Vostok Amphibian Review

[@369168]

The wobbly crown is not a defect. It mitigates the chances of damaging the winding stem during winding by minimizing lateral stress to the winding stem during winding

[@neutronalchemist3241]

Other than that, the wobbly crown is required by the compression gasket system (similar to that of the caseback), that, by the way, is the most intelligent watch gasket system ever.

[@369168]

why does the compression gasket system require that the crown be wobbly ? thanks!

[@neutronalchemist3241]

NO BULLS**T WRISTWATCH REVIEWS Cause the crown can't be firmly attached to the stem, if it, at the same time, have to act as a screw cap and compress the gasket to the case. It's made so that the cap engages the stem only when you are pulling it, but is detached when you are pushing.

[@911naimplate]

I'm a big fan of these watches. Provided you do not get a dud, the Amphibian should last a lifetime. It’s a conversation starter. It looks like it is worth far more money than it actually is. The build quality is impressive and I am comparing it to several quality watches that I own. While not made as well, at approximately 1/10 or 1/20th the cost of several much higher end watches, the watch truly is impressive. The only real complaint I have is that the Lume is horrible and literally lasts about 5-10 minutes which is a joke. Other than that, the watch is impressive and I plan on buying several more for myself and family members.

[@369168]

It's a very sturdy watch for the money. The lume is terrible, but it's pretty much what I would expect for a sub $ 50 timepiece.

[@nunomc2815]

Great great review. Objective and complete, giving full cover on this amazing watch for the money. A person who embraces a review of a Rolex, Omega or Patek with the same passion that he uses to describe a watch like this, deserves my admiration, amongst so many "reviewers" or so called experts on this domain. Congratulations for your channel.

[@mirzasaj]

i have 12 omegas 2 rados 1 seiko and 6 vostoks in my collection im im love with its manual movements i have one vostok watch from my dad in 1980s its still running without any service done to it. vostoks are the real time keepers.

[@369168]

+Nuno MC All watches have their story to tell, be it a $ 25 Vostok or a north of 5K big watch brand. thanks for continuing to tune it, much appreciated :)

[@ScottAReid]

i have a vostok from Russia that my friend brought me back in 1995 and it still runs without servicing. KEEP IN MIND though, running does not mean they do not need servicing. all watches need cleaned and oiled lest you do wear on the movement. but, for the $ of the watch, does not make sense to pay more than that price for servicing (cleaning and oiling) so i let her run.

[@pacocandano]

you can easily adjust its timing to near cosc standards with a little fiddling.....try it and you will appreciate in full one of the best watches EVER!

[@369168]

I actually read about this is one of my books on Russian watches. It never ceases to amaze me that someone would go to so much trouble to replicate an already inexpensive watch. thanks for watching :)

[@chrisguthrie5008]

Great review! I have two of these and I think they're great. Although I have a few more expensive Swiss dive and sport watches, my 'dude' gets a lot of wrist time. I think Russian watches in general are underrated.

[@Plush_god13]

These watches are tough as fuck. I wear one to work(I'm a bricklayer) for 5 years. Nothing can kill them. But they run ahead 15 second a day.

[@zzyzxzee6374]

But they can be.accurized to 1 sec easily for about $20

[@alexfogg236]

For anyone who cares Vostok means East in Russian and it was the name for the first series of spacecraft used by the Soviets during the early part of the space race.

[@369168]

Yes, thank you for that info, and thank you for watching

[@simonsimonsen7082]

Pardon my french, but i read a LOT of bullshit in here. Now some of you guys tend to forget the actual quality in direct comparison with the price! OK?. Does the Vostok Amphibia deliver quality for the money?. Yes it does. Is it reliable and sturdy? Yes it is. Do you get quality for as little as 64,- EUR = 71,- USD? Oh yes you do... In fact you get a damned good watch, that will serve you for many many years....

[@zzyzxzee6374]

True that!

[@rokokoko123]

Amphibia case is SS, and komandirskie is chrome plated brass

[@369168]

Good question. I generally turn the hands clockwise, but sometimes I will turn it counter clockwise if the time I want to set it to is just slightly ahead of the time shown on the watch . Eg watch is 9:15, and I want to set it to 9:00. I think it's ok on most modern watches but this is a sweeping generalization and will depend greatly on the specific watch and whatever complications the watch has...bottom line is to read the manual. On this Vostok turning the hands backwards is not a problem because that is the way to "quickset the date".

[@ZGRAKIJU]

It's wobbly to allow perfect fit once screwed down. There is a gasket inside.

[@369168]

Yes

These watches are the best you can get for under $100. (in my opinion) They are beyond tough. Videos on youtube show people driving trucks over them. One guy put his in a pressure can, filled it with water and pressurized it to the equivalent of 170 meters.(now that's waterproof) The crystal (lens) on mine has never lost a battle with any material that it contacts. These are real watches not toys. Comparatively, they are UNDER priced. With a 10 year service life ( 10 years before you MAY need to have it inspected and lubricated) you can't go wrong. The selection of cases, dials and colours is extensive, if you keep looking you WILL find one that pushes your buttons. EBAY has lots of them to look at. I ordered mine because it was the best looking watch I have ever seen. Super tough, beautiful, waterproof, automatic....$66us...unbelievable. One thing...these watches usually come on bands\bracelets that will do the job, but feel cheap. They were sold in Russia for decades with no band at all, just the watch. It's Ok though, you can order the band you like and switch it out for your perfect watch.

[@Mineav]

+Central Scrutinizer Which model of Vostok did you buy? How accurate does it keep time? Just curious, thanks.

[@jameshaury2716]

+Central Scrutinizer - Professional divers use a dive computer anyway the watch is aan adjunct.

[@jameshaury2716]

+Central Scrutinizer- Meranom.com-Solod.com, ETC

[@369168]

+James haury that's right, these days the watch is a backup

[@zzyzxzee6374]

+Central Scrutinizer bought 2 from russian sellers, i found them to be prompt,reliable,and trustworthy!

[@peterjg]

Thanks for another great watch review. This one isn't really my type of watch but was still very interesting to see and learn about a watch and brand that I didn't know anything about. Keep the reviews coming! Thanks again.

[@369168]

To be honest, there was a period of time when I thought of this watch and Russian watches in general as being inexpensive "souvenir type" watches, but after learning more and more about them I found that these watches have an interesting history unto itself. thanks again for watching and for chiming in.

[@369168]

Thanks for watching and for the suggestion. A pointer would definitely be better than my thumb. :)

[@369168]

There is too much positional deviation in my particular Amphibian that will allow me to adjust it to within COSC standards, believe me I tried. The most accurate Vostok I have is a Vostok Precision which does a consistent +3 sec/day (I will review this watch in the near future)

[@J0hnny8ravo]

So I guess I'm the lucky one? 6 seconds fast in 3 weeks without regulating the damn thing, just wore it 24/7. Same case, without date.

[@369168]

yes, you are definitely one of the lucky ones. My most accurate russian watch is a Komandirksie that does about + 3 sec/day and tthat's after regulating it.

[@andershoel78]

Maybe these watch is Chinese. The back dont look like mine.

[@brianbuchert6382]

I just bought the 710657 black face with the red scuba dude and it looks and runs great! I’m not sure if I want to modify it or buy another model!? I do like the stock look and I’d have to buy equipment as I’m interested in doing the bezel, face, minute/second hands so I’ll have to think about it but love it in stock form too!

[@369168]

It's a tough decision. I guess you gotta see if the other models meet your criteria. If not mod away :)

[@adamgreene831]

An absolutely FANTASTIC review! well done sir

[@369168]

glad you enjoyed it. thanks so much for watching

[@369168]

thanks so much !

[@neilpiper9889]

I have the same dial but on the ministry cushion case. It is my daily wearer. I don't beat my watch.I love it just the way she is. Original bracelet with a nice B for Boktok on it. Thanks for the very informative video.

[@369168]

your very welcome ! thanks for watching and commenting

[@369168]

great think about Russian watches is that you've got so many choices in terms of dial and case combos, not to mention long lasting sturdy movements, and the price is always nice :)

[@369168]

In response to "Kenny ginger"'s question about the lug width, it's 18mm

[@backlash1328]

The crown is loose like that for a reason, its to protect the stem from breaking in case you bump the crown while winding it or setting the time.

[@369168]

Back lash I guess the slackness gives the crown some "give" or leeway in case it gets bumped. thanks for the clarification.

[@PeresD]

Back lash never thought of that,makes sense.

[@ulph69swe]

Yes, the bezel is made of brass, chrome plated. The crown won't fall off. Thanks, great vid!

[@369168]

+Ulph Wahlbom thanks for the confirmation , and thanks for watching ! :)

[@realtalk1368]

They actually sold them in store, similar to our military px. They weren’t issued. They are looked at as junk in Russia , although I’m a fan. Nice date tip. I didn’t know that. Thx

[@369168]

yes they were. service life of these watches is supposed to be 10 years. once the watches failed, you'd chuck'em and get another one. In reality though, if you serviced the watch it could last alot longer.

[@cloudyskies7754]

Water resistance is measured under static conditions, no water movement or watch movement. With a 100 meter watch, if u go down 10 meters and move ur arm, not static, and the watch is done. 100 meter watch is good for snorkeling but not diving. 200 meter light diving but not deep. 300 meter watch is considered a true divers watch. 200 meters are called professional, but not true divers. I dont dive, just read alot about what i own. I love the look of this watch, and no doubt looks like a rugged watch. This will be my next watch.

[@mirzasaj]

who goes for a swim with a watch?

[@zzyzxzee6374]

You wont be dissapointed buying one of these. A must for any collection even high end ones

[@brianbuchert6382]

Um the Russian navy used these to dive with I’m pretty sure these can do the job!

[@roccotool]

I always open the case to make sure the movement isn't a Chinese one. These and the Komandirskies are heavily replicated.

[@Boerje69]

Isn't it harmful for mechanical watch to turn the hands backwards?

[@369168]

Note below.. I meant Russian watches are underrated not overrated.

[@neilpiper9889]

I prefer my Vostoks to be slightly fast rather than slightly slow. Easier to back wind light pressure hold to stop the hands and wait for my radio controlled clock to catch up. Then release the crown. Also a slightly fast watch means you are never late.

[@369168]

absolutely ! I always try to get my watches to run a few seconds in the plus if possible.

[@cloudywinter6828]

Thanks for review...I must have gotten extremely lucky...My Vostok Automatic only loses 2 seconds a day...it is 3 years old....and i wear it plenty...The only negative is that the case is showing some wear and you can see the brass underneath the chrome plating...and my crown is completely chrome free and shows brass as well...that is the only complaint and it is not even a complaint...I love the watch and will be getting "the scuba dude" next...just not sure what color...blue..Black or Green...suggestions??

[@369168]

that's excellent timing for a Vostok (or for any mech. watch for that matter). as for which scuba dude to get next, I'm partial to either blue or black, but whatever floats your boat..thanks for watching :)

[@neilpiper9889]

true. You can get straps with watch face covers to protect the watch from mud and to stop reflection

[@369168]

one of the first watches that come to mine when you mention these type of straps is the Rhodesian Roamer. It was a military watch that employed these type of straps

[@kennyginger5686]

Hi ,I just buy this watch ,but I want to change the bacelet to strap do you know a lug size please they have 18mm, 20mm or 22mm ,which size is it ,anyone can tell ,thanks

[@369168]

I actually meant to say "underrated". The movements are quite durable but not too accurate at least in my case :)

[@39Thorns]

What spoils the look of these watches is the chrome plated bezel. I have a stainless steel bezel on my scuba-dude, it looks a lot better. Some guy in Russia makes replacement bezels which are plain stainless, a worthy upgrade.

[@369168]

something to definitely think about. Thanks for pointing this out and thanks for tuning in

[@willardhooton920]

I agree, the chrome bezels are the worst- I’ve modified or replaced all seven of mine!

[@kennyginger5686]

but any difference 18mm 28mm or 22mm ,thanks

[@davidthijm5602]

My Bezel got stuck. After being in the sea and rinsing in fresh water then trying to turn it 3 months later it wouldn't.3 drops of machine oil and a pair of pipe pliers and it's free again. Should have oiled it after use in water.

[@ItsTimePictures]

I have on on the way to me from Russia. Blue Scuba-dude dial.

[@369168]

that's great! let us know when you get it and what you think of the watch! thanks for watching.

............it's been two years..........what's the story?

[@neilpiper9889]

bezel is chrome plated brass. Other bezels available on Meranom. com

[@als1440]

I have the watch and like it. Price about the same. I do think it's a bit small and the hands and loom are under par. It's nice to have because of the rich history.

[@369168]

agreed. for a diving watch hands could be a little thicker, and the loom could be better but you do get what you pay for :)

[@Denis-uy5ue]

Really surprised to read about accuracy, i have adjusted mine with a toothpick very easily in 2 min, now it runs about + 12 sec, how about that?

[@369168]

Accuracy among most vostoks will vary from watch to watch. My more modern Amphibia (see my other vid, does +7 sec/day). thanks for watching

[@Jontra_Volta]

Good review. Excellent video quality but when it's super zoomed in maybe you should have something small to point with instead of your thumb haha!

[@Leomroy]

Awesome video. I would also like to buy a Vostok watch. Which watch movement is more reliable and durable? 2416, 2415 or 2431?

[@369168]

To make a sweeping generalization the Vostok movements be it automatic or hand wound are pretty durable though I'd give a slight edge to Hand wound movements (less parts, less things that can go wrong). Additionally between a movement with a calender complication vs without I would go with the latter. Once again less parts, less that can go wrong

[@Leomroy]

@@369168 thanks for the detailed answer. Unfortunately I ordered a Vostok with caliber 2416. I order a second Vostok without a calendar for everyday life or would one be better without an automatic with manual winding? and will use the Vostok with calendar less often. Will an automatic watch break if you rarely use it? I bought 2 automatic watches from Seiko, with caliber 7s26 and 7s36. I hope they are durable too.

[@369168]

I didn't want to convey the notion that Vostok automatic movements with calendars are delicate. It's just that all things being equal simple time only movements that are handwound are I'm my opinion sturdier. I have many watches that are automatic with calendars that are working just fine. Don't worry and enjoy your watches. If it gives you any measure of comfort there are more than a few instances of very expensive watches that have issues. So if these watches can have problems why not a sub $100 timepiece ?

[@neilpiper9889]

19.800 bph on the newer Vostok. Lower beat times means less maintenance and longer life I am told.

[@369168]

yes that is true. lower beat = less friction, and generally longer life. thanks for watching

[@369168]

lower beat watches = less friction, less precise as higher beat watches, but can run longer before it needs a service as I understand it

[@neilpiper9889]

The 4 red dots on the bezel were used to measure 4 hour military shifts using the hour hand I am told. Is this true anyone?

[@jameswong6590]

Going anti clock wise before 8pm and go forward 1am will not damage the movement?

[@369168]

not in this case. Yes, on some watches there will be a warning in the instruction manual, but with the vostok no problem whatsoever

[@jameshaury2716]

Some of the larger case VOSTOKS have a lug width of 22 mm

[@ricardoa6186]

Muy buena revision

[@thewhippetwhispereretal4438]

I enjoyed the video. Thanks for posting.

[@369168]

+thewhippetwhisperer Etal my pleasure. thanks for watching !

[@technoswitch]

Good review, i used to have it back in the day but it rusted out the ring somehow

[@369168]

+technoswitch thanks! I just go a vintage Vostok Amphibian (tonneau case) which I absolutely love, will post up video as soon as I can.

[@rauld.r699]

How do I charge the watch?Turning forwards or backwards?.Turning to 12 or 6?thanx

[@369168]

turn the crown clockwise about 20-30 times and you should be fine. thanks for watching.

[@Martin_Hunac]

hi, are there on the market similar retro curved glass watches, whic are not vostok brand? the same low end budget? thx.

[@369168]

I apologize but offhand I don't know.

[@369168]

unfortunately I don't know.

[@pimzwertbroek5977]

Martin Huňáček you can get a seiko 5 and buy an aftermarket domed sapphire crystal and mod it

[@Dragoneye-cp6fv]

Rip you will be remembered 😢

[@369168]

I know the case is SS but what about the bezel ?

[@mpweave]

Chromed brass on the classics, SS on the SEs.

[@369168]

thanks for the clarification :) and thanks for watching!

[@tommorrisey3999]

+Matthew Weaver, changing to a stainless bezel is about a one-minute job. You'll spend nearly as much as you did for the watch, but you'll have a watch that won't need to see a watchmaker for service for about a decade.

[@cloudyskies7754]

One guy said he tested this to 170 meters pressure and it held up? Wrong, these may be nice tough watches, but without a screw in crown, u wont get more than a few meters underwater and caput. This isnt a screw in crown, just saying

[@DavidUKesb]

+tom kirk All Amphibias are screw down crowns

[@cloudyskies7754]

I didnt see where it said screw down

[@danielallenk]

Can the bands be changed on these watches?

[@369168]

Absolutely. thanks for watching

[@danielallenk]

The watch seems a bargain at $70, have you had any problems with it.

[@369168]

This particular Amphibias was about $ 45 at the time I got it,. The only "problem" with this watch and most Russian watches is the accuracy. I can't remember what the factory specs are but expect a daily range of anywhere from -35 to + 45.

[@ManishSahay]

Great review! Thanks :)

[@369168]

+Manish Sahay thanks! I actually have a vintage amphibian on order. after I get it and wear it a bit I'll probably post a review on it.

[@ManishSahay]

+NO BULLS**T WRISTWATCH REVIEWS I'd love to see that review. These are great watches for the price. I have 710916 and 120512 model. Planning to buy 110634.

[@369168]

+Manish Sahay very nice models!, my Vostok is on the way...looking forward to it, Vostok watches (and Russian watches do offer excellent value for the money, the history is fascinating as well)...will post review of vintage Vostok as soon as I can

[@neilpiper9889]

just past midnight back to just before 9 pm does it

[@neilpiper9889]

Lume should not be too bright during military use. A target for snipers.

[@369168]

not only the lume. the watch case /bracelet should not be shiny

[@jameshaury2716]

I Love my Vostok Amphibia's.The crown is wobbly so it can't be stripped.

[@369168]

thanks for watching !

[@srunateby1947]

Предлогаю 2экземпляра Восток в замен на1 экземпляр Seiko.

[@zzyzxzee6374]

Vostok is the ak47 of the watch world!

[@Barnaby_bo]

Genius

[@altexlan415]

it is silly to but this model, cos of the bezel don't make sense. should change the bezel to number type, it is more logical for diving.

[@369168]

+Altex lan if it had numbers, it would definitely be easier to read.

[@altexlan415]

I bought the watch with bezel with number

[@tommorrisey3999]

+Altex lan, bezels are easily changed. Vostok bezels (chrome plated brass) are available online for about $7. A better option is to buy a stainless bezel and put in the Seiko insert of your choice.

[@altexlan415]

+Tom Morrisey I sold the watch. after buying Bulova precisionist. I stop buying watch and never admire any other watch. I am trying to get rid of my 2 Rolex.

[@robertfatoulatchi9482]

Lol I thought my amphibia's crown was dead but it seems normal. Those russians...;)

[@369168]

The wobbly crown does freak out alot of new owners until you understand why it was designed that way. As wobbly as it is I never had any issues with it coming off or with winding or setting the time.

[@369168]

Yeah, those wobbly crowns are a little freaky but I've never had any one come off and they work just fine. Thanks for watching.

[@369168]

Russian watches are somewhat overrated. Movements aren't pretty and aren't accurate but they they are durable and probably easy to service. If it's too expensive to service, for a song and a dance, maybe a song only :) you can get another 1,2 or 3 or a dozen because they are so inexpensive :)

[@369168]

raveonum I actually miswrote, I meant to say "underrated"

[@brianbuchert6382]

If I own this for a few years and it needs servicing I will do it even if it costs a bit more than I expected once I get a watch that treats me well and add in the sentimental value and for the sake of passing it in I indeed would pay to have it serviced. Of course I do draw the line if the cost is outrages

[@kennyginger5686]

Thanks man

[@andershoel78]

The back of the watch dont look like mine, maybe its made in China.

[@Dollarhyde1]

I got a one just to use as a shitter and the insides sound like a lighter stuck rattling in a washing machine..seconds hand works, nothing else though.. I will take back off and have a butchers.. Owned for a week rofl

[@zzyzxzee6374]

Maybe you should just get a casio

[@Dollarhyde1]

it was a very easy fix lol

[@369168]

the Amphibias all have screw down crowns

[@AiK-kj3hm]

Amphibians case - stainless steel, bezel set (circle with dots) brass, you can buy a bezel made of stainless steel and upgrade the clock

[@pedroperez9600]

those hands are offset

[@Doggieman1111]

That chromed brass is going to look like absolute dog sh*t after a couple/few years, especially if used anywhere near the water.

[@369168]

+Doggieman1111 so far I've been lucky as far as this has been concerned. I don't submerge the watch in water , only water exposure it might get is a splash of water from hand washing or being caught in the rain.

[@robn7265]

Its like the SKS of watches.

[@369168]

+Rob N SKS IS ?

[@robn7265]

SKS is a Soviet WW2 Assault rifle. The one that came before the AK-47. Cheap to buy but tuff and reliable.

[@369168]

+Rob N thanks!

[@badapple4228]

👌

[@369168]

thanks for watching! :)

[@peterlohmar3182]

Thanks for your review. Was this watch bought new or used? If new, can you tell me from whom you bought it?

[@369168]

Peter Lohmar This watch was purchased new. Unfortunately I can't remember who I bought it from. I think it was from a US based seller possibly specializing in Russian goods??? I really apologize for this...if it helps I did purchase 3 Komandirskies from a Russian seller called Smirs...it took 2 weeks to get it and the transaction went smoothly. I bought the amphibian sometime after the komandirskies....but I'm not sure why I didn't buy it from Smirs again, maybe it was out of stock ?

[@mahendrasoeweno147]

you sound like you are of jewish heritage...

[@hmidouchboetekees5320]

no he sounds more asian

[@jameshaury2716]

+amin lendani Who cares really?

[@keirtaylor4669]

you sound like you are of racist heritage

[@hmidouchboetekees5320]

+Keir Taylor what is racist about it ?

[@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 !!!!!!!!!!

[@369168]

Sorry to hear about your difficulties. The only problems I had recently with this watch was a loose canon pinion rpthatvI was miraculously able to fix. Otherwise all my Russian timepieces are functioning properly. Thanks for chiming in