Vostok Amphibia Review: Divergent Evolution (420380 Orange Scuba Dude)

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Meranom: meranom.com/en/
* Update* It's come to my attention that someone is selling Vostoks on Amazon. With a few models fullfilled by Amazon with Prime Shipping. There is a bit of a markup, so meranom is still the better way to go. But if you can't wait a month, here is a link.
amzn.to/2qdg5p7
A review of the Vostok Amphibia, model 420380. One of the smaller Amphibia cases 420, with a Black dial with an Orange Scuba Dude. It has a reputation as a quirky cult watch with good reason.
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, I am an Amazon affiliate so I would earn a small commission on qualified purchases. But most of the time Amazon is just the best source to link something just to get a look. I always encourage you to shop around and find the best price.
In Addition, I'm also an affiliate with AVI-8, Armilla, Aliexpress, Spinnaker, eBay, Jomashop, and Phoibos.

[@RelativeTime]

Just wanted to point out, that there is an added bonus to the Orange Scuba Dude if you live in Texas (and Tennessee). Its not just orange, it's Burnt Orange. Should go nicely with any other UT attire.

[@BigHenFor]

Relative Time Thank you for this love letter to the Vostok Amphibian.

[@Barnaby_bo]

I just bought this watch after watching your vid. Thanks

[@31446963048]

Being a Mizzou guy you just sold me on not picking up this model lol.

[@PanSearedRibeye68]

Go Vols!

[@Mauricio.Solorzano]

I live in McKinney, Texas ... I'll look for it ... thanks!

[@1959Berre]

When you wear a Rolex, everybody assumes it is a fake. When you wear a Vostok, everybody knows it is a genuine one.

[@FullmetalAlcoholist]

How so?

[@TomekHar]

@@FullmetalAlcoholist No one fakes those things. Seriously, if a company fakes Vostok they're down BAD.

[@TXLorenzo]

LOL

[@Mauricio.Solorzano]

I know that Vostok watches don't have a date quickset, but you have a way to set the date faster by moving the hour dial back to 9:00 or 8:00 and then forward pass 12:00 and it advances the date one day. So this is part of Vostok specs. You can advance the date faster this way, and it is unique to Vostok watches, which I own 4.

[@NiteGambler]

I'm a little late, but i did purchase the exact watch you reviewed. What makes this special to wear is that I am of Russian/Ukranian descent. So when I am asked about the watch and I tell them it's made in Russia, the razzin starts.But most of the responses are positive. Hey they laughed when i bought a Lada Niva, and BTW I am a VW nerd lol.....great video as always

[@jackroom834]

I’ve regulated my amphibia and it’s currently running at -1 or 2 seconds a day which I thinks pretty great

[@RelativeTime]

That is pretty good! I think mines sitting about +8 right now.

[@0525ohhwell]

@@craiggomez5101 There are plenty of videos on how to regulate the Vostok Movement. It's just a lever that you nudge with a wood toothpick.

[@Throstlecock]

My Vostok gains 2 seconds a week

[@ДраганНонковић]

@@Throstlecock Is it true? I ordered one today, btw!

[@FitOutPost]

I like your gentle "somewhat over the top military themed" dial design variations criticism at 5:33 which is absolutely true. Nicely put together and very objective review. I also liked when you said that you "appreciate it for what it is" and a comparison with VW. Thanks for sharing.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. Although at somepoint I think I'm going to order a Vostok Komandarski with an over the top dial. If I don't keep it, my nephew will love it. Thats also how I like to review things. Understand what it is, and grade it as such. Otherwise it would be like reviewing a car like a Honda civic as if it was a sports car like a corvette. Speed and flashiness is not what it was designed for.

[@dub537h]

The comparison to old vdubs really resonated with me. This was an excellent review and I actually like the monotone drone of his speech!

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Excellent video!!!! You hit all the main points on this highly addictive brand. Should also be mentioned that like Seiko they are made completely in house.

[@Mauricio.Solorzano]

I love that you can calibrate the movement and make timing near perfect+-5 secs per day, I did that with my Vostok watches!

[@neroltecneops59]

I just got mine, orange & black strap I love it. I mow the yard with a push mower, but I fire up the Stihl string trimmer, but use a broom not a blower. The watch is for me!

[@clarkeyhktube1]

What a lovely review. I particularly liked your "old Volkswagen" analogy.

[@manuelaraica3216]

I love my orange Scuba. I was sold on the utilitarian idea of functionality. It is always part of the rotation.

[@RelativeTime]

It's great and hard to beat for the price. I changed the bezel on mine to an orange one and looks great.

[@pirireis2]

great review I'm wearing a vostok amphibia now, came with rubbers strap really like it was looking for something different and reliable last watch was citizen autozilla wore it 24 hours a day for 11 years until it stopped so the vostok has a lot to live up to. any watch that can cope hot and cold water dirt n mud be scrubbed and worn again deserves a second look apart from the great history story of its making. plenty of pretty watches out there that won't last the daily grind. watches are first and foremost a tool.thanks for the honest review

[@Pablodwnunda]

Full respect to watch companies that are their own. Love the Vostok, orange skuba dude isn't always easy to find either. Gorgeous dial, getting the same one but changing out to a coin edge bezel. Cheers from Australia

[@harrybrooks8514]

My KOMANDIRSKIE should arrive this week via an online Russian-American dealer. For some time, I’ve been wanting to acquire a mechanical “old school” watch similar to the one my grandpa gave me on my tenth birthday. It lasted until college, and was handed down to a friend. The quartz watches, despite their various price ranges and quality levels, haven’t cut it for me. I’m trying this KOMANDIRSKIE because, like your VW aficionado, I have an abiding respect for old and quirky. Thanks for the unvarnished information.

[@edwardbrooks8935]

Vostok Watches simply possess and just ooze 'Old School Grooviness !'

[@RelativeTime]

That it does.

[@Mauricio.Solorzano]

I know that Vostok watches don't have a date quickset, but you have a way to set the date faster by moving the hour dial back to 9:00 or 8:00 and then forward pass 12:00 and it advances the date one day. So this is part of Vostok specs. You can advance the date faster this way, and it is unique to Vostok watches, which I own 4. I love that you can calibrate the movement and make timing near perfect+-5 secs per day, I did that with my Vostok watches!

[@dogreviewdog9088]

Just got mine today. Brings a smile to my face. The VW analogy is spot on. It's a great watch and a quirk of a soviet-era watch. Great video. Hi from Sydney.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy it. Did you get a scuba dude?

[@armandojuan64]

Believe it or not , that was my standard issue in the two years ( 1982- 1984 ) I spent in the Cuban Navy as a diver , mine wasn't even automatic ( it was hand wound ) but not a single problem , the watch still exists . I was given by the Cuban Navy to divers and you could keep it when you were discharged . My late dad was a voluntary rescue diver and a master watchmaker so he could make the bezel rotate counter clockwise so I didn't kill myself using it underwater .

[@RelativeTime]

Thats cool. How many dives do you think you made with it?

[@RogerSartet007]

2:43 Iron filings from the bracelet are included in the box! 🙂 Thank you for your review, Shane. PS: A must-have for any watch enthusiast...imho

[@alexandrec9372]

I bought one last week, did not know about this watch until see vídeos like yours on KZbin. Thank you for the review ! Congrats From Brazil! Already subscribed to your Channel

[@edsterling5258]

Very nicely done. Accurate commentary and great photos.

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you!

[@aharanha]

Nice review. I have a different Amphibia. I really did not like it at first... but after putting it in storage for a year, I pulled it back out one day and have worn it since. I trimmed a 20mm Nato strap into a "Zulu" and the watch seems to handle better on the 20mm width, even though it is the "wrong" size. I also did not like the shiny chrome bezel that came on mine so I wet sanded it to take off some off the glare and reveal some of the brass on the inner and outer edges.

[@TimBee100]

So I had this idea. The Vostok movements look very utilitarian - nothing flashy. If you want to have an exhibition caseback, maybe they can sell some simple parts to the movement that will bling it out a bit. Blue coloured screws or a fancy rotor. Some things that anyone can replace to make it look a little more up-to-date and showy.

[@marcelo125c]

man, i've been looking to buy one of these watches forever, but i hear a lot of people complaining. You convinced me to buy this watch at the Volkswagen thing. I own a 1974VW, i love it and people really do think i'm crazy... hahahah

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. It was the best analogy I could come up with as my friend has 3 old Beatles. They never seem to be running with any consistency, but he will never part with them.

[@johnjeromson3471]

I just realized I have 5 vostocks damn I am an addict and didn't know it

[@RelativeTime]

Funny how that happens. 😎

[@B___848]

@@RelativeTime are the ones they sell on Amazon, fake?

[@RelativeTime]

@@B___848 no they are real. Although half the time the seller and watch are still in Russia. If you order from Amazon, pay attention to the estimated arrival date.

[@glenh4971]

I just ordered this watch. I have a 120811 now and love it. The 420 is classic. I won't change the bezel out. That bezel is also classic for that case. I did order an 2415.1 movement for it and the radio room dial. You are right. These watches aren't for everyone. There is a lot of folks that like them though. You can get a lot more information on this watch by visiting WatchUSeek- a watch forum with a sub-forum on Russian watches.

[@teofiloortiz5600]

Thanks for the review I have the amphibia and waiting for my Komandiskie and have plan to buy the Neptune GMT

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks for watching!

[@rayzerd77]

I have two amohibias now. One scuba dude that I did some simple mods on. And another that I bought recently and I'm in the process of modding. I think that's part of the appeal. Because they are so easy to mod. And when you're finished they look like a completely different watch lol. The first thing to do and the easiest mod is get rid of the strap. Lol I didn't think they could be as bad as everyone said they were. Until I bought one and it was awful. It was quickly replaced by a mesh strap. And a few others since. All in all great watches for the money. I'll definitely be getting a couple more.

[@lebon2002be]

Up to 800m, it has been tested. Amazing water resistent technique. Thanks for the update.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. Hope you enjoyed it. As for the 800m I assume you are referring to this article. www.fratellowatches.com/breaking-news-man-sets-diving-depth-record-in-vostok-amphibia/#gref Don't get me wrong, it's a real deal diver, and could take anything you could throw at it. Yet check out the date of that article. For some reason Fratello thought that would be a funny April Fools day joke. Which seems rather pretentious of them. A lot of people have read that and didn't catch it's fake. So that 800m thing has been thrown around a lot. An Amphibia might be able to take that much pressure, but a human would have a hard time. The current record for scuba diving is 332m.

[@hindenburg1596]

@@RelativeTime There is a video on YT where they also test this on a Vostok, I saw it and was very impressed

[@RelativeTime]

@@hindenburg1596 the pressure chamber one? Yah it's amazing what it can do for as cheap as they are. Proves how good a design it is

[@knottreel]

Very excellent review! I wished everyone was as artistic with their product knowledge and video production.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! I like to think I've gotten better at it too.

[@HeartofTexasArmory]

Wonderful review! Subscribed! Lots of excellent info.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! You have some great Vostok videos on your channel as well.

[@zagajan]

I just love the old VW beetle so I will give it a go ;) . Thank you for great review.

[@RelativeTime]

One of my best friends has 3. He loves them to death. So I thought it was a good analogy. One was his Dad's, one was his Mom's, and the other was his Grandfathers.

[@J0hnny8ravo]

The bezel is chromed brass, indeed. I took it off and fine-sand it on the front side, looks nice and helped the watch match a brown leather nato strap.

[@EhRandomGuy]

Something about your video script, editing and style has a charm to it when covering watches. (I'm assuming most of your videos follow a similar pattern) It's an amazing mix of "How it's made" magic and KZbin altogether.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. Yah the first few I put out really had a “how it’s made” vibe to it. I think the more I make, the more it’s getting its own mix. Cheers!

[@thomasjefferson1457]

I just bought one and I love it. There are a few people in the United States that import them and sell them with about a week delay. They charge about 5 dollars over the Russian price. It's worth it.....Got my windup model for 39 bucks. I was hesitant at the quality at first but after getting this one I plan to buy one of the automatics. 😍

[@RelativeTime]

It's really hard to go wrong for the price. I'm not sure if you caught this video. But they have a couple of interesting 24 hour models as well. Both as Amphibias and Komandirksies kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4jGeYaJnrlqm7M

[@JusttheWatch]

Really interesting to hear the history behind these, and the Russian design philosophy. Over all awesome video as usual, really well planned out, great B-roll, can tell you're really going the extra mile putting these together.

[@RelativeTime]

I have no B-roll in my films, everything is A-roll. I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds good. :)

[@Georgy_47]

my watch took 7 days to get to me tho i ordered 1 vostok then i couldnt help it more vostoks followed it i love the watch

Thanks for a very thoughtful and articulate narrative on the quirky Vostok. I'm not a collector but I do have a Seiko 6105-8110 and a Plain Jane Rolex, both of which were ordered almost fifty years ago through the Navy Exchange early in my enlistment. I'm presently waiting for my Ebay sourced 120913 Vostok from the Russian Federation and a two month wait is ridiculous in this day and age of Amazon Prime! The funny thing is, I'm already weighing which model will be next. Oh yeah, I still love the old air cooled VW beetles! I even had a '63 Porsche 356B. Thanks, again!

[@RelativeTime]

The wait is the hard part. Although for the ones I've gotten it's always been a month. Then it needs to be signed for, no matter how much it costs. So wait... The Navy Exchange has/had Rolexs? Did not know that.

[@Rakeshsarker]

most composed watch review channel... this channel will hit million subs for sure

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! I'm hoping your right!

[@lowersaxon]

Great review. Intelligent and open minded. 👏

[@gugunarief]

Realy the best presentation of Vostok. I'm searching something mechanical that can accompany my outdoor activity. My eyes were on Seiko 5 SRP series because it has 100m water resistance, also can be manually wound. Manual wind feature is quit important for me. Later I saw an Invicta pro diver. 200m WR is realy something for the price range. The cons is that it is only a design copy (or hommage) for Rolex and generally hated because of that. So I was thinking between the Seiko (which is respectable and recognized widely but the spec is not too high with it's only 100m WR) or Invicta (due with the cheap price only).... until I knew a Vostok Amphibia. It has 200m WR (is it credible enough to be a scuba diving watch?), the price is good, reviewers are mostly positive, it looks so though enough but the dial is quirky enough. Watching your review give me a new impression on Vostok and maybe I consider to buy it rather than Seiko. Well... I think you deserve more subscribers, Sir :)

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks again, I just replied to your other comment. I don't have any expedience with the srp, but I do with the other 2. The invicta prodiver isn't hated so much because it's a subby homage, as much as because it's invicta. Some people just hate invicta for it being invicta. In fact it's probably the most well respected invicta. As long as it's the model with the seiko nh35 movement. But one word about the 100m wr. It's not dive rated (iso 6425) WR. So I probably wouldn't dive with it, even though it says 100m. Snorkel and swimming should be fine though. If your not familiar with the different WR ratings, wikipedia has a good article on the requirements and differences. And a lot of people don't know there is a difference, as it can be misleading. Basically if its a regular watch, they test a couple to see if it can survive a few minutes at that pressure. Where as if it says "divers 100m" , each watch has been tested to survive that depth for an extended period of time. (usually 125% of that depth actually) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Resistant_mark As for the Vostok its a little more complicated. The design is proven. Before it was adopted by the russian navy, they tested it at 200m during a simulated sub rescue operation. Or something like that. And there are plenty of people who dive with them. But I think (not 100% sure) they are not dive certified either (iso 6425). Which I think is more because of the extra cost of testing each watch, then it not being able to survive. So you should be able to dive with it, but they don't test each watch to guarantee it. If that makes any sense. I'll actually be taking mine diving for the first time next month. Sorry if this is long and rambling, but hopefully it helps. Thanks for watching.

[@coreyfreedman]

I really enjoy your writing .... so well done ..thank you for sharing your time with us ..

[@eyeontime6136]

Thanks for the review, I can't wait to build out my own.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have had one Amphibia , The Sailboat dial in a 710 case from Meranom And the other black scuba dude from Moscowtimeseller. Both came within 3 weeks and we're perfect. The bracelet you have there is the old version. The newer brick bond style is much better.

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you. That just answered a question I had. Just yesterday I final got my order from meranom. I got a regular komandirske for a gift, and also got a komandarskie 650539. Which has a subsecond dial, and a 24 hour hand. I noticed it had a much nicer bracelet then what I got with my amphibia. So I was wondering if it was because of the watch, or something else. No my other question is if there are specific case backs that go with watches, or they just put random ones on. Cause that komandirske has killer whale one on the back.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have just ordered a vintage vostok dress watch with the Komandurskie 2414a handwind movement which is still made today. The watch is from the 1980s.

[@davidtench7306]

A brushed stainless bezel would look so good on this one. Really cool watch

[@waysidewill8118]

Thanks for a great review. I ordered this exact watch from ebay yesterday ; I'm a little apprehensive about ebay but I guess £55 for what seems like an awesome addition its worth the gamble. If it's a decent purchase I'll re-comment on here when it arrives in a few weeks to recommend the seller. Take care

[@RelativeTime]

That's not bad. Might take a bit to get to you. International shipping is pretty goofy these days.

[@waysidewill8118]

@@RelativeTime is this a 22mm nato? Sometimes online there's talk of Vostok needing 18mm straps...

[@RelativeTime]

@@waysidewill8118 this specific one is 18mm. There are a number of different cases for the Vostok divers. Each one may have a different lug width.

[@waysidewill8118]

@@RelativeTime thanks for this. I'll await mine before I order a strap then. I've heard the bracelet isn't worth bothering with...

[@timur7381]

I modded my 710 so much that it basically has no original or untouched parts lol. I feel that I might've gone too far! So I'm thinking of picking up another Vostok and leaving it as is or close to it. I feel like my current one doesn't look like Vostok at all (I was trying to make a Doxa style mod). Actually, I just need a case, I have all the other parts that I took off my current one))

[@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!

[@CaptainZanny]

If I understand correctly, when the crown is loosened, the lateral movement is meant to pause the minute-hand if you can find the small, tricky position (to synchronize with your comrades). Moreover, I'm surprised to hear about the accuracy of other peoples' Vostok(s), mine might be off a minute over a period of a week.

[@RelativeTime]

Accuracy is always going to be luck of the draw when it comes to autos. Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you... so to speak. Cheers!

[@tarak714]

Thanks, great video! Thinking about getting one.

[@DeathBomb669]

Don't know if you will see this because it is an older video but on eBay I buy from the seller rockettime. Free shipping and you are able to track package. EBay rating is very high also.

[@joecachia2]

One thing I noted is that on the Meranom site , not all variants are listed. There were instances where I liked a dial , but not the case it was on... so I went on ebay , combined the case number with the dial number and voila turns out that model existed. So that is something you might want to check if you like a dial and want to see if it exists on the case type you want. In my case, I wanted a black 'scuba dude' ( dial 634 ) on an 090 case .... 090634 . Same goes for Komandirskie's .

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks for the tip. One thing I've noticed with Meranom, is that by default it wont show items that are not in stock. So you either have to click off the "in stock" filter on the right. Or search for the exact model. He won't be selling it, but at least you can see the stats. meranom.com/en/amphibian-classic/090/vostok-watch-amphibian-classic-090634.html

[@joecachia2]

@@RelativeTime Ha , ok ... Don't I feel stupid now ? lol

[@RelativeTime]

@@joecachia2 don't. I've just spent too much time on the site. 😎

[@mike969696]

Very good review. At the moment the two leading suppliers are Meranom and Komandirskie.com. The sellers who used to offer them more cheaply on Ebay seem to have vanished.

[@RelativeTime]

I haven't checked ebay recently, but good to know. Most of the time I wind up using Meranom, and I usually check the price in Rubles as well as dollars.

[@mike969696]

Meranom and Komandirskie seem to both be excellent, and to be generally close on price to each other.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

I’ve got one, not this model. But owned several a ScubaDude, a Paratrooper and a Tank version Now got a 030787 and it makes me Smile, my two Rolex consigned to the box.

[@soulsocket7]

They are also available on Amazon with prime shipping. The selection is pretty limited, but since so many of us customize anyway, it's a great way to get your platform watch quickly.

[@RelativeTime]

Yup! I found that out later, I added it to the description but it's way down at the bottom of it. Selection is limited, prices also a little higher. But hard to argue with 2 day shipping vs 1-2 month shipping. I still can't figure out why everything I've ordered from Russia has to be signed for. Even when it's $10 worth of parts. Although I will say, that since this, I have received a watch from Meranom and they have excellent customer service. It's a GMT Vostok. But for some reason, the factory swapped the bezel thats supposed to be on it. From a 24 hr to a normal diver. Meranom included an extra 24hr bezel without even having to ask for it. Hopefully I'll get around to reviewing it next month..

[@soulsocket7]

Yup, I've had really good experiences with Meranom. Even with the long shipping time, they are faster than most sellers on ebay with parts and watches. The signing is a pain, but it is helpful for hiding my russian watch habit from the prying eyes of my wife. She would probably flip out if she ever saw how large my collection really is!

[@neilpiper9889]

I have the black scuba dude in the ministry 710 case which my favourite case style. I also have a Komandurskie with a graded blue dial with a submarine, red star and anchor on it.

[@eliakuiper4266]

Great combo

[@YodasKitchen]

I just received from Meranom the mesh metal "milanese" bracelet and transparent caseback for my Amphibia scubadude (standard scubadude blue dial date at 3). Installed them in 5-10 minutes, and am happy with the result. The mesh bracelet is a lot less clunky and comfortable enough to wear, compared to the more flimsy stock bracelet. Of course the milanese should be more resiliant to scratches in the sense that scratches on the links won't show as much. I'm hesitating if I should order a "pepsi" bezel from Meranom for it or leave the stock one. I do like this watch, the only thing that pisses me off is the lack of quickset date.

[@RelativeTime]

Awesome, I’m glad you like it. You might as well order another bezel. It’s easy to swap on and off if you change your mind. Yah... don’t get me started on the date...

[@kuntang5728]

Actually, Vostok factory sales watches online, and I just bought my fifth one from the web😁

[@RelativeTime]

I have heard that now, and I'll have to look into it. I want to make sure it's actually connected to the brand, and not a store that just named itself to sound like it. I know that happens a lot on aliexpress.

[@andrewsmith680]

Great Review, cool quirky I think I'd like to check them out...

[@kris8742]

They are easy to regulate I have mine running at +4.1 seconds a day which in quite remarkable I think that is near chronometer standard

[@RelativeTime]

Very Nice! I've got this one going at +6.5. Probably going to leave it there. Not sure my hands are steady enough to get better.

[@brianbuchert6382]

How do you regulate your Vostok? I’ve never opened any watch up but have a Vostok on its way!

[@robbabcock_]

For no good reason I'd kind of like to pick one up. Nice review!

[@RelativeTime]

That's usually the best reason to get a Vostok.

[@clontstable1]

So….I own the very same Vostok. I placed it on my watch winder a few months ago. For whatever reason, it appeared that it got overwound and stopped running. I took the back off of it to try to get a visual of what might be going wrong. I was unable to come to a conclusion. It sat in my closet with the back remaining off. However, yesterday I took it out, wound it a bit, set it and to my surprise, it was alive again and has been running ever since. I’m not sure what the problem might have been, whether I should not have placed it on a winder, or what, but it runs again & I hope it continues to do so.

[@danijuggernaut]

it´s a piece of history and watch collectors like history. I have one with the tonneau case, i will get me your model but with the KGB Logo or the green parachute with the red star. Cool review Dobarisch !!!!!

[@RelativeTime]

Thats one of the nice thing about Vostoks. Even if you find someone wearing one with the same case, odds are it's a different dial. One of the bad things about Vostok, is every time someone comments on one of my videos I wind up looking at Meranom. Then it's only a matter of time before I see something new I want. Like this... where did these come from. Looks like the neptune case, but with a rubber strap with stitching, that's new. meranom.com/en/amphibian-classic/vostok-watch-amphibian-classic-960759pu.html

[@TheVostokaholic]

Great review! I think indeed are addicting btw, have 4 of them and 2 more on the way.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. I like your channel as well. Could come in handy with my new addiction.

[@TheVostokaholic]

Relative Time thanks for the Sub!

[@p.h.o1377]

hola desde españa tengo anfibia 5 años lo uso a diario increible lo bien que va y exactitud. lumen pobre.calidad precio bueno,recomendable, saludos y buen trabajo

[@RelativeTime]

Thank you! Which model do you have?

[@thomaswright7270]

got mine on amazon. the date set is not htat bad, only because mine has a nice sozed crown. add tho that the crown and bezel are like fidget towys lol.I just wish the date had a cyclops.

[@maurom1987]

I have bought exactely this model and I am fond of it; unfortunately I think I have been given a defective one because it has had lots of troubles: I have accidentally dropped it while I was sitting on a normal chair and the minutes hand was gone; after asking a watchmaker to repair it, the wheel did not work anymore and finally even water begun to come inside the case, causing humidity into the glass. I hope I'll be able to return it and have a new working one.

[@RelativeTime]

Thats disappointing. How long did you have it?

[@maurom1987]

@@RelativeTime I have bought it on Ebay, from a very kind and well reviewed seller. I think I have just received a defective one; for this reason, I do not consider to close my experience with Vostok!

[@Arimaquinador]

My most used watch.

[@dodgydruid]

Ah it was you that said about the Vostok's multiplying as I thought it was the chap from "Just one more watch" channel, I now own seven with 5 more in transit as them Russkies are selling 'em cheap as chips for some really amazing watches. I have to find a way to rotate them somehow lol only got two wrists and I feel a bit of a idiot wearing two at a time hehe

[@RelativeTime]

Yah I can't wear two at a time either.

[@Barnaby_bo]

Just got mine. Love it. So cute

[@RelativeTime]

Glad you like it.

[@Greg-tj8rg]

I'd thought I was sold on the look of the blue scuba dude vostok (and adding a pepsi dial). You're making me second guess though. The strap goes great with it

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. The blue one is great too. I almost got it, but I wanted something a little different. Although the orange does make matching a bezel a little harder. But I found one I really like. You can see it on my other video of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2WzfGCKgLiNqJY To be honest, I made that other one thinking it was a fun idea for a vid and it get a few hundred views. But I'm amazed people are still watching it, and it's almost at 2000 views. Thanks again!

[@Ghummakad_ladka]

nice audio and video Thank you from India

[@1labuakimegnyerteasegberug596]

GOOD REVIEW ...I GOT 6 or 7 OF IT , well worth it !!!,They beat the Swiss ala Russian STYLE. cheep and practical !!! I am a Poljot Signal guy !

[@vnekliaev]

I want one! My Oris, for which I paid $2,500, runs 14 seconds plus each day. I think Vostok is not bad at all, for the price.

[@RelativeTime]

Yup. Plus at this price I have no issues opening up the back to regulate it myself. An Oris on the other hand I wouldn't dare touch.

[@saevans63]

I’ve now got 3 Amphibias one is a scuba dude and another has a submarine on the dial. I bought mine all on EBay. For the money they are unbeatable

[@RelativeTime]

Do you use a particular seller on Ebay? Usually I order from mernaon, but tried someone on ebay. So far 2 months and no watch. So just curious who you use.

[@whalley1390]

I own three Komandirskies and one amphibia. Love these watches and will buy more. Although after more than one year of daily use one Komandirskie bit the dust and is no longer reliable. It stops and sometimes a good smack on the crystal will get it going again only for it to stop again.. so I'm not too impressed with that.

[@artificiall1772]

Howdy! I recently got myself a Kommandirkie and it sorta has a quick date setting. Try moving the hands past midnight, then back to 8 pm, then back to midnight again... See if that helps! ;)

[@RelativeTime]

It's quicker, but not quite quick. 😀 It definitely helps, but when Its the 6th, and the watch is set for the 8th. yah...

[@hantms]

Yes they're addicting.. I have six.. :/ (3 modern Amphibias, one vintage 2209 handwound Amphibia (which is an incredible watch), and two Komandirskie watches..)

[@waktosha7378]

I have up til now been that guy looking at the guy fixing the old VW like he is crazy. Already have over 50 watches in my collection with no Vostoks. Instead of thinning my collection, I have just increased it by 4 more. I didn't just buy 1 Vostok, I bought 4. On top of that, I have bought mods too! Now I am currently waiting on my Vostoks to arrive. One of them is the elusive green no date Neptune SE! That one will not be modded.

[@RelativeTime]

The green Neptune is nice. You really did jump in the deep end.

[@waktosha7378]

@Relative Time I now have a dozen Vostok's. I added the white dial Neptune GMT, and bought the black dial version for my son. I love and wear them all. I wear a Vostok most of the time leaving my 50 other watches to share the rest of the wrist time. My next Vostok, when I buy another one, is the 420380 and mod it just like yours. I really like yours with the orange bezel and orange and black NATO.

[@RelativeTime]

@@waktosha7378 o wow lol. That escalated quickly. 😎

[@NathanChisholm041]

The wobbling crown was made like that so if it got knocked it would have some give✌️

[@CaliforniaFly]

I have one on order. I guess I'll see it in mid November.

[@RelativeTime]

Who did you order it from. I've been thinking of ordering another one for a mod project, but been hesitating because of shipping deleays.

[@CaliforniaFly]

@@RelativeTime I went through Amazon. The seller is Au.Store and from what I've read the shipping takes a month to six weeks. I couldn't find any other sellers.

[@KlaasDeforche]

FYI I got mine from Meranom to the EU in about 20 days. They said to expect 1-2 months due to the pandemic but it was much faster than that.

[@CaliforniaFly]

@@KlaasDeforche I ordered two watches and received them here in the central US two days ago. From order to delivery was 18 days. Not bad at all. After 48 hours both watches are keeping very good time. Both keeping time to the minute.

[@CaliforniaFly]

@@RelativeTime See my post below.

[@vrivera48]

Great review! I have that same dial, but on a #710380 model.

[@RelativeTime]

On the cushion case? How does that wear?

[@vrivera48]

Yes on the cushion case and it's very comfortable with quick release rubber and leather straps. The nato straps make it to tall for my taste.

[@Miguel_GM]

Great review, thanks,

[@franka4971]

Does anyone know why the Orange Scuba Dude swims to the right compared to the other models?

[@c3920]

Vostok watches have been to space and to the bottom of the ocean so they must be good, right?. I am biased, wearing my Amphibia right now. Makes me want to watch "The Hunt for Red October" every time I put it on.

[@GawdOfThunder]

Now you tell me that they are addicting... I have 9 and anther 2 on the way.

[@RelativeTime]

So your living Proof... 👍 I have 2 more coming... Are the all Amphibias and komandarskis?

[@touofthehighplains]

Vostok's are habit forming.

[@RelativeTime]

Yes...Yes they are.

[@lupo1185]

Great review, thanks for some interesting insights. I own two vostoks as well, spend more money on modding them, than they are actually worth AND have two more plus parts on its way now...it really is an addiction. Something that I would have liked to see, however (maybe I missed) is some of the other case-designs. I think the Ministry is the most common (and maybe most interesting besides the 090), personally I highly prefer these more "exotic" cases, rather the your more "classical" choice with almost no case visible below that bezel.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! I modified this one a few weeks ago. Mostly just changed the bezel. Three are a few videos on KZbin who show off the different cases. I’m still learning about it myself. I got a komandarskie recently, in a 65 case. Which I think is newer, but looks like an amphibian 110. It’s an interesting watch, it’s a komandarskie but built more like an amphibian. With a sub second dial and a gmt 24hour hand. Hopefully I should get around to making a video on it soon.

[@Brassknucklez]

changing the date on vostok amphibian is easy and you dont have to run it through complete days, just go from 1 am back to about 7-8 pm and back to 1 am and the date changer will skip days.

[@briansc5148]

Good, fair look at the Amphibia. Many military themed Vostok dials (like the 'paratrooper' example you showed) were the official emblem of the respective Soviet military units and were insignia pins on uniform collar tabs. Others, though more 'cartoonish' due to the painted/printed on application ( somewhat unique on dials ) are less 'official' but not fantasy art. Never attempting to be another Rolex Submariner clone "homage" is as much a strong point as it is a 'weakness.' The aftermarket replacement bezels really help attenuate the very Soviet-ness of Vostoks, and that very simple mod is worth a new comparison video IMHO. You kept the highlighted portion of the Vostok bezel between 8 and 12, when it should be like any other diver's default position of 12 to 4 - the larger red isn't the equivalent to a lume dot, it's the 'exclamation' that this important end time reminder has been reached. BTW since those bezel dots ( or any of the original numerals and lines of other Vostok bezels ) are engraved, I suppose a 12 position could be filled with lume paint and a spray of clearcoat.

[@Hekkler72]

Just out of curiosity, how much longer would you like the minute hand? It already hits the indexes.

[@RelativeTime]

Been a few years since I made this, but I thought I was referring to the second hand. I'll have to rewatch and find what I said. Generally, I'm happy if the hour hand hits the indictors, min hand hits the edge of the chapter ring, and second-hand goes just beyond the min.

[@Hekkler72]

@@RelativeTime Thank you for the extremely fast reply. While I was confused originally I agree the second hand could be a bit longer. Love the content. TY

[@kevinharrigan2727]

I personally love the 090 case design, its afaik the most original case design to the first Vostok Amphibias from the 60s. Definitely a little bigger than the 420 but feels a little bit more like a dive watch imo!

[@echochambers8418]

Great Video...I’m a Vostok Cult Member...They are exactly what you said,More a Tool than a dressy Rolex wanna be.Theyre easy to mod way better on a NATO or Zulu.I buy mine on Amazon From Ru.Store. Takes about 2 weeks and cost around 75.00 with shipping.

[@RelativeTime]

I’ve looked at a few on amazon. I think it was from Ru.Store. Good to know someone has had a good experience with them.

[@Somu722]

I was born and grew up in eastern germany (former socialist) so I am very familiar with a really different approach to stuff. It should be simple and rugged, comfort is not an issue. So when I was looking for a watch, I accidently found vostok and it took my in a second... Thats what I know... Service done by owner, last forever with little care.... U have to have the right mindset for those...

[@RCPrepping]

I own two Vostok watches. Bought them both from Amazon.

[@RelativeTime]

Off Amazon? I should check that out. What's the going rate for a amphibia these days?

[@gusthesailor4885]

I have a "Neptune" ... very nice and + 10 sec/day ... a lucky one maybe ?

[@neilsdeals8283]

Great review. I bought one right after I saw it and 30 days later I received it... just a question... I took it diving and noticed crown rust... did you ever notice this issue? No water got into the case just rusted by the screw. Thanks!

[@RelativeTime]

Sort of, but not sure it's rust. Watch geek had a video on his and something like that as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWaxgYGkabKpnK8 For me, I mentioned it in a followup video where I did some minor mods. I replaced the crown with a stainless signed one. Immediately after my first time diving, I noticed there was brownish something in the grove of the signed part of the crown. It wiped right off and I went on a second dive 20 min later. Haven't seen anything since. So not sure if it was rust, or something in the manufacturing process interacting with the sea water. I mentioned it here but didn't get any pictures. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2WzfGCKgLiNqJY

[@neilsdeals8283]

Relative Time thanks!!!

[@brianbuchert6382]

It’s common. It’s because inside the watch there are two different types of metal used that once it hits saltwater it causes corrosion I believe you can apply a bit of vas alone around the effected area but yes these are known for such rust

[@J0hnny8ravo]

Stainless steel is not 100% stainless. It just has a higher resistance to corrosion. Rinse it with plain water after diving in saltwater.

[@gregalonzo747]

I just returned from a business trip to Lviv, Ukraine. In the past I recommended that you check out Poljot and Raketa. The latter has some very over the top dials that can be rather appealing)))) Anyway, a friend of mine told me about a Belarusian watch manufacturer called Luch. He said his mother wears one. The watch is cheaply made and doesn't keep time very well. The main redeeming quality is that she has had the watch for over 30 years. I did learn that Luch has a one hand model. I thought this would intrigue you. I looked around for one but no luck. Since I have returned to Los Angeles I learned that Luch watches can be found on Ebay and Amazon from $40 - $60. Budmo (cheers in Ukrainian)

[@RelativeTime]

I've heard of Luch, and seen the a few one handers on Amazon. But I didn't know they were from Belarus. Some point soon I'll pick one up. I've been curious about one handers as it is, but that price is hard to beat. Probably get the black dial version. Thanks for letting me know. Budmo

[@baodo7905]

Hey great video. I bought this exact copy. i find that this model is a lot louder than my 120512 amphibia. Is your copy also loud?

[@RelativeTime]

Do you mean the rotor?

[@baodo7905]

I can hear the watch tick if I hold it close enough ​@@RelativeTime