I’d just commented to similar effect on another video. I think having higher-end pieces in your collection makes it easier to accept the idiosyncrasies of some entry-level pieces and appreciate what amazing value they offer. I’ve dived with my Vostok Amphibia to the limits of recreational diving and no issues with water ingress. They’re well built.
The water resistance is 200 m and has been tested beyond that. The bezel does not need to click because it uses pressure to keep it in place . The deeper you go the harder it turns. The crystal is acrylic because it is designed to flex under pressure instead on shattering like a sapphire crystal will under too much pressure. The features you see as cheap are actually genius by design.
'If that thing is leather I'd hate to see the cow's face it came from', an absolute classic quote........great video Russ matey, see you Sunday on the live chat!
Have two steel Vostok's 200m. , one Vostok Amphibia and one Vostok Komandirskie GMT. Build like tank, after 10 years they still running great, looking cool and i love them both. There's an youtube video that shows the watches surpass the high pressure water chamber test up to 700m. Excellent watches and surely way better than that entry level brass model showed in that video.
Thank you for making watches fun again! I've only been in the hobby for just over three years ago. TGV's interview with you was my introduction to you and I've been a subscriber and watching ever since. I told my wife "if I would ever do a watch channel that is what mine would be like. Lots of craziness and fun and all around watches." I love your Bezel Federation and love when you share your wife's first reaction to a watch. Thank you for keeping me entertained and informed about more watches. I just purchased two Vostok watches. One for myself and one for my son who just got back from Japan (my son is the one who turned me on to watches). They have not arrived yet but am excited to get them. Will be my first Vostok. TGV has got me loving Seiko and Casio and my collection grows on a regular basis. Thank you again Russell for ALL you do for the watch community.
Jeff!! This is fantastic to hear my friend! It was reason I started this show as I thought the entertainment value was lacking a bit! Of course it’s not for everyone! But I knew there would be guys and gals like yourself Jeff that would appreciate it! Thank you and I look forward to speaking to you more in the future!
I love my Vostok. I have the 431783 Komandirskie. It fits in well with my collections of my DressKX, Seamaster 007, Tag Heuer, Tissot 1000, and Mido Ocean Star GMT. It gets a lot of wrist time, and I like how it's rugged. PS, the under side of the watch says "Waterproof - Russia"
This watch is really built like a Russian tank or an AK 47. The watch may not look good, it has a bad strap and so on. BUT the watch shouldn't look good, it should work. I think my Vostok will even survive mankind without a single service. This is what I call real quality Sh*t. And that was the idea behind it, to build a watch as simply as possible. I think Vostok has been very successful with this
As a Vostok aficionado i got one of these, and gave a couple away as presents. But always on a NATO and with a bezel swap. Easy to get and easy to change. Love them as beater watches.
Vostok can actually withstand 200 meters underwater. Many tests have already been done and they are here on RUclips. This is a very high quality watch for the money you pay. I recommend everyone to buy at least one of them... and I promise that you will come back for more. )
@@karlsenula9495 Both. I own each of them myself. I’m planning to buy another one... I hope it’s the last one, since I already have a collection of 20 watches from different manufacturers/companies. It's time to stop. )
Vostoks can set the date by going past 12, winding back a little before 8 and going back to 12. I have 3 different models that can do this so I assume most if not all of them can do that.
Vostok Virgin Mistakes: 1/ avoid early Amphibias and most Kommanderskis ... chrome on brass, starts to chip afer 5 years or so. Price is usually the sign, chrome ones are about £50. Stainless, up to £150 2/ having bought dozens over the years.. the BEST case shape IMHO for practicality, confort and durability is the 44mm cushion with 22mm lugs. Unlike the Turtles from Seiko these lugs have a minimal curve and the high watch back caused by the propriatory water resistance system, means that it sits about 1mm off the wrist ather than hugging the wrist like a Willard. Having said that the ergonomics of the Vostok Cushion are a different league to the round case 'amphibia' default which suffers from top heavy design. 4/ if you buy 'Vintage' then avoid any built between about 1989 and 2010. The company was in all sorts of trouble especially in the 1990s. Things started to improve with new owners and modernised movements/stainless steel by 2007. Having said that, everything is relative and in the 90s these went for £15 in the UK. I wore one as my daily beater for about 8 years. It never broke, was never serviced, kept reasonable time and deapite the chrome flaking off it never ever leaked on me. Ive still got it somewhere. Watches made under the USSR especially early ones are collectable and great quality as are early Amphibias, but they all have chromes brass cases due to Seel shortages (ain't communism great,kids?) 5/ bracelets... just dont bother... if you want a bracelet then buy a strapcode with straight end links and live with rhe vintage gap look 6/ if you havent owned one before and before you buy one, make sure you read the history of Vostok, especially the development of the Amphibia, which is an amazing story and which explains some of the 'quirks' which are actually serious design features: jumping second hand= shock absorber Wobbly crown with clutch system is deliberate to stop sausage fingered peasants from damaging the keyless works when winding or setting Acrylic is all part of the vibe and waterprooving. The USSR needed dive watches but had no cash for decadent western patent licenses so the Vostok team literally invented a dive watch from scratch without using ANY of the tech developed in Switzerland and Japan. The waterproofing is ingenious, reliable, simple and arguably a better and more elegant design than the traditional. 7/ mod away with enthusiasm. My current favourite is a Cushion Cased Amphibia Scuba Dude with the teal dial and the 3rd party (in this case the Spanish Vostok Forum) 'Lake Baikal' bezel which just sets this watch off and gives it such a unique period look. There's a UK seller on ebay who sells these with the Baikal fitted for about 100 quid. I wear mine on a blue isofrane which costs considerbly more than the watch. It is my snorkelling/sailing beater, and if I ended up losing it, its only £240 with the isofrane and I can replace the watch for the cost of a date with the missus in a half reasonable bistro. All in all, an iconic 20th C design and a piece of history.
Thanks to TGV I got to know your channel. Honestly your videos are wonderful! Also idk why but the opening music is so good that I'd listen to it for hours :)
Thank you so much for coming over my friend! If you check the Linktree link in the description of the video you can listen to the song;) it’s one of mine called Trampoline ;)
This was hilarious!! 🤣🤣 I picked up one of these around 6 months ago and had all the same negatives you had. Even tho I did like the dial and the domed crystal I just couldn’t get over the chromed platting, crown, and bezel... so I moved it on.
Can’t believe you moved it on?! For money?!;) these are so dirt cheap! There is definitely place for these watches which is why they are still made today!;)
Haha, great review as always my friend. My wife is always giving me funny responses to the watches too, nice to see you include that. The episodes just keep getting better and better. LOVE IT! Have a great weekend buddy. Best, MJ
I think the off-gold nitrile coating looks better than the silvery chrome. Oh, and don't underestimate those straps, they are comfy as hell and basically do not age at all.
Thank you for watching my friend!!! Oooooo very hard to win me over on that strap! Maybe if I was a rough and tough guy! But I’ve been too used to the softer things in life!!!!!;) . Enjoy the weekend!
I love my Komandirskie, the alloy/chrome case annoys me but I have modded it with a Seiko style bezel and it looks superb. The paratrooper dial is the one to get, the colours really pop.
Love these..I came across mine in a car boot sale which I bought from some frankenstein looking russians who had a picnic table full of them...I love this watch and as long as I wind it every morning it gives great time for needs..I am sorry I did not buy five of them...I got mine for a bartered down to 17euro from 25...wish I could get a new one but with the conflict at present I would say unlikely..Will be on the look out for them on the second hand market...It shames some more expensive makes..
Most people will never dive to 20 meters. If they do ears will hurt, not to mention most can not hold their breath to get to that depth. It is perfect for a field watch. Take it swimming ,no problem. You want to dive, get a Amphibia for $80. For the money, is hard to beat.
Thanks for watching Josh! Appreciate that! I think it’s a great added part to the show! Keep it at the back for those who have bothered to watch till the end!;)
I’m a Vostok amphibia fan, it’s older brother not so much. Your video is honest and always fun!! Great job as usually bro !!! Vostoks are the tractors of the watch market but u got to get the amphibia for the best results... love em’
I had one and gifted it to my friend. The case feels like it’s made of recycled beer cans or something lol. It felt rough and hollow. Great value though, it’s just I’d a resin DW5600E at this price point.
I just bought a vostok in China, the price is worthy of this quality, high cost performance, only cost me 399rmb (approximately). It's a good watch for the people
interestingly I've seen these tested on forums and the water resistance is almost comically understated, not a dive watch but fine for any swimming or snorkeling you'll do
I just a the moment wear an 32 years+ old Komandirskie. Using a timegrapher app I just found out, its rate is all over the place from -42 to +28 seconds a day depending on watch orientation. However, over all, considering it has no hackable seconds, it just currently runs about 4 seconds slow a day when worn. Thats good enough for me for this watch. However, other modern watches with their cheap movements all have the same issues albeit in a smaller magnitude, running different based on orientation.
I kinda like this simple and mechanical feel. I chaged the strap and bezel, bought it with the watch. Case feels really cheap and it is, I don´t wear it often mostly because of the crown to wind and to set the date, that´s a painful experience, but it´s comfortable, nice size and the vintage style are really nice, I´ll go there set the date and wear it.
Great show MWC! With a gorgeous entry for Casio Corner and an appearance from your stunning Squale right from the off I felt like the poor old Vostok didn’t stand a chance in the looks department 😂 I was expecting a much lower score from Mr Santana to be honest. That bezel is an affront to bezels everywhere 😂 Loved the new What the Wife Said segment, can’t argue with her assessment of the watch either 😂 I’ve got an Amphibia on the way myself. I love how quirky and unique Vostoks are. They’ve done their own thing across the board and there’s something to admire about that. It’s almost like an anti-luxury watch brand. Rough and ready, cheap and cheerful but actually keep quite reliable time 😂
I have a few Vostok's and they are quirky to say the least and tough as old boots, they are also very "'Modable'" with plenty of different bezel inserts, hands, dials and domed crystal inserts for the dial. Check out Jody at JOMW as he's modded a few over the years.
Recently bought one of those too. $ 35.- from ebay if I remember correctly. Got the 811783 (same case as yours, classic field watch dial with 1-12 and 24h military time) If you know what you're getting yourself into, these are great little watches. I like the bi-directional bezel on this one. I really like the winding action of the movement. And if Vostok says it's water-resistant to 20m you can bet it is. I read you can go swimming with these no problem. Ps. and how cool is that domed plexi!
Oh yes I really love acrylic crystals! Loved the dial I chose to! Can’t get on with the bezel BUT for me having it on a field watch I can forgive it. Water resistance is a little ridiculous! But I imagine you could use this far deeper than they tell you!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR yeah nice choice for the dial. I am thinking about replacing the bezel with a standard amphibian one I have laying around (with red and black dots) that is more matt and not that blingy. About the water-resistant: I bet they tested those 20 meters at least with one of the prototypes on the arm of a Spetsnaz divers who came back and said: Спустился метров двадцать. без пузырей! Fun fact: A friend of mine asked if I had bought AK-47 ammo when he saw the cardboard box the watch came in :-D
Nice dial choice, it looks really good. The chrome plated brass is a turn off though, i feel like it will chip off in the long run. For me, the old Seiko 5's are still the best value-for-money mechanical watch.
Another great production, Sir! I think there is a reason these watches haven't changed....or will ever change, and that is... Why would they? When RUclipsrs, including myself, spend hours and hours making essentially free promotion for Vostok. And while people love to tear these watches apart, figuratively and literally... They all seem to have NO problem purchasing and wearing them with reverence. Also, why would Vostok improve the Kom's stats when they know that if we need a more rugged watch, we will just buy ANOTHER Amphibia! Beauty is only chrome deep. These are really cool little machines with a ton of history and a cult-like following... Nuf' said. Now, about my Starking.... 😉
Hahaha thank you for watching my friend. Yep these are definitely iconic. Think if I came to these watches first in my watch hobby instead of the SKX I may feel slightly more towards them. Very quirky though and respect anyone who buys one of these over an easy homage watch ;)
This was very good coverage in terms of the effort you went to in understanding the watch, so many fail to bother and so don't know anything re the crown design, date hack etc. Good job! The only thing I would say is that some komandirskies have 200 meter water resistance. Also not all are chrome plated, you can in fact get many steel variants, though the price is around 70-80 odd quid for those. Fun video :)
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR - I have expensive watches in my collection, but I could fall in love with a watch for £5. I don't think less of such things either. I'm just some kind of retarded magpie :) I bought 7 Vostoks in the year I bought a couple of aherm Mmm end watches for grands of that thing we call cash. But I love the engineering feat of those Vostok's, no European patents, limitations to be overcome in terms.of materials, ingenious design including wobbly crown and sunken crystals/caseback. Also what fun, what designs, wild and acryclic, scuba dude and aircraft!!!! lol. I have a gold chrome plated watch with black sailor stuff on and a 4 O'clock crown and it's crazily good and out there! lol. Pure joy! There is a bright yellow Komanderskie, I have to get that one too :)
Nice review and fun to watch,thought the comb over Wig was real hair at first. Brilliant, in all fairness ,awesome watchs for the cost ,wear mine more than the more expensive ones. Just wish they come with better straps ,maybe they do on purpose.
Thought you were opening a Wonka's whipple -scrumptious fudgemallow delight,i keep watching this one Russell, brilliant, worth the £45 for this video alone, keep up the good work matey & remember, don't look at its face when you're pushing your crown in.
The vintage ones are much better. I have one from 1985 that my grandfather got as a ww2 veteran, special soviet mod order and they are still working great.
Its waterproof to a depth of 20 metres not water resistant. Check the Russian writing on the back. As it's a mechanical wind model the stem gasket will need replacing eventually.
So a question. Do you think this is the best mechanical value watch or the Pagani PD1639 sub alike? The Pagani has the stainless steel, 100m and a ratchitty bezel(albeit a bit wobbly😬). Great video 👍
I need to get my hands on an Invicta first I think!! Then sample San Martin ? Right now though I’m all clomaged out at the minute!;) I’ll be back!!!! Thanks for watching Andy!
The water resistance rating is really confusing with the classic Komandirskie watches, as in my experience they behave more like 5atm resistant watches. My first Vostok was one just like this and being that type of guy who never takes his watch off I wore it in the shower, in the bathtub, went swimming with it and never had an issue. So you can probably imagine my surprise when I first read about this dodgy 20 meter rating. I'd say as long as you buy the watch new and you treat the crown and caseback threads with silicone grease as a safeguard it should do fine (of course as long as you don't go scuba diving with it). BTW you've got yourself a new subscriber, I really like your review style!
Thank you for finding the channel my friend! Yes very surprised at the 20 m WR. The case seems fitted the same way as the Amphibia with the unique screw crown and 2 piece caseback !;) anyway very different watch to talk about and I enjoyed making the show! All the best!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR No problem. I would like to ad a funny fact. The word “made” in Russian is pronounced “sdelano”. In Spanish, that pronunciation sounds like “es del ano”, which means “is from the anus”. Cheers and merry Christmas!!
A much better deal at the $27 delivered price I got last year. The Komandirskie versions in self wind and Amphibia water proof offer a much better watch.
I have no faith in them. My Scuba Dude stopped working 7 months after I bought it. And changing the date on them BLOWS!!!! 🌬 Loved it for a minute tho. 👍
Hmmm well with them being massed produced the way they are it’s not a surprise that you might get the odd one or 2’s engine break down mate. Surely it would be valid under a warranty ?
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR probably so, but bought it off of Ebay and it took forever to come all the way from Russia ( like 3 months). I just ate it didn't feel like going thru the motions for a $68 dollar watch. I'll have a watch maker tinker with it when I get the chance. ✌🏼
I think you're missing the point of the Komandirskie, it's a bit like the seagull in the sense that you're supposed to appreciate it for remaining 100% faithful to what it was in the 60s. Make any improvements and you end up with a fundamentally different watch. Go to meranom and see for yourself -- Vostok produces modern iterations of the Komandirskie (going by the name K39 and such) with probably all the features you mentioned, and arguably a lot less of the vintage soviet cool factor. Also: all your translation guesses on the dial writing were spot on.
Thank you my friend . Yes I love the fact it’s stayed the same all those years ! That’s the main appeal for me. But they can improve the water resistance without changing the look or design? I mean there’s a huge rubber O ring in the back , screw down crown and caseback ??? It’s like the elements are there without the actual useful 100 WR? Enjoyed making the show and it won’t be the last Vostok!;)
Great show! I think that for russian watches something very interesting is to go for vintage. That way you can add some history value which make them even more worth it. Kind of cool to have cold war pieces printed USSR or CCCP :)
Darrell!!! Appreciate you finding the channel!!! Absolutely!!! And while I can’t get it cut anywhere still??!!! It’s gotta keep growing! Hope your having a nice weekend!
Your puny western pretty boy watch strap could not survive russian winter combat. This strap is useful a fuel for fire in survival situation, its also design for patching tires of military vehicle. In russia watch strap wears you!
Looks like a toy... classic, it's got some very quirky design features, never seen the wibbly wobbly thing before might be something Seiko could use?? Joking aside thought great little movement very good time keeper and hopefully by design rather than luck, Thanks great content really enjoyed that one.
Not for me these Vostoks. Love the Mrs section. As my wife says to me "you need to listen more!". I reply, "but if I did I wouldn't have all these watches."
Oh God! There are plenty of beautiful Vostok watches, you could have take a nice Amphibian special edition for your review. That is really a bargain for 120 euros.
I own 5 Vostoks and wear them more often than I wear my Submariner or my Seamaster. Dollar for dollar they give me a lot of joy.
Fantastic my friend , respect that greatly
can you use the komandirskie in the rain or it is so non water resistant?
@@marcoferrari4285 You can wear it on the rain. It has a seal gasket on the back of the case , and on the crown.
Dang it. I was on the fence about buying a VOSTOK KOMANDIRSKIE (020715), but you may of pushed me over the edge with this comment.
I’d just commented to similar effect on another video. I think having higher-end pieces in your collection makes it easier to accept the idiosyncrasies of some entry-level pieces and appreciate what amazing value they offer. I’ve dived with my Vostok Amphibia to the limits of recreational diving and no issues with water ingress. They’re well built.
The water resistance is 200 m and has been tested beyond that. The bezel does not need to click because it uses pressure to keep it in place . The deeper you go the harder it turns. The crystal is acrylic because it is designed to flex under pressure instead on shattering like a sapphire crystal will under too much pressure. The features you see as cheap are actually genius by design.
I bought my first vostok last year.
Surprised by the accuracy and love the quirky nature of this brand.
You don’t get those quirks on any other watch! For that it’s definitely got it’s place in the market!
The 20m WR is surely a understatement. The screw down crown and the back ensures it has to be atleast 50m
'If that thing is leather I'd hate to see the cow's face it came from', an absolute classic quote........great video Russ matey, see you Sunday on the live chat!
Hahahaha!!! Thanks for watching man!
Have two steel Vostok's 200m. , one Vostok Amphibia and one Vostok Komandirskie GMT. Build like tank, after 10 years they still running great, looking cool and i love them both. There's an youtube video that shows the watches surpass the high pressure water chamber test up to 700m. Excellent watches and surely way better than that entry level brass model showed in that video.
Thank you for making watches fun again! I've only been in the hobby for just over three years ago. TGV's interview with you was my introduction to you and I've been a subscriber and watching ever since. I told my wife "if I would ever do a watch channel that is what mine would be like. Lots of craziness and fun and all around watches." I love your Bezel Federation and love when you share your wife's first reaction to a watch. Thank you for keeping me entertained and informed about more watches. I just purchased two Vostok watches. One for myself and one for my son who just got back from Japan (my son is the one who turned me on to watches). They have not arrived yet but am excited to get them. Will be my first Vostok. TGV has got me loving Seiko and Casio and my collection grows on a regular basis. Thank you again Russell for ALL you do for the watch community.
Jeff!! This is fantastic to hear my friend! It was reason I started this show as I thought the entertainment value was lacking a bit! Of course it’s not for everyone! But I knew there would be guys and gals like yourself Jeff that would appreciate it! Thank you and I look forward to speaking to you more in the future!
These watches with all of their quirks are addicting....once you get one, you'll keep buying more. Great review Russ 👏
Hahahaha I think I came to the Vostoks late my friend. Can see the appeal definitely!
They are strange beasts, but there is something about them. Love my amphibia. Cheers !
I love my Vostok. I have the 431783 Komandirskie. It fits in well with my collections of my DressKX, Seamaster 007, Tag Heuer, Tissot 1000, and Mido Ocean Star GMT. It gets a lot of wrist time, and I like how it's rugged.
PS, the under side of the watch says "Waterproof - Russia"
‘One night stands where you try not to look at the face’ 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Hahahahaha!!
This watch is really built like a Russian tank or an AK 47. The watch may not look good, it has a bad strap and so on. BUT the watch shouldn't look good, it should work. I think my Vostok will even survive mankind without a single service. This is what I call real quality Sh*t. And that was the idea behind it, to build a watch as simply as possible. I think Vostok has been very successful with this
Nice honest review Dude. I have a modid "Suba Dude" and a Komandirskie White 24hr dial. Great watches for the price, and so cheap and easy to mod. 🤘
As a Vostok aficionado i got one of these, and gave a couple away as presents. But always on a NATO and with a bezel swap. Easy to get and easy to change. Love them as beater watches.
Think that’s a great idea! I’m having a plain bezel sent to me and will probably keep it on this green cordura strap!
Vostok can actually withstand 200 meters underwater. Many tests have already been done and they are here on RUclips. This is a very high quality watch for the money you pay. I recommend everyone to buy at least one of them... and I promise that you will come back for more. )
Are you talking about the Amphibia or Komandirskie?
@@karlsenula9495
Both. I own each of them myself. I’m planning to buy another one... I hope it’s the last one, since I already have a collection of 20 watches from different manufacturers/companies. It's time to stop. )
@@karlsenula9495 All Amphibias and some Komandirskies (the automatic ones) have a 200m water rating
@@karlsenula9495 Amphibias are rated for 200m but have been tested to go well past 500m
Vostoks can set the date by going past 12, winding back a little before 8 and going back to 12. I have 3 different models that can do this so I assume most if not all of them can do that.
Vostok Virgin Mistakes:
1/ avoid early Amphibias and most Kommanderskis ... chrome on brass, starts to chip afer 5 years or so. Price is usually the sign, chrome ones are about £50. Stainless, up to £150
2/ having bought dozens over the years.. the BEST case shape IMHO for practicality, confort and durability is the 44mm cushion with 22mm lugs. Unlike the Turtles from Seiko these lugs have a minimal curve and the high watch back caused by the propriatory water resistance system, means that it sits about 1mm off the wrist ather than hugging the wrist like a Willard. Having said that the ergonomics of the Vostok Cushion are a different league to the round case 'amphibia' default which suffers from top heavy design.
4/ if you buy 'Vintage' then avoid any built between about 1989 and 2010. The company was in all sorts of trouble especially in the 1990s. Things started to improve with new owners and modernised movements/stainless steel by 2007. Having said that, everything is relative and in the 90s these went for £15 in the UK. I wore one as my daily beater for about 8 years. It never broke, was never serviced, kept reasonable time and deapite the chrome flaking off it never ever leaked on me. Ive still got it somewhere. Watches made under the USSR especially early ones are collectable and great quality as are early Amphibias, but they all have chromes brass cases due to Seel shortages (ain't communism great,kids?)
5/ bracelets... just dont bother... if you want a bracelet then buy a strapcode with straight end links and live with rhe vintage gap look
6/ if you havent owned one before and before you buy one, make sure you read the history of Vostok, especially the development of the Amphibia, which is an amazing story and which explains some of the 'quirks' which are actually serious design features: jumping second hand= shock absorber
Wobbly crown with clutch system is deliberate to stop sausage fingered peasants from damaging the keyless works when winding or setting
Acrylic is all part of the vibe and waterprooving. The USSR needed dive watches but had no cash for decadent western patent licenses so the Vostok team literally invented a dive watch from scratch without using ANY of the tech developed in Switzerland and Japan. The waterproofing is ingenious, reliable, simple and arguably a better and more elegant design than the traditional.
7/ mod away with enthusiasm. My current favourite is a Cushion Cased Amphibia Scuba Dude with the teal dial and the 3rd party (in this case the Spanish Vostok Forum) 'Lake Baikal' bezel which just sets this watch off and gives it such a unique period look. There's a UK seller on ebay who sells these with the Baikal fitted for about 100 quid. I wear mine on a blue isofrane which costs considerbly more than the watch. It is my snorkelling/sailing beater, and if I ended up losing it, its only £240 with the isofrane and I can replace the watch for the cost of a date with the missus in a half reasonable bistro.
All in all, an iconic 20th C design and a piece of history.
First time I watched the Mad Watch Collector, won't be my last. What a crack up!
Thanks for finding the channel Yuri Cosmo!!!;)
Love Vostok's wear one everyday...and is often commented on...
I have an Amphibia Scuba Dude that I actually really love. Wound up putting it on a Casio Duro strap ironically.
Yeah I want to own an Amphibia. There’s enough unique quirks in these to justify going in my collection. I’m not sure about the Komanderskie though.
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR I’ve skipped that one also. All the ones I like the look of have a tank or something on them like you mentioned.
Top work Russ - how refreshing to see watches reviewed in a fun and informative way - there are far too many ‘stuffed shirts’ in this industry.
Cheers Dave appreciate that a lot!
Vostoks are pretty good
Absolutely Matthew! Definitely a place for them in the watch family circle;) thanks for watching!!
Thanks to TGV I got to know your channel. Honestly your videos are wonderful! Also idk why but the opening music is so good that I'd listen to it for hours :)
Thank you so much for coming over my friend! If you check the Linktree link in the description of the video you can listen to the song;) it’s one of mine called Trampoline ;)
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR Thank you so much!! I listened to other songs as well and they were amazing. I'll be waiting for another video :)
This was hilarious!! 🤣🤣
I picked up one of these around 6 months ago and had all the same negatives you had. Even tho I did like the dial and the domed crystal I just couldn’t get over the chromed platting, crown, and bezel... so I moved it on.
Can’t believe you moved it on?! For money?!;) these are so dirt cheap! There is definitely place for these watches which is why they are still made today!;)
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR lol he said for money?? Haha! Nah, i added it on to a trade I made. I agree there is a place for them. Just not in my box 🤭😮🤣
the 20m might be a translation error, the vostoks i know have 20 atm, that is equal to 200m
This is the best review I have ever seen!
You are too kind!! Plus in for a real treat with the rest of the channel;)
It’s a very solid movement you could take it into a battle or a rave.
Yes!!!;) thanks for watching my friend!
This episode made me cry with laughter. Well done!
Dennis! Thanks for watching my friend!
Haha, great review as always my friend. My wife is always giving me funny responses to the watches too, nice to see you include that. The episodes just keep getting better and better. LOVE IT! Have a great weekend buddy. Best, MJ
Thanks Matt! I think it’s a bit of a laugh as she has no clue but her first impressions could be interesting!;)
I think the off-gold nitrile coating looks better than the silvery chrome. Oh, and don't underestimate those straps, they are comfy as hell and basically do not age at all.
Thank you for watching my friend!!! Oooooo very hard to win me over on that strap! Maybe if I was a rough and tough guy! But I’ve been too used to the softer things in life!!!!!;) . Enjoy the weekend!
I love my Komandirskie, the alloy/chrome case annoys me but I have modded it with a Seiko style bezel and it looks superb. The paratrooper dial is the one to get, the colours really pop.
I went with the full Imperial Russian Eagle dial 👍
I have a Komandirskie with a tank. I actually like the strap. I also have a gold tone Komandirskie the bezel does not move.
Great watches for the money. Some of the new Komanderskies are in an amphibia case basically and have 200m of water resistance
Love these..I came across mine in a car boot sale which I bought from some frankenstein looking russians who had a picnic table full of them...I love this watch and as long as I wind it every morning it gives great time for needs..I am sorry I did not buy five of them...I got mine for a bartered down to 17euro from 25...wish I could get a new one but with the conflict at present I would say unlikely..Will be on the look out for them on the second hand market...It shames some more expensive makes..
Superb stuff Alan !!
This is the antithesis of the nobility of your shop selling Teddy Baldassare, and I Loves it!!!
Hahahahaha thank you my friend!!!! Thanks for the support appreciate it!
Kurt Santana is the best comedy character in the whole watch community - and maybe beyond! Awesome work TMWC! 😂
Hahaha thank you Karl!
In Vostoks defence this is a $20 watch on the factory online store we are talking about.
Most people will never dive to 20 meters. If they do ears will hurt, not to mention most can not hold their breath to get to that depth. It is perfect for a field watch. Take it swimming ,no problem. You want to dive, get a Amphibia for $80. For the money, is hard to beat.
Great review brother! Very interesting piece to say the least! Your wife’s thoughts were hilarious!
Thanks for watching Josh! Appreciate that!
I think it’s a great added part to the show! Keep it at the back for those who have bothered to watch till the end!;)
I’m a Vostok amphibia fan, it’s older brother not so much. Your video is honest and always fun!! Great job as usually bro !!! Vostoks are the tractors of the watch market but u got to get the amphibia for the best results... love em’
Thanks for watching Ted!
Got a “scuba dude” on a rubber strap-cool, quirky watch!! Ordered it from the Meranom website for 75 USD.
Great stuff Frank! Can’t argue with the value !
They certainly have their qwerks, but I still love mine. Much like your channel Russell 😆
Thanks for watching James! All the best man!
I had one and gifted it to my friend. The case feels like it’s made of recycled beer cans or something lol. It felt rough and hollow.
Great value though, it’s just I’d a resin DW5600E at this price point.
Omar! Thanks for watching my friend!!!
I’m with Omar ☝️
I just bought a vostok in China, the price is worthy of this quality, high cost performance, only cost me 399rmb (approximately). It's a good watch for the people
Great value my friend! Definitely a watch for the People!!!!;)
One of those one night stands when you try not to look that face lmfao 🤣 I had a long week I needed this thanks!
Glad I helped you out my friend!!! Enjoy the weekend!
interestingly I've seen these tested on forums and the water resistance is almost comically understated, not a dive watch but fine for any swimming or snorkeling you'll do
I have watched several Vostok reviews and I just can't pull the trigger, yet.
I just a the moment wear an 32 years+ old Komandirskie. Using a timegrapher app I just found out, its rate is all over the place from -42 to +28 seconds a day depending on watch orientation. However, over all, considering it has no hackable seconds, it just currently runs about 4 seconds slow a day when worn. Thats good enough for me for this watch.
However, other modern watches with their cheap movements all have the same issues albeit in a smaller magnitude, running different based on orientation.
Same one I have .....👌🏾 ....think I might buy a dedicated case just for Vostoks 😁
So affordable! The engine inside was beating so well! Great value!
Now that was a funny review!
I'll keep my Casio's
Hahahaha Ali! Thanks for watching my friend!
I kinda like this simple and mechanical feel. I chaged the strap and bezel, bought it with the watch. Case feels really cheap and it is, I don´t wear it often mostly because of the crown to wind and to set the date, that´s a painful experience, but it´s comfortable, nice size and the vintage style are really nice, I´ll go there set the date and wear it.
Igor! Thank you so much for watching! Yes totally agree! Definitely painful! It’s a gateway watch definitely!!!
Great show MWC!
With a gorgeous entry for Casio Corner and an appearance from your stunning Squale right from the off I felt like the poor old Vostok didn’t stand a chance in the looks department 😂 I was expecting a much lower score from Mr Santana to be honest. That bezel is an affront to bezels everywhere 😂
Loved the new What the Wife Said segment, can’t argue with her assessment of the watch either 😂
I’ve got an Amphibia on the way myself. I love how quirky and unique Vostoks are. They’ve done their own thing across the board and there’s something to admire about that. It’s almost like an anti-luxury watch brand. Rough and ready, cheap and cheerful but actually keep quite reliable time 😂
Thanks for watching my friend! Yes! It didn’t stand a chance!!!!
I have a few Vostok's and they are quirky to say the least and tough as old boots, they are also very "'Modable'" with plenty of different bezel inserts, hands, dials and domed crystal inserts for the dial. Check out Jody at JOMW as he's modded a few over the years.
Hi Rob! I’m looking forward to nodding one for sure!!
Recently bought one of those too. $ 35.- from ebay if I remember correctly.
Got the 811783 (same case as yours, classic field watch dial with 1-12 and 24h military time)
If you know what you're getting yourself into, these are great little watches. I like the bi-directional bezel on this one.
I really like the winding action of the movement. And if Vostok says it's water-resistant to 20m you can bet it is. I read you can go swimming with these no problem.
Ps. and how cool is that domed plexi!
Oh yes I really love acrylic crystals! Loved the dial I chose to! Can’t get on with the bezel BUT for me having it on a field watch I can forgive it. Water resistance is a little ridiculous! But I imagine you could use this far deeper than they tell you!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR yeah nice choice for the dial. I am thinking about replacing the bezel with a standard amphibian one I have laying around (with red and black dots) that is more matt and not that blingy.
About the water-resistant: I bet they tested those 20 meters at least with one of the prototypes on the arm of a Spetsnaz divers who came back and said:
Спустился метров двадцать. без пузырей!
Fun fact: A friend of mine asked if I had bought AK-47 ammo when he saw the cardboard box the watch came in :-D
i have 2 vostok amphibia love them both
I live in Japan, but the Casio ae1200 is not officially sold in Japan. So I import it overseas and wear it😂😭
Great review as always Russ👍👍 A very honest and informative video on one of the most iconic Russian timepiece ⌚👏👏
Thanks for watching CT!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR Always a pleasure to watch Your channel. Have a Great weekend 👍
Nice dial choice, it looks really good. The chrome plated brass is a turn off though, i feel like it will chip off in the long run.
For me, the old Seiko 5's are still the best value-for-money mechanical watch.
Thanks for watching Eve! Think I’m with you .
Another great production, Sir! I think there is a reason these watches haven't changed....or will ever change, and that is... Why would they? When RUclipsrs, including myself, spend hours and hours making essentially free promotion for Vostok. And while people love to tear these watches apart, figuratively and literally... They all seem to have NO problem purchasing and wearing them with reverence. Also, why would Vostok improve the Kom's stats when they know that if we need a more rugged watch, we will just buy ANOTHER Amphibia! Beauty is only chrome deep. These are really cool little machines with a ton of history and a cult-like following... Nuf' said. Now, about my Starking.... 😉
Hahaha thank you for watching my friend. Yep these are definitely iconic. Think if I came to these watches first in my watch hobby instead of the SKX I may feel slightly more towards them. Very quirky though and respect anyone who buys one of these over an easy homage watch ;)
This was very good coverage in terms of the effort you went to in understanding the watch, so many fail to bother and so don't know anything re the crown design, date hack etc. Good job!
The only thing I would say is that some komandirskies have 200 meter water resistance. Also not all are chrome plated, you can in fact get many steel variants, though the price is around 70-80 odd quid for those.
Fun video :)
Thank you for watching Christopher! Yes I need a more of a high end Komanderskie now!;)
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR - I have expensive watches in my collection, but I could fall in love with a watch for £5. I don't think less of such things either. I'm just some kind of retarded magpie :)
I bought 7 Vostoks in the year I bought a couple of aherm Mmm end watches for grands of that thing we call cash. But I love the engineering feat of those Vostok's, no European patents, limitations to be overcome in terms.of materials, ingenious design including wobbly crown and sunken crystals/caseback. Also what fun, what designs, wild and acryclic, scuba dude and aircraft!!!! lol. I have a gold chrome plated watch with black sailor stuff on and a 4 O'clock crown and it's crazily good and out there! lol. Pure joy!
There is a bright yellow Komanderskie, I have to get that one too :)
Nice review and fun to watch,thought the comb over Wig was real hair at first.
Brilliant, in all fairness ,awesome watchs for the cost ,wear mine more than the more expensive ones.
Just wish they come with better straps ,maybe they do on purpose.
Привет, приятель, это было круто, и ты должен полюбить эту шаткую корону ... Счастливых выходных и спасибо, что поделились;)
But sir, surely that's impossible without at least one live chicken and a rabbi.
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR LML now that's interesting... searching.... LML :-P
Hahahahaha how else am I supposed to reply to This awesome loada Russian?!?!;)
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR LML LML LML in such cases, just use reactions like this...
:-/
:-P
:->
:-}
:-O
:-?
:-#
Thought you were opening a Wonka's whipple -scrumptious fudgemallow delight,i keep watching this one Russell, brilliant, worth the £45 for this video alone, keep up the good work matey & remember, don't look at its face when you're pushing your crown in.
Hahahahahaha!!!!? Thank you my friend! Have to say I really did enjoy making this one;)
Love that Squale
Some of the Komandirskies have a stainless case. They have a 0 in the third digit of the 6-digit model number.
Oooo great to know my friend thanks for the info!!!!
All of the stainless steel case Komandirskies are basically automatic Amphibias with a brushed case, with a twist (24 hour dials, old school GMT, etc)
I feel like this would look much better if you stripped the chrome from the brass case and gave the brass a nice brushing...
Agreed Austin!!!
The vintage ones are much better.
I have one from 1985 that my grandfather got as a ww2 veteran, special soviet mod order and they are still working great.
I would love to see this my friend!
Oh man! What a dial!!!! That looks awesome. Need to treasure that!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR yah its a "cheap" watch but for me it's priceless.Thanks great channel 👍
Great review as ever is it just me but is kirt santa face from the A team 😂on a bad day Please keep doing these great watch reviews Regards steve 🙂 👍
Thanks Steve! I’ll keep going matey;)
I like the blue face and the red hands but it’s not really my style of watch thought, great review as always👊
Thanks Dave!!!
I think you've taken one for the team in buying this one! It has a face only a mother could like.
Think your right! Have a plain bezel coming which I think will transform it!!!!;)
if you want more water resistance just buy an amphibia...
Its waterproof to a depth of 20 metres not water resistant. Check the Russian writing on the back.
As it's a mechanical wind model the stem gasket will need replacing eventually.
Where did you get the shark hat???
This is an oldie Karl?! Forgot!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR lol it was worth a shot ...
i love staring at mine.
Great Levi!
So a question. Do you think this is the best mechanical value watch or the Pagani PD1639 sub alike? The Pagani has the stainless steel, 100m and a ratchitty bezel(albeit a bit wobbly😬). Great video 👍
I need to get my hands on an Invicta first I think!! Then sample San Martin ? Right now though I’m all clomaged out at the minute!;) I’ll be back!!!! Thanks for watching Andy!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR look forward to the next installment
The water resistance rating is really confusing with the classic Komandirskie watches, as in my experience they behave more like 5atm resistant watches. My first Vostok was one just like this and being that type of guy who never takes his watch off I wore it in the shower, in the bathtub, went swimming with it and never had an issue. So you can probably imagine my surprise when I first read about this dodgy 20 meter rating. I'd say as long as you buy the watch new and you treat the crown and caseback threads with silicone grease as a safeguard it should do fine (of course as long as you don't go scuba diving with it).
BTW you've got yourself a new subscriber, I really like your review style!
Thank you for finding the channel my friend! Yes very surprised at the 20 m WR. The case seems fitted the same way as the Amphibia with the unique screw crown and 2 piece caseback !;) anyway very different watch to talk about and I enjoyed making the show!
All the best!
The writing on the bottom does mean “Made in Russia “.
Thanks Frank!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR No problem. I would like to ad a funny fact. The word “made” in Russian is pronounced “sdelano”. In Spanish, that pronunciation sounds like “es del ano”, which means “is from the anus”. Cheers and merry Christmas!!
A much better deal at the $27 delivered price I got last year. The Komandirskie versions in self wind and Amphibia water proof offer a much better watch.
Hi Sam! Interested in reviewing one of those my friend!
25 $ price in Russia
Always a worthy watch comrade. If the original strap isnt bad, its no original vostok.
Yes!!!!!! Thanks for watching my friend!
They have already made this Komandirskie in titanium cover
I have no faith in them. My Scuba Dude stopped working 7 months after I bought it. And changing the date on them BLOWS!!!! 🌬 Loved it for a minute tho. 👍
Hmmm well with them being massed produced the way they are it’s not a surprise that you might get the odd one or 2’s engine break down mate. Surely it would be valid under a warranty ?
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR probably so, but bought it off of Ebay and it took forever to come all the way from Russia ( like 3 months). I just ate it didn't feel like going thru the motions for a $68 dollar watch. I'll have a watch maker tinker with it when I get the chance. ✌🏼
I think you're missing the point of the Komandirskie, it's a bit like the seagull in the sense that you're supposed to appreciate it for remaining 100% faithful to what it was in the 60s. Make any improvements and you end up with a fundamentally different watch. Go to meranom and see for yourself -- Vostok produces modern iterations of the Komandirskie (going by the name K39 and such) with probably all the features you mentioned, and arguably a lot less of the vintage soviet cool factor. Also: all your translation guesses on the dial writing were spot on.
Thank you my friend . Yes I love the fact it’s stayed the same all those years ! That’s the main appeal for me. But they can improve the water resistance without changing the look or design? I mean there’s a huge rubber O ring in the back , screw down crown and caseback ??? It’s like the elements are there without the actual useful 100 WR?
Enjoyed making the show and it won’t be the last Vostok!;)
Great show! I think that for russian watches something very interesting is to go for vintage. That way you can add some history value which make them even more worth it. Kind of cool to have cold war pieces printed USSR or CCCP :)
Very good point my friend! Thanks for watching and your support!
There are some Vostok Komandirski in stainless steel.
Super my friend!
The what the wife said for pretty much all my watches is : “what is that monstrosity!?” . Not really tempted by a Vostok
I think they are worth getting if only for the experience my friend! Mine has a great engine inside I have to say!;)
They are good for slackers who don’t care about being on time for work
The the most accurate!!! Thanks for watching!
The bottom text does indeed say made in Russia.
Thanks for the clarification!!!
Ultimate beata watch
Absolutely! And with a touch of military history !
New to your channel. Enjoy that hair while you have it young man. Enjoy 😊
Darrell!!! Appreciate you finding the channel!!! Absolutely!!! And while I can’t get it cut anywhere still??!!! It’s gotta keep growing! Hope your having a nice weekend!
subbed.
Appreciate that a lot Nigel!!!!!
I wonder how this would look if you sand off the chrome plating
Not sure it’s worth the effort to find out Mario!;) I did get sent a plain bezel which does make the watch look much better!
Love what the wife said !
Your puny western pretty boy watch strap could not survive russian winter combat. This strap is useful a fuel for fire in survival situation, its also design for patching tires of military vehicle. In russia watch strap wears you!
Charles you are absolutely right!!!! I’m too soft for a Vostok strap!!!!!
Looks like a toy... classic, it's got some very quirky design features, never seen the wibbly wobbly thing before might be something Seiko could use??
Joking aside thought great little movement very good time keeper and hopefully by design rather than luck, Thanks great content really enjoyed that one.
Hahaha! I doubt Seiko would ever had considered it!;)
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR Well they have already got the hitty missy alignment thing goings on ;)
That is true!
The time tardis. Looks like Jimmy Saville.
Hmmmmmm most certainly not the inspiration my friend!!!
Still better than a squale
Hell no
Not for me these Vostoks. Love the Mrs section. As my wife says to me "you need to listen more!". I reply, "but if I did I wouldn't have all these watches."
Sooo good! My wife would say the same!!!
Oh God! There are plenty of beautiful Vostok watches, you could have take a nice Amphibian special edition for your review. That is really a bargain for 120 euros.
Walter!!!! Thank you so much for watching my friend! Oh yes I am certainly not done with Vostok yet!;) all the best!
I hope you do another Vostok video!