh the irony! Awesome watch though :)

[@aadipattanaik7778]

@@octaviussludberry9016 funny considering Bond killed so many Russian dudes

[@realwarbeast]

Vostok made some watches for US operation desert shield. Aprox 20000 pieces. You can buy modern version with same design of dial. :)

[@randallsmith3986]

We all have had that thought

[@saevans63]

great review. I've now joined the cult and ordered a Scuba Dude in the 420 case and a Kommandirskie for my 8 year old son. We both love watching the reviews

[@aadipattanaik7778]

Man I would kill for my dad to give me a Vostok

[@karstensiegmarsson5304]

I do own a V-A myself for 12 years now, I just love it. By the way, the quick date changes when passing the 24 and then re-turning to below 21 o´clock. So far it never let me down, nor with precision, nor with function, nor with water resistance while snorkeling, swimming, yachting. I wouldn´t trade the little piece of crap in even for some Rolex, ...NEVER.

[@christophertaylor9230]

I agree with everything you said! I love the charm and character of the Vostoks. And after a mod, you will have a unique watch too. Welcome to the cult. Great review! I'm eyeing out the Radio Room next, that too has a great history behind the design. Keep up the great videos 👍🏻

[@badger246]

Great review! I bought one of these watches on a recent trip to Moscow, and my hitherto cherished G-shock is now gathering dust. The Amphibia is quirky and unusual, and incredible value for money.

[@True-os6tg]

I discovered your channel a few days ago and youve had my head spinning .Love the quirkiness and a conversation starter on your wrist and prob gonna start collecting Vostocks now ,Amazing range at both ends of the money scale .Dunno if up to modding myself but they have 30 dif versions of the Amphibia and got my eye on one thats $130 but looks a million dollars on a nato strap .

[@gorillasnacks3393]

Dang you! Lol I watched this video about two months ago. I had never heard of these watches before I saw this video. Now, after I've watched this video, and all of the other Vostok videos on the tube, I've already purchased three of them, and I'm completely obsessed now! These watches are amazing! I love them, and if I had not watched this video, I would not have known about them. I'm happy I found this video, but not happy to have added to my watch addiction! Lol

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

+Michael Whitson hey mate! Just One More Vostok! Cheers.

[@brynybach7741]

I have been subscribed to your vids for a while now and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. Your diction is perfect with none of the 'ums and arrs' that we get on so many others that drive me up the wall. Your always succinct and to the point like no other reviewer. Having just got into Vostok watches myself, like you I've fallen in love with them and now have four for some reason! Keep up the good work.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

+Bryn Smart thanks for your kind words! Not sure why, but those Amphibia are just so charming.

[@SilverSergeant]

Just ordered one today from Amazon based on your video......Looking forward to getting it.

[@zzyzxzee6374]

I have many watches,this one is got to be one of my favs.i even like the 80s style. The sealing ring and lucite crystal serve very well. Just wish it was hacking. Reverse engineered from watches costing 1000s more. Makes you wonder what you are really getting from some of these others except snob appeal. One more thing to note. This watch is actually used by their military! I actually like the polished band too. I have hairy wrist and has never pulled the hair. They are minimalist chic and fly in the face of expensive swiss or stamped out seikos.

[@hb9145]

They are very easy to regulate, but give the movement a few weeks to settle in before you do. Also keep in mind that many can be magnetized from airport scanners. Mine was running a whole 2 minutes fast, and didn't work that well until I demagnetized it.

[@jsdhesmith2011]

Got the same one. Pulled it out today for a wear and give it some wrist time. Strap was the first thing to go but I kinda like the cheap bezel, it lends itself to the overall design. Can't believe what a bargain these suckers are. Cheerio!

[@ronobvious9619]

The fact that you own a James Hunt shirt makes me smile. "Hunt the shunt" was a legend.

[@BeNoRed]

TIL recently: For the typical non-chronometer watch, each time a non-quartz movement stops -- whether by hacking or running out of power -- then starts again, the accuracy changes. That's what you experienced with this, apparently. If your watch is gaining/losing a lot of time, try stopping it then starting it again. Repeat as necessary. I also noticed in a Seiko manual that you should also move the minute hand back before the current time then forward when you set it. They didn't say why & I'm not sure if this improves accuracy but, since I've been doing both of these, every movement-type I have -- 9015, 4r3x, NH3x, 2824, SW200 and Chinese clones -- runs within 5spd.

[@brunovrancic8330]

I easily adjusted it with a toothpick, and for almost 3 years it is more accurate than any seiko 7s26 based movements out of the box (including 6r15) I had and sold. Because of 2,75 Hz it is maybe more sensitive to vibrations.

[@waris3732]

Have one, yes quite sensitive to vibrations

[@johndonnelly5971]

I have the Radio room model, so cool with the red propeller on the face....and Vostoks are very robust too.

[@vitordavid6086]

yes, that one is a personal favorite!

[@mikes1172]

I joined the cult as well "Vostok" on the way! I needed a mechanical diving watch, opted for the SE line but I have a list of 20 others from standard line that I must have as well.

[@JonathanShawTheCulturedBrummie]

I've just bought an 80's vintage scuba dude with a fabulous patina. Cant wait to see it, however mine is complete Russian text on the back

[@MuscleBandit]

Yet another purchase of the Amphibia has just been made to the UK from Moscow. My first dive watch and I am a Padi open water diver myself too. Perfect 👌

[@MrTimstaaa]

Hi there. Thank's for the great video. After watching many videos on KZbin about these watches I've finally decided to buy one after seeing your video. I didn't realise you live in Australia. I'm from Melbourne. A big hi to you.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Heloooooooooooooooo Melbourne! Cheers.

[@RampartPh]

thanks for the date setting hack demo!

[@stuartbrown1106]

So I doubt you’ll read this but after a month of waiting, I have one on my wrist! It’s the teal dial version and I absolutely love it! Yes the strap is poor but on my quite hairy arm, no hair pulling. Thanks for this video, I’m about to order my second of many to come!

[@karlp5007]

Your videos are fantastic mate ! I've been watching so many of them and every time I see a new one I want to buy the watch. Just one more watch!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for your kind words! Cheers.

[@Nova_Zed]

I was just looking at one of these earlier today. Fantastic little watch and I like the way you explained how it actually gets more waterproof the deeper you go. That’s clever! I’m in love with the watch on that stainless steel milanese bracelet. I’m a novice watch enthusiast and am curious. How difficult is it to change the straps?

[@adamszuszkiewicz1709]

nice ministry, I've got a 710380 with a dragon tail bezel, love it, already have my eyes on another one, just one more innit ;)

[@riseuplight]

There's something so great about cheap modifiable Russian watches I can't explain

[@jimrees1778]

My Amphibian has been on my wrist for a couple of years now. It ran plus 15-20 for the first couple of weeks, but then settled down. Now I never have to reset the time or wind it, I just wear it constantly. I believe these watches were made to be worn daily, I feel it helps their accuracy. I try to convince myself to wear other watches from my collection, however Vostok has power over me, I can not take it off.

[@b-rad5855]

Great video. I have the blue scuba dude with the 1967 case on a shark mesh bracelet. It gains about a minute per week which is not too terrible.

[@iaxable]

Actually the lume on the hands does last the whole night just fine. Just like my Seiko 5, very similar.

[@chrislaumb6605]

Great info here and I love the shirt!

[@burkholdst.rudderberg3574]

Both my Amphibia ministry case watches have a stainless chain mesh bracelet; they look great! As an active skin diver, I love my Vostoks.

After a bunch of research and much thought, I'm about to join the Vostok Cult with an Ebay sourced 120913 for 66.00! ETA is expected to be in early March, 2019. I'm already contemplating the SE020B35! (Meranom)

[@leodhasach...]

The bracelet is perfectly comfortable and it looks fine with the watch, don't see a problem myself! ...

[@erenkirazci]

A great comprehensive review about Vostok. In all honesty, after watching this video I bought one for myself from Ebay. Looking forward to seeing a few Luxury brands! Especially, I would love to hear your insights about Breitling Superocean II!!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

+Life in Australia Breitling Super ocean? You are a man of taste! ;)

[@martindenckermann9624]

Dear Jody, I'm a your italian fan 🇮🇹 Keep it up! 🔝

[@edg6779]

2:08, watch out for metal corosion/galvanic corosion, it can happen when stainless steel and chrome come into contact.

[@kingjgregory]

I've not looked into regulating these watches yet. That accuracy is one of the things that's put me off. If it can be regulated in a traditional sense it's definitely going to stay on my short list of impulse buys. I just need to do a wee bit more research. Nice looking model you've chosen. 👍

[@manoflego123]

My Vostok Amphibia is probably my 3rd most worn watch out of a dozen watch collection, I love it.

[@chrisknight4102]

I need one. Wonderful looking watch.

[@zzyzxzee6374]

Checking n again, adding to my vostok collection , new sailboat face. Just wish vostok had more 22 mm lug choices. now starting to collect orient,fantastic accurate as hell watches. The orient explorer dead on for 3 days right out of the box then slowly lost time. Generally loses 6 sec a month! I live in europe ex pat, and the slide rule great for calculating money and km into miles.

[@Bob.martens]

As nowadays all casemodels are stainless steel, the first three digits designate the casemodel. They have 6 different models, all costing basically the same.

[@jameshickey5939]

Great review , many thanks

[@anaghganguly8999]

I hit the like just because of that bracelet review. Please do a full video review of that vostok bracelet. That'll be fun.😆😆

[@Mediumrevizion]

good review thanks

[@johnnyh127]

Hi Jody, I just started getting into watches a few months ago and your channel has been my #1 watch channel on KZbin. I find your videos to be wonderful and your honest reviews have really helped me decide which watches I want to buy, and which ones to skip. That brings be to the Vostok. I've never heard of them until watching your channel, and because of your videos I ordered a Vostok 710059 Amphibian from Russia which I am very excited and eagerly waiting for. I'm not a rich man by and means so the affordable gems which you review and have introduced me to are just what I've been looking for. I've watched a couple of your videos on mods for these watches. I'd like to change the bezel and get a ceramic insert, but I'm a little unsure of what you are doing with these. You mentioned eBay, but are you simply buying a Seiko SKX bezel and insert? Is the SKX a direct fit replacement/upgrade for the Vostok? Or is there something else that I need to purchase to make it work? I know you are flooded with comments and questions, but I really hope you have time to reply to this and point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance for any help, and a HUGE thanks for your videos and the type of reviews that you do. They introduced me to collecting and helped blossom my true love for beautiful and affordable watches. Your videos are packed with information but remain very entertaining at the same time. I never lose attention or become bored by too much technical talk. Love JOMW!

[@ericd454]

Great review, love my Amphibia and waiting for my Komandirskie from mother Russia for $78. They aren't fancy but neither am I.

[@jimrees1778]

Mernom.com has the Komandirskie for $38.00

[@matthewreviews4981]

I love Vostok’s. I’ve had mine for a few months now and it’s great. I made a couple of videos on it too!

[@saxonsmith1475]

Thanks for the link 😀

[@waynereynolds3232]

Enjoy your videos Jodie. Bought one last year, and like it. However, what watch strap would you go with, and what colour? Keep up the great work, and keep getting 'Just One More Watch'.

[@GadgetsforGentlemen]

I love the mesh bracelet. What thickness do you recommend to pair up with the 420 Scuba Dude?

[@ikirikchi]

Vostok movements could be easily regulated so that accuracy stays within 10 sec per day or even less. All you need is a good watch repairer. Also, you need to check water resistance before starting using Vostoks under water. Watches coming from factory are sometimes not properly assembled but it's easy to fix in most cases. One out of my six Vostoks occurred to have the water resistance issue when I brought it to a watch repairer to manage the accuracy. He found a small problem with the gasket and fixed it within five minutes. Otherwise Vostoks are great daily watches. I possess four at the moment: one classic blue dial Amphibia Scuba Dude, two Amphibia Zissous (black and blue) and one Komandirskie so called Fifty Phantoms (vintage style with black dial). For any occasion.

[@willywantoknow2563]

Thanks to your channel I'm looking at buying my first Vostok (watch # 7)

[@sevenin1]

Love mine, just go the blue ScubaDude, and red and white Radio Room . Great value and looks.Really got lucky Radio Room is running +2.5 a day. Have'nt checked SCUBADUDE yet.🍻

[@Rebral]

Awesome video! My concern though is when you pulled the crown to make the seconds hack, does that damage/negatively affect the movement in anyway or is that an actual feature?

[@xman870096]

I received my first Vostok as a Father's day gift, it is the Komandirski model which I have come to love.... But as you say I have quickly become 'infected' with 'Vostok fever' and just today ordered the very model you reviewed in this video..... I don't know what it is, but something about the 'Orange Scuba Dude' Amphibia just called out to me and I just have to have one..... I saw a KZbin video that went into detail of the design of the Amphibia, and considering how well it is constructed I don't understand how it can be so inexpensive!!! (Not that I'm complaining mind you)…. Now I just have to wait for it to get here and I hate waiting!!…..I've always had a problem with 'delayed gratification' ;(

[@neilpiper9889]

I love her just the way she is

[@ClearBrookExotics]

Yep. I own 2 Amphibians and 1 Komandirskie. I need more Vostok watches!

[@jimrees1778]

Just a little update on my Komandirskie basic model with 2414 movement. It's been on my wrist since purchase, 4 or 5 months ago, still keeps perfect time to the second. Also, it has been swimming with me a few times with no problems. Still addicted to Vostoks. Also, now I am waiting for my Amphibia to arrive. I went for the 420 model case. Vostoks are amazing watches for sure, and the best watch value on the planet I believe.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Loving my 420288 Jim! Cheers!

[@indramatic]

They have a bunch of new case models, including titanium and marine grade aluminum cases. They cost at around $180 USD but those are proper cases for the best in a world movements. I personally prefer Vostok Europe watches, but only those which use original Vostok movements.

[@JoeyDrones]

Just orders 2 . Vostok Amphibian & Vostok Komandirskie from Amazon! Thanks great Video

[@alanmacdonald5539]

I get more positive comments about my Komandirske than I do with my Omega, Oris or TAG Heuer. I love it too!

[@ThatKiddmg]

Do you recall where you got the nato strap seen at 8:05 from? That deep red colour centre line is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Thanks

[@bigpizzapie]

Great video. This watch is tempting .....

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

+jpim75 dooooooooooo it!

[@MrElRockero]

Good review, dude :) I'll add some info to Your video. The movement in Your watch is the same 2416B like in mine Vostok 710. But here is "small" difference - mine is from 1998 and It's from the first generation movement from the 70's 2416B with 21 jewels. Yours 2416B got 31 jewels. Mine never failed in all those years. Only maintenance. The Amfibia You bought is from the Klassika series. Keep making them after the Soviet Union era till now. It's made from stainless steel. The Komandirskie Klassika series ... well... they are not. The metal is strange and if You wear the watch without a leather protector between the skin and watch case, the case shows rests on it like attack of some kind of acid. The sweat literally is eating the case. So the Amfibia is the best choice. The 710 case is 41mm. The 420 is 39mm. Talking about the diameter... Approximately 15 years ago the Vostok Watch Company create a mutual new brand with the Company of Koliz from Lithuania called Vostok Europe. A new line of watches far from the military Soviet Union models. Take a look on them someday, maybe You'll like them too :) Best wishes :)

[@cocaincowboy]

maybe a bit late, but why dont u just open the case back and regulate the movement, its damn easy, mine runs now with something like +5sec a day

[@OFD]

Such fun watches. Enjoy (I can tell you already are) your Vostok!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

"Hello, my name is Jody and I am a Vostokholic." Loving this one, adjusted the timekeeping yesterday. Can't wait for the bezel etc to arrive and already thinking about a second.....

[@msp459]

The only downsize for me is setting the date..but its a cool watch!

[@GetOffMyLog]

Funny. I bought a Vostok for fun a few weeks ago and I got it today, so I thought, I bet Jody has reviewed a few of these! Turns out my first Vostok was also your first Vostok, a 710364!

[@mlmperez1114]

Waiting on #3 over here 😂. Out my collection the Vostoks get the most wrist time.

[@vladimirmeshchankin7090]

Like your channel! I have the same watch. Extremely durable.

[@Team-fabulous]

Lovely watch plus epic T shirt

[@daveho852]

suggest also to pick up Vostok Komandriskie 650539, a GMT, while stock last!

[@MrMathevron]

Your previous reply about adjusting my busted Vostok has inspired me- I have a scuba that died for no reason after about 3 weeks of wearing and I was advised against getting it fixed, but now I think I will. Is there a repairer in Australia you would recommend?

[@nigelh4617]

Cool t-shirt. Legend.

[@jaym0517]

Hey do you think this watch be good for diving in England and any rubber strap recommendations

[@adamstepien2131]

great video - thanks :)

[@Bob.martens]

I'm not sure about the crown, but 'modern' Vostok amphibias (at least some 10 years now, and by the looks of it, yours) all have steel bezels. Older ones had chrome plated bronze ones you could deplate in 10% HCl. Not so with the new ones. The Kommandirskie models with limited waterproofing are still bronze cases; Bezels on those I'm not sure. The 200m Kommandirskies are steel cases.

[@bovinejoni4243]

Bob Martens I bought one with the 710 case and the same bezel from this video just a few months ago and I’ve stripped the chrome from the bezel. As far as I know, anything listed as a “classic” Amphibia still uses the plated brass bezels.

[@Tiram-wk1zm]

This is the 2nd watch now you have made me buy..

[@adrianomaganini]

I have bought an Amphibia with the same case as this one, but with no date and a "champagne" scuba dude dial.

[@tjsogmc]

I wear my amphibia with the original stainless steel strap and I found none of the hair pulling that is suposedly has. In fact, I really like the way it looks and the way it wears with the original strap.

[@brianhinder3652]

Excellent !

[@TheCcmarine]

Love to see this beauty modified so someday I will try it myself 👍

[@magnuspersson1433]

Looks gorgeous with that orange strap.

[@tobiasz6613]

I have one and I love it. The steel strap pulled my hairs and I replaced it with a NATO one and it's awesome. However, it's recently started running much faster than it used to - it's gain a couple of minutes over a month or so so I'd adjust it, but recently it's gaining 6-8 minutes every day. I know nothing about tinkering with watches, does anyone have a similar problem or suggestions, or is going to be a take it to a pro situation. My partner bought it as a present for me, so I don't want to replace it, although I do fancy a Komandiersky to complement it.

[@sladewinstone6237]

If your watch is gaining minutes a day, then it may need to be demagnetized... try searching for "demagnetizing a watch".

[@siamwatchaddict9072]

Spent silly money on Swiss made and Seiko's. But will never flip my Vostoks... They are firm keepers.. Love everything about them... Have 6 . They recently brought out a Komindirske with a 120 click unidirectional bezel .However when I tried to track one down, already sold out. And They went back to Bidirectional zero click ???Strange company strange watches . But I love their quirkiness and history...

[@TheKopte]

Probably the best accent in the whole world. Great review mate :)

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for your kind words! Cheers.

[@joelhull7174]

Sounds like capt mcmillan from call of duty 4 lol love it

[@HeartofTexasArmory]

What a excellent video Jody! You are in a class of your own with these watch reviews! BTW I just knew you'd enjoy your Vostok! Next you should look at a manual wind vintage Amphibia. I really like that mesh strap, I'll have to pick on of those up soon!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks Neal! I'll be watching your own Vostok vids again before I attempt any work on it!

[@neilpiper9889]

I have the self same watch I have hairy arms and love the bracelet. And no I am not a masochist. It does not pull hairs. When the bracelet dies I will buy another identical one. I love the Bostock Cyrillic B on it. Enough with the mods. No Seiko bezels will touch my Amphibia. Nice video though

[@tjsogmc]

I agree. I've never experienced any of the suposedly bad habits of the original strap.

[@waris3732]

I guess just filing/sanding down the edges if it nips your hairs always works

[@msp459]

I don ' t know ... but for some reason ... but they have something special... I own 4 vostoks , a blue scuba dude , a grren neptune , a vintage 070 case and a 042 captain submarine

[@excelsiortrading8050]

Awesome review

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

+Donn Testa thanks man! Thanks for watching.

[@PMSCOTT68]

The same date changing trick works with my vintage Seiko Seahorse.

[@iaxable]

The "trick" works in many vintage watches, including many Swiss made from the 70's, people just forgot about this system.

[@sethwarden7727]

Great video! Can you please share where this particular shark mesh bracelet (near end of video) can be purchased? Thank you for your time!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Just ebay mate, and it was a while ago. I think the brand was Taurus.