8. Vostok Komandirskie

Everyone else seems to have lost their voice. If it is not allowed, it can be ignored, but I'd hate to see this year go by with only 7 watches in the Top 10.

I will nominate the Vostok Komandirskie. Last year, the Vostok Amphibia made the Top 10, and rightfully so. This is the less glamorous older brother of the Amphibia.

Movement & Specs: Vostok 2414A, hand-wound, 17 jewels
Chosen by: Smaug (Jeremy)
Why: The watch is quite affordable, yet has an in-house movement that has a great reputation for being rugged and reliable. The case is chrome-plated brass, which is a turn-off to some, but it takes a lot to wear through the plating, and I would wager most WIS' would never do it. The crystal is domed acrylic, and is quite durable. The accuracy of the watch is also good. These routinely sell for $50 shipped, brand new, straight from the Ukraine or Russia. The crown screws down for water resistance, and it has a bit of wobble to it, which is disconcerting the first time it is experienced, although even this is quite durable. This watch is probably the least expensive way into a quality mechanical hand-wound watch, and there are dozens of dial designs from which to choose. They are typically supplied on a fair quality leather strap, finished on both sides. It works, but you will probably see your way clear to spend an extra $25 on a high quality one. The two-piece backs have intricate designs featuring Vostok branding, and the porous nature of them prevents them from sticking to the wrist. The case is well-rounded and fits much more readily under sleeves than it's younger brother, due to it's thinner profile, since there is no automatic winding train.

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_{"Where there is shouting, there is no true knowledge."
-Leonardo da Vinci}



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/08/2012 02:54PM by Reto.