Which watch for a motorcycle adventure to former Soviet states?

[Lucidor]

On Saturday I'll departure on a two weeks motorcycle tour with a buddy. It's a longed for break from work and responsibilities. We'll departure from Stockholm in Sweden, ride to Norrtälje where we'll will go by ferry to Åland and then by multiple road ferries to Helsinki in Finland. Then we ride to Estonia, Latvia and back with another ferry. In Riga (Latvia), we plan to pay a visit to the airplane museum and take photos of Soviet aircrafts with a Soviet watch in the same scene, link here. We'll ride small roads, gravel where we can find it, and camp most of the time.

The big question is; what watch(es) do I bring on such an adventure? Obviously, it has to be tough and withstand the outdoor living. Please help me to decide. When the trip is over, I'll post pictures here of the watch(es) in cool places that were once the Soviet union.

[Vaurien]

I think that an Amphibian is the right one!

[Seele]

Sounds like a great trip! I guess Vaurien's suggestion is a no-brainer, but of course, shock-proofing would have to be a major consideration too.

[Lucidor]

I agree with you that an amphibian would be the perfect companion for the road. It's rugged, watertight, and can withstand a beating. But if you follow the link to the aircraft museum in Riga, and if you are a flight nerd like me, wouldn't you foresee a dream picture of that particlar airplane with that particular watch?

[Militarywatchdude]

I agree with you that an amphibian would be the perfect companion for the road. It's rugged, watertight, and can withstand a beating. But if you follow the link to the aircraft museum in Riga, and if you are a flight nerd like me, wouldn't you foresee a dream picture of that particlar airplane with that particular watch?

You've got two arms, right? Bring BOTH watches! The Amphibia is really the perfect watch for the outdoors, but you could bring both (I think I know what other watch your thinking of..)

Maybe you could bring a Sturmanskie chronograph. They are tough and can handle a little rain. If the weather takes a bad turn you can always pack it away until the rain passes.

I personally travel with my Aviator Hi-Tech and it has always been reliable, although I once brought an Amphibia on a backpacking/rafting trip. It was nice not having to worry about the watch. It even wound itself!

[Lucidor]

Maybe you could bring a Sturmanskie chronograph. They are tough and can handle a little rain. If the weather takes a bad turn you can always pack it away until the rain passes.

You are right. I decided I'll wear a Vostok Amphibian for the actual trip as suggested by Vaurien and Seele, and will also bring along the Shturmanskie chronograph for the museum. I'll try to get a shot of the Shturmanskie together with the MIG 25 Foxbat, one of my favorite aircrafts. It was for a long time the fastest airplane in the world, only rivaled by the SR-71 Blackbird. In the early 1970's, it was clocked over Israel at Mach 3.2 while outrunning intercepting F4 Phantoms, thereby matching the top speed of the SR-71. The escape blew both engines to smithereens, but still. It was a an amazing aircraft.


So my mission will be to get a picture of this...


...together with that

[Metropilot]

Very nice trip. Happy riding. When you are really hungry in Riga you can visit the bigger "LIDO" http://maps.google.de/maps?f=q&sourc...01306672522914 they have a huge selection of latvian food. Price depends on what you grab from the buffet. I really like that place, commercial, but good for a nice meal on a budget. If you are up for a cocktail visit the "Skyline Bar" on top of the Radisson Hotel http://maps.google.de/maps?client=sa...62905319921793 Try to see a sunset there, the bar is not cheap but the view over Riga is outstanding. Last time I was there it was easy to get a seat by the window and I ordered a cocktail and one beer. Price was ok for that view. But on the weekend it might be full and not easy to get a table. Safe trip.

[Militarywatchdude]

You are right. I decided I'll wear a Vostok Amphibian for the actual trip as suggested by Vaurien and Seele, and will also bring along the Shturmanskie chronograph for the museum. I'll try to get a shot of the Shturmanskie together with the MIG 25 Foxbat, one of my favorite aircrafts. It was for a long time the fastest airplane in the world, only rivaled by the SR-71 Blackbird. In the early 1970's, it was clocked over Israel at Mach 3.2 while outrunning intercepting F4 Phantoms, thereby matching the top speed of the SR-71. The escape blew both engines to smithereens, but still. It was a an amazing aircraft.


So my mission will be to get a picture of this...


...together with that

I'm a huge aviation buff as well, and I'm very jealous that your going to see a Mig-25 in person.. that's an amazing airplane! Take good pictures!!!

[Stone Hill]

I have the travel bug bad! So I am very envious of you. I learned a saying when I was in the military. That saying is "travel light freeze at night" Travel as light as you can this brings freedom. Take one watch the Amphibian and call it good.

Enjoy the the trip I wish I was with you.

[James Haury]

A Vostok Ampibia of course,Comrade!It is a great watch and everyone over there seems to want something else.