Why this $70 Watch Has a Cult Following - Vostok Amphibia History & Review

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In the world of truly affordable watches, Vostok is a name every enthusiast knows, with the Russian-made Amphibia standing out as perhaps the least expensive legitimate automatic dive watch on the market at around $70 at full retail. In this video, we'll do a deep dive into the Vostok Amphibia's history while also reviewing a classic example of this inexpensive dive watch to paint a picture of how this watch became the cult classic it is today.
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[@clauricaune]

This guy is able to enjoy watches in every level, without bias or prejudice of any kind. It's that kind of authenticity that makes this channel great. Thank you, Teddy Bulbasaur.

[@jh565bb]

If you like him, youl like Freddy Charmander and Tony Squirtle lol.

[@whatsstefon]

This is why I enjoy this channel, unlike a few others who review Vostok watches without any research what so ever. Teddy can appreciate the unique engineering that went into Vostok watches. Mine is over 40 years old and still keeps going. Giving me 36 hours of operation per full wind. And fairly accurate too. Maybe mine is a very lucky one. But my two other older Vostok watches with the rare 2 o’clock crown run well too.

[@michaelcope856]

I had a bulbasaur, but a course of antibiotics and some cream and Hey Presto!

[@jasonhuang6332]

Petition for when Teddy gets 500k subs he renames himself Teddy Ivysaur for a week

[@AA-yh4ws]

@@jh565bb win hahaha. I didn't even realize they said Bulbasaur until I read your comment hahahaha

[@dim31rus]

1.In-house movement 2.Domed crystal 3.Back case ring 4.”Wobbly” crown 5.

[@aaa5717]

The thing with most Amphibia calibers is that they're ridiculously precise. I reckon that the factory just doesn't want to waste time calibrating them. Over a month's time, I've regulated mine to stay between -7 and +7 seconds per day, depending on the temperature. For day to day use, it almost never gains or loses over a minute per month, so the real numbers are even lower. I really love the charm of a soviet beater being tuned out to perfection. Vostok rocks!

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Yep, me too.

[@MinefighterLP]

same for me. Regulated my Amphibia to +8 seconds per day, and another Komandirskie to +4 seconds per day lol.

[@CristianQuintero]

How do you regulated it?

[@Doctor-Fate]

Depends, I have a Vostok Komandirskie made in the USSR in the 80s, goes behind 4 minutes a day, but the cost to service it will be higher than the cost of the total watch itself :D

[@davidliftsheavycircles]

7 seconds a day sounds horrendous to me. I almost exclusively own casio watches and my least accurate one is 8 seconds a month. Do you just reset it every single day? That sounds really annoying

[@Zapto01]

I have a 70's long case Vostok that has been running for the past 5 years that i had it like a champ. I recently bought and replaced the bezel and the bracelet, polished the acrylic and now it looks like a 2021 vintage retro watch. Now i love it even more. ♥

[@bandoiler]

You are the most level headed knowledgeable and clean cut watch expert out there. Others are just filled with anger and so abusive. Your videos are just class and a pleasure to view. Keep up the great work Teddy B.

[@fernandogil65]

My girlfriend is visiting her parents in Russia and I asked to find me a Vostok! She was very surprised I know the brand so I may receive mine in a couple weeks with “free shipping” 😅 She also told me her dad have the same Vostok since the 70’s, the man used to work for the USSR space agency and received it after a mission he participated on (from earth, he wasn’t a cosmonaut). I think regardless of price they’re very cool...

[@Alias_Anybody]

@Seaworth It's not like there aren't any US soldiers who basically got a medal and a few headpats for life long trauma. States are stingy with everything but names and titles.

[@Alias_Anybody]

@Seaworth Well, you can't eat or drink respect.

[@Alias_Anybody]

@Seaworth What are those perks? A few discounts and bragging rights? If it's not a high life long pension it's certainly not worth it either. Also, when did we determine that said Soviet employees ONLY got the watch? Maybe a lot of them got useless medals too! 😜

[@Alias_Anybody]

@Seaworth Butthurt because your ignorant little world view was challenged?

[@ImPedofinderGeneral]

@Seaworth at least there was no homeless USSR vets or vets who cant pay their medicine bills. You forgot the fact that lot of things were not just "cheap" but free for ex soldiers? Oh, you cant forgot what you are not allowed to know proud cappi. Now go and do something good to tricked by your government homeless vets instead of stinking on every soviet thing in the internet.

[@stelloyd4266]

Sorting through my parents house (sadly both now deceased) I found my dads Seiko watch that I bought him with my very 1st pay cheque. Brought back happy memories of when we both used to love & appreciate watches. Somewhere along the way I became “trapped” by the popularity of smart watches. I’ve now become sick & tired of them pinging me every minute of the day. So I bought a CasiOak GA-2100 for work & am saving up for a Hamilton Khaki Field mechanical to start my collection. Think I may pull the plug on a Vostok Amphibian too for it’s history & a reminder not to take my collecting too seriously. I’m so glad I found your Chanel Teddy...it’s a godsend 👍

[@emu314159]

I liked the Google love letter movie with Vaughn and Wilson, Internship or whatever, but it actually starts out with them getting fired as watch salesman, because "watches are obsolete." I guess that was just before apple watch, that niche thing from that plucky startup, caught on. Also, try being in a meeting where some high brass is talking, are you going to pick up your phone and check the time right in front of them?

[@TheRonanEdition]

I'm sorry to hear about your parents I hope that you have peace. I think enjoying watches that your dad used to wear is a pretty great way to appreciate him and remember the fond times!

[@jtlast9600]

I don't know why but for some reason watching this channel has just made me interested in watches when before I wasn't. It's just something about watches that's fascinating. Thank you for these high quality videos

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

Start a collection! It's fun as hell

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Happy to get you started! Enjoy the journey, dive in!

[@TheRonanEdition]

Don't buy a Casio you won't be able to stop!

[@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather]

My 1980s Vostok Amphibia has been running for almost 40 years. That's power in engineering. Anyone who has held a Soviet-era Vostok knows how much better the quality of those watches are compared to what is being made now.

[@MightyFoogle]

I think another reason Vostok is popular is due to the fact they are not hard to self regulate and maintain. The fact they can also be quite modular has led to many enthusiasts just having fun modifying their Amphibias or Kommandirskies. Its fun, it's lighthearted and goofy and is what makes Vostok a brand to be enjoyed by all. Another solid video Teddy 👌👌

[@elgatto3133]

Vostok is genuinely one of the most impressive clockmakers around considering what all they're able to do at the prices they do it. They make mechanical GMTs, they have watches with tritium, they have 24 hour watches, they have mechanical alarm clocks and you can even buy mechanical ship clocks (similar to marine chronometers)from them! There are so few companies that make mechanical clocks at all, and Vostok is one of them. I wish Poljot was still around, though. They were the USSR's masters of complication.

[@PanaSonyc]

I really wish to own a Vostok Clock one day. Too bad yet I can't just simply afford 300€ for a Clock. But one day.

[@eddieg849]

Can you tell me more about poljot when did they stop making watches?

[@elgatto3133]

@@eddieg849 Somewhere around 2012.

[@eddieg849]

@@elgatto3133 I have one of those watches I can't seem to find another one that looks like it and trust me I've looked everywhere it's a pilot Aviator it has two crowns one on each side 3 6 9 numerals 31 jewels made in Russia black dial bought it off of eBay and I have been searching and I can't find another one like it

[@SurajSinghTomarArya]

Poljot brand is still alive but they are now made in Germany. They still respect their russian heritage as most of them are russian themed.

[@MartyP-lr7vw]

I have a Kommandirskie - keeps good time and is rugged, scratches give it even more character !

[@Mr-Safology]

I have one, they're great! If you want to remove the scratches (personally I haven't) you can use polywatch. 👍🏼

[@MartyP-lr7vw]

@@Mr-Safology I even put mine on a Nato strap for convenience & comfort.

[@sheldorleconcher8870]

I have 2 on the way...eventually!

[@Mr-Safology]

@@MartyP-lr7vw same, khaki green nato strap for my blue/green komandirskie.

[@taham33]

I knew a guy who took his in a bike trip all over God-knows-where-istan. The strap snapped, so he had to attach the thing to the handle of the bike. The watch, returning home, was well and good, still ticking... after such a licking.

[@robbieburke5123]

Nice to see you covering a brand that are completely different to your normal reviews. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@nathanwayne6673]

It took so long to arrive because it's Russian......in Russia you don't order watch....in Russia watch orders you 🤨

[@pekkajaaskelainen4377]

Thanks for a great review, I agree completely with you. I've had Amphibias for many years, and they are great watches. Reliable, tough (waterproof and probably bombproof, though I haven't tested the latter), easy to wear and of course cheap. It's a watch you can wear without worries in all kinds of physically demanding activities. If it gets a few scratches, who cares. Accuracy of the Vostok movement is also interesting. Out of the box, they typically seem to run too fast, maybe +20 to +30 s/day. But you can very easily regulate the Vostok yourself (don't need any fancy equipment), and you can make it run very accurately - even surprisingly so, considering the low price.

[@jarazimmerman3400]

I can honestly not believe the accuracy of mine. It's +3 s a day out of the box. Set it once per week and it's fine for me. How they do it at that price I'll never know.

[@Tribalius]

@@jarazimmerman3400 Hahahaha without COSC

[@carlnilsson0]

I bought an old Vostok amfibia from the 60s about a month ago. It´s a manual wind but it started at once, not a second of error and has about a 40 hours of "power reserve". I love it!!

[@SupremeCowJumper]

Been a fan of Vostok's for a bit now. You absolutely hit the nail on the head. We know they're far from any luxury watches. But the history, charm, in-house automatic movements and affordability make them an easy fan favourite for newcomers and old-timers alike.

[@Alex-zz6ow]

Only Teddy could make a Vostok look incredible with that camera work

[@simonrano8072]

Watchfinder could make a Vostok stunning just speaking about ;)

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@simonrano8072 But they wouldn’t

[@bunberrier]

Is it a filter it looks amazing

[@derekshearer9049]

Extremely easy to make A Vostok look good just take a photo. The watch does the rest.

[@nomadben]

@@bunberrier Not a filter or anything like that. Just good lighting, good camerawork, and good color correction.

[@ArtyomPersidskyTube]

Hi there. Its so nice to hear from you about Vostok!!! Im Russian...Live in Saint Petersburg. Run my own channel about watches, but in Russian language :) And I did mention your channel in my recent video reviewing bloggers) Well, just wanted to say hello.... From Russia with love! BTW we watch you here in Russia too))

[@rickross5949]

Do you know where to purchase this exact watch from? Thanks in advance

[@ArtyomPersidskyTube]

@@rickross5949 vostokwatch.ru/products/chasy-naruchnye-amfibiya-120509 I guess this is it

[@rickross5949]

@@ArtyomPersidskyTube Thanks for the fast response! It’s very similar, (same case & band), but the face is different. His gas no numbers, just arrows. I like it much better. If you can find it please send the link. Thanks again man!

[@ArtyomPersidskyTube]

@@rickross5949 probably this particular watch is not available now. But there are a lot of options and variations… and maybe in the future they will be listed again

[@rickross5949]

@@ArtyomPersidskyTube Weird I was just on meranom.com and couldn’t find it but Google searched it and found it on there for $75. Just gotta figure out how to checkout in Russian 😅

[@TheTedMeister]

Thank you for showing a watch that you don't sell. You are a very important resource and advocate for this great hobby.

[@MrMcGuy]

For me Vostoks are not 'entry' or 'look back' pieces. Each that I have makes the watch rotation within my collection along with multi-thousand dollar watches. I appreciate them for exactly what they are, and find them incredibly interesting and cool. As my high-end watch collection grows, I still go back to Vostok on a regular basis as a daily / weekly wear.

[@VladDeBriansky]

Love Vostok! I own Rolexes, Longines etc... which are a pieces of art with superb technology. But the Vostoks are not pretending to be the gold íPhone of the watch world. They are the first "Nokia' made out of steel that work great, keeps the battery forever and feels solid. And holding that watch is like that first bicycle you had when you were a kid, the first cool car you bought and fell in love with it. It's almost like the first time you fell in love - that's the feeling of Vostok, reminding you of the "life is good". They are a niche of its own, with its real horological history and a proven functionality. And let that cherish and be loved.

[@christopherstarr7607]

Does your Vostok take a standard battery that is found in the USA?

[@YusufSahin-ks2lx]

@@christopherstarr7607 They are automatic watches, they do not have batteries.

[@christopherstarr7607]

@@YusufSahin-ks2lx Thank You, I will be looking for one soon!

[@nomadnotary3970]

Can you please give me a recommendation where to buy this watch?

[@NikitaNikita-qb8pz]

@@nomadnotary3970 Good evening. Contact me, I can walk you through the whole process.

[@stuart150]

Really enjoyed hearing Teddy in his "Nomos, Glashutte, Sinn" voice, discussing an Amphibia! Incredible photography, worth comparing with the photos on Meranom!

[@MolotovSandvich97]

I bought a vintage Komandirskie last October, one of the more “loud” dial designs. And now here I am, not a year later, with 4 more. A couple brand new Amphibia models as well as a second edition Amphibia from the early 70s. I think the draw to Vostok, at least for myself, is the modification potential as well as the mystique of owning something from behind the iron curtain. Even something as mundane as a watch has huge design differences and quirks, and whether you agree with it or not, that old Soviet “power to the people” still stands with the affordability and accessibility of the watches they make. That’s something special, even if the accuracy ratings aren’t. I’m a huge Vostok guy, and I definitely appreciated this review.

[@BlackthorneBuilds]

There is beauty in simplicity. Something I've always admired about soviet era engineering. Things were made to be robust and functional, while perhaps not incredibly accurate. Built to last and get a job done. I love it and can't wait to get my (first?) Vostok.

[@Rogeras32]

Seeing the Chistopol' factory get that much recognition among watch enthusiasts around the world makes me so proud of my fellow Russians. And a proud Scuba Dude owner :D Great content, Teddy!

[@suheilkaspar8885]

Vostok is originality and character, and that ring on the back cover is really ingenious .. It's the feeling that you're wearing something really unique with a strong character at an incredible price !. Thank you Teddy for being such an honest, unbiased, watch fan.

[@ram281009]

Agreed, same goes for the acrylic dome, it will resist underwater pressure by giving in

[@typhoon20724]

Vostok Anphibia watches are the AK-47 of the watch world. Nice review btw, now one for the Sturmanskie please 😁👍

[@Zundfolge]

I would liken wearing a Vostok to EDCing a Makarov (which I have done in the past).

[@shilvock22]

I was thinking this exact same thing while viewing this video.

[@zoha605]

Like a china AK.

[@happysatishthapar2383]

Vostok amphibia watches 70$ i love everything in the video .. i like to buy asap ..

[@Andrew__Smith]

Guys!!! ANY “Vostok”- it is LOTTERY! Not bad watch if you IMMEDIATELY (yes BRAND NEW, NEVER USED) give them for maintenance to specialist.

[@BenOwen152]

I have many watches, but my cheap little Vostok has a special place in my heart and gets worn regularly. Partly because it makes me smile every time I look down, and partly because I hate when it stops and I need to reset the date, which is a pain in the A!

[@TheMightyJoggernaut]

I can only emphasize the second half of your statement. Better to not let too many days pass in between

[@clange50]

@@TheMightyJoggernaut Just spun one up after like 10 days (or 40?). It's definitely not a quick thing, getting that date right!

[@fishmeister2625]

One of the reasons why I just purchased this model, no date to keep catching up with whenever the watch goes out of rotation for a few days or more.

[@steve-wu7jp]

Vostock watches are great, once you get one it's easy to get a few in the collection for not a lot of money. They represent a fantastic value with all the heritage .

[@edwerdnorton]

Just got my amphibia. Shipped from US to Dubai and from there to Pakistan ❤ thank you for introducing me to this masterpiece

[@calebnewton_]

I have the same case and bezel with a white dial. I ordered a manual movement and a flat caseback to swap with the stock version in order to decrease that 15mm height. If I can feel confident buying parts and removing hands and dials to mod it to that level, it's a win in my book. I think that summarizes the appeal of these workhorse watches.

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

Where did you order those parts from!

[@mahemo42]

Same, they're really fun + easy to mod and look stunning. Not much you can do wrong. I changed caseback, crown, hands, and bezel + brushed the case and swapped movement to a manual old komandirskie one (though you can get a new manual too or remove rotor + change the barrel to prevent overwinding). If you want to retain an exhibition caseback but don't like the heights of the Vostok ones I can recommend this mod: www.watchuseek.com/threads/in-which-a-display-back-is-made.903489/

[@calebnewton_]

@@youraveragepasser-by7367 Meranom, they seem to be the best source in my experience.

[@sportsguy2891]

@@mahemo42 Would i have to change the movement to go to a flat caseback? I am a newbie.

[@mahemo42]

@@sportsguy2891 if you want to use the flat caseback with the default automatic movement you'll need to take off the rotor as otherwise the movement is too thick. Takes 1min and is super easy.

[@mike0400]

Vostok is the soviet version of Swatch: you may get a whole collection with different cases and dials for not that much money and it will be really fun

[@roberth7054]

As a casual Swatch collector (approx 30 models), I concur. These look fun - maybe even more durable and serviceable as the majority of Swatch are plastic and sealed

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@roberth7054 And have water resistance

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Very good comparison. Very true!

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@Seaworth Many have yet to fail

[@innosanto]

Vostoc is diver watch and automatic. And i guess vostok, sonce made for military is durable. I had a pretty good swatch of 150 dollars or so, and it btoke a little below 2 years, ao changed due to warranty by company, and thr next obe broke in a lottle less than 2 years, so changed by company etc. And the third one broke a lottle over the 2 years. So those swstch had 2 uears avwrage life in 3 watches. I guess vostok oa more reliable. My casio f91w 3.5 years later works great.

[@blasien1]

In house movement, performance, history, innovative design features (in the best Russian tradition!). Its cheap price just points out the utter nonsense of the tool-as-jewelry joke that the "luxury" watchmakers have foisted upon us.

[@rg1283]

Amen!

[@danpinzone8226]

How can I order one

[@NICHOLSON7777]

Absolutely. And a bonus point for the use of "foisted".

[@watsondna]

Agreed. My only “high dollar” watch cost $200 and I sweated over the expense.

[@XstonedmonkeyzX]

Reason a Rolex cost as much is because I just took an unserviced Rolex from the 90's, wound it and its running at -1 second a day after 30 years! Used prices are ridiculous tho..

[@FPSWordle]

I bought one of these recently and I use this as my travel watch. I can take it anywhere and not worry about losing it or beating it up a bit. I love it.

[@NobodyYouknow-fl2tw]

After watching this video, I ordered the exact model Teddy reviewed. It arrived today, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s truly a stunner in person and fun to wear! I don’t mind the rubber strap from the factory. I find it comfortable and one of the more pliable rubber straps I have, plus it looks good! I’ll leave it on for a while. I took off my Speedmaster and put this on and my wrist didn’t miss a beat. Definitely worth the small investment in a unique timepiece.

[@sheleshrauthan5912]

can you share me the model link from the website ?

[@dofler]

Link please?

[@gerardogarcia-trio3572]

I love them, they are produced like when they were created, when the divers were tools, it's like a living fossil. Nice review, I like the conclusions.

[@tizombie]

Great post Teddy. As a Vostok fanboy, I appreciate the respect you gave the brand. Thank you.

[@hanzkammler6388]

I look at my vostoks as I looked at my AK 47 back in the army. Staring at it, enjoying its curves, it's imperfections and its functionality. Lovely tool.

[@oneuer]

Great review of the Vostok Amphibia - thank you Teddy! I am addicted by divers and own already some very nice Vostok models. I liked this particular one immediately when I watched your review but it was difficult to find one in Germany, even my local Vostok dealer had no stock. Finally I found exactly that watch at an online store in Russia and hope it arrives before Christmas. Great Channel, I love watching your reviews and to learn about watches of all kinds.

[@gori277]

After deciding I had enough of having crappy fashion affordable watches I decided to buy a Tissot Seastar, but thought I’d look up some KZbin reviews, now I’ve started a collection adding a Sea-Gull 1963 38mm homage and… a Vostok Amphibia exactly like this version and there’s a lot more to come. Thanks, I guess?

[@ahmeda4792]

You end up getting the one in the video?

[@Grasshopper0122]

I have approx 100 watches from $6 to $6000. My Tissot Seastar is one of my very favorites. 1000 ft waterproof……and accurate as hell. Had it on the shelf for about 3 months….put it on yesterday. It was 3 seconds fast !!! Absolutely beautiful watch.

[@brianmsahin]

I want a Vostok!! I will definitely be getting one shortly, a must have for watch collectors! Excellent video. 👏👏

[@vuklozo]

Love mine. One of the best purchases I've made. I will be customizing it soon as well. Great video Teddy!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks for watching and the comment 🙌🏻

[@tyrewald9083]

Have a Seiko licence built, 27 years old. Day/date, around 30$. Working without maintenance! Would like to know about the longevity of such a Russian watch.

[@rupanterchhabra8484]

Hey, any links from where I can purchase this? Thanks

[@vuklozo]

@@tyrewald9083 Vostok claim that the watches need servicing after 10 years. I can't confirm that as I own mine for a few months only, but a few watchmakers I've been to did tell me that they're incredibly durable with some of them working even after 20, 30 years (speaking of the USSR made ones of course).

[@crazysheepfilms]

I moded mine with a signed crown, a new bezel and a gray NATO and man it looks the part. I think they have one of the most straightforward, yes even beautiful case designs ever (case 420). I also love the almost ridiculous height - it's perfect for a tool watch to tuck over your sleeve and keep the time always legible. Happy to have gone for an Amphibia over a now overpriced SKX. Enjoy the moding!!

[@daveinthemedctr6640]

Teddy - Your work and your company's work is nothing less than extraordinary! Your passion and love for watches is infectious! You'll never work a day in your life! Thanks for the introduction to this series.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Appreciate you my friend! Having a blast doing what I do 🙌🏻

[@philhubb5885]

I wanted a watch with a 24 hour dial and fully luminescent and Vostok delivered both requirements for $150. No other watchmaker came close.

[@KwangTheMongrel]

My grandfather bought me one maybe 20 years ago and it still works fine. Found this video because I’m looking for a new one and this video was great.

[@ryejack]

I own a Vostok from the early 90s and I love that thing. It's such a quirky timepiece that still works after all this time. I'm also about to start my journey into modding them. I recently purchased an amphibian and now looking at parts online.

[@bruceleroy8063]

I look forward to the day when I forget I ordered a watch lol

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Hahaha doesn’t happen often

[@kingadjust5422]

@@TeddyBaldassarre wassup teddy!!!

[@Mr-Safology]

That's happened once. I ordered a San Martin bronze watch. 5 weeks later, got a letter from royal mail, stating that I have not collected my parcel and there is a custom charge. It felt as if someone gave me a birthday gift, though moments later realised I paid for it. 😂👌🏼

[@garyboyle695]

@@kingadjust5422 How's your Hublow?

[@svencorstjens966]

What’s your opinion on the Vostok classic 170548 “AMPHIBIANERAI”

[@justinsaunders4068]

Perfect watches for learning how to mod, service movements and probably the best "beaters"

[@bryanpelton6646]

I've gotta hand it to ya, the NATO strap really does work with that watch! I just ordered one myself. A NATO strap on a Russian watch; how ironic! Lol!

[@JimboXiii]

I'm not sure if you pick up on comments on old uploads or not but just wanted to say thank you. Via whatever algorithm youtube uses, this video ended up being recommended to me. I'd never heard of Vostoks before or really considered myself a watch collector or enthusiast. I've always worn a watch since being about 10, and still have all the watches I've owned since being 18 (so, 20 years and a bit of change) but never thought about watches as anything else but something I wear. The hours of watching your videos and others on youtube, and looking at different websites, and on Reddit and just revisiting the pieces I already have in my collection (didn't even realise I had a collection until recently) has firmly made me a watch enthusiast. I am now proudly wearing my first automatic watch, the Vostok Amphibia 120656 "Scuba Dude" and I could not be happier with it. Thank you, Teddy.

[@jeffsherk7056]

Just ordered my first Vostok, and can't wait for it to arrive. I really enjoy Citizen Eco-Drive watches, but when I heard a watch maker say good things about the Vostok movement and saw that these are really water resistant to 800 meters, I had to try one. I enjoy watches that have white faces with black numbers, but these are usually found on dress watches, not dive watches. Vostok has one with a white 24 hour dial and black numbers, and that is the one I chose.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Be careful Vostok watches are highly addictive! Really the Amphibia is the Russian version of the SKX. The SKX is a much more refined watch no doubt but the Amphibia has it’s own charm.

[@royfarrand1268]

It's always a tough choice between my Amphibia 710 and my SKX175. Love them both!

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

@@royfarrand1268 check out my review of the skx 175 on my KZbin channel “THE WATCH MONKEY’” love that watch.

[@bri13wvu1]

I've had an skx and worked on several 7s26 movements, and this vostok mvt sure doesn't look any worse than the seiko at first glance from this video. Waiting to get mine in the mail and then we'll see. I doubt the Seiko is going to be much more refined though!

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

@@bri13wvu1 very true the Seiko movements are not very special to look at that is for sure.

[@Chino780]

Do you know of a reputable online retailer?

[@arkajyotijha3291]

I really wanted to get a Vostok, but with import prices to India, it makes it a pretty unreasonable buy, unfortunately. Plan to get my hands on this someday though!

[@jimmylives]

What's the price in Dubai

[@anveshapkari5149]

Just order from meranom, no extra shipping or import charges

[@steveoc64]

1 year later, and the Vostoks are getting tricky to order direct from the factory ... for various reasons. Glad I collected up with models and spare parts when I could. Hopefully things get back to normal soon enough.

[@oggaspack7971]

Please help me out! Where can I purchase authentic vostoks online? I live in the USA.

[@mrsentencename7334]

i just ordered two to the uk from meranom and after a few weeks they turned up. Cost me like $180 for two including shipping

[@steveoc64]

@@mrsentencename7334 oh that's brilliant ! Nice work. Good to know that sanity prevails in the watch industry then. Just the way it should be. They have a wide range of accessory bits and bobs to modify amphibias as well - keen to order some in to do some creative mods.

[@vitmat7779]

The Engineering behind this watch- is Domed Stracture as the watch goes deeper under water and Pressure increases so does the Seal around Acrylic Glass and back domed metal plate Water pressure increases Seal and also strength of watch it self. I have same Amphibia Watch for 6 years and it’s running great , also you can manually wind mechanism via crown

[@marlboro9tibike]

Vostok was my first automatic watch and I wore it daily more than 7 years. From there now I have more others, but Amphibia is like a first kiss, you never forget it.

[@a1d3nh0]

My 2nd Vostok arrived 1 hour before your video went live. My 3rd has been on the way for weeks. Great watches :-)

[@TimBee100]

One thing about these watches is that if your watch is running fast, you can take off the case back and adjust it. Like owning a car in the 1960s and adjusting the carbs, but hopefully not as complicated. Plus, you can change bezels and even put on an exhibition case back if you want to spend a little money.

[@comrade__945]

Comrade,have to mention you are a legend, this brand was my first mechanical watch ,got it from my grandpa in 1994 and still have it ,accuracy is not perfect but it's understoryable.,very affordable and nice watch .

[@SergeyFallout]

У меня трое часов от Чистопольского завода: Восток Амфибия, известная у нас как "Бочка", за характерную форму корпуса (её купил ещё мой отец в начале 80-х и она повидала жизни), позолоченные Командирские моего деда, которые не продавались свободно и были выпущены по заказу Министерства обороны СССР, их вручили моему деду, когда ему исполнилось 50 лет и он носил звание полковника. И третьи часы Восток "Operation Desert Shield", с американским флагом на циферблате, выпущенные в 1990 году для американских военных. Это великолепные часы.

[@Mr-Safology]

I enjoy my Scuba dude amphibia 👌🏼 I wear Vostok komandirskie parachute on a green NATO strap a lot more though. Great affordable Russian watches and they're mechanical👌🏼

[@Mr-Safology]

@Gardius Maximus Gardius, one reason may be due to the winding of the watch. As it's mechanical, I wind it when I want wear it, plus it feels great when I do so. Secondly, it is much smaller so it looks much more fitting for my wrist. The dial face has texture that resembles those cork memo boards you use for posting notes. It is a quirky little watch, that has charm on its own. The amphibia is a much more better made watch. The dial has a scuba diver on a green ish blue dial colour. Even though the amphibia has a better watch movement, it's much more better made, yet I still prefer the small quirky blue/green vdl parachute komandirskie. Stay safe Gardius 👍🏼

[@davidmurray9844]

I am interested in buying a Vostok, could you please share a tip on where to go to purchase one. Thank you.

[@Mr-Safology]

@@davidmurray9844 I bought it from eBay, directly from Russia. It's Russian postcode is 428035, M.Gorkogo 47,29 Cheboksary Chuvashid. Just search Vostok and model you want on eBay and look for a Russian seller. The reason being is, that it will be brand new and secondly, it has all original parts. Plus the packaging looks cool with many Russian stamps! Gardius in the previous comment has given a useful tip. Meranom is a great site but it is much more expensive. However, many combinations are available.

[@markdd2142]

Teddy you continue to come up with some remarkable finds in the watch world. Now I am going to look into getting of these unique pieces.

[@RacnJasn]

Love mine, I wear it quite a bit despite owning much more expensive watches. Why? Like the man said, they’re fun and when it’s noticed, it has an interesting story and history. Thanks for giving us a great video explaining this cool watch. Sharing this link with many friends!

[@ryanshorts339]

My first venture into the vintage watch market was a vostok amphibia from the 80's. Still one of my favorites

[@uncleterry2148]

Just received two Amphibia models I ordered from Vostok in Chistopol. Delivery time was 42 days and although I had a tracking number, there was a three week period where it dropped off the radar. In the end I received the order and couldn’t be happier.

[@nunonozelos]

"if you are trying to wear this with a suit, you are a certified wild person" ahahahahahahahaha

[@koustubhmoharil7742]

A $70 quirky watch with a great story! Loved this review of the amphibia.

[@Cutsman562]

No one: A certified wild person: wears a Vostok with a suit

[@billysinge8977]

I think it would work with a tweed jacket-jeans look, and maybe a business suit, of course it would never work with an evening suit.

[@Cutsman562]

@@billysinge8977 haha amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever worn an evening suit.

[@jb03hf]

I work in Kazan. Have a number of their watches. It really depends on the type and how you put on the strap. A gold komandirskie model (the generals without the automatic) with a gold band replacement works fine with a suit. Also if you look at the amphiba in the 170 case - it is much more Rolex- something like the 170862 (batman gmt) or the 170600 (white on black with a subtle subdude).

[@Cutsman562]

@@jb03hf haha I was quoting something he said in the video. I’m really debating buying a few of their watches and I would totally wear one with a suit!

[@ImPedofinderGeneral]

soviet spy - achievment unlocked

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Ive been wearing a Vostok for nearly 2 years. Very tough, they have been taken rafting and have survived being bashed on rocks. I love switching bezels and regulating them. They can also be dressed up or down. The cushion case is fantastic and allows the watch to conform to the wrist when making sudden movements.

[@PirArkam]

You are indeed the leading watch channels. Your passion is the reason and love ur videos.. now if i have to add watch in my collection, i check on you to reaffirm if the watch iam buying is good.. if there is a watch u didnt cover, i hesitate to buy

[@TimeWAR_TV]

Восток- это дешево и сердито! Но они настолько родные, настолько пропитаны духом времени, что их просто нереально не любить!

[@AnthonyGonzalez-qg5tg]

Im an American living in Russia. I think I'm going to make a Paypal store offering these. Time to get these guys over to the US.

[@DominikFerencik]

Since I purchased Amphibia, it's been on my wrist at least 2-3 times every week. It's like those girls in a movies who will never win beauty contest and will be overlooked, but at the end of the day, you will leave your 1000€+ watch and return to Amphibia when things get rough around you.

[@rupanterchhabra8484]

Hey, do you've any links from where I can get it?

[@DominikFerencik]

@@rupanterchhabra8484 I got mine from Soviet Market (it says Official Vostok Dealer on the page.) I can only recommend it, at the time I purchased mine they've had a number of different dials, models etc. - plenty to choose from. It depends on where you live, but I recieved mine in about 10 days to Slovakia. Try checking them out

[@rupanterchhabra8484]

@@DominikFerencik thank you!! Do you’ve a link? I can try checking if they do international shipping.

[@DominikFerencik]

@@rupanterchhabra8484 soviet.market/catalog/vostok_amphibian/ Select a case model at the top of the page and check it out :) You are welcome

[@Fivepointcalv]

As a normal guy living in Africa, i really appreciate this reviews of automatic watches below $100, our grandparents wore automatic watches but it seems that tradition got lost.

[@d.pierce.6820]

I've had Vostoks for many years, but I set them aside for other watches. Lately, I started thinking I might get a new one, and looked at them online. I didn't order one, but I walked into a thrift store today, and they had a tray full of NOS watches someone had donated. Among the dreck were four Amphibians, and three Komanderskies (sp?). They were all brand new, with all paperwork and protective film coverings-$12 each. I bought them all! Why, I don't know, but they appeal to me.

[@VolkerHett]

Vostok has pretty good Milanese straps! Whenever you order a watch, order one of the straps, too.

[@robertsoares7607]

I agree 100! I bought one and it’s great. Nice, thick, tight links and a great look. I put it on my Orient Kamasu after wearing it on my Amphibia, and it looks like at least a $50 bracelet.

[@Fcyhcfyc]

I ordered the shark mesh one. Excited to see how it will look on my wrist)

[@mdunawaym]

Great strap choice!

[@ygrbooks]

Having watched your video, I had to order one (though not for the $78 you mention, rather double that). It has just arrived and I can totally see why you love it. I do, too. It is just a wonderful piece of watch-making history and very cool at that. Thank you for bringing this to my attention and keep up your good work. I wish you all the best.

[@joseinluzon2218]

I don’t go out of my way to watch your videos, but like with this one… when I watch one I’m usually very impressed with your content. Awesome!

[@TXLorenzo]

Love my "Scuba Dude", great weight and rugged as any watch out there. The back seal design is second to none. On a price/performance ratio extremely hard to beat, the AK 47 of the watch world.

[@samuelhopely4853]

There are plenty of watches you wear, but the Amphibia is a watch you use. It doesn't need attention from the user, but you just can't help but give it. You need mechanical sympathy to wind it and hack it, you will inevitably end up regulating it, and if you give it a real chance it ceases being a watch you have and becomes part of your life. Love as a verb if you will.

[@jacobambach8143]

Teddy will you please make this video listed as this is one of my personal favourite video on Vostok watches on KZbin?

[@denisdaly1708]

Somebody, Rolex, should do a homage to this fine piece. It is a lovely watch.

[@oldhand7]

Thank you! Vostok - is the best! Respect from Russia! Many interesting technical solutions are used in this watch (if you are interested, see my review in Russian). Sometimes the quality is not the best. But it mostly refers to the build quality. For example, before using in water, it is sometimes necessary to check that the back cover is fully screwed on. At this price, there is no other fully manufactured watch with its glorious history and original designs on the world market! Although, in my opinion, this is not the best dial design.

[@robfilmmaker]

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." -Leonardo Da Vinci. I have many mechanical/automatic watches in my collection, but I have two Vostok Amphibia's they are great. I can put them down for years, pick them up again, dust them off and they just work. Keep great time too, don't lose as many minutes as some other more expensive movements. I used them on multiple dives, function great and as long as you rinse off the sea water after they won't tarnish. They have become my go-to travel watches as they keep great time, are rugged tough and take beatings, and if I'm mugged and they are stolen they are inexpensive. Have to give the Russian's credit on these watches.

[@john8526]

I’ve got 2. Great watches.

[@rbrant65]

I used to buy these at flea markets when I was stationed in Germany in the early '90s for about 15 bucks.... We called them Russian Rolexes- lol. I had the sub commander, paratrooper, and tank commander. Fun pieces.

[@alekswanson7309]

Her: "Why are you wearing this thing?" Him: "You wouldn't understand..."

[@MyEnemy]

LMAO

[@dr.davidmiller6682]

I feel the same way about my Orient Bambinos. Solidly made decent looking watches that I just don’t have to worry about! I totally get the Vostok!

[@suomiscot3236]

Probably someone already pointed this out (too many comments to scroll through) the still of a cosmonaut at 2:15 is not Yuri Gagarin. It is in fact Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space 16 June 1963.

[@mattwhiteberg7846]

I am watching this from Russia, my bear told that review is good, komrad!

[@frankiesilverman]

Actually wearing my Zissou right now lol. Love them!!! Ps always pay for ups....never trust the Russian Post Office 🤣🤣🤣

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I enjoyed the roller coaster journey in hindsight 😂

[@harrkev]

@@TeddyBaldassarre : Only because the journey ended well. If your watch got "lost in the mail" then you would have eventually realized and been mad.

[@nikolajelovac1648]

Never had any issues with the Russian Post - and I've certainly ordered many more times than a reasonable person should have - other than waiting a month or so, maybe a bit longer with Covid,(but always reliably delivered), but hardly any other issues. Sometimes the delivery surprises you and the package arrives in two weeks!

[@frankiesilverman]

@@nikolajelovac1648 yeah Im sure it’s fine I think it is mainly COVID related right now. When I ordered mine last month the seller actually told me that orders from January still hadn’t been delivered, so they themselves heavily recommended ups.

[@skzion2]

I'm afraid the US Post Office is too humiliatingly lousy for me to criticize the Russian one. I used to snicker at Italy's, but now I keep quiet.

[@Avaddon911]

I thought I was going to hate the metal bracelet when I got it with my amphibia. I wasn't wrong I do hate it, way too shiny and it's hollow pretty much throughout. But honestly, it's the most comfortable band I've ever worn. I love my Vostoks, great watches

[@galaboyz8129]

Btw Vostok does not make their own bracelet. They are all from China

[@Avaddon911]

@@galaboyz8129 I would assume so

[@AndreAndre-yd5gw]

I had mine for over 15 years now. It's a 420 model with a very conservative dial on a light gray nato strap that badly needs a replacement. I love the 60's styling and would have to spend at least 1k usd to be able to replace it with a supercompressor of my liking. This watch is easy and cheap to mod with many available bezels. It is very durable and built like a T72 tank. I like inexpensive things that last and this watch is one of those.

[@Hutch1031]

I realize this is from 2 years ago, but I recently ordered a Vostok from Meranom. Shipping was both fast and transparent. I was able to track the hand-offs from Russian Post thru Istanbul to US Customs in NY. It's not until USPS gets a hold of it do updates become less frequent and vague. It seemed to sit at the airport ans well as customs the longest. As for my purchasing decsion, I was intrigued by the in-house movement, for me it was well worth the price for a low cost daily wear watch thar I don't have to worry about. Shipping to the US from Russia was $20.

[@mesteme]

I somehow missed that model, it is better than most I've seen, I always wanted to like Vostok but have not been able to go beyond their goofiness. I love the Cyrillic text, and i dig the Russian heritage, but I wish they were ever so slightly sharper, both in look and finish.

[@russellschaper-kotter7783]

Yes! Great review man!

[@oliverfasola19]

Great way to start the way, still waiting on my first Vostok to come; can’t wait to join the cult

[@crazysheepfilms]

Welcome to the club

[@oliverfasola19]

@@crazysheepfilms just came today, better then I expected

[@steveizzo5853]

I own a few Vostok Amphibia and they offer so much value for money. They are truly engineering marvels with an in-house movement and a horological history. Who knows what the price would be if they were made in Switzerland and had slew of brand ambassadors.

[@mitch758]

My favorite movie is "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"and Bill Murray's character wears a Vostok watch. I recently purchased a Vostok watch with a picture of Steve Zissou on the back. I love it.