Vostok Amphibia- Video Response to all the haters

[@thewhippetwhispereretal4438]

Cheap, rugged, reliable and fun. I wear my Amphibia for work and it's never let me down in eight years.

[@tjsogmc]

I find myself wearing my Amphibia more often than any other watch I have. It's a workhorse, no doubt!

[@jeanmartox3570]

hello to France! Je porte mon Amphibia tout les jours aussi, et c'est du béton, excellente montre, 20 secondes par 24 heures d'avances d'usine! cette montre est une totale réussite! super vidéo, merci!

[@whatsstefon]

My 40 year old Amphibia still works well. Serviced twice.

[@hb9145]

@@whatsstefon Did you service it yourself? If not, how much did it cost?

[@whatsstefon]

@@hb9145 yes. I taught myself how to device mechanical watches.

[@MinefighterLP]

I don’t know what i expected, but pulling out an actual AK-47 out of the water was not on my list haha. Great video!

[@tjsogmc]

Soviet stuff may not be refined or pretty, but you have to admit it's damn rugged. :)

[@hb9145]

My Vostok was dead on arrival from Russia. A trip to the watchmaker revealed that two cogwheels were bent. He said it was easy to work with, so it cost much less than I thought, and the seller in Russia took the bill. I was very disappointed to find out that it was +2 minutes out of the box. However, after adjusting it, and I must have been lucky, it is a mere +1 second in 38 hours! These mechanisms will often take some time to settle in, so the accuracy probably won't last - but this was *much* better than expected. It runs like a Rolex, and probably better than many of them!

[@tjsogmc]

It's rare that a Vostok doesn't work out of the box, but it can happen to ANY watch (that is why there are warranties). I am happy to hear that the seller took care of it for you. I have found that most of these watches need a degaussing when they arrive- I don't know if they picked up their slight magnetics from the factory or in the long journey across the ocean. Most of them seem to run fast and it's not uncommon for them to be +90 seconds a day. You can adjust them to be better, but you always have to keep in mind that they are mechanical devices and they will vary depending on temperature and the activity of the wearer.

[@Csibu89]

I agree with the main things you said. I own a few Vostoks, you can regulate them easily yourself if you have a timegrapher, and yes they will stay somewhere close to that. They won't rival most luxury watches, but they aren't luxury watches. Vostoks are anything but luxury watches. If you love the design, go for it, not much to lose. These "oyster style" bracelets that you seem to have on yours don't nip your hair, but most of the factory bracelets actually do. The mesh straps are amazing for the price, and they have a few solid link bracelets as well as an add on these days, those are great. And you can always find aftermarket bracelets, straps, bezels, dials, anything, the Vostok modding scene is huge, so you can configure your own unique watch that will still not cost as much as a Seiko even, and will be somewhere around a similar performance in terms of water resistance and accuracy. Great watches, but you gotto love them for the right reasons to understand it.

[@JohnThomas-su5bw]

Your cat is sneaking up behind you Comrad

[@mickeydee3595]

His cat is a western spy

[@marcoferrari4285]

this is the best vostok promotion I have ever seen

[@SalilBahlthemanwithauke]

New replacement for "drop the mic" ...."picks up a AK 47"

[@24hourstime]

Enjoyed the video! Well done

[@tjsogmc]

Thank you!

[@frankieeisenberg6506]

It’s you!

[@Faetter-Blobs-Filmbiks]

Comrade Oleg

[@joecachia2]

Just ordered my first Vostok 710432, in the mail ... also have a blue bezel in the post as well from Meranom , cause , well just because its so darn easy to replace and play with those bezels and customize....I've known about these for quite a while but never bought one. I wish I never came across these watches... I think I might have another addiction. I'm already eyeing the 090 case , black dial and third party red Bezel for a Black-Bay look. I'm no expert , I just like to collect watches, and frankly don't have any thing that costs more than 500 Euro , but I really like the charm that comes with these things. They are called the AK47 of watches... Built well, built cheaply but reliable, not too refined and not the most accurate,but they get the job done, and most never exceed 65 Euros . Their construction is full of unusual engineering, which I think is the most appealing thing about them.I was never bothered with accuracy as I cycle between watches too often , so like you said you end up having to set them anyway . I change my watch daily. Can't wait for mine. Nice Video.

[@tjsogmc]

They are strangely addicting. I don't know why. The price certainly makes it easy to purchase, and they do come in a huge variety of options. Maybe it's because they are mechanical and that is something we simply don't see anymore? In any event, I'm still wearing my Amphibia. It's on my wrist right now and it's settled down to 2 minutes fast every month- which is +4 seconds a day and that is within the COSC specifications of -4/+6 per day for a chronometer. In other words, it keeps time as well as a Rolex. It's become my go-to watch for everyday use. My G-shock is jealous I think....

[@bg-id1uo]

@@tjsogmc lol Vostoks are battle tested tough and compelling eye candy too in our 24/7 digital age

[@MrDDDD334]

The most interesting thing in this review is that after taking the AK out of the water, it will work :) Сomrade, thanks for the Amphibia:) From Russia with love

[@tjsogmc]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I like the way Russians build things: simple, rugged, and easy to repair.

[@MrDDDD334]

@@tjsogmcNeal Stephenson. Cryptonomicon "Ask a Soviet engineer to design a pair of shoes and he'll come up with something that looks like the boxes that the shoes came in; ask him to make something that will massacre Germans, and he turns into Thomas Fucking Edison." . That's how we live :-D

[@shawnmohamed6034]

My green Amphibian Classic 170893 should be arriving in 4 days. Just around 10 days total shipping time from Russia to Toronto. The shark mesh band to go with it, ordered from the US, will arrive a few days after the watch. Can’t wait!!

[@tjsogmc]

Good for you! I've noticed unusual delays in shipping due to the Christmas backlog and staffing shortages due to Covid. I just got a package of parts yesterday that was shipped in mid December.

[@suthaharkrisnan2060]

Bless your heart,Red Scorpion Six. I enjoyed the video very much. I too have a Vostok Amphibia Scuba dude Green dial..It has the robustness,history and reliability without the BS marketing and pricing of so called "tool/luxury watches" cough cough Rolex, AP,etc..it's tough, functional and most of all, fun 😀

[@eliakuiper4266]

I don't care if they gain or lose 2 mins a day, love them

[@louise7168]

Can I ask why you’re wearing a soviet uniform ?

[@tjsogmc]

Laundry day. Nothing clean. I can't very well walk around naked now, can I? :)

[@louise7168]

Red Scorpion 6 aah I just thought you were a really hardcore Vostok fan

[@tjsogmc]

Well, yeah, kinda, in a tangential sort of way. I'm far from a "fanboy" of any product (they all have ups and downs), but I do like Russian watches because of the history, durability, and low cost. As far as the uniform is concerned, all kidding aside, I am a bit of a hobbyist when it comes to the Cold War. I have an extensive collection of Soviet era uniforms, field gear, propaganda, and weapons. I don't do re-enactments, but I do "living history" where I use the clothing, materials, and whatever else from the era to experience history in "real life". Sometimes I give talks at schools or public events where I discuss the history of the Cold War, the Soviet Union, and why Communism is an extraordinarily bad idea because it failed in 97 countries. And it's fun to wear one of my uniforms out and about and see how many places automaticaly give me a military discount without even asking to see my real military ID card. I would think that less than 5% of the current population could identify the uniform as Soviet, 10% would probably know that the Soviet Union no longer exists (most think that it still does), and maybe 30% might identify the uniform as at least being Russian in origin (although that is not the same as Soviet).

[@JosephsCoat]

@@tjsogmc you can’t kill Ukrainians naked, can ya

[@pmimagery1295]

Great video, thanks! I've become a Vostok watch fan recently for all the reasons you state. I want to see you fire your AK47.

[@tjsogmc]

Thanks! I will probably post a video of the shooting range in the spring, I'm just terribly busy with work right now that I can't find time to do the important things in life :)

[@evolvedape9171]

I own many watches from different continents and I love them all, but my favorites are always Russian-made.

[@ld4586]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alexmatei7820]

Well done sir! I love my vostok amphibia❤️

[@tjsogmc]

I do too! I just picked up a 710059 case (rectangular with 20mm band) in blue. It's a very sharp looking watch and new out of the box it's running 10 seconds fast. I'll give it a few weeks to settle and then I'll regulate it down to about 5. that's the best I can get them to run, which is actually very good for a mechanical.

[@RayAzul7]

Lol took me by surprise at the end of the video 🤣

[@JoeyDrones]

I have 4 Komandirskie and 2 Amphibian. I use them every day even to shower. Great watch and affordable i agree. Thanks for the Video

[@tjsogmc]

I wear the amphibia as my everyday watch. Never had a single problem with it. I have a komandirski that is my most accurate mechanical watch, but I don't like the color and case. Can't have everything I guess. :)

[@user-jd6ev6kz1y]

@@tjsogmc we don't use AK guns in other watches :) there are things more expensive from the company Vostok vostokwatch.ru/products/category/chasy-naruchnye-amfibia-turbina-reef-scuba

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

You raised a good point about the bracelet on Vostok watches. I keep mine as original as possible on Vostok bracelets and they are loose enough at the link not to tug out hairs. But I've had expensive bracelets with their close fitting links, all very highly engineered and they do nothing more than pinch and rip out hair no matter how you adjust them. Great Video, keep flying the flag. ⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚

[@joneslarvell2075]

hahaha.... very entertaining video man! I was wandering, if this video was a bit longer, what else would come out of that lake... pond... thingy! hahaha... 🤣 Couldn’t agree more about your points 😉

[@tjsogmc]

I'm still wearing the watch nearly every day and it's still holding up extremely well. As for the pond- probably better not to ask ;)

[@BushCampingTools]

I'm thinking of getting one, the newer, turbina model.

[@tjsogmc]

I don't have much experience with the newer ones, but from what I hear they are very good. Certainly affordable!

[@marcellowoodford4048]

Ha,the Voice of Reason-Totally Agree with you Mr Scorpion-And I Like Vostoks (etc) Too! x M

[@bereadyeveryday6764]

Okay, that was fun. Thanks for that!

[@vonmurd3r]

Thank you, Red Scorpion 6.

[@sgtredrhino2009]

I set my invicta almost exactly 24 hours ago and it's slow by 4 seconds. Just got it a month ago. Maybe I'm lucky but an invicta is a tad bit more than a vostok so that could be it too. Either way both great watches!

[@Happy357mag]

I'm surprised the G-Shock didn't explode when it touched the vostok!

[@blankblank9819]

Exactly! Why can't you have and wear a variety of watches. Great response. Thank you 👍

[@Faetter-Blobs-Filmbiks]

You have made the motherland proud comrade

[@richardalanduncan]

This! Made me smile. 👊👍😊

[@barreltech8949]

Go one coming in the mail, can’t wait to try it out

[@ogivecrush]

Totally cool! First, you're a badass for sticking your hand in that nasty whatever-it-was. Second, I love the Red Army uniform. As a young man I was a soldier in the U.S. Army's Rapid Deployment Forces (101st Abn.Div. (AASLT) and we had to be pretty familiar with Soviet gear. Good times, training for WW III. Third, I love those watches. Sort of epitomizes the chunky clunky yeah-but-but-it-works-pretty-damn-good school of Soviet design........

[@tjsogmc]

I agree! That water was nasty, but I survived, so did the watch and the AK. I was also a Cold War soldier. Very familiar with Soviet era military. It's fun to wear the uniform and count how many people have no clue whatsoever what it is, I even got a free meal at a restaurant and was thanked for my service! Sad really, since Communism killed nearly 100 million people.

[@ogivecrush]

Yes indeed. Still, as you demonstrate so well the Soviets had a way with design. I'm not a true watch maven, and until I saw this video I had no real familiarity with Vostok watches; now, of course I have to have one. I don't own an AK, but I do have an SKS which is a fine weapon in its own right and a classic exemplar of Soviet engineering. BTW if you've never read "Let's Put the Future Behind Us" by Jack Womack you really should.

[@tjsogmc]

@@ogivecrush I also have an SKS. I like it quite a lot. It's a true workhorse of a rifle. Absolutely built like a Soviet tractor :) Many products of the Soviet era are rough and tough. They put priority on ease of manufacture and durability over refinement. So while many of their manufactured goods appear crude, they will work- always. Hot, cold, snow, rain, whatever. They will work. They will also never win any beauty contests, but that makes them have a charm all their own none the less.

[@bombadil669]

I bought last month 3 vintage vostok amphibias(with black.blue and green faces) from the 70ties. All 3 with tonneau case, Pedalhands👍👍👍and the 2209 cal. Made in Ussr! All 3 running very good. The AK47 of watches.

[@Csibu89]

the 2209kal is the manual wound if im correct. those are rumored to be even better performing after regulation than the newer automatic movements they make.

[@ndane2]

that water looks like it would be infested with Naegleria fowleri

[@jamie74gemini87]

It was like Thor’s hammer hitting Capt’s shield watching the Vostok touch that G Shock. 💥

[@ichicolla]

well what can i say, the only thing that i really don't like about vostok is their "leather" straps, but not a big deal, i just go to my work table, grab my tools and craft my own leather straps, nice watches really love my vostoks.

[@tjsogmc]

I wasn't much of a fan of them either, but like everything else Russian- what they lack in looks and finish quality is made up for in durability.

[@degenerateWA]

Love your statement at 1:56. Would you be opposed to me using that clip from this video in my upcoming video?

[@tjsogmc]

Go ahead, share it! I don't have any copyright claims on anything- my channel is just for fun and not for revenue.

[@degenerateWA]

@@tjsogmc decent. I'm the same way. Only do this for fun. We might be the rare unicorn watch reviewers that share watches without the intent of making money lol.

[@Muiscfromthealps]

i really thought you were Walter White, the Thumbnail i thought was a scene or ad from breaking bad for vostok

[@BubblesandthePurrMonster]

What else is in the pond?

[@NotAWatchSnob]

I love this

[@artemiyt3597]

What a great true review thanks!

[@francoisbelangerboisclair]

I wear an Amphibian Classic 110649 at the office everyday. It's a really good watch for the price. Well, if you regulate it! For the bracelet... I replaced mine for a mesh bracelet with a butterfly clasp from Menanom. I did the change because the stock version is too light in my taste.

[@teddyhenriquez5192]

Noted I enjoyed your radical video. Thinking about getting one for myself "Vostok Amphibia Reef Automatic Diver 200m"

[@tjsogmc]

Some people love the Bostok watch, others end up being disappointed with it. I think it comes down to expectations. The Amphibia is a mechanical watch that tells time. That's it. You can't surf the internet with it, but you can go surfing while wearing it ;) It's not fancy, but it's rock solid.

[@teddyhenriquez5192]

@@tjsogmc I just received my Vostok Komandirskie 650856. I got it from amazon I've been using it for a week now accuracy spot on I got it with the green bezel and Dial. Now I want the yellow, red, and blue that's how much I love this watch :)

[@DD-ix3bm]

@@teddyhenriquez5192 just don't go swimming with your komandirskie on! I think they're only rated at like 20m wr!

[@ignisnatura1067]

I agree

[@J0hnny8ravo]

I have a variety of amphibia watches. Happy together!

[@evangelos12345]

Very nice watch for the money i have and love it

[@hxkdneuxbxjdidndnxj]

respect for the uniform!

[@solarflare8905]

Excellent presentation!Thank you for being objective...The ESS is Russian too...

[@tjsogmc]

Thank you for your comment! I do try to be objective and not just a "fan boy" of a particular brand. I also don't like to make comparison videos where a product from brand X is compared to something from brand Y. The Amphibia, and by extension, the Komanderski, are very good watches that will give years of trouble free service at an affordable price. They have their faults as well. But it's up to the individual to decide if the performance of the watch is balanced against the flaws and then determine for themselves if it's the right choice to meet their needs. For example, there are many vids out there that compare the Amphibia to a Submariner. That is not a fair comparison at all and I don't understand it's relevance. A Submariner costs literally 100 times that of an Amphibia. At 100 times the cost, I would expect 100 times the performance/value. But then to say the Amphibia is crap because it doesn't perform on the same level as another watch that is 100 times the cost is completely meaningless.

[@michelsomville3209]

Poljot is supposed to be pronounced "paliot". Great video btw. Thx.

[@marios5544]

It is not a soviet watch it is a cheap Russian watch and new models are suffering of crown corrosion (without any saltwater usage and after only 6/7 months of usage )

[@benno66691]

Galvanic corrosion. When 2 different metals touch each other. No problem on mine. Stainless steel case and crown

[@DanaTheInsane]

If you buy a Komandirskie and not an Amphibia. then its stainless on stainless.

[@eugenioordonez5480]

Great video! I´m really thinking on buying one. Are youn in Instagram or somewhere where we get a closer wrist shot with the vostok and a formal suit like your are wearing?

[@tjsogmc]

Glad you like the video! No, I am not on Instagram, sorry.

[@thomaswright7270]

Proud Bostock club memeber here

[@kgbhui]

0:55 Comrade cat comes by =D

[@tjsogmc]

That's the little commissar checking in to be sure I'm a loyal party member :)

[@ManishSahay]

Very well done, Sir! :)

[@tjsogmc]

Thank you! I try to do my best with limited funds, limited time, and limited skills. That's why I like to keep my videos short- less chance of putting people to sleep ;)

[@pepebel2809]

Good vídeo, could you make a review about your G-Shock?

[@tjsogmc]

I've been planning on doing one for a while. I like the G-shocks because they are tough as nails and a good watch for wearing out in the field. But I don't really like the way the look overall. When I'm out camping or doing woodcraft I will have the G-shock with me instead of an amphibia or komandirskie- mainly because it has an alarm and a night light. The only G-shock I like is the model DW5600E-1V which looks a lot like the classic FW91 which is a digital readout even though I much prefer the analog (can't have everything!). But to each his own, as a matter of asthetics who can be right or wrong? Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Liberty-rn4wy]

Heisenberg survived Breaking Bad. Here is the proof.

[@JAMESWUERTELE]

I just ordered one, they look pretty awesome. I wanted the 24hr for work.

[@BigDuke6ixx]

Great video. Love my amphibia. Lots of bedwetter hate them, but those people all smell of wee.

[@tjsogmc]

:) I've never said the Vostoks were the best in the world, only that they are affordable and a lot of fun to wear. Haters gonna hate, but who cares what they think anyways.

[@burakkumdakc3913]

Which vostok model you are wearing sir? By the way this is a fun video you should make watch reviews :)

[@tjsogmc]

It's the classic 420. I would like to do many more review videos, but I have little time because of work and family. Maybe if I hit the lottery? :)

[@burakkumdakc3913]

@@tjsogmc 420 but which one scuba dude.?

[@tjsogmc]

@@burakkumdakc3913 Yes, Scuba Dude with the black face. picked it up for $30 on OfferUp and it had the box, papers, and three straps.

[@ginoongboyong]

Wahaha! Nice!

[@han7902]

Algey filled pond, perfect for Russian watches and guns!

[@ianhand5006]

The USSR made excellent photographic gear too!

[@tjsogmc]

Indeed, the Zenit cameras and lenses are surprisingly good.

[@jimrees1778]

Good video! I have many watches, however my Amphibia stays on my wrist. I never have to adjust the time, and never take it off even to shower. It's a comfortable watch that you never have to worry about, and one that is always accurate. By far, Vostoks are the best watch value on the planet. Try to find a negative review on Vostoks. Good luck on that !

[@johnrooney507]

I definitely like not setting the time since I don't wear it more than once or twice a week.

[@MCPOSJ117films]

I seek the treasures of your pond

[@tjsogmc]

Careful what you wish for :) Even I don't know what's down there...

[@Webial]

Love you

[@hacevedo77]

El AK al final si me hizo reír. Saludos, buen video. (I can write in english… But you need to practice spanish. Greetings!!!)

[@markmeyers160]

Love it. I'm a Bostok addict. You prefer CCCP era? That's all I own, lol....Something about a watch made in a communist state *FOR* a communist state intrigues me. Nicely done, comrade .

[@tjsogmc]

Actually, I prefer the modern Amphibia to the CCCP era. The old watches are very hard to come by and many of the ones I've seen are fakes. Besides, the factory is still using the exact same machinery and methods to make the watches, so I figure I am getting the same watch, only it's new and I don't have to worry about whether or not some monkey got to it and screwed it around. I have other Bostok watches from the CCCP era and I love them a lot. I really like the way the people expressed themselves with the creativity of the watch face designs under a system that discourages individual expression. I also have Raketas and Poljot watches. I have 2 Slava watches (one quartz) and also a Luch. I like the Raketa 24 hour watches, but Bostoks are still my favorite.

[@markmeyers160]

@@tjsogmc Wow. I just started collecting -- I've found a great deal of reputable sellers on eBay. Granted, some are Frankensteined with different cases, or hands, but the only "fake" ones that I've seen are replicas or just new advertised as vintage. All my purchases were advertised as "serviced" and in good working condition. Out of 13, only one is unaccetably slow . But I totally want to learn how to regulate them. I too also have about 7 Kommandirskies. great watches. The charm and cool factor is surpassed by none. Tnx, comrade.

[@tjsogmc]

@@markmeyers160 it's been my experience that watches advertised as "serviced" generally aren't. I don't think the people in Russia/Ukraine understand what that means, either that or they are just using it for a sales pitch. And it certainly hasn't been serviced if they are selling the watch for 20 or 30 dollars. The lowest price in my area I can get a watch serviced is $80. With that said, if I see a watch that looks like it's been taken care of I will buy it, then have it serviced myself. This of course adds $80 to the price, but for a nice CCCP era watch with a good face and case I can justify doing that. That is part of the reason why I like new Amphibias- they are already clean and good to go out of the box. A new Komanderski runs about $40 now and that's a good price. My CCCP watches have been very carefully selected from private sellers with 99% or higher ratings. I have been fortunate and every one of them was mechanically sound and after servicing run great.

[@markmeyers160]

@@tjsogmc Totally. I get it. When I see "serviced" I just take that as "IT WORKS", lol...I just like the history of the CCCP era watches, lol. I got a REALLY nice CCCP Scuba Dude in near mint condition for around $280. And I spent $100 on a beautiful "Radio Room"... idk. I think they're the coolest watches out there. Perfect blend of fashion and function. I have 13 in total now I think. I'm addicted. Thanks for the feedback.

[@danshakuimo]

@@tjsogmc Wait are there really that many fake Vostoks out there? I have a CCCP made one that seems legit, but now I'm concerned. It's one of those with the antimagnetic shield and algae green + white fade dials, but mines is in a 420 case which is unusual. One of the good things about the new watches is the new lume though, that is something that is different but is an improvement.

[@barabasgezu]

You are entertaining

[@kingston6356]

Great vdeo my dude!

[@devilslayerthesaintofkille1317]

Raketa Amphibia is even better.

[@Barnaby_bo]

Where's the t-34? I was waiting for it to drive out of the pond.

[@tjsogmc]

I was going to do that, but got a little water in the carburetor and it wouldn't start :)

[@Barnaby_bo]

@@tjsogmc Must have been a fake. Real t-34 wouldn't be bothered by a little water

[@tjsogmc]

@@Barnaby_bo probably the Chinese version of the T-34

[@markam306]

The T-34 used a diesel V12 engine, thus no carburetor. Perhaps water in the fuel ?

[@krishnam5217]

Heisenberg

[@user-rx3ph3ox4i]

I do like the Americans so much! 🤗

[@tjsogmc]

Thanks! I have always felt than the American and Russian people are very much alike. lt's a shame that our governments can't work together.

[@brianbuchert6382]

Ok he put some time and effort into his uniform! A little disturbing but while there’s nothing wrong with buying a Russian watch or rifle but if you have a a soviet military uniform to the point that it fits and you wear it is more than worrying

[@DanaTheInsane]

A re-enactor possibly? Lots of them.

[@zillsburyy1]

soviet fanboy

[@user-lh7og9lu4p]

Советская форма) фанат СССР. Правильно, проявляй уважение к моей стране! Командирские, Амфибия от Восток тоже часть истории и наша гордость!

[@DanaTheInsane]

I wish I could have visited the Soviet Union. Russia in its current configuration would be very bad for my health.

[@Freigh199X]

Правильно товарищ!

[@lex0072001]

Привет из России! Прекрасный обзор.

[@user-lh7og9lu4p]

For this Russian uniform, you need Komandirskie 1965, see Meranom.com Восток 👍 Заказ МО СССР👊

[@tjsogmc]

Yes, that is a very pretty watch. It's on my list of things to get. Maybe later this year.

[@dobromirdim]

It's made in Russia. That's enough. Low level accuracy, low level material and is a junk.

[@DanaTheInsane]

Dipshit.

[@TypeSly]

I have a Vostok because it looks great, well priced, and basically just to have a Russian watch... But it's still a POS.

[@tjsogmc]

In what way do you define a POS? I'm just wondering because most of the arguments I hear about why they are a POS are related to any generic mechanical movement watch. I'm interested in understanding your point of view, not in trying to change it. Thanks!

[@TypeSly]

Okay, let me say first that I LOVE my Vostok. It's just so unique looking, and it goes awesome with any color of nato strap. It's definitely a must-have in any collection... But let's be honest, the fit and finish of a entry level Seiko just blows this one out of the water. There's a lot of rough edges with the hands and dial. I thought the bezel was loose to begin with, but now it's got even looser! My Vostok started at +30 to +35 seconds out of the box (but it's getting a little better with time). The time and date set suck, and does anyone actually get 31 hours reserve out of their's? After wearing it a whole day, if I don't wind it the next morning, it will stop that same day. I'm not even gonna start on the bracelet. Having said that, this watch generates a lot of interest / curiosity. I also find myself really enjoying mine for some reason, and I tend to look at it a whole bunch. I like the look of my 420 so much, that I plan to buy another to mod (so I can keep this one original). I guess I say a POS because I wouldn't trust this watch with my life, or even my time. But it sure is a fun watch to own! I don't know why I like it, I just do. Thanks for your review :)

[@tjsogmc]

I understand where you are coming from. But the accuracy issues can be easily taken care of by regulating the watch. You can do it yourself, or take it to a watchmaker and have them do it for you. My Vostoks are all regulated to within 5 seconds a day- and for comparison a Rolex is rated for +/- 2 (twice the accuracy at 250 times the cost). The reserve power is based on a full wind, and yes I do get full power. But it's a mechanical auto winder- the amount of reserve depends a great deal on how much the wearer moves around. I move around a lot, so my watch stores a lot of energy. I bought the watch for $30 from a guy who worked in an office and he had the same problem as you- no reserve power even after wearing it all day. The watch is fine, it's simply a matter of the wearer. Again, the bracelet? Never had any of the problems everybody says they experience. Never had one break, never had one pull my arm hairs. They need to be adjusted by removing links, then positioning the adjuster on the clasp for a perfect fit. And for the bezel, have you ever seen or heard of anybody actually using one for more than just playing with it? No? So what does it matter then? I've seen a lot of watches that have a bezel molded into the case for show. I use my bezel every now and then to time my dinner cooking or how long the kids have been in the pool, but for anything more serious, no? Who uses a bezel? And yes, the fit and finish aren't up to the standards of the Japanese or many other Western manufacturers. But it's important to remember that Soviet (Communist) mentality was function over form. As long as it worked, they not only didn't care about the finish, but in many cases felt that a polished look was akin to puttin on airs and not very social to your neighbors. The illum is garbage- I will give you that. No need to lie about the illum lasting 4 or 5 minutes at best. Just pretend that it has none and you'll be fine :) As far a trusting you life to a watch- well I'm not sure when you life will depend on a watch, but for me I trust my life to no mechanical device at all, no even my G-shock. Everything made by humans is subject to fail. But I do trust the watch to keep me on time and so far it's not let me down. Even a digital watch can keep bad time if it has a weak battery- so it's always best to have a backup. The Vostoks, or any Russian watch for that matter, are not everybody's cup of tea. They are chunky, funky, and quirky. Mechanical watches in a time where we are two generations into the quartz watch era where most people under the age of 40 have never seen a mechanical watch or have any idea how to use them correctly. But as I said in the video, watches can and should be for fun- and it's ok to have more than one! I appreciate your insight and thank you for sharing!

[@TypeSly]

Good points! And thank you for your video, I enjoyed it :) I have the Amphibia 420, and I just ordered the 2018 Neptune. Like you state in your video, these are really fun to wear because they're really like nothing else. One big positive the Vostoks have going for them, is they actually have a quite a refined movement. Becasue they have 31 jewels, I actually do believe that they can go 10 years without servicing. More jewels, less friction = less wear and tear on the parts. Not many other companies can state that! Enjoy your watch and keep making interesting videos! Cheers.

[@tjsogmc]

I will say one more thing- when comparing the Vostok to the Seiko, remember that the Seiko 5 is automatic ONLY with no mechanical wind capability. It will run down overnight for most users. You see, every watch has it's ups and downs :) That is why I never try to compare X to Y, instead, I state the plus/minuses of X, or Y, and leave it up to you to make a decision if the item meets your needs or not. It's really not fair to make comparisons- Rolex vs. Vostok? One costs $60, the other $10k. For 10k I damn sure as hell better get a better watch than the $60 Vostok. Not a fair comparison at all, but people like to make it anyway. A comparison like that tells me nothing about the watch that is in my price range other than the fact that the watch I can't afford is better. But what I would want to know is if the $60 Vostok could perform it's function adequately for the price I pay. You mention the 31 jewels, and yes, it will last 10 or more years, but why spend $100 after 10 years to service a watch when you could just buy a new one for less? After 10 years the watch is probably looking a bit shabby anyways- and there are always more interesting and colorful Vostoks to be had....