Hey sir I'm a diver the bezel function is on purpose. I tested it by diving, the lower I went the more pressed the bezel was and it stayed in place better than a traditional diver, it's really remarkable man I have the Scuba dude too. Also I slightly moded mine and had a lume marker at the 12 added and these are very modifiable. It's the perfect dive watch I can't stop diving with this watch. I even have a Doxa sub 300 crazy enough lol
Wore the same model every day for 5 years and im still loving it, it was with me all the time, all those scratches and now clearly visible brass (chrome plated) bezel remind me that this is MY watch.
The exact same as my daily wearer. Nearly three years now and I'm still in love with it. Love your work by the way, really nice, down to earth, honest videos.
Hello Pete.I bought a couple of those (amphibia) in 1998.Never been serviced,still alive and kicking.Definately water tight (done snorkling).Acrilic dome scratches like hell and they have corrosion issues on their cases,at the point where they touch the skin (due to swet).Other than that,I am happy with them.I couldn't agree more with your revew.
That has to be the most classic looking Voxtok and I love the dial color. The only improvement I would make is to eliminate the date. Looks great with that mesh bracelet, too. I plan to add a Vostok this year.
Great review 👍 . Nice to see an enthusiastic reviewer take the trouble to do some nice close ups of a Vostok. The fit and finish is surprisingly good for the price. I know a lot of people are put off by the friction bezel but plain stainless ones are available that give a dress watch look or the spring can be adjusted to make it less easy to turn. I love my Vostoks, but decided to buy without date as I don't wear them non-stop.
I had one a couple of years ago, I absolute regretted selling it. A month ago I bought another and this time I'll never let it go! Look great in mesh btw! Congrats on the great content!
I think a lot of watch enthusiasts resent the Vostoc Amphibia watch because there is a big following for it and the Amphibia is not expensive. Its a watch you can collect without breaking the bank. You can tinker with it. It can easily be modded. These are everyday watches. A watch to use and enjoy. I have to admit I like my Amphibia watch but no one has complimented me on it or noticed it yet. I don't care. They are good products.
I love my Vostok Scuba Dude. I regulated it because it was 40 seconds fast a day. I used my time graph to help me. Now it keeps nearly perfect time. Also, because of its lack of hacking & the hassle it is to adjust the date, I keep it on a cheap watch winder (the only one of my watches that I put on it). In spite of all this, I like this watch for its quirkiness & robustness.
I'm right with you on these Vostoks Peter. I have slowly put together a mini Vostok collection, and more often than not, one of them is my daily beater! They are addictive, and perfect in their imperfections!
Under water the glass expands outwards and jams the bezel in place. That's how it gets secured. However, that way it only makes sense to set it to intended bottom time, that's why you have the red bezel markings running backwards from 0, because you can't rotate it under water when you're going to do the ascent.
@@stevek8829 I guess the biggest dot. The red markers move to the left in default position, I don't know why. Heard that this was used with the hour hand and marked the passing of one's shift as it lasted 4 hours back then.
The bezel it is special design to helps the acrylic crystal , to enter under pressure and secure it in big depths. Actually is very smart design, like all of the " construction". Thanks for the video, from Greece.
I have my 420 currently in pieces because I am modding it ... and I already miss it!!! Good thing a vintage 119 just arrived. What an incredible piece. Runs like a charm. Great video. Love your work.
Thanks for the review and nice close ups. I was literally just looking at that unit online 30mins ago. I have a Komandirskie and have been trying to decide on an Amphibia - so many styles.
They are great to mod as well - different bezels, callbacks, straps etc. I got the Amphibia classic blue submarine dial, put it on an orange silicone strap and put on an Antartica caseback.
That's my favourite Vostok case and dial. I swapped the bezel for a black dive time one from Vostok and tightened the spring so it doesnt spin at will. Barton Elite silicon strap finishes it. Great review.
I've seen a guy post this in the forum I frequent, and I did take notice, but then forgot about it. This video really highlights the loads of character of this watch -39mm, plexiglass, and the blue dial with the red accents really work. Looks fantastic on mesh too . Thanks for sharing👍
My arrived a couple of weeks ago.I couldn't agree with you more. It's a really lovely little watch! I popped it on my timegrapher and it now keeps impeccable time. I even like the original bracelet it came with. My only issue is that it was very shiny! SO I took the bezel off and did a brushed finish on the watch and bezel leaving the side of the case polished. Did the same on the watch bracelet. It looks a little more workman like as a result. Love it!
Excellent video. The bezel it is specially design. In the deep the glass goes under of it and make it very very difficult to move. Almost impossible. More deeper, MoRE stable. Thanks for the reviews and the informations.
The Vostok Bezel is great for day to day and if you really need it tighter for diving just pop the bezel off and adjust. Can you picture someone trying to pop the bezel off a Rolex? Maybe you want a different bezel with Vostok you aren't stuck with it just swap it out. Have two Vostok watches and looking for more lol
Great Surprise here... I can not agree more.. if there is a watch that I regret to take off (because of rotation) is my Vostok Amphibia; a real trooper with a beautiful light blue dial (I think it is the same) and with its particular amazing feature: the movement ; it is running within +5 sec / day and , actually the longer I wear it the more accurate it gets. Price-wise : unbeatable - $65 ish The one you are showing: slick-smaller (39?), with a smoother looking bezel and the mesh bracelet makes a very nice combination, kind of a "dressing- up" watch, great! 👍👍 Minute 6:26 - kind words toward the brand - that is you Peter Btw, somebody inhere said "..they are addictive.." be careful, that is true - Vostok
I have one it my Beach/pool watch, yesterday I decided to brush it and paint the dive markers dark orange (on the 20 min ) and white for the other markers (works with my swimtrunks and swims braided loafers). It turned out phenomenal.
I have a somewhat beefier Vostok, its THE watch that gives the most bang for the buck. Fantastic watch! It is very well built, it keeps time, just works, looks fantastic. Im in the planning of order more Vostoks.
A very fun review, and I am so happy to see you now with a full-on Amphibia! I appreciate that you use local vendors, but I really think you should check out what's available on Meranom, well beyond all the varieties: the bezels are interchangeable, affordable and can be swapped literally on the fly. By purchasing a watch and a couple of bezels (which include even an incredible deal on a ceramic luminova version), one can actually have "several watches" out of one Amphibia. One can also order upgraded parts, such as a stainless steel signed crown, or a gilded crystal ring, or a different caseback and if you'd rather them install it before it ships, they charge $5 USD to do it. Hey wait, did you refer to yourself as "Archie"?
Hey Erik, if I look at sourcing these from Meranom, I’ll probably open up a whole new can of worms and won’t have enough watch boxes to store all the watches 😂
I have this same watch - on a NATO, but the same head. It's a perfect knockaround watch. You don't have to baby it or worry about fixing it. They're also very easy to regulate if they start to run way too fast or way too slow, so you can run 'em 'til they drop dead.
Best mechanical for the money,you can open it regulating the time with no fear at all,garanty water resistanse,you can brush or polish it,change dials and hour markers with minimum cost,it is generally the joy of the amateur watchmaker.Check also Komandirskie Classic 02 and 03 series.If there was not custom charges and delays I would buy them all,LOL.Cheers Peter nice one.
People are too far up their arse about them. They're a solid automatic pretty watch for the price of a night out on the lash. Years of service. Nothing like them but in a good way. If you want perfection then spend more money than this. Great video.
Yes, I've got this exact model amongst 6 other Vostoks. They are very addictive and I always regret having to take it off. I like that milanese mesh strap as well. That's my next purchase - maybe along with another of these 420s. This never ends .......
I’m one watch in of many Vostoks to come! It’s all the things you say it is. The value of a rugged beater automatic at this price point is its greatest feature, and the quirkiness is free!
Never subbed to a watch reviewer so fast. Amazing work. Your review convinced me to buy one, this perfectly matches my needs. I require that timing bezel for work so thanks!
Peter! Thanks for the great review I just ordered this a few weeks ago and it is on the way! I got mine on the orange nato strap that Vostok store sells, it looks absolutely amazing (pic) with the orange band off of that blue dial. Can’t wait to get it!!! Thanks for this, I’m now all the more excited to get this one!
I have this one but on the cushion case with the Spanish Vostok forum 'Lake Baikal' bezel (woth decompression times) it looks even better with this aftermarket bezel. There's a guy in the UK selling assembled ones on a 22mm light blue/grey NATO. Price is about £120. With the cushion its just about the most perfect water beater for sailing etc.
I don't know if you're is the same mate but on mine the crown was a coated plastic. They wear through pretty quickly but meranom sell replacement SS versions cheap as chips. Cheers Peter.
Just ordered today from meranom a bracelet like yours. Mods on my amphibia so far: clean bezel, metal movement holder, s s crown with logo. Next to arrive: bracelet and blue dial with no date window. Keep up the great content sir!
Love these watches they are brilliant and i have many the 090 case is my favorite. Recently managed to get my hands on a limited edition Vostok 1967 love it (:
The "dressiest" Amphibia. Great review of a great value piece. I think at least one Vostok watch should be in every collection. Love the mesh bracelet too.
I have this watch, modified the bazel and regulated time to loss of 2sec a day...Great watch, unfortunately watch Crystal can scratch very easily 😕 so take care of banging into things 😀
The acrylic crystal dome scratches very easily, but it's as easy to fix it : just polish it with a cloth, or cotton, and toothpaste or specific polish for acrylic, it becomes like new in five minutes !! ( If the scratches are too deep, you have to sand it before with a fine grinding paper and then polish after) Hi from a Vostok fan from France !
I own two Vostoks and just ordered this one (but with the black Bezel that has numerals instead of dots). I had seen this one before and passed on it in favor of a different one from the same series but this video sold me here. I also own three other Russian pieces (two Sturmanskies and one Sputnik). Another interesting brand is "Vostok Europe" which are all made in Lithuania actually.
Hiya Pete! It has become common sense amongst watch people that a Vostok is no watch to be ashamed for. This particular is especially lovely, it's almost classic with its teal colour dial with the little scuba dude on it and the red accents on the second hand and the bezel. And these mesh bracelets have a reputation of being inexpensive but good quality alternative to the other straps and bracelets that aren't too great! Cheers mate!👍
Alexander, if you had to pick one watch to wear, would you chose this or an Exciton. They are essentially the same price. I am just curious about the appeal of these Russian pieces.
@@CanadianBeachcomber These two watches are hard to compare. I see the Exciton as a watch to wear quite frequently and a Vostok more as an occasional wear. Does this answer your question?
My favourites case of the vostok amphibia..but mine keeps stopping..had a look on a watch forum person on there said some new vostok don't like there crown wound to tight..so slacked mine off ..it been running fine ever since
The Vostok well is deep when one falls in... I have four Vostoks and struggle deciding which to wear each day. If I only have four wrists... Keep the great content coming Peter! 👍
Good review video. I do enjoy looking at vintage watches (and vintage styled too). Not a big fan of disposable products culture so I would likely spend the purchase price again to restore a piece if it wasn’t too far gone. Cheers.
Love the channel Peter! Just made my first Vostok purchase. Identical to yours except with a modified bezel. I’ve ordered the original. Is this still part of your own personal collection?
It's all about what appeals to you. It's like saying one artist is better than another, entirely subjective. My Vostok is on its long journey to find me, wherein it'll certainly be my favourite for design.
Oi! Mate! I'm back, although it took me more than 2 months to finish all 1700 (approx) olives. Hell mate, but we survived (ok, back, hands, feet and many other parts are in pain... a bit!). First of, what a smooth (very last musical) ending. Not russian, more like a 50's "up on the yank's montains" movie theme but wow! I saw them leaving on horses, in a snowy land full of pines... LOL Secondly, told ya early you're doomed with Vos(HHH)tok, now it's way to late for cure, only more vostokians to flood your collection. And lastly, great to hear ya enjoying the simple things in life, guess your "a foot on east, a foot on west" roots lead you to another perspective of life... (or we just get older? LOL). Cheers mate, lockdowns won't keep us apart, it's mental blockdowns i'm affraid of! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Great to see you’ve finished the olives bro. Like I said I would have loved to be there and roll the sleeves up myself. Btw, I’ve looked everywhere for a cure to this bug called Vostok..I don’t think a cure exists though 😂
They are very unique and strikingly beautiful watches. There are so many different ones that you can find the right one for your taste. I love mine! That color is a fave of mine as well.
Had to buy one after watching this video. Got the black face with red diver on it. Silicone Band. $69.00 on eBay! What a purchase 👍 Thank you for the video. I have 5 Rolexes a Hublot, 2 Breitlings and a Bronze Oris. This one will fit in just fine. Your so right, simple is just fine! WB-USMC-RET.
The biggest problem with Vostoks is that they're habit-forming. The Blue-Dude is a classic. I'm a big fan of the blue Amfibia Reef GMT - not many auto GMTs on the market for under $250
Alternative name of this episode: For the Love of Cheap Watches. Nothing wrong with Omegas and Tudors, but nothing wrong with this one either. In my collection Casio has the same functions as these Vostoks have in yours. One point I think that makes this watch so enjoyable to you is probably the dimensions. Nothing beats a 36 ish to 40 ish mm watch for wearability. As to chucking versus servicing and keeping, do it and keep it. There was a period in my life of maybe 15 years when I just stopped wearing watches. I threw away something like 7 or 8 watches, though I did keep 3 (that I still use today), and you know what? I miss each one I threw out. Got back into buying watches last year, now I have 9, wear them all and hopefully will pick up another 3 this year. One more digital and two more quartz analogues, all cheap, all fun and just like you say often Peter, they make ME happy. Great video and reflections.
Thanks for sharing Marcelo It’s amazing the things that bring us joy isn’t it? I too tossed some watches over the years and I wish I didn’t Lessons to be learnt I suppose 😌
Greetings, great videos and channel! Fun fact: the bidirectional bezel of the Amphibia locks when exposed to pressure; so, like the caseback, and amyloid crystal dsign, it functions better underwater. Fascinating, huh?
Yeah, Have a Vostok Komandirskie 650841. Keeps perfect time 200m water resist automatic with date. Bracelet is rubbish to small or too big. So I put a NATO strap on it at the moment I have a black and grey silicone quick release strap on it. Amazing value for money and cheaper than a microbrand. Yes, I would service it. Why not.
Great video Peter, very high quality shots for a relatively small channel! Planning to plunge myself into the Vostok world, and this one might very well be my first...
I thought the red Komandirsky diver is the last one. It lasted 2 weeks yesterday a Komandirsky with a Flieger ish dial arrived. It is my second handwind Vostok and I think I will buy the green diver and stop it then....... .
Oh also the bezel, it's engineered that way, if you dive with it the bezel locks in the further down you go due to the crystal and bezel seal, i dive with this watch and it worked as advertised so you can trust your life with it lol. Also the crown is wobbly for a reason too, if you ever hit the crown while screwed down during a dive it won't throw off and break and as you said protects the movement as well. Trust me it's complicated but research the watch and the history of it and you'll find even more. This watch is a hidden engineering masterpiece sir.
I've never owned one , but I've always admired them. The longer I've been in this hobby , the more I'm surprised by my wants. I want smaller watches now, just gone off most things over 42mm. I'm a big man, but I still prefer the 40mm and below watches because they are so comfortable in comparison. I'm loving my tag heuer formula one chronograph in 38mm , with its 18mm bracelet and cheap pressed fold over clasp, because it's so comfy to wear. I love the old school jubilee bracelet and President styles, and the beads of rice. You just can't beat them for comfort and they are generally light too. Some of the modern watches today are so over engineered that the clasps are massive and chunky , and although strong, they are just too big. People moaned about seikos bracelets being too jangly and cheap pressed clasps etc, but I've never had one let me down yet, so sometimes the simple designs are the best. I've realised you can spend a lot of money going after your grail watch, but 9 times out of 10, it's a cheap one that does it for you . Great vid as usual Peter and I hope you and the family are all well.
Thanks Martin, I agree mate...some of these smaller 40mm and under offerings are just a dream to wear..and these Vostoks do n to break the bank and bring the joy needed :) Cheers mate !!
just note on the bezel, theres load of different ones and the free spinning for me at least isnt something that happens. You can either swap the spring in the bezel or some just fit tighter and better than others. I took the black bezel off an old komandirski I had and threw it on my amphibia and it takes a substantial force to get it to turn. I also have an amphibia with a bezel I bought from some dude in a certain disputed plot of land in easter europe thats the same way, really tight and not going anywhere unless I want it to. Plus I think those bezels look better personally and are a lot more useable
Just be very ver careful. I now own fourteen of them.
Lol welcome to the Vostok rabbit hole 👍
@@karlsenula9495. The Abyss. Lol
I have 10 all sorts of them vintage, new bought 2 or3 years old.
My dayly is a Komandirsky in red on a red NATO strap. I love it.
This makes me feel better. I only have five and was looking at others. Thanks.
@@kombo731. The year is young.. Lol
Hey sir I'm a diver the bezel function is on purpose. I tested it by diving, the lower I went the more pressed the bezel was and it stayed in place better than a traditional diver, it's really remarkable man I have the Scuba dude too. Also I slightly moded mine and had a lume marker at the 12 added and these are very modifiable. It's the perfect dive watch I can't stop diving with this watch. I even have a Doxa sub 300 crazy enough lol
Wore the same model every day for 5 years and im still loving it, it was with me all the time, all those scratches and now clearly visible brass (chrome plated) bezel remind me that this is MY watch.
The exact same as my daily wearer. Nearly three years now and I'm still in love with it. Love your work by the way, really nice, down to earth, honest videos.
Hello Pete.I bought a couple of those (amphibia) in 1998.Never been serviced,still alive and kicking.Definately water tight (done snorkling).Acrilic dome scratches like hell and they have corrosion issues on their cases,at the point where they touch the skin (due to swet).Other than that,I am happy with them.I couldn't agree more with your revew.
Sneakers, G-Shocks or Vostok Amphibias. I’m not sure which of the three is the most addictive...
1-Sneakers
2-Vostok watches
3-G-Shocks
Going back to basics is underrated. We all need to go back to basics in everything....
Congrats, vry well written.
Start using the sun dial then
That has to be the most classic looking Voxtok and I love the dial color. The only improvement I would make is to eliminate the date. Looks great with that mesh bracelet, too. I plan to add a Vostok this year.
I was literally just looking at these about an hour ago thinking of getting one. This video must be a sign that I need to get it
Good honest review, no watch snobbery here ! Russian soviet watches are so underrated !
Great review 👍 . Nice to see an enthusiastic reviewer take the trouble to do some nice close ups of a Vostok. The fit and finish is surprisingly good for the price. I know a lot of people are put off by the friction bezel but plain stainless ones are available that give a dress watch look or the spring can be adjusted to make it less easy to turn. I love my Vostoks, but decided to buy without date as I don't wear them non-stop.
I have a 1-20 increments with 5 minute increments elsewhere all lumed ceramic that has the steel spring and no accidental turning
I have the same but my dial is more of a deep blue. I also had the bezel changed to a lumed black ceramic insert before dispatch. I love it!
I had one a couple of years ago, I absolute regretted selling it. A month ago I bought another and this time I'll never let it go! Look great in mesh btw! Congrats on the great content!
Cheers
I think a lot of watch enthusiasts resent the Vostoc Amphibia watch because there is a big following for it and the Amphibia is not expensive. Its a watch you can collect without breaking the bank. You can tinker with it. It can easily be modded. These are everyday watches. A watch to use and enjoy. I have to admit I like my Amphibia watch but no one has complimented me on it or noticed it yet. I don't care. They are good products.
I love my Vostok Scuba Dude. I regulated it because it was 40 seconds fast a day. I used my time graph to help me. Now it keeps nearly perfect time. Also, because of its lack of hacking & the hassle it is to adjust the date, I keep it on a cheap watch winder (the only one of my watches that I put on it). In spite of all this, I like this watch for its quirkiness & robustness.
I'm right with you on these Vostoks Peter. I have slowly put together a mini Vostok collection, and more often than not, one of them is my daily beater! They are addictive, and perfect in their imperfections!
Under water the glass expands outwards and jams the bezel in place. That's how it gets secured. However, that way it only makes sense to set it to intended bottom time, that's why you have the red bezel markings running backwards from 0, because you can't rotate it under water when you're going to do the ascent.
There are no backward bezel numbers. It's not even numbered. What were you looking at?
@@stevek8829 I guess the biggest dot. The red markers move to the left in default position, I don't know why. Heard that this was used with the hour hand and marked the passing of one's shift as it lasted 4 hours back then.
Great to see You enjoy your Vostoks!
Awesome blue retro dial!
Thanks Igor, surprisingly I wear these Vostoks (especially this one) quite a bit during my weekly rotation..LOVE EM !!
Cheers bro
Hi Peter, i have this exact watch and i love it, that dial makes me smile when i look at it.
The bezel it is special design to helps the acrylic crystal , to enter under pressure and secure it in big depths. Actually is very smart design, like all of the " construction". Thanks for the video, from Greece.
I have my 420 currently in pieces because I am modding it ... and I already miss it!!!
Good thing a vintage 119 just arrived. What an incredible piece. Runs like a charm.
Great video. Love your work.
Thanks for the review and nice close ups. I was literally just looking at that unit online 30mins ago. I have a Komandirskie and have been trying to decide on an Amphibia - so many styles.
Glad I could help Dean, basically choose a style, colour that resonates with you mate. This one spoke to me
Cheers
They are great to mod as well - different bezels, callbacks, straps etc.
I got the Amphibia classic blue submarine dial, put it on an orange silicone strap and put on an Antartica caseback.
...like half a dozen eggs.
Just ordered my first Amphibia. The Zissou version. Can't wait to see it.
Nice review.
That's my favourite Vostok case and dial. I swapped the bezel for a black dive time one from Vostok and tightened the spring so it doesnt spin at will. Barton Elite silicon strap finishes it. Great review.
Words of a true watch lover! Great video as always 👍🏻
I've seen a guy post this in the forum I frequent, and I did take notice, but then forgot about it. This video really highlights the loads of character of this watch -39mm, plexiglass, and the blue dial with the red accents really work. Looks fantastic on mesh too . Thanks for sharing👍
What a cracking watch - it absolutely oooozes character👍 Great video, as always.
the crown uses similar principal as the caseback, it is great if you ask me :)
Good review. I haven’t bought a Vostok yet but I’m close! For me the imperfections actually make it perfect.
My arrived a couple of weeks ago.I couldn't agree with you more. It's a really lovely little watch! I popped it on my timegrapher and it now keeps impeccable time. I even like the original bracelet it came with. My only issue is that it was very shiny! SO I took the bezel off and did a brushed finish on the watch and bezel leaving the side of the case polished. Did the same on the watch bracelet. It looks a little more workman like as a result. Love it!
Excellent video. The bezel it is specially design. In the deep the glass goes under of it and make it very very difficult to move. Almost impossible.
More deeper, MoRE stable.
Thanks for the reviews and the informations.
If you tighten the wire in the bezel it performs as it should. I've used mine in conjunction with my dive computer with no bezel issues.
Got this exact watch Peter among “several” other Vostok’s!🤭 Terrific watches, cheap & keep very accurate time! Honestly you cannot lose!😎👍🏻
Great to hear Andrew, I love these offerings, they fill an important void in a watch collection..
Cheers
The Vostok Bezel is great for day to day and if you really need it tighter for diving just pop the bezel off and adjust. Can you picture someone trying to pop the bezel off a Rolex? Maybe you want a different bezel with Vostok you aren't stuck with it just swap it out. Have two Vostok watches and looking for more lol
Great Surprise here...
I can not agree more.. if there is a watch that I regret to take off (because of rotation) is my Vostok Amphibia; a real trooper with a beautiful light blue dial (I think it is the same) and with its particular amazing feature: the movement ; it is running within +5 sec / day and , actually the longer I wear it the more accurate it gets. Price-wise : unbeatable - $65 ish
The one you are showing: slick-smaller (39?), with a smoother looking bezel and the mesh bracelet makes a very nice combination, kind of a "dressing- up" watch, great! 👍👍
Minute 6:26 - kind words toward the brand - that is you Peter
Btw, somebody inhere said "..they are addictive.." be careful, that is true - Vostok
I have one it my Beach/pool watch, yesterday I decided to brush it and paint the dive markers dark orange (on the 20 min ) and white for the other markers (works with my swimtrunks and swims braided loafers). It turned out phenomenal.
I have a somewhat beefier Vostok, its THE watch that gives the most bang for the buck. Fantastic watch!
It is very well built, it keeps time, just works, looks fantastic.
Im in the planning of order more Vostoks.
A very fun review, and I am so happy to see you now with a full-on Amphibia!
I appreciate that you use local vendors, but I really think you should check out what's available on Meranom, well beyond all the varieties: the bezels are interchangeable, affordable and can be swapped literally on the fly. By purchasing a watch and a couple of bezels (which include even an incredible deal on a ceramic luminova version), one can actually have "several watches" out of one Amphibia. One can also order upgraded parts, such as a stainless steel signed crown, or a gilded crystal ring, or a different caseback and if you'd rather them install it before it ships, they charge $5 USD to do it.
Hey wait, did you refer to yourself as "Archie"?
Hey Erik, if I look at sourcing these from Meranom, I’ll probably open up a whole new can of worms and won’t have enough watch boxes to store all the watches 😂
Stunning macro shots,
Mine is my beach/shore watch. Sand water beer bands...it survives and if it gets dinged up it just adds charcter.
I have this same watch - on a NATO, but the same head. It's a perfect knockaround watch. You don't have to baby it or worry about fixing it. They're also very easy to regulate if they start to run way too fast or way too slow, so you can run 'em 'til they drop dead.
Nicely said
Best mechanical for the money,you can open it regulating the time with no fear at all,garanty water resistanse,you can brush or polish it,change dials and hour markers with minimum cost,it is generally the joy of the amateur watchmaker.Check also Komandirskie Classic 02 and 03 series.If there was not custom charges and delays I would buy them all,LOL.Cheers Peter nice one.
In deed! They make beautiful watches. I grab what I like. And Vostok is one of them. Greetings from Hamburg/Germany. Nice Video 👍👍
Cheers
Love the review! Love Vostok .
Most often the “perfect thing “ is boring!
It’s the quirky things that make it interesting and cool.
Couldn't agree more!
Nicely said..
People are too far up their arse about them.
They're a solid automatic pretty watch for the price of a night out on the lash. Years of service. Nothing like them but in a good way. If you want perfection then spend more money than this. Great video.
They are beautiful and iconic with the best caseback disign there is, i own a nos DDR glasshutte with the same style of date set system.
Yes, I've got this exact model amongst 6 other Vostoks. They are very addictive and I always regret having to take it off. I like that milanese mesh strap as well. That's my next purchase - maybe along with another of these 420s. This never ends .......
I’m one watch in of many Vostoks to come! It’s all the things you say it is. The value of a rugged beater automatic at this price point is its greatest feature, and the quirkiness is free!
I'm so stunned by it's quality, beautifully made.
Never subbed to a watch reviewer so fast. Amazing work. Your review convinced me to buy one, this perfectly matches my needs. I require that timing bezel for work so thanks!
Welcome aboard 👍
I have received yesterday my Komandirskie 24h dial. A watch full of contraries but still I love it.
Peter! Thanks for the great review I just ordered this a few weeks ago and it is on the way! I got mine on the orange nato strap that Vostok store sells, it looks absolutely amazing (pic) with the orange band off of that blue dial. Can’t wait to get it!!! Thanks for this, I’m now all the more excited to get this one!
i was so happy being a follower of your videos and a vostok fan, when i found out you appreciate them too :D great video as always!
Cheers
I bought one of these recently. Absolutely Beautiful watch. Outstanding actually
I have this one but on the cushion case with the Spanish Vostok forum 'Lake Baikal' bezel (woth decompression times) it looks even better with this aftermarket bezel. There's a guy in the UK selling assembled ones on a 22mm light blue/grey NATO. Price is about £120.
With the cushion its just about the most perfect water beater for sailing etc.
I have the same 059 dial but in the 710 case, modded/upgraded the bezel and crown. It’s my everyday beater. I blame Jody😜.
I don't know if you're is the same mate but on mine the crown was a coated plastic. They wear through pretty quickly but meranom sell replacement SS versions cheap as chips. Cheers Peter.
Hi Dave, my crown is SS already on this model..
Just ordered today from meranom a bracelet like yours. Mods on my amphibia so far: clean bezel, metal movement holder, s s crown with logo. Next to arrive: bracelet and blue dial with no date window. Keep up the great content sir!
Love these watches they are brilliant and i have many the 090 case is my favorite. Recently managed to get my hands on a limited edition Vostok 1967 love it (:
Nice pickup- I have one Amphibia myself and am waiting for a Reef GMT re-stock to go back to the well again as they say
I absolutely agree with you, sir. This is a fantastic example of horological history.
The "dressiest" Amphibia. Great review of a great value piece. I think at least one Vostok watch should be in every collection. Love the mesh bracelet too.
Thanks Alex..
I have this watch, modified the bazel and regulated time to loss of 2sec a day...Great watch, unfortunately watch Crystal can scratch very easily 😕 so take care of banging into things 😀
The acrylic crystal dome scratches very easily, but it's as easy to fix it : just polish it with a cloth, or cotton, and toothpaste or specific polish for acrylic, it becomes like new in five minutes !! ( If the scratches are too deep, you have to sand it before with a fine grinding paper and then polish after) Hi from a Vostok fan from France !
I own two Vostoks and just ordered this one (but with the black Bezel that has numerals instead of dots). I had seen this one before and passed on it in favor of a different one from the same series but this video sold me here.
I also own three other Russian pieces (two Sturmanskies and one Sputnik). Another interesting brand is "Vostok Europe" which are all made in Lithuania actually.
Hiya Pete! It has become common sense amongst watch people that a Vostok is no watch to be ashamed for. This particular is especially lovely, it's almost classic with its teal colour dial with the little scuba dude on it and the red accents on the second hand and the bezel. And these mesh bracelets have a reputation of being inexpensive but good quality alternative to the other straps and bracelets that aren't too great! Cheers mate!👍
Gotta love Vostok mate. It's the law 😁
Well said mate 👍
Alexander, if you had to pick one watch to wear, would you chose this or an Exciton. They are essentially the same price. I am just curious about the appeal of these Russian pieces.
@@CanadianBeachcomber These two watches are hard to compare. I see the Exciton as a watch to wear quite frequently and a Vostok more as an occasional wear. Does this answer your question?
@@AlexanderB. Sure mate. Cheers.
Edit: I completely forgot I had asked this question. 😉🤣
I have one and love it. I have around 30 watches and it's my favourite
I love mine!
Applied hour markers,
Applied polished date window. Great looking rugged time piece! Who doesn’t like a great value ?
Great review!
My favourites case of the vostok amphibia..but mine keeps stopping..had a look on a watch forum person on there said some new vostok don't like there crown wound to tight..so slacked mine off ..it been running fine ever since
The Vostok well is deep when one falls in... I have four Vostoks and struggle deciding which to wear each day. If I only have four wrists... Keep the great content coming Peter! 👍
I have heard that the well is endlessly deep...ouch !!!
Good review video. I do enjoy looking at vintage watches (and vintage styled too). Not a big fan of disposable products culture so I would likely spend the purchase price again to restore a piece if it wasn’t too far gone. Cheers.
Well said!
this will be my first Bostok, love the bracelet. My Rolex's might jealous.
Love the channel Peter! Just made my first Vostok purchase. Identical to yours except with a modified bezel. I’ve ordered the original. Is this still part of your own personal collection?
Hi John, I actually gave this one away to a friend...it was a beauty for sure 👍
@@PeterKotsa 🤝
That bezel is basically a fidget spinner! :-D Seriously a fun watch!
It's all about what appeals to you. It's like saying one artist is better than another, entirely subjective. My Vostok is on its long journey to find me, wherein it'll certainly be my favourite for design.
Oi! Mate! I'm back, although it took me more than 2 months to finish all 1700 (approx) olives. Hell mate, but we survived (ok, back, hands, feet and many other parts are in pain... a bit!).
First of, what a smooth (very last musical) ending. Not russian, more like a 50's "up on the yank's montains" movie theme but wow! I saw them leaving on horses, in a snowy land full of pines... LOL
Secondly, told ya early you're doomed with Vos(HHH)tok, now it's way to late for cure, only more vostokians to flood your collection.
And lastly, great to hear ya enjoying the simple things in life, guess your "a foot on east, a foot on west" roots lead you to another perspective of life... (or we just get older? LOL).
Cheers mate, lockdowns won't keep us apart, it's mental blockdowns i'm affraid of! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Great to see you’ve finished the olives bro. Like I said I would have loved to be there and roll the sleeves up myself.
Btw, I’ve looked everywhere for a cure to this bug called Vostok..I don’t think a cure exists though 😂
I got one just today, better than expected comparing it to Seiko 007 and other Swiss stuff I've owned it's not shamed at all!
I've got two Vostoks (Amphibian blue dial submarine) and a Komandirskie (gold Russian eagle) and two more on my wish list (GMT & full lum dial).
Great photography! I have the 720059 version of this , absolutely love it! Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching!
Cheers
They are very unique and strikingly beautiful watches. There are so many different ones that you can find the right one for your taste. I love mine! That color is a fave of mine as well.
Respect from Russia! Vostok is the best!
Had to buy one after watching this video.
Got the black face with red diver on it.
Silicone Band.
$69.00 on eBay!
What a purchase 👍
Thank you for the video.
I have 5 Rolexes a Hublot, 2 Breitlings and a Bronze Oris.
This one will fit in just fine.
Your so right, simple is just fine!
WB-USMC-RET.
Black and red, very nice, it will fit perfectly into your collection 👍
The biggest problem with Vostoks is that they're habit-forming. The Blue-Dude is a classic. I'm a big fan of the blue Amfibia Reef GMT - not many auto GMTs on the market for under $250
I have an Amfibia Reef gmt in blue. It’s an awesome piece as you say. Good luck finding one during these pandemic days though.
@@kenpickett9317 Meranom have them in stock - it's the mule train, rowboat and pony express delivery service that's the problem :-)
I didnt realise it was such a good watch since i only paid about usd$60
Alternative name of this episode: For the Love of Cheap Watches. Nothing wrong with Omegas and Tudors, but nothing wrong with this one either. In my collection Casio has the same functions as these Vostoks have in yours.
One point I think that makes this watch so enjoyable to you is probably the dimensions. Nothing beats a 36 ish to 40 ish mm watch for wearability.
As to chucking versus servicing and keeping, do it and keep it. There was a period in my life of maybe 15 years when I just stopped wearing watches. I threw away something like 7 or 8 watches, though I did keep 3 (that I still use today), and you know what? I miss each one I threw out. Got back into buying watches last year, now I have 9, wear them all and hopefully will pick up another 3 this year. One more digital and two more quartz analogues, all cheap, all fun and just like you say often Peter, they make ME happy.
Great video and reflections.
Thanks for sharing Marcelo
It’s amazing the things that bring us joy isn’t it?
I too tossed some watches over the years and I wish I didn’t
Lessons to be learnt I suppose 😌
It is truly amazing
The Casio MRW 200 have the same useles bezel.
So Vostok does everything right, to still produce their classics.
Greetings, great videos and channel! Fun fact: the bidirectional bezel of the Amphibia locks when exposed to pressure; so, like the caseback, and amyloid crystal dsign, it functions better underwater. Fascinating, huh?
Peter, now you going to enjoy your Amphibian more. Because this watch is so good, from the point A, to the point z.
Perfect timing of the video.. I got my Amphibia today in the mail... 😃
Yeah, Have a Vostok Komandirskie 650841. Keeps perfect time 200m water resist automatic with date. Bracelet is rubbish to small or too big. So I put a NATO strap on it at the moment I have a black and grey silicone quick release strap on it. Amazing value for money and cheaper than a microbrand.
Yes, I would service it. Why not.
I'm wearing a Komandirskie right now... entry level $40 Vostok. :-) I'll get an Amphibia eventually.
Great video Peter, very high quality shots for a relatively small channel! Planning to plunge myself into the Vostok world, and this one might very well be my first...
I'm should not buy one. I hear they are extremely addictive.
My 2nd just arrived & my 3rd is on it way ..
I wouldn’t worry. I managed to stop at four. Ish.
I thought the red Komandirsky diver is the last one. It lasted 2 weeks yesterday a Komandirsky with a Flieger ish dial arrived. It is my second handwind Vostok and I think I will buy the green diver and stop it then....... .
Vostoks and Casios are extremely addictive.
Ha! Damn right. 50+ in.
But unlike drugs you won't regret it.
Oh also the bezel, it's engineered that way, if you dive with it the bezel locks in the further down you go due to the crystal and bezel seal, i dive with this watch and it worked as advertised so you can trust your life with it lol. Also the crown is wobbly for a reason too, if you ever hit the crown while screwed down during a dive it won't throw off and break and as you said protects the movement as well. Trust me it's complicated but research the watch and the history of it and you'll find even more. This watch is a hidden engineering masterpiece sir.
Absolutely
Very good review. I have 7 Vostok and 3 are in the mail 😀
THAT is the *classic* Vostok Amphibia Scuba Dude!
I've never owned one , but I've always admired them. The longer I've been in this hobby , the more I'm surprised by my wants. I want smaller watches now, just gone off most things over 42mm. I'm a big man, but I still prefer the 40mm and below watches because they are so comfortable in comparison. I'm loving my tag heuer formula one chronograph in 38mm , with its 18mm bracelet and cheap pressed fold over clasp, because it's so comfy to wear. I love the old school jubilee bracelet and President styles, and the beads of rice. You just can't beat them for comfort and they are generally light too. Some of the modern watches today are so over engineered that the clasps are massive and chunky , and although strong, they are just too big. People moaned about seikos bracelets being too jangly and cheap pressed clasps etc, but I've never had one let me down yet, so sometimes the simple designs are the best. I've realised you can spend a lot of money going after your grail watch, but 9 times out of 10, it's a cheap one that does it for you . Great vid as usual Peter and I hope you and the family are all well.
Thanks Martin, I agree mate...some of these smaller 40mm and under offerings are just a dream to wear..and these Vostoks do n to break the bank and bring the joy needed :)
Cheers mate !!
Nice review. The dial colour and crystal reminds of the Seiko UFO recraft.
Correct, very similar blue
When you are in deep water there is more tension on the bezel due to pressure.
just note on the bezel, theres load of different ones and the free spinning for me at least isnt something that happens. You can either swap the spring in the bezel or some just fit tighter and better than others. I took the black bezel off an old komandirski I had and threw it on my amphibia and it takes a substantial force to get it to turn. I also have an amphibia with a bezel I bought from some dude in a certain disputed plot of land in easter europe thats the same way, really tight and not going anywhere unless I want it to. Plus I think those bezels look better personally and are a lot more useable
I want the 460 or 420 case. then put the GMT in it with 24 hr bezel on the mesh band.