Vostok Amphibia & Galvanic Corrosion - my watch corroded thanks to me :(

My 4 months old Vostok Amphibia Scuba Dude has sadly corroded.
The reason in my opinion is Galvanic or Bimetallic Corrosion.
Luckily you can order a stainless steel crown for your Amphibia to stop it from happening.
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[@mladenradujkovic8988]

It is a design feature that provides better sealment on the crown😁

[@WatchGeek]

😂😂 and it DEFINITELY PREVENTS ACCIDENTAL OR ANY OTHER KIND OF OPENING 😂😂

[@ogarzabello]

LOL!!!

[@prredo]

Mladen Radujkovic e jbg Mladene 😂😂😂 volimo rusko, ali ne bi trebalo ovako lako i brzo da zahrdja 💪🏻

[@gori277]

I bought an Amphibia 120512 a few months ago and been wearing it daily, which include surfing. Last week, after adjusting the watch, I forgot to screw in the crown and surfed for an hour until I noticed heavy condensation on the crystal - panic! Got home, disassembled the watch - luckily there was no water on the actual movement, only around the edges of the case and movement spacer and, loads, on the crown clutch compartment. Dried it all up reassembled and it worked fine. A few days later, opened the case back to regulate the watch and noticed some rust on the crown stem, took it out and rubbed it with a bit of silicone lubricant. It’s been working fine but probably will take the opportunity to upgrade the crown to a signed one as the corrosion process on this one will probably continue. Yeah, salt is terrible for corrosion, diver or no diver.

[@j42178]

It’s Russian, just pour vodka over it and it should be good to go.

[@UrologK]

No vodka, samogon it's very good!

[@ДаданДаданский]

samogon is for luxury watch

[@UrologK]

Vodka - connecting people!

[@rolandlochainer4572]

I have the model 670, all stainless steel. The “rust” is the reaction of galvanising on winding crown tube made of titanium,and crown made of stainless,in the presence of sea water(salty). Put some vaseline, and wipe with a paper towel, and it will disappear! I tried too!👍

[@Raiden6277]

If I don't have vaseline, what else can I use?

[@zBMatt]

Patrick Ramirez heh

[@marios5544]

Titanium ????? It's tin !

[@Group_Anonymous]

It’s made or chromed brass, not stainless🤣🤣🤣

[@j.e.1988]

@@Group_Anonymous The new ones are stainless

[@charliedoyle118]

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

[@jamesglenn6461]

I used Permatex brand high temperature anti-seize compound on the stem threads. Solved problem. I already had the anti-seize compound from my gun-smith work. The high temp, copper color, compound prevents galling between aluminium frames or rails and carbon steel, or especially stainless steel slides.

[@HeartofTexasArmory]

Very interesting and I'm glad you caught that in the nick of time! I'm very familiar with galvanic corrosion from plumbing and oilfield work in the past. But thankfully I have never experienced the type of corrosion you had on your Amphibia in the 20+ years I've owned Vostoks. And some of my vintage pieces are 40 years old now, and have have quite a bit of wear and chips in the chrome. So I'm thinking you just had the perfect storm. Your sweat composition and possibly a poorly/flawed chrome plating applied to your crown. Definitely something to keep an eye on. The stainless steel crowns are a great upgrade.

[@kubikiribasara3499]

where would you get a stainless steel crown for the vostoks though?

[@Tunkkis]

@@kubikiribasara3499 The can be purchased from Meranom.com.

[@belisariog6851]

Finally someone talks about it! It happened to me too, but indeed, at least in my experience (twice on two!) it's the "stainless steel" crown that rusts, not the chrome plated one! (by the way: the crown of your Amphibia is the stainless steel one...)

[@WatchGeek]

I learned that later on, the problem is that the stem is titanium which again causes galvanic corrosion

[@belisariog6851]

@@@WatchGeek Thanks!

[@timur7381]

@@WatchGeek so there's no way to avoid the corrosion, except by not sweating?)

[@WatchGeek]

Haha yes or going with an older model that has a regular chrome plated crown. It turned out that my crown is SS while the crown tube is titanium

[@psanto13]

Thank you for straitening the timer, it was really going on my OCD. I had the same corrosion issue on a Timex (after the warranty time) and they gave me a new one.

[@edg6779]

I was aware of the galvanic corrosion that can take place between copper and alluminium in computer heatsink's, but not with watches, thanks for the warning

[@aleksandrrr]

Hi, mine corroded on the same place after swimming in the ocean, i used a toothbrush to clean it then applied some vaseline for lube. Now its smoother than ever.

[@eeyyaakk6801]

Aleksander Den Store hi there! dry toothbrush, obviously? At what angle did you hold the watch while brushing it with toothbrush?

[@aleksandrrr]

eeyyaakk yes just unscrew the crown and brush.

[@redletterl78]

Same problem. Had to use pliers to unscrew the crown. The bezel was stuck too, so I lifted that and applied some lube. Not confident about the crown as it’s still stiff and doesn’t pop out and the handwinding position is unclear ☹️. Still keeps time though.

[@hankosaurus]

I did the same. But I used Trident No. LP20 silicone grease such as one uses on scuba rubber seals and plumbing valves. Works fine. Amazon or eBay. 2 oz for about $7. Used it on main rubber seal too.

[@davidremillard4181]

I was under the impression that the case is chrome plated brass. Anyways, I order stainless crowns for all my Vostoks and with a Q-tip I apply a small dab of DIELECTRIC GREASE on the stem tube and inner O-ring of the crown. So easy to screw and the O-ring seals better without tightening it against the tube as if your life depended on it. Nothing beats dielectric grease as corrosion fighter!

[@WatchGeek]

Komandirskie models are chrome plated brass, and Amphibia is SS

[@LuvBlues64]

Thanks for the tip, I've just put a light coating of silicone grease on mine,I've not long had my Vostok so a new crown will be a future purchase.

[@RADIORUNNER1966]

This made clear of why when I ware a metal watch over time the case dissolves , I have a what was beautiful Cardinal watch that was a gift from my wife on our wedding day , sadly the Besle its called i thing has dissolved to the point that it's unwearable , I love watches also sir ,please enjoy yours now that you also know the danger of damage .. Fr..Canada

[@pol5561]

Big issue in vostock watches,in my case i ordrer the watch from meranom and they change the crown with the stainles one with the B sign, butt it happens again because it is st steal only in outside surface.Any way you realized that 65$ super watch have some faults.Nice video for a great watch.

[@cmdrflint9115]

It amazes me that vintage vostok watches haven't corroded to dust, if that was the state of your crown threads after just a couple of months. I can kind of forgive the mixed metals on the vintage pieces though, brass was cheaper and easier to machine than stainless steel, but on the new models, just slap another $5 on the (already miniscule) cost and go all stainless.

[@juliusbulle]

Back in the day, the whole watch was made from brass, so there was no galvanic corrosion as the whole watch was the same alloy.

[@clange50]

Apparently the issue is the crown stem being titanium, with the crown being stainless. It's not a brass issue. He said in other comments to apply some silicone grease to the threads.

[@tlcode]

just picked up(today) a Vostok. New ones come with stainless crown..(yay)

[@alexrandom1292]

hi , i have a komandirskye (the cheaper vostok made of brass i think) and i noticed the same thing on the case back. the stainless steel part is fins but the rest of the case started corroding :) i still love the piece though and wear it with pleasure but i am a bit more careful when sweating i try to wipe it more often :) thanks for the video, really informative!

[@mastrod747]

In the new production crown and case are in stainless steel material

[@barrywolff4186]

My stem tubes always get a dab of silicon grease and I never have a problem. In the tropics sweat is a big enemy so I never put away a watch without giving it a wipe first with my vinegar/distilled water 50/50 mix. All metal to metal surfaces get a thin smear of silicon grease, especially the locking ring on the back.

[@eeyyaakk6801]

Barry Wolff where to buy silicon grease?

[@WatchGeek]

eBay

[@barrywolff4186]

eBay has lots but also dive shops have it for dive equipment. I have acquired it from both.

[@eeyyaakk6801]

Barry Wolff ordinary hardware stores don't sell them?

[@hankosaurus]

@@eeyyaakk6801 - Trident Silicone Grease, product No. LP20 ; 2 oz. Jar will last a lifetime. Amazon. $7. I use it for the Komandirske's rubber seal, the stem, and for dozens of other things. Works great. Does not dry out or get gummy. Use only a little.

[@ManishSahay]

I thought the crowns were steel, I read on WUS that the crowns have a steel plating over another small crown, so the crown that we touch and use is a form of steel, but not stainless steel exactly. This was said for the Amphibian crowns released before 2018. These new crows have a slightly different shape towards the inner end.

[@barryspc]

That's exactly why I ordered the stainless crown and had them installed it for me. They should have that as standard really.

[@flaviuvacanta1]

From where did you ordered a new crown?

[@rag_man673]

So should you put the watch away with the crown screwed out? Would that prevent the galvanic corrosion? maybe some vasoline on the tube?

[@josephmassaro]

This doesn't just happen to watches. My car came with stainless steel caps on the brass tire stems. Daily moisture corroded the contact between the two metals and they had to be broken off to change the tires, destroying all four of the tire sensor gauges. Costly design flaw.

[@dredgewalker]

grease can create a barrier between the two metals as a temporary measure to prevent galvanic corrosion.

[@paulappletonharmonica3375]

A bit of wd 40 on that thread will prob prevent this since it’s a water dispersant .. I’ve used that on many things that oxidise or rust in the past and it’s prevented it … many people rule out wd 40 but it’s actually really designed for this kind of issue .

[@raymondhouser5174]

For case back issues, the rubber gasket should keep the sweat out of the threads. You could also lightly apply gasket lubricant to the threads. Ray

[@u-8743]

Waterproof level achieved 1000m! I can't say that I've had this problem at all. I wear it regularly enough but never in times where I'd sweat excessively (gym watch is a g-shock).

[@troynasello2085]

I've heard of this. I bought ss crowns for both of my vostoks at the same time as ordering the watches

[@nicholaschristophorou3087]

How did that work? You saw any corrosion after? I mean you have 2 and all this time after a year from you're comment if there is any corrosion then it must be seen right... So... Inform us please.

[@iaxable]

That's nonsense, given the zillions they sold and no one complained of this problem. Just clean the tube and lube it. Plus I actually think your crown is steel, the chromed ones are convex and shinier! Steel Vostok crowns tend to stain, brass is better.

[@gregwalker4236]

have several, don't wear--date can be a problem to set on at least one of them. the wonky crown just sort of wears me out trying to fiddle with it, but they are interesting to have, but i have other types i prefer to wear....thanks for info!

[@rollins800]

Excuse me, but it seems to me that you confuse galvanic corrosion with the dirt accumulated in the crown, which is what I think happens to your Amphibia watches, if you are diving with them a few days in a row and then you keep them for a month if you have cleaned Previam With fresh water and without giving them rope from time to time during all this time. If it were really galvanic corrosion, the crown would be fully welded and could not be unscrewed

[@WatchGeek]

This was not dirt my friend, and the watch didn't see ANY diving action, just am occasional shower when I would forget to take it off and a hand wash. My Seiko monster on the other hand has seen diving, swimming etc. In both sea and river and NEVER had anything like this happen. It IS galvanic corrosion and I am sure it would have welded completely given enough time. If you saw my 10+ year worn watches you would understand "accumulated dirt" on a 6 month old watch owned by me is simply something that is impossible 😄

[@marios5544]

It is an oxidation issue the crown material is not stainless steel but a ferrous alloy . The thread brown colored is the oxide coming from the crown. I have the same problem on my 710 but not only on the thread but also on the crown top

[@aleksandrrr]

I guess that the crown is not chrome plated inside? Galwanic corrosion between ss steel and chrome is not supposed to happen according to the charts.

[@WatchGeek]

The charts are more a guideline than actual rules as different humidity and even temperature conditions can alter a material charge properties, so even compatible materials can corrode, which is why it's always safer to have the same material for everything

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

The stem tube is titanium, which is way down on the charts making stainless steel the sacrificial anode. I don't care. I love my Amphibia. structx.com/Material_Properties_001.html

[@dodgydruid]

I haven't seen this in any of my Amphibia's or Komandirskie's many of them Soviet issue and all have smooth crown threads, one of my Zakas Commander's from early 70's has a very corroded case at the back where the locking ring meets the case and has fused solid whilst my other Zakas Commander has a perfect case and caseback but the dial is rusted out which is quite crazy as both are working quite well if not for the rustyness. My "newest" Komandirskie, a Generalskie has a sticking stem which is irritating as it doesn't click in when screwed down, this is a post Soviet model and to me not as well made as the earlier ones imho.

[@hothmobile100]

The corrosion is not from stainless steel case to to the crown but from the titanium crown tube to the brass crown. ( the modern amphibias use a titanium crown tube for some reason).

[@stevezissou2800]

Never had this issue,but if I did some silicon grease would cure it.Vostok also rule.

[@tykjpelk]

Went for a swim in the sea once and this happened. Got the worst of the corrosion off with a q-tip and put a tiny amount of silicone oil on it but I'll be looking into a crown replacement. Luckily I use a NATO so I won't be getting too much sweat in contact with the watch.

[@Leomroy]

Do all Vostok rust? Does it only rust with salt water? I never wet my amphibia

[@daigoHR98]

If you buy it on Amazon how do you do to order the watch in the same steel? Thanks and good vid!

[@kikesan1541]

Just bought mine a couple of days ago. I'llget it in three weeks. Sorry for yours. Hope you had managed to fix that issue. By the way, nice rubber band.

[@jkgfhgkhjnvfcf1307]

how're you liking it so far?

[@kikesan1541]

@@jkgfhgkhjnvfcf1307 I'm very happy with the watch. Looks great and works fine. I'm planning to get a Komandirskie.

[@jkgfhgkhjnvfcf1307]

@@kikesan1541 glad to hear you like it! I'm gonna be buying a 710634 soon and modding it!

[@kikesan1541]

@@jkgfhgkhjnvfcf1307 That's great. I've heard about nodding Vostoks. Perhaps I'll do something with the vessel to get started.

[@jkgfhgkhjnvfcf1307]

@@kikesan1541 good luck!

[@mx3wg]

Any advice on what to do to prevent galvanic corrosion?

[@ussling]

A very tiny drop of WD40 applied with a needle tip to the threads should allow the crown to operate normally. My Vostok Komandirskie is on a nylon velcro strap, and the watch is held in place by a short elastic strip that passes through the spring bars. The strap keeps the watch off the skin of my wrist. It is a Watchband Sport Adjustable Velcro for $8.00 at, ugh, Walmart.

[@gitmoholliday5764]

it can also happen with the wrong kind of pushpins. especially vintage watches do have some copper pushpins after a while it is almost impossible to get them out again.

[@dude28405]

Is it possible to put a small drop of machine oil on the thread so that it doesn't corrode or would that be opening up other issues as long as you don't get carried away with the oil

[@WatchGeek]

I used silicone grease used for lubing gaskets and it worked like a charm

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Well okay, but where to get a stainless steel crown, link please? :/

[@happypuppy8221]

Can silicon grease prevent this safely?

[@muskymcg]

Waiting on my amphibian....will grease it first thing..cheers

[@tods.9947]

I have the same watch and recently took it in the ocean for a swim. I will check the crown in the near future.

[@joecachia2]

Interesting to know. I have a couple of diver watches I wear at the beach but they are mostly all-stainless. This corrosion thing never crossed my mind , but I do have a tendency to wash my watches under the tap when I get home. Mainly cause I do not like the whitish salt residue on the crystal. I just bought my first Komandirskie, and have an Amphibia on the way. I guess I will be doing this more than ever now. I did order a stainless crown from Meranom for my Amphibia, but I did it cause I thought they looked nice. I own Timex brass cased watches that corrode badly on the underside due to sweat and sort of started accepting it now. I guess my Komandirskie will suffer the same faith eventually. Thanks for sharing. P.S. Someone did suggest using Vaseline on the crown to help. Anyone has any ideas regarding this ?

[@WatchGeek]

I did, I used gasket grease and the problem hasn't repeated itself since

[@sparky6996]

Coppaslip

[@eggbertfarnsworth5787]

What about the bezel material? I see SS ones for sale. The only info I can find is the original one is chrome plated brass although one person confirmed this but said the newer ones were SS.

[@steven3379]

Would this happen with a titanium back? Oh now I have to check the crown on my Amphibia!

[@44VeniceStreet]

Exactly the same occurred with my amphibia, hot sweaty guy ,hot sweaty kitchen in Houston, Texas. I shall be looking for a new S Steel winder

[@kenychowsf]

Hi WG. What kind of crown do I need to get. Will a silver one prevent this

[@markdoolan7282]

Why wouldn’t Vostok be aware of this and sell them outright with a stainless steel crown for a lousy extra couple of bucks? Cmon Vostok try harder, stop living off your past and make subtle improvements without losing the good stuff about Vostok watches.

[@oliverfasola19]

Did you end up fixing this?

[@jisa98]

Interesting video, but since you have warned us about this issue , could you maybe or someone else suggest a video with a procedure in order to prevent this corrosion from happening? Some below suggested vaseline or wd40 lubrication of the tube to avoid corrosion. Thanks and hope you or some one else can suggest a preventive way to avoid the problem you faced.

[@WatchGeek]

Do NOT use WD-40 on your watch!!! I have cleaned the corrosion with a toothbrush and applied gasket lube used for watches on the area and that seems to solve the issue. But it does mean you have to reapply it after some time

[@zamSEG]

i've already replacing the stock brass crown to ss crown when the watch arrived. thank god this doesn't happen. nice info although i feel bad you have to suffer it on your dearly watch. :(

[@nicholaschristophorou3087]

So, inform us please, how did that go after 2 years of comment? Any corrosion?

[@zamSEG]

@@nicholaschristophorou3087 so far so good sir. still no rust or corrosion. i've always keep on checking the gakset seals and aplied watch grease every now and then. thank you for asking.

[@TheDoc7]

I have a question or more of a curiosity. While resizing my stainless steel bracelet (Tissot T Classic One watch) I managed to leave a few marks on the bracelet. Can it corrode?

[@WatchGeek]

No

[@TheDoc7]

Watch Geek. Thanks.

[@hubalahu]

Just to clarify, the caseback of the amphibia is also SS?

[@ZodiakAsHell]

Why they're not manufacturing them with stainless steel crowns? Also their signed with B letter crowns are always out of stock..

[@Lobzik67]

Strange,I have mine and crown is stainless steel.Edges are not so sharp like on yours.May be they started to manufacture watches with stainless steel crowns?

[@welchianachi7707]

Put silicone grease on the threads next time. Does the case screw stainless steel, or the modern russians use another material for it. In my case I have stainless steel case screw and the crown out of brass/bronze inside and stainless steel outside. Connection betwen stem and the crown lubicated by vaseline oil, gasket by silicone oil and the threads by the silicone gerase.

[@Raiden6277]

If I purchase from meranom.com how will I know if it has a stainless steel crown or a brass crown if the case and caseback is stainless steel.

[@juliusbulle]

I'm wondering too. Let me know if you find answer

[@rinklestiltskin]

Patrick Ramirez e

[@StorminNorvin]

2:49 That's what she said.

[@timur7381]

Meranom is all out of the signed stainless crowns :( and the only other stainless one they have looks kind of crude :(

[@nastasiospapadopoulos2015]

5 months full of swimming training in sea and pool and my crown is corroded. So it would be unnecessary to try the stainless steel crown. How can we treat this problem? Removing the rust seems impossible. Maybe with a cleaning substance?

[@WatchGeek]

You have to rub it with silicone grease every month or so and it seems to solve the issue

[@nastasiospapadopoulos2015]

@@WatchGeek thank you for the advice. I will return with feedback.

[@paulchui7987]

Can you show me how to use Casio Wave Ceptor WVA-M630B, Module 5651,and how to change date from Japanese to English

[@voiceofexperience]

I could, but I don't want to.

[@RelativeTime]

Interesting. Mine had the same corrosion, but I noticed it after I took it diving. Although at that point I had a stainless crown on it. I could be wrong, but I always thought chrome was supposed to help in preventing corrosion like that. Although perhaps the inside of the crown wasn't chromed, or it gets striped away from screwing it in and out.

[@WatchGeek]

Chrome is not really that great when it comes to corrosion. If you remember cars that had chromed trims it would get these spots of corrosion that would then spread. That is why cars today use plastic instead of chrome

[@RelativeTime]

That is true, although I think it's a big cost savings as well. My background is actually in chemistry, but to be truthful I'm a little "RUSTY" on the subject. 😋

[@AK-pr2nk]

Hi where was the strap from

[@WatchGeek]

Ebay

[@whatsonthewrist]

Very good and useful info, it gives us something to look for and consider. Too bad, it's a nice looking watch. 👌

[@deeremeyer1749]

"Martensitic" so-called "stainless steels" are "galvanic corrosion generators" right out of the "box" and their use in so-called "sports" or "dive" watches is guaranteed to cause "corrosion". "Austensitic" or REAL "stainless steels" such as those used in "watch backs" made out of "sheet metal" as opposed to the machined Martensitic cases, bracelets and other "billet" parts is much more "corrosion resistant" when exposed to "simple" electrolytes like "perspiration" since "dry" or "wet" with "fresh water" after a shower or bath human skin will "dilute" or "absorb" and leftover salt in the case back. Plus our wrists don't sweat a great deal because there is very little muscle, fat and other "insulation" in them. Most sweat at/on the wrists results from wiping away sweat elsewhere. And usually with our also "dry" hands. But put EITHER "type" of stainLESS but not stainPROOF or stainFREE steel in continuous contact with an "electrolyte" like "saltwater" and in direct contact with the body's own "battery" for "hours on end" repeatedly and eventually it will experience "galvanic corrosion". Which is why "steel" so-called "dive watches" were NEVER intended for "professional use" IN THE WATER. ON THE DECK OF A "DIVE BOAT" IN USE BY A "DIVEMASTER" OR "INSTRUCTOR" OPERATING NON-SCUBA "DIVE GEAR" IS A DIFFERENT STORY. OF COURSE "STEEL" WATCHES ARE ALSO ONLY "WATER RESISTANT" FOR THAT SAME REASON AND HISTORICALLY WERE "CHEAP" AND "DISPOSABLE" BECAUSE DRAGGING GEAR, DIVERS ETC INTO AND OUT OF AND OFF AND ON "SALVAGE VESSELS" AND/OR "DIVE BOATS" AND/OR "DOCKS" AND "EQUIPMENT LOCKERS" AND/OR "LAND TRANSPORTATION" LIKE ALL OTHER "MANUAL LABOR" IS EVENTUALLY GOING TO LEAD TO THE "LOSS" OR "DESTRUCTION" OF A "FRAGILE" WRISTWATCH. ESPECIALLY A LARGE, BULKY, HEAVY AND CLUMSY ONE. "WATER RESISTANCE" PROVIDES THE POSSIBILITY THAT A "LOST" WATCH CAN BE "RECOVERED" AS DOES "MARTENSITIC" AND "FERROMAGNETIC" STAINLESS STEEL EITHER BY DIVER, LARGE MAGNET OR BOTH. THERE ARE NO "WATERPROOF" WATCHES UNTIL YOU GET INTO "CHEAP" DIGITAL "SPORT WATCHES" LIKE A TIMEX TRIATHLON. SWIMMING IN THE "OPEN OCEAN" A WATCH CAN LITERALLY BE A "LIFESAVER" BECAUSE IT CAN TELL YOU WHETHER YOU'RE GOING TO FINISH THE SWIM BEFORE IT FINISHES YOU. 50-DEGREE WATER CAN KILL IN 15 MINUTES AND ALL THE WAY UP TO "BODY TEMP" WATER SAPS AND SUCKS ENERGY RIGHT OUT OF YOUR BODY UNLESS YOU'RE REALLY EXERTING YOURSELF AT WHICH POINT ITS EASY TO "OVERHEAT" EVEN IN "COOL" WATER BECAUSE OUR "EVAPORATIVE COOLING SYSTEMS" DO NOT WORK WELL IN "100% HUMIDITY" AND THERE ARE NO "WATER BOTTLES" OR "SPORTS DRINKS" DURING A TRIATHLON SWIM. SO KNOWING HOW LONG YOU'VE BEEN SWIMMING AND HOW MUCH YOU'VE EXHAUSTED YOURSELF SO FAR AND HOW FAR YOU'VE GOT TO GO AND FROM TRAINING AND OTHER EVENTS WILL TELL YOU IF AND WHEN YOU NEED TO STOP SWIMMING BEFORE YOU SINK. THE $50ISH TIMEX IRONMAN TRIATHLON PRETTY MUCH "KILLED" THE MECHANICAL "STEEL" SO-CALLED "DIVE WATCH" OVERNIGHT TO THE LIMITED EXTENT IT WAS EVER POPULAR FOR "MODERN" DIVING WITH SCUBA GEAR OR "SURFACE SUPPLIED" DIVING WHERE MUCH MORE RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY INSTRUMENTS BECAME "STANDARD EQUIPMENT" AT ROUGHLY THE SAME TIME "QUARTZ" REPLACED "MECHANICAL" WATCHES AND FOR THE EXACT SAME REASON. "WATERPROOF" AND "INDESTRUCTIBLE" AND "FOOLPROOF" VS "WATER RESISTANT" AND "FRAGILE" AND "FAILURE-PRONE" IF NOT WOUND, NOT WOUND PROPERLY, NOT "INSPECTED" AND "SERVICED" FREQUENTLY, ETC. THE EVENTUAL JUMP TO "DIGITAL" JUST MADE FOR A WATCH THAT IN MANY CASES IS/WAS "DISPOSABLE" IF IT "OUTLIVES" ITS ORIGINAL BATTERY. WHICH CAN LAST 2-5 YEARS DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH ITS "COMPLICATIONS" LIKE THE STOPWATCH(ES), TIMER(S), CALENDAR, ALARM(S) AND "ILLUMINATION" ARE USED. SO ITS NOT "YOU" THAT "FAILED" THE WATCH BESIDES EXPECTING A "STEEL SPORTS/DIVE WATCH" TO BE A USEFUL, RELIABLE, DURABLE AND "INDESTRUCTIBLE" TIMEPIECE AND "TOOL" SIMPLY BECAUSE OF ITS "PREMIUM PRICETAG" WHICH WOULDN'T BE NEARLY SO HIGH IF THE MANUFACTURER REALLY WANTED THE "BLUECOLLAR DEMOGRAPHIC" TO TAKE THEM AND "PUT THEM TO WORK" WHERE "CHEAP" AND "DISPOSABLE" WATCHES LAST AS LONG AS THE OWNER WANTS THEM TO AND AT LEAST UNTIL A $500-$5000 AND UP "TOOL WATCH" IS "GUARANTEED" AS LONG AS YOU DON'T "NEGLECT" OR "ABUSE" OR EVEN DROP IT ON A "HARD SURFACE".

[@martimlluch9]

good info but presented like shit 😅

[@manuelmikewa388]

Which watch was that on your wrist?? (At 1:21)

[@WatchGeek]

Sturmanskie 31659, here's the review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHyaf4mfpKagbNU

[@oilczar]

Meranom.com is the factory store that sells replacement parts.

[@everardohernandez8036]

Where can I find a Stainless Steel crown?

[@WatchGeek]

Meranom

[@oldiesfreek]

I don't think it's the stainless steel of the case, if the case is even stainless steel (I read it's plated brass and I do own the same watch). I think it's just the problem with the stem tube material.

[@WatchGeek]

Amphibia has a stainless steel case while Komandirskie has a plated brass case

[@oldiesfreek]

Ah ok, that clears it up! Thanks! :)

[@oldiesfreek]

Watch Geek Btw, I also have a Komandirskie in unplated brass :)

[@WatchGeek]

I did that to one of my watches and it was the closest thing to a bronze watch I had

[@charlielewis7191]

This happened to mine when I went swimming in the sea

[@kv9395]

two vostok mafia members already on deck. just monitor the dislikes

[@svanur082]

Its not galvanic corrosion its crevice corrosion.

[@juliusbulle]

Interesting, but it has to be 2 different metals or?

[@philrant2408]

Where can I buy stainless steel crowns for my Vostok collection|?

[@WatchGeek]

Meranom.com

[@philrant2408]

Thank you young Sir, I will get mine changed and thank you for the information, Love the watches@@WatchGeek

[@WatchGeek]

Just a heads up, the stainless steel crown may not stop the corrosion as the stem is titanium. So your best course of action is to apply silicone grease to the threads

[@philrant2408]

@@WatchGeek Now you are talking my language, I also like the comment below of pouring Vodka into them! My only problem is, when do I stop buying Vostok? It is almost an addiction, my little hand winding Kommandirskie is never far from my wrist, the others have to take a turn, thanks again.

[@philrant2408]

You talked me into it you smooth talker, I subscribed!

[@cesarguillenperez24]

The tube crown of vostok amphibia, is made of TITANIUM, not steel.

[@rexrobo2512]

Thank you for the video. You might not believe it after reading this comment but I really did enjoy it. So here we go. Sweat causing corrosion? Swimming in the ocean causing corrosion? From the time I started wearing watches they've all been water resistant. I'm not talking about diving watches. I'm talking the typical water resistance of 3 ATM type watch that you would find on a budget watch like Casio, Timex, etc. As I started talking to friends and acquaintances about my watches I was amazed and perplexed that they thought it was weird when I mentioned that I never took off my watch, even when showering. I would ask them, "you mean you take off your water resistant watch to take a shower?" And they looked at me like I was the craziest person in the world, and that was craziest question in the world, of course they they took it off when showering. At first I thought that I just had some weird friends, but as time went on I realized that yes people do buy water resistant watches, and then treat them like they're not water resistant. So about this video. Judging from what you said in the video I can almost guarantee that treat your water resistant watch as if it's not water resistant. I would also guarantee that you probably take off your watch when you shower. The thing that tells me I'm right about your watch wearing habits is that you said your sweat is possibly causing the corrosion. If you were showering every day, or at least multiple times a week wearing the watch, sweat would never have a chance build up and then corrode the watch. I'd be willing to bet that people who said their watch corroded because they swam in the ocean are using their watches in the same way. Unless they are diving or swimming they are probably treating their 200, 300 meter water resistant diving watches as though they're not water resistant at all, and they probably take them off when they shower. For the record out of the many, many 3 ATM water resistant watches I've owned I've only had problems with water getting in the mechanism twice. The first time was my mistake in that the watch wasn't actually water resistant. The second time it was a cheap Chinese automatic-mechanical watch that claimed to be water resistant. I don't mean to sound rude or condescending (I know that's exactly how I'm sounding) it's just that basic logic says the reason you go out of your way to buy a water resistant watch is so that you do not have to take it off. I get rather perplexed and my brain says "illogical! Does not compute!! Meltdown imminent!" on why people treat their water resistant watches like they're not water resistant at all. For all intents and purposes my Vostok is waterproof not water resistant. I say that because there's no way I will ever get even a quarter the depth that the watch is rated for. So yeah it's waterproof. Again thank you for the video!

[@hb9145]

Most watches can survive a shower, but very few will survive years of lotion. ;)

[@larvancioramos9748]

Sweat baby sweat

[@kevorknourian5442]

I just bought one I wish watching the video before purchasing the watch

[@WatchGeek]

Just order the ss crown

[@matthewdavis8199]

@@WatchGeek in another reply you said the stem is titanium, so buying a stainless steel replacement would not solve the problem. Did I understand that correctly?

[@WatchGeek]

Apparently no, lubing everything prevents it

[@matthewdavis8199]

@@WatchGeek thank you for replying! I'm just going to use the same Seiko silicone I use on rubber seals. I would think that would work well. You may have saved many of us a lot of trouble by bringing this to our attention!

[@WatchGeek]

@@matthewdavis8199 it will work, I use generic gasket grease I bought on ebay and haven't had any corrosion since

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

My sympathies :(

[@BWo-bb1yw]

it's your watch use a hammer. great video.

[@RampartPh]

been considering to buy either this or a komanderskie. thanks for the heads up

[@daveho852]

found some rust on the crown tube of one of my 20 vostok mod, i just didn’t know what to do with it and hence ignored it. replacing a crown should be easy but not the crown tube... need to send back to Russia?

[@just_T4U]

crown tube is stainless needs just replace crown

[@michaelmichael5643]

does not make sense....

[@eeyyaakk6801]

First! So is it your fault or not?

[@simeonaleksiev8690]

eeyyaakk Oh God...

[@WatchGeek]

No, I just used it while sweating

[@eeyyaakk6801]

Watch Geek I always shower with mine. I assume it won't have the same effect as sweat.

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

If you lubricated the thread with a little silicon grease when you first had the watch, NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. Secondly you bought a modern Vostok Amphibia, the originals came with a stainless steel crown. These modern versions cut corners like this in order to increase profit.

[@UrologK]

Привет! Не переживай, это втулка может окисляться и ржаветь, она отдельно продаётся для корпуса стоит мало, зайди на сайт meranom .com там есть эти втулки, купи и поменяй, сможешь даже сам!

[@baconatordoom]

Wipe it down with Balistol or Rem oil.

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

Maybe you have a stainless crown and a brass stem. Maybe order a whole new case.

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

@Jorn Navarre Maybe. But sintered rubber is recycled tires. I remember an amazing playground surface when I was a kid made of it. www.rubberchemtechnol.org/doi/abs/10.5254/1.3547695?journalCode=rcat

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

@Jorn Navarre I've heard that they were initially sourced from the space program. I wouldn't care if they were made of tires. I am sure that would be an improvement on the deformed o-rings used in my watch. I ordered 5 Vostok Amphibias because I have been driven absolutely bonkers by my watch, which has been leaking since changing the battery. Been to the watchmaker 3 times and it still leaks! Sintering doesn't make stronger rubber. The case back seal works like an old fashioned mason jar lid patented in 1858. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason_jar

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

@Jorn Navarre I hope so too, but I have the urge to order more. I'm going to have to try the polishing. I am sure I am going to scratch them good. I get sand on me when I kiteboard, and that is the reason I need a watch, to know when to get out of the water to meet landlubbers or when the wind is forecasted to stop. I am so tempted to order more watches. I'm probably going to end up ordering a dozen replacement crystals. I live in Mexico and the Vostok seals make so much more sense here. There's a watchmaker down the street who can easily change the Vostok crystals, but the o-ring he put in my Bulova doesn't seal it. I do plan to order some spare cases which are cheaper than trying to get something leaking to not leak. I can mix and match innards to cases.

[@juliusbulle]

@@GeckoCkCkCk Also gonna use mine for Kitesurfing!

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

@@juliusbulle Mine have been great kitesurfing. Velcro and nato straps have worked really well. If the keepers aren't near the buckle on the rubber straps, the end comes out. Tucking the end back in causes crashes while kiteboarding.

[@just_T4U]

crown is not brass, its just steel not stainless! thats why rusts like shit only reason to fix it to change crown to old style brass ones or to real stainless

[@cmdrflint9115]

Pretty sure mine was chrome plated brass, the chrome plating has worn off in places and it's now mostly gold! Probably depends on the production year.

[@just_T4U]

@@cmdrflint9115 yes, 2017, 2018 and newer models comes with solid steel crown not brass

[@just_T4U]

@@cmdrflint9115 ur is old

[@cmdrflint9115]

@@just_T4U you're right, just looked through the old vostok catalogues to find the model I have.. turns out it was 1983!

[@RobertEWaters]

Fundamental design flaw, since most people sweat.

[@mongoel4496]

Your crown is a new stainless crown. Its in all new version cases like yours. The old brass crown was covered in thin crome sheet that had a polished finish. Not yours. Clean it with brush and add oil for the future.

[@WatchGeek]

I don't know, it sure doesn't feel like ss. It's very thin and the finish looks like what I am used to seeing on chromed parts, especially when looking at inner edges. I do hope you are right, and I will try the oil brush method

[@mongoel4496]

Vostok states that the crown tube is titanium and its press fit. You can purchase the tube from Meranom if you need. In order to see if its brass or SS crown, just open the case and pull out the crown and see the inner threads of the crown. Old crown has two layers, inner crown being brass crome plated that is attached to the clutch stem, outer being a sheet SS covering the crown. Your crown has a flat face with a circular brushed finish which is the new standard SS crown for most new cases. The old crown had a round face with a polished finish and the grooves were smoother like on a tin can. After watching your video I checked all my watches and sure did find one with a slight stain on the tube. Washed and brushed it with toothpaste, dried and oiled it today, so thanks for the vid.

[@WatchGeek]

Even using titanium is weird to me, why would you use different materials for different parts as you will get galvanic corrosion. Unfortunately I left my crown slightly unscrewed and now it has corroded inside in a way that I cannot screw it in all the way, so it will definitely be replaced. I'm glad you managed to get yours lubed in time

[@mongoel4496]

Not sure how and why Vostok upgraded the crown to SS but they stated that due to increasing demand in the past to change to SS crown is the reason. I do remember a lot of people had demended and I my self demanded a change for the solid SS crown in the past. The reason to use titanium is to achieve 20ATM and more by the flexibility of titanium which seals the crown and the case upon recieving water pressure, thats how I understood the Soviet design. The one watch I had the stain is indeed the new version case with the new standard SS crown from factory which has been in a pool once . All other watches including a vintage from the 80s with brass crown or mods with 35type SS crowns has never had stained untill now and all have been in sea water and sweat and soaped and a few without even never oiled, so this might be a corrosion ocurring only with new version standard SS crowns. Also it might be the SS material they used for the standard SS that react with titanium since the 35 type SS crowns doesn't stain in my case and they are with me longer. Try opening the case, pull out the crown and the movement, pull out the rubber gasket from the crown, wash the case and brush the tube with toothpaste or compound, do the same with the crown and let it dry. Watching your vid does look like your crown tube is not that a big problem, but if you say you cannot screw it back in, it might be burrs from the factory that is obstructing the threads. Some new cases I purchased had burrs in the crown ( incorrect threadings/ crown without gasket etc etc ...as well.) . A slight brushing helps a long way. And by the way, new cases without braking in does leave a slight gap between the crown and the case. its the fresh rubber gasket pushing out the crown. It will sink in after a period of use. just a side thought.

[@WatchGeek]

mongo El thanks for a very long and detailed answer. I have disassembled the crown and it was corroded even worse than the stem. I have since cleaned both, greased them and now everything is smooth. I hope it stays this way. I too believe it is a reaction between titanium and steel.

[@PanSearedRibeye68]

Give it a spray with WD40

[@WatchGeek]

I dont think that would be a smart thing to do 😃

[@marcovaleriart784]

The worst watch I ever had, mechanical problems to no end, then it stopped forever. My watchmaker told me that it was not worth even to disassemble it, he told me to throw it away. After about eight months from the purchase I threw it, a tip: do not buy it !!!!!!!!!!

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

I am sorry you got a bad one. :( I ordered a few Vostok Amphibias to replace my leaking Bulova which watchmaker also said couldn't be fixed after changing the battery. So I wanted to make cheaper bets. I wanted waterproof and cheap enough to toss. I am happy with the three I have received so far.

[@solstar4778]

Didn’t clean it at all, clean your watches !

[@WatchGeek]

I clean my watches very well and often