Russian watches

[inzaghi84]

Good day to one and all,

I am new to the forums and to the world of watch collecting and appreciation in general. Currently I own just an Aviator MIK-29, a gift from my wife. I actually posted this in the public form when I wasn't aware of this subforum, and reposted it here on the advice of Mike Stuffler.

I am just curious as to why Russian watches aren't mentioned on the forums more often - a brief skimming through the pages and I did not notice any threads dedicated to them, and they are hardly quoted on any of the classics or desired watches threads.

Personally I think Aviator, Dennisov and Poljot watches are very appealing to the novice's eye, especially if the inconvenience of winding them is not a problem.

What is your opinion on Russian watches in general, and for lovers of them like myself, what are your favourite brands and makes?

Regards,

Eugene.

[Vaurien]

I am just curious as to why Russian watches aren't mentioned on the forums more often - a brief skimming through the pages and I did not notice any threads dedicated to them, and they are hardly quoted on any of the classics or desired watches threads.

Are you sure?
In this Forum we talk continuously of russian watches!

[Seele]

Personally I think Aviator, Dennisov and Poljot watches are very appealing to the novice's eye, especially if the inconvenience of winding them is not a problem.

Hi Eugene, welcome to the Russian Forum!

Getting new watches is one thing, but you would find that a lot of us have a soft spot for vintage pieces as well. Hang out here, and perhaps check out the older threads and you will see!

Furthermore, I do not think winding watches is an inconvenience at all; in fact I prefer hand-wind ones. If you have several watches in your collection, it is actually more convenient to just spend ten seconds or so every day to wind them, so you would be ready to just pick one and put on the wrist. But if you have several automatics, then you would have to invest in a multiple watch winder to keep them ticking, if they do not offer hand-wind option.

Enjoy

[pantagruel]

As someone quite new to the watch game, I think that Russian watches are less visible because it takes some effort to seek them out and find them. The typical places where most people shop for watches (Amazon.com, the mall, department stores, jewelry stores, ShopNBC) do not sell them. You have to really search for them.

[watch_start]

As someone quite new to the watch game, I think that Russian watches are less visible because it takes some effort to seek them out and find them. The typical places where most people shop for watches (Amazon.com, the mall, department stores, jewelry stores, ShopNBC) do not sell them. You have to really search for them.

indeed. many people buy their watches from walmart

[cavallino33]

Russian companies don't have the advertising budget that the big names do, and I think a lot of people (especially here in the US) think Russian made = garbage. It's probably much the same perception as Chinese watches only they have inundated every walmart and drug store with cheap watches.

[pyjujiop]

Hello Eugene, glad you found the Russian forum!

There are several reasons that Russian watches aren't discussed elsewhere on the site. On the "Affordables" section, you do see the Vostok Amphibia discussed quite a bit, because it is a very affordable, yet quality diver, but that's about the only one.

I mentioned in another post, a few days ago, that most people aren't even aware of Russian watches and what they have to offer. For those who do, they tend to (wrongly) perceive Russian watches as poor in quality. Plus, they're not extensively marketed to much of the world. For example, to get a new Vostok in the U.S., you almost have to order it from Russia.

And there are some people, even on this site, who think if a watch isn't "Swiss," then it's junk no matter what. They'll happily buy a "Swiss" watch with a Chinese movement and just enough Swiss parts to legally be called "Swiss Made," but tell you that your Aviator--with an improved Russian-built version of an excellent, time-tested Swiss design under the hood--is a piece of junk.

I've never minded winding up a watch, not a big deal at all. I'm wearing a Vostok Komandirskie automatic today, but I have several hand-winders too.

[24120VR]

As someone quite new to the watch game, I think that Russian watches are less visible because it takes some effort to seek them out and find them. The typical places where most people shop for watches (Amazon.com, the mall, department stores, jewelry stores, ShopNBC) do not sell them. You have to really search for them.

exactly !
we are an elite club ..
we have our secret handshake too ...

[NormanF]

Russian watches were built rugged and made to last. Not everything of Soviet time and in post-Soviet Russia is of poor quality. The watches are as good as can be found in the West. The 3133 chronograph and 3603 second hand Molnija are good examples of high grade Russian watch movements. I didn't used to like hand-wind watches but its not that much inconvenience to wind them once a day.

When you get a Russian watch, you'll want another! Welcome to the Russian watch forum!