Who is the Seiko of Russia?

[topher512]

Meaning, which Russian watch manufacturer produces the most reliable time pieces? Maybe something automatic, or even quartz. It doesn't have to be luxury, in fact I'd prefer it be affordable. I dig the Russian designs, so it's time to put my feet in the pool--or wrist, I guess. (I am sure this question is asked a lot, but the forum search didn't turn up what I was looking for. Though what I did find is this forum's participants certainly know their stuff about the watches they're interested in.)

[sci]

If you mean the today's Russia, it is practically only Vostok remained (not counting Raketa, they are more boutique now). So you practically don't have a big choice. The obvious first Russian watch is the classic Vostok Amphibia - just run the search. It is 200m diver watch with automatic inhouse 31 jewels movement. Designed in 70-ties and with very retro look and feel.

[schnurrp]

Vostok amphibian still with the unique design that made it famous 40 years ago. Recently picked number one in dive watches under $300 for 2012:

Top10 dive watches under 300.00 for 2012 - YouTube

Vostok is all there is really with a decent selection of affordable watches that are totally Russian.

[Perdendosi]

If you mean the today's Russia, it is practically only Vostok remained (not counting Raketa, they are more boutique now). So you practically don't have a big choice. The obvious first Russian watch is the classic Vostok Amphibia - just run the search. It is 200m diver watch with automatic inhouse 31 jewels movement. Designed in 70-ties and with very retro look and feel.

Yup. That's about it.

Three hints:
1. Buy a different strap, be it NATO (people 'round here like to call them Warsaws when on Soviet, or Russian watches, heh), rubber, silicone, stainless, or even leather (some people 'round here don't like the idea of a diver on a leather strap, but to each his own). Vostok stainless steel bracelets are not very pleasant. They break easily and pull arm hair often. :)
2. Buy one with applied tick marks, or applied numerals if you can find them. The flat painted numbers from the 2012 series of Amphibians are less exciting. Don't trust a picture of applied numerals--you have to ASK.
3. You should probably start buying new, either from Zenitar on eBay or from Meranom.com or Chistopolcity.com. But then watch out-- you get sucked in when you can see the awesome automatic and handwind watches you can buy, largely used, for $50 or less. It becomes an addiction.

[demag]

"It becomes an addiction"

I know.

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2

[topher512]

Thanks for the advice and input, gang! Looking through eBay sellers you recommended and their offerings (and those price points), it is a slippery slope indeed.

[DolleDolf]

And then you really want one that says "CCCP" on it
And then you want a dressy one that you can wear with your neat clothes
And then you want a chrono
And then you want a strela
And then you want an OKEAH
And then you want one just because you want one
And before you know it you have a different one for every singlle day of the next 2 months ....

[GlenRoiland]

And then you really want one that says "CCCP" on it
And then you want a dressy one that you can wear with your neat clothes
And then you want a chrono
And then you want a strela
And then you want an OKEAH
And then you want one just because you want one
And before you know it you have a different one for every singlle day of the next 2 months ....

Lol, rotf! Soooo true.

[arktika1148]

Every Seiko I've had including clocks have left a bad taste I'd say compare Citizen, which (for me at least) is/has always worked well. Indeed they even have an Amphib. homage, or should that be inspired by as better lume

much better bracelet than the Amphib. but nowhere near the quality of the Amfib.

[topher512]

And then you really want one that says "CCCP" on it
And then you want a dressy one that you can wear with your neat clothes
And then you want a chrono
And then you want a strela
And then you want an OKEAH
And then you want one just because you want one
And before you know it you have a different one for every singlle day of the next 2 months ....

Hahaha. I totally want a Strela.