The Vostok Amphibia Wristwatch: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we'll take a look at one of the cheapest mechanical watches on the market, the Vostok Amphibia.

[@metalkingconqueror]

Vostok is not a no name brand, it is just virtually unknown in the West. It supplied Amphibia and Komandirskie watches to the Soviet ministry of defense and the public. The acrylic crystal has a functional purpose, it buckles under the water pressure instead of cracking. There is more to the story of this watch you could research if you're interested. It was a marvel of industrial design when it was introduced as it accomplished the basic functions of a Submariner and did it extremely cheaply (I am in no way saying the watch is better than a Submariner though, of course)

[@NickShabazz]

To be fair, in terms of seconds of accuracy per dollar, this is *way* better than a Submariner...

[@SomeAngryGuy1997]

@@NickShabazz Huh? The Submariner isn't that much more accurate than the Amphibian? So much for a "Chronometer"...

[@kevinmorrice]

@@SomeAngryGuy1997 he means that for your money you get just as accurate time keeping as a sub

[@jumpkeys]

Was.... Vostok was. It was a great watch in the day. Especially in former USSR. Now I wouldn't say the acrylic crystal has the same purpose that it once did. My Komandirskie watches were fine for what they were and still are, but the models released now with the same design are subpar. But Vostok certainly has a reputation for building a long lasting automatic watch with simple maintenance. Decades of use with a 30 minute check-in at a Master repair bench every 10 years and I could see all of mine lasting long after I am gone.

[@Chazman1946]

@@SomeAngryGuy1997 My "Scuba Dude" is running at +4 seconds, not a day, but a WEEK. That beats most of my quartz watches, my other two Amphibias run +10 seconds a day or under!

[@haywoodf]

Nick, The crown is built to isolate movement impact loads from the stem. That is why it feels uncoupled when unscrewed. It is actually a "feature". Have a read about the seals design on front acrylic and back cover as they are innovative and arguably better fundamentally than some Western designs. The date versions are usually the same price. Vostok also claim 10Y before service is required. It is easy to regulate the movement. It is easily customised with a plethora of 3rd party and Vostok bezels and bracelets/bands etc. Some dude did a pressure test to destruction on WUS forum and it went bang at ~800m. The perspex crystal scratch just like the Omega Hesalite (trade name for similar material) on a speedy. The acrylic does have much better impact resistance and the reason why it went to the moon like that. They are tough SOB pieces and came out of a USSR military spec requirement. Am not promoting just stating some matter of fact you might find interesting.

[@NickShabazz]

I appreciate you sharing!

[@pacocandano]

The unbeatable diver! Can’t be touched at that price point!

[@danijuggernaut]

Really unique, you explained really well. Nice vintage 1967, i got one, it works very fine !!!! The acrilic glass seals with the deep because of the flexibility, real, real smart.

[@jasonm950]

Actually you did a lot of promotion! I'll buy one thanks to you

[@kwade220]

Thanks for the info. I found one brand new for $65 USD and ordered it from Russia. What sold me was seeing all of the older ones on eBay still running like champs and the design not changing much over the years. It's simple and rugged looking and I'm throwing a jubilee bracelet on mine asap!!

[@jongarzamx]

Let's be real here, we love this watch because it provides a way better conversation than any other piece 2000x its price.

[@glitchedoom]

The Amphibia is truly a watch lover's watch.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

The complain about the lack of day display is hardly understandable. That particular dial doesn't have it, but, for the same price is plenty of Amphibia models that have it. You could have chose one of those. It's like having bought a green car, and then complain because it's not red, when a red sample was on the same floor of the same dealer. The wobbly crown is a design feature. It's connected to the stem only when you are pulling it. When you are not, the stem, and so the movement, is isolated from the crown, and that adds a degree of shockprofness to the design. More, when closed the crown becomes a tap whose only function is to push a flat gasket against the case and, since the crown metal is thin, it deformates under pressure so that the pressure aids the sealing. That scheme is repeated on the caseback and crystal. The more the pressure te better the case is sealed. The crystal is acrilic, and acrilic is the material that better withstand the pressure, again because it adapts to the sealing the more as the pressure rises. The porthole of the bathyscaphe Trieste ( 10,911m depth reached in the Mariana Trench, 1.25 metric tons per cm² pressure) was made of acrylic for this same reason. The rant about quartz watches has no sense. Any cheap quartz watch keeps time ENORMOUSLY BETTER than ANY $-thousands mechanical certified chronometer. For few hundreds bucks you can buy a radio-controlled, titanium-cased, light-powered watch that will keep perfect time and withstand better than a Rolex, Omega, Breitling and so on ANY environment FOREVER (to keep better time than the watches above, $5 is enough). So why spend thousands of dollars on that mechanical crap? If you like mechanical watches, it has more sense to spend $80 for an Amphibia (at least, for that price, it has some serious waterproofing). In my experience, the accuracy you can expect from a Vostok watch is the same you can expect from a Seiko 5. What cost more in watchmaking is the time of the watchmaker that fits and finishes the parts. The cheaper the watch, the less the time spent, the higher the variation. Are Seiko 5 worth to be bought?

[@NickShabazz]

Generally, no, Seiko 5 aren't worth buying either. :)

[@markalexander774]

It’s made in Russia at the Christopol Watch Factory. It even says “Сделано В России” (Made In Russia), on the dial.

[@NickShabazz]

markalexander774 that's definitely what it says.

[@markalexander774]

I have a couple of Vostoks. I work in a very dirty/dangerous construction supply warehouse, which does not allow me to wear watches during the week, therefore the accuracy over time is irrelevant to me as I only ever wear watches on the weekend, so these are perfect, especially as I am one of those mechanical purists and I'm broke, which prohibits me form buying watches that I really want.. 1 minute off per day doesn't matter if I never wear it for more than 6ish hours at a time per week.

[@EDCAdventures1991]

Great video Nick. The Vostok is actually a marvel of watch engineering especially for the price. The wobbly crown is a design feature however annoying. I agree about the bi directional bezel a bit annoying. The plastic hesalite I believe? Crystal is one of the really cool engineering features. They designed the watch so that the more pressure put on the case the more waterproof it is and this applies to the crystal. Unlike hardlex or sapphire the plastic they use actually expands (about a millimeter) under pressure to make the watch even more waterproof. I also like the dual caseback it has a metal ring screwing down on the caseback instead of the normal screw caseback meaning if the watch has to be serviced or regulated you don’t have to replace the seal since it’s not being screwed down on.

[@kronossonork6994]

The lens is a Hesalite crystal that's also found on earlier Swiss timepieces like the original Omega Moon watch and on some earlier Rolex timepieces. It's very robust and at 200 metre water resistance, it's impossible to beat. It's an underpriced horological classical timepiece that traveled through time.

[@unknownriderinbound]

Awful but charming beats pretentious and overpriced anyday in my book. Plus, plastic crystals don't contribute to the Global Sand Shortage!

[@kevinmorrice]

plus there old school russian ethics meaning built to last

[@TheSC20k]

I actually like the Vostok's bezel. I prefer it to any clicky bezel that is not 60-click or bidirectional, because it is easier to set than a unidirectional one and it doesn't make any sound. Also, a clicky one at this price point wouldn't be very well aligned. I have never moved mine by accident, but that might be because mine is sloped and it has some cutouts to grab and turn it (110 case). As for the acrylic crystal, the scratches can be polished, and the dome is cool. I think these are the best watches to wear to the pool/beach, and a NATO fixes the bracelet. The reason I wouldn't get a quartz instead is that there is no other no-date diver in the price range (that I know of), and even if there was one, the bezel would probably be misaligned and the seconds hand would not hit the markers. Certainly not a big deal, it just depends on what bugs you more.

[@brianbuchert6382]

I’ve worn my Vostok 4 almost 3 months and the bezel hasn’t moved position once at all so the bezel is overstated as being an issue the Soviet navy wore them

[@CaptainBeetheart]

Vostok is manufactured at the Chistopol Watch Factory in Chistopol, Russia. It’s located near Kazan, in Tatarstan.

[@OttoVonChriek]

Николай, ты все-таки не русский. То как ты говоришь : Восток, Достоевский, так русские не говорят. А может быть это такая хорошая маскировка?

[@slicknick332]

I just got my first Vostok, an Amphibia, and added a nato strap. It’s super comfortable to wear, easy to read, and looks cool. I know it’s not nearly as nice as my Seikos or G-Shocks, but I do like it a lot. Being so affordable, I might try modding one (crown, case back, hands, dial, etc.) further down the road. If you want to buy a Vostok new, Meranom is the site to use!

[@Redant751]

I own two ( an Amphibia and a Komandirskie ) and I love them. I own the one your reviewing with a nato strap.

[@Alienking01]

I got one for my father years ago, because he destroyed every watch he owned till now. Just modded the bezel with an aftermarket one and a Seiko insert. The Vostok survived, but it´s not very accurate. btw: The crystal is extremely thick, so you can just sand it, polish it and you are ready to go. And if it's running fast/slow, just adust it !

[@myownopinion6676]

Yeah, mine approx +30sec/day

[@Carlos-nq7up]

I own two Vostok watches. One is a Komandirskie model 650541, with a 2431 movement. The other Vostok I own is an Amphiba model 090916 with a 2415b movement. These watches are not too accurate, but they are easy to regulate. (KZbin.) I also like them because, they're different, and tough! Also, they are not the usual watches you see everywhere in all of the shopping malls.

[@BradGryphonn]

"What category would you like to choose, Griff?" "I'll go Quartz for 85 dollars, Nick".

[@Chazman1946]

Using that logic, lets just forget about mechanical watches altogether

[@Hewx2]

Picked up one about a year ago. (The "Scuba Dude" variant) Day I got it put it on a nice rubber strap from Amazon. Time keeping isn't amazing, but the durability makes it great for a no worry wear when you're outside or swimming. Also, that crown is intentional. It is made so if it is dropped on the crown, it won't snap or break any internals.

[@seanpollard4844]

It sure is a vintage 60s design and it is cool that they still make them today. Most dive watches up until the 80s also had friction bezels. This movement is very peculiar as it handwinds and beats at 19800 per hour which comes out to 5.5 ticks a second. They also have rubber strap options which are better in my opinion. They also have cool 24 hour dial movements if you are into that too. I bet it will keep going longer than most Swiss watches at the higher 28800 beat rate that puts more stress on the movement and requires more frequent service intervals. I like the way the domed plexiglass crystal creates cool distortions at side angles too. Nice Review!

[@gabrielM1111]

Closely Resembles the seiko willard if you change out the bezel and brush the case and bracelet

[@Chazman1946]

The Lucite crystal (not plastic) is there for a reason, this is a true compressor case watch, where the deeper you go underwater the more the pressure compresses the case and crystal into the watch sealing it even better. The free-floating bezel is designed that way also, for more precise timing and once underwater ten feet it is pressured into the case as well making it almost impossible to turn out of place. If you bothered to do some research you would find that this watch is a brilliant design for the time 1967. The wobbly stem is also designed that way so impact against it won't damage movement and since the stem isn't screwed into the movement, a simple easy screw-on cap seals the watch. The 31 jewel movement is in-house and has exhibited excellent accuracy. I own three Amphbias, not one is running any worse than +-10 seconds a day, another is running +5 seconds a day and my Scuba Dude is running +4 seconds a WEEK!

[@torsvaghavfiske2528]

Its reminiscent of Omega Speedmaster of the late 60s with the same Heselite lens. One guy pressure tested it to 820m. Thats pretty amazing for a hundred dollar timepiece. The crown is wobbly by clever design its more shock resistant.

[@danijuggernaut]

is this woody allen in the review ?????

[@wildbill9919]

My favorite thing about Vostoks are the unique styling. None of the mainstream brands such as Casio, Timex, Rolex, Omega make a watch that looks like a Vostok.

[@johnrooney507]

Definitely has unique character, history, and could be a conversation piece.

[@kiklop22]

XD love the comparison to other watches at the beginning XD should compare the pricetag as well XD 200x 300x 500x

[@OvidiuHretcanu]

0:50 they are made and assembled here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chistopol . There is a mention about it in the wiki article as well. 4:55 the correct price is 57USD (shipping not included). You get it from here chistopolcity.com/420/872-russian-military-vostok-komandirskie-tank-watch-211306.html Couple of observations: - if you can choose, get the no-date movement. The date change implementation is aswfull, better without it. - the crown is done like this on purpose, and is something you find only o this brand. Some (like myself) really like the feeling of it.

[@calebkleinhans3668]

I love the speed and energy in which you talk, keeps your show entertaining

[@anthonydaquino6934]

A few things: 1) Don't trust the WR! Mine failed at a pathetic 3ATM! 2) Buy it a new bracelet/NATO. Mine fell apart after about 6 weeks. 3) You can significantly improve the accuracy. I cracked mine open and regulated it through a few days of trial and error, and it has been running CRAZY accurate for about a month now, less than +/-5 per day. As you said, it's cheap, so you can tinker with it worry free. I've had a love/hate relationship with mine, but through it all, it maintains that funny sort of charm that you touched on. GREAT review!

[@BigBoi9111]

Maybe because you opened it up and wrecked the seal you ruined it's water resistance

[@jonaskessler326]

“The wristband has a hotel California kinda feeling. Once you check in you never check out” 😂🤣

[@gonshocks]

I have a Vostok Amphibia that I like to wear occasionally. It's the same model Bill Murray wore in the movie "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou". My go to watch is the Seiko Samurai but the Vostok is a fun change of pace.

[@xDarkPrototypex]

Looks like they recycled a terminator! Im not complaining tho, it would be kind of hypocrytical from a guy who wears a casio gst-b100d-1aer every day.

[@wessamhamadneh9877]

Love your watch videos dude !!! Especially the quartz watch videos cause almost every watch enthusiast on KZbin believes mechanical or nothing. I personally like to enjoy watches at every price range. Keep em coming

[@jodiwilson7299]

The crystal is acrylic, it's designed to compress under water pressure. The deeper you dive, the more the compression, the greater the seal. Replace the bracelet, mesh, rubber, nato or steel. Replace the bezel. KZbin will throw you a video on tightening the bezel spring. For the money, acceptable & it needs a service every 10 years. Also, see vostok modding.

[@Spitsz01]

Judging by the reflection in the watchface, you are wearing your Batman outfit! You bad boy....

[@karateka1978]

How are you doing a review to a watch without reading the instructions first?? The crown is suppose to be like that...

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

Well that's a Hotel California usage I haven't heard before :D

[@danijuggernaut]

This is a 1967 watch !!!! Why you don´t make a comparison with a watch of does days ???? You will be surprised !!!! This Vostok is history for only 80 bucks. 200 meters water resistant . Show me a automatic, 200 meters water resitant watch for 80 bucks !!!

[@zanedomke8148]

If you criticize this watch, you are not the intended market for this watch.

[@echochambers8418]

Just a quick note...You Can Hack a Vostok,You just have to be familiar with them,as the way you can also do a “quick”date change without winding and winding.They really are a solid well made watch for the price,not to mention the many Modding options.Only thing I don’t like about them is the metal bracelets that are cheaply made and rip out hairs.Great Video though.

[@bustersgotavmax]

These are a brilliant and unique design when it comes to water tightness and rugged use.

[@Bierkameel]

6:20 "I'm BATMAN!"

[@wireguided9572]

Hey, don't you know he's supposed to keep his identity secret? If The Joker finds out where the Shabazz Cave is, it's down to you.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Bierkameel omg. I saw batman !!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@michaelkeaton32]

Good eye!

[@deanagoes2791]

Haha yea...he is batman

[@mattiasalmqvist6564]

When you see it...

[@glenh4971]

Bostoc is just a different category of watch. To each his own. Some reviewers hate em-some love em. I personally like mine.

[@dude28405]

You buy the Vostok because of the charm and the character Never because of build quality! FYI most people I know never even size the bracelet they just get rid of it!!!!

[@johnrooney507]

Or choose the rubber one.

[@brianbuchert6382]

Peter or a nato like I got

[@dmitrykorovnikov2035]

Vostok makes so many models, they make fully loomed dials on some models - the reef series 👍What you have in your video is reissued original Amfibia from late sixties . Good watch , will last if serviced, and taken care of.

[@danijuggernaut]

Sorry, the crown is not fixed to the shaft because of resistence of impact. You hit the the crown but you don´t transfer the damage to the movement thru the shaft !!!!

[@wajonesclan]

Great review, but it’s an acrylic crystal (scratches easily buffed out). It’s not about cheap for me. It’s about having unique timepiece that will (arguably) last longer that most quartz movements. I like that I’m the only person I know with a Vostok and accuracy is a little bit of an issue, but they are easily calibrated. Some of you comments were dismissive of the watch, but I understand the perception and it is really rough around the edges.

[@Alienking01]

Really? You are not gonna talk about modding in Vostok Amphibia review? I am disapointed.

[@deanlawrence3728]

Do some research on the crown it’s supposed to be that way for durability

[@wademorris1779]

Nick, you are hilarious. Post apocalyptic arm hair extraction. LMFAO. Subscribed.

[@gusthesailor4885]

I'ts not a Patek .. it's not a Rolex .. it's not a Omega ... it's a Vostock ! and it's a good watch with a good water resistance by design .. the only bad point it's accuracy .. I think it's a QC problem (not regulated in factory) but if you are a watch nerd it's easy to regulate it to 4 or 5 sec / day

[@Runes_and_Men]

Does anyone know the specific reference number?

[@skelejp9982]

ThX for the Review ! Measuring watches...I was wearing my Vostok (Silver,Red propeller),when it was still alive. I met My good friend, and He showed me his Rolex "Hulk" ,he bought it for himself,because he got 50 ! I was friggin amazed how small it was, 40MM I checked My Vostok Amfibia,was bout same size... 1st thing I thought,Rolex should Issue Hulk, Kermit, Pepsi, Batman, Catwoman? .... in 44MM Ontopic, Back in the Days Russian Navy decided to make a Waterproof watch,soon they engaged the Patents of Rolex ect. Russians being Russian did it heir own Excellent way. The rear Design of the Watch is Build to Last Extreme pressure,inner Cap is loose fitted ,surrounded by an outer Ring,pressure will keep it fit at all times,just a Design Example ! Winding the Watch Up takes some Skill,but also Respect the Simple Way they Build a Watch Crown ,that can Hold up to 200 Meters Below Sea level. Wearing this Watch for a Year,and very happy with it, I love the rolling Second Indicator,shows how Good this watch is ! Bought a Steel Mesh Bracelet for 65$ To Fit with it, got loads a Complements on the Watch . U can switch the the Bezel,Because these Watches got the Cheapest lookin Bezels ever,they are Horror. And I am not a Horror Fan...But still never bothered to switch it. 9:10 Wearing this watch for over a Year,no Scratch on Glass.... Recently it dropped on a Stone Tile Floor at my Work,and now it's Dead...and Luminescent dropped off also... I could n.t Believe it...I thought it was SHOCKPROOF,like handling Anti Sub Attacks n all that . That Tile floor already Ruined 2 Adidas Limited Watches(made by Fossil) ! I Know got 5 Ruined Watches in 1 Year . Better Invest in Sunglasses ; ) Greetings!

[@solstar4778]

What’s it like on the inside?

[@sdmp78]

What model number is this watch?

[@oliverfasola19]

If you buy a Vostok make sure to buy a stainless steel crown. The Vostok is the only watch I wear and have worn it daily for 1.5 years. It’s very durable but the non stainless crown will cause rust with the stainless case. It’s fine untill a year of owner ship and you need pliers to unscrew the crown. Good watch but we need the crown in stainless

[@twilly9022]

My favorite "affordable" Dive watch is the Seiko - SRP773k1 Prospex Turtle. It's 3 times the money at around $254 but it's easily 10 times the watch. Enjoyed the video Nick thanks. Trevor

[@monkeymanstones1]

If you want accuracy and might consider Quartz, buy a Citizen AT (Atomic Time - The radio signal enabling watches to set absolutely on the nose accurate)... Just saw you show the brand and with 1 of the 2 features I just mentioned. Move to a Citizen Eco-Drive AT. It will always be dead on the nose accurate and if at anytime you believe it's off you can just press a button with the watch pointed in the direction it needs to be (as shown in the owners manual) and keep it there for 1 to 3 minutes (depending on the signal strength of where you are and your accent screams as loud as possible "NYC, Motha F*ckan Pieca sh*t Massachusetts person tellin me dis?", so for you the signal may be low with all the tall buildings there and the USA Atomic Clock being in Colorado... but go near the water in a place with fewer buildings blocking the signal from the WSW and the signal will be better). Citizen offers a number of AT watches so you don't have to go Pilots watch at $326 to $788 (I bought the JY8030-83E and 5 days after receiving it a low blood sugar took away some neurons in my occipital lobe and I can no longer see most of what's written on it... darn it. By the way if you know any Type 1 Diabetics you might consider telling them "The human brain functions primarily on Glucose and Oxygen and it consumes more glucose than anything else in your body, so if you don't keep your blood sugars from going low you are certain to lose brain cells [Neurons] and if they don't have enough glucose then glycolysis stops and can never be restarted in those cells in which it stopped {multiple steps in glycolysis are irreversible which means if they stop for any reason they can never be restarted} you lose those brain cells which could be for your vision, your heart function, your lungs, your memory, your sense of touch and more so you can lose them forever and nothing can reverse that loss or if your blood glucose is too low or low enough for an extended period of time it could possibly leave you brain dead - Yes, stabbing your fingers stinks to have to do, but you can do it and possibly lose zero neurons or you can not do so and possibly expire. Just stick the side of your fingertips rather than the front and it will hurt a bit less and that will help ensure you have a long, productive life in which you won't lose sensory functions, memory [no fun spending 8 or more years at university only to lose some or all memory of it and what you learned because you didn't check your blood sugar often enough.} It's done to save your life as a low blood sugar can take away your life faster than a high blood sugar can])"

[@solarflare4259]

Fun review! Thanks! I have 3 of these and they run great!

[@neilpiper9889]

Back wind hacking works and it's handwindable. I have 2.

[@Fanuc_Operator1990]

These bracelets are known hair pullers and most people immediately get rid of them. Vostoks can be purchased online with other bands though like natos.

[@tjsogmc]

The wobble crown is designed to be shock protection for the movement- yes, it's a bit weird, but it's a design feature, not a flaw. The crystal is pexiglass so as the watch goes deeper it deforms and increased the sealing ability of the watch. The face can be got in hundreds of designs with or without dates, and the bracelet can also be had in Nato straps or silicone rubber. Since it's a mechanical watch, the accuracy can be regulated. All of my Vostoks have been adjusted to 5 seconds a day. And finally about the bezel ring- so who actually uses one? Be honest. 99.999% of people that own a watch with a rotating bezel ony use it for playing with, not for actual diving. It is interesting, however, that every Amphibia review always compares it to a Rolex Submariner or Brietling, or other watch that literally costs 200 times the price. I don't think that's exactly fair. It's like comparing a Chevy Cobalt to a McClaren F1 and then determining the Chevy is junk. But let's not forget that not everybody can afford a Rolex.

[@gregwalker4236]

a great, spot on review. got a few of these--interesting, but i don't wear them. just insurance for the apocalypse in case you need the time!

[@josephmarchitelli8138]

Hey Nick if you still have the Vostok would you like to sell it?

[@MobiuSphere]

My first mechanical watch was a soviet-era amphibian. It is also still my only mechanical watch. I mostly have it as an interesting piece of History, rather than as a timepiece. Although it does seem to keep time better than either of Nick's

[@16Tango]

I am on my second one, my first one got moisture inside because I did not get the crown screwed down all the way. I like the history behind them and the price, I have my phone if I need real accuracy. For the arm hair I used needle nose pliers to close the links up and have been pain free.

[@-----REDACTED-----]

The Vostok amphibia is among the illustrious group of confirmed space watches. Also the amphibia is officially rated at 200m but is on record to survive depth simulation in excess of 800m... It really just depends what you want in a watch. Accuracy? Never look at any mechanical watch, pretty much no matter the price. Quartz is the way to go. Accuracy and toughness? No way past G-shocks. The typical charm of mechanical watches? Most quartzes are out. Except Seiko Spring Drive movements and Bulova Precisionist movements. Reasonably accurate timekeeping, the charm of a mechanical watch, and affordability? Can’t go wrong with a Vostok. Or Seiko. Or Orient. All the three qualities and being a watch that is on record of being one hell of a tough bastard and was good enough to have been to space (of you’re into stuff like that)? Go with the Amphibia. It all depends on what one wants from a watch. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@-----REDACTED-----]

Similar considerations can be made for Crystal types: Acrylic (“plastic”, as you call it) is THE classic wristwatch crystal. Incredibly robust against impact but just as vulnerable against scratches, but: most except for the very worst scratches can be polished out quite easily rather than having to replace the entire crystal. Mineral glass (and its many non-generic variations such as hardlex): very shock proof, somewhat scratch resistant, and scratches are usually there for the lifetime of the crystal, it usually needs to be replaced. Sapphire crystal is extremely scratch resistant but one brittle ass bitch, meaning not shock very shock proof compared to the other ones. Should there ver be a fault in it, be it scratch (extremely unlikely) or a crack there is no other way to remedy but to change out the entire crystal. There is no “best” crystal material, they are as with most things trade offs between certain material characteristics. So far you simply can’t have the scratch resistance of sapphire crystals paired with the durability of acrylic crystals.

[@Team-fabulous]

Cracking rev... Regardless of the negatives it's a lovely looking watch.

[@jeffreydahmer3995]

Some of the Vostok Amphibia’s have made in Russia at the bottom of the face

[@marioaquilina248]

The Vostok is an engineered watch. It's not a luxury watch like you so unfairly compared it with at the beginning of video ,but it's certainly a great tool watch. As for the crystal,crown and bezel etc you should make some research before reviewing. Stay safe !!!

[@monsour1900]

@Nick Shabazz aside from those who indicated the reasons for the loose crown design, please read this design methodology on the Vostok Amphibia. Really interesting story on how it's engineered for practicality and durability at a time when it was going up against swiss precision and Nato military watch strength testing. For the price, it's plenty of military tool watch. :) forums.watchuseek.com/f54/vostok-amphibia-analysis-design-methodology-491757.html

[@jeffreydahmer3995]

“Control the arm hair Population” -Nick Shabazz

[@MrDudezProductionz]

Hey Nick, you should try to get your hands on a Mido Ocean Star to reveiw. I think you'll love it because it meets all your criteria for a watch.

[@DavidUKesb]

The crown is not awful. It's deliberately made that way. These watches are pretty much the same now as they were when first made for the Soviet military in 1967. You'd really struggle to break one of these.

[@TypeSly]

Nice review! Thanks. Love the (Jersey? NY?) accent :)

[@internziko]

Thank you for such a great and informative video. I feel that this watch is a conversation piece. Kind like a watch guys watch.

[@emmanueltavora8642]

Hi Sir! Congratulations for all your Educational videos! I would like to ask you something if You do not mind. I have a Vostok Amphibian and it advances +- 15 seconds a day. Is it normal? If not, is there a way to improve it? Health and Sucess for You! Thank You! Emmanuel.

[@NickShabazz]

No, they’re just not very accurate watches.

[@robedmunds7163]

Wow you misunderstood the poor little Vostoc there. Crystal is a very functional one and under water pressure the bezel stiffens up. Strap is a little poor, will give you that.

[@solstar4778]

Is it automatic winding watch ?

[@daniloucles2024]

The Crown was purposely engineered that way so you don't damage the movement.

[@bongosock]

Good review, but you need to stop constantly moving the watch around while you're talking :)

[@Somerandomguy-ju9jo]

The lose crown is meant for shock protection good video just got one coming in from Ukraine

[@slavkochepasov8134]

1:24 label around 6 o'clock on the dial says : made in Russia.

[@fringefringe7282]

Whats up with the horns?

[@bennybenitez2461]

What is that particular model of that one?

[@bm.r.4427]

You should repare the second hande. It is not supposed to move like that when you turn the crown . I have one and it doesn't do that.

[@theredspoon1763]

If you are more interested in where and how the watches are made, there's a video on YT from Galileo Russia with English subtitles that shows you some key steps of the manufacturing process. The watches are completely made in Russia (except of the bracelet, which I suspect to be shipped from China), according to Meranom. So you get the full Russian experience with those watches.

[@adityasanthanam1945]

Great watch. The size is perfect as well.

[@Pew7070]

Almost tearing..... Vostok. First watches I took apart as a teenager. That’s what got me into watches bubba. And my grandfather’s Omega pocket piece. 😋🤓🙃

[@w.c.wilson8753]

Put it on a Nato. It’s a Russian Turtle!

[@eliakuiper4266]

1. Nick Shabazz are you in fact Batman? Your reflection in the watch tells me that you are. 2. Nick Shabazz you are a very funny man. 3. I love Vostoks 4. I have no interest in knives whatsoever

[@timothysturdivant9905]

I like your presentation, but I don't feel that you understand this watch. The Vostok space program is where this watch derives it's name. The crown is by ingenious design so that a sharp bump will not damage the stem or the internal works. The crystal is a lucite acrilic. It's flexes to push down into the rubber seals inside the watch the further under water it goes. The bezel tightens as well.. You are right. The bracket is hidious

[@StorminNorvin]

6:15 You wearing a Batman mask or having a bad hair day in the reflection?

[@Megazoid-my7cp]

Vostok Amphibia is the AK-47 of Russian watches. Rugged, versatile, affordable waterproof beater watch. I can go to the shower without taking it off.

[@berserkkw]

Hot damn you even used Vostok in a pun.. also was expecting your Russian friend to review this guy!

[@jaysterling26]

Yes, but what an ingenious sign off, ' have a nice wrist of the day'.

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

The acrylic glass and the wiggly winder are part of an ingenious Soviet solution to many technical difficulties. Look up the history of the design, it's absolutely fascinating. Shabazz is not a History buff.

[@joeconrad3828]

old video, I know, but can anyone provide the model number for the specific watch being reviewed?

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

710916 I own this high polish 090916 upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Vostok_Amphibia_090916.jpg en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amfibia

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

What $85 bucks. Wow. Im getting into watches..... I'll finally own my first mechanical watch... thanks Nick!! 👍👍👍👍👍 did you say this was a gem??

[@slavkochepasov8134]

5:50 you bet it is not Seiko Marinemaster Tuna :) and price is not same too ;)

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

Great watch Nick! No date is the way to go!

[@ricktemmen6272]

Great video Nick ... Actually hilarious ...