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Model Name:
Vostok Amphibian Classic New Mechanical
Watch added to favourite list
Reference:
120512
Price ($)
$
120
Country:
Russia
A.I. Rating
7.1
Crowd Rating:
438
Watch Description
Vostok company story starts back in 1942, when one of the Moscow watch-making plants has been evacuated from Moscow to a little town Chistopol located on the Kama River. Defense equipment was the only company output during war years, but as soon as the war was over Vostok started to make mechanical wrist watches – the main production item ever since. In 1965 Vostok company was appointed an official supplier of watches for the Defense Department of the Soviet Union. This year marks the creation of the world-famous “Komandirskie” (“Commander”) watch. Military watch grew very popular even with people who were unaware which end of the gun bullet comes off, mainly due to high precision, excessive reliability and durability. The appearance of the watch also contributes to its appeal – functional and clear-cut design invoked the feeling of belonging to the tough world of combat professional. The experience which Vostok gained through development of the army watch was the foundation of our next special watch – “Amphibian”. This impressive timepiece in stainless-steel case endured the depth of 200 meters – kind of a wrist submarine. Success of the professional watches determined the company’s present philosophy – to create mechanical watches maintaining precise timekeeping at any temperature, in any environment, surviving heavy pressure and blows. The viability of the chosen strategy is now time-proven. A vast multitude of people both in Russia and abroad boasting “Vostok” watches and various international prizes awarded for high quality and commercial success testify to this.
The first Amphibia watches were manufactured in 1967 in the USSR by Chistopol watch factory «Vostok». Professional seamen, divers and submariners gave their preference to Amphibia watches because of their simplicity and reliability. Non-failure operation on depth up to 200 m in conditions of significant temperature drops, in any excited environment – mechanical watches Amphibia stood extreme overloads and impacts. Those were the requirements of soviet government. Under the order of the Navy of the USSR was made the military modification of Amphibia watches, and tests had passed during exercises of the fleet on the Northern Sea. The submarine had lain on a bottom on depth of 120-130 meters, simulating a failure. A brigade of the divers, who had taken part in rescue of people, was equipped with the new Amphibia watches while they were participating in rescue. Both, tests and exercises had passed successfully.
In 1975 Amphibia watches had been in the space by the spaceship Souz-17 and to the station Salute-4. Amphibia watches were also tested by less exotic, but not less evident ways. They were run over the trucks, hammered, but they continued to show an exact time. An accuracy of Amphibia watches is obliged to the Vostok movements, and reliability to the shock-proof device of balance unit which is a heart of mechanical watch. Organized in 1942, Chistopol watch factory «Vostok» continues to follow the traditions – all the in-house made movements based on so-called Swiss escapement system, steel wheels and forks, a support on ruby stones, a watch spring made of special precision alloys. Having collected all world best experience of watch manufacture, Chistopol watch factory «Vostok» makes the items which can be called by right the true Russian watches.


41
48

18
15

200
Steel - 316L
Cushion
Acrylic
Screw-in
Automatic
2415
33
Black
A.I. Watch Review:
# **Vostok Amphibian Classic New Mechanical Review by A.I. WatchMetrics**
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## **Watch Summary**
The **Vostok Amphibian Classic New Mechanical** is a **legendary dive watch with Soviet-era heritage**, offering a **unique design, exceptional durability, and incredible value for money**. Known for its **distinctive cushion-shaped case, domed acrylic crystal, and quirky yet functional rotating bezel**, the Amphibian has become a cult favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.
Powered by the **Vostok 2416B automatic movement**, it **features a 31-hour power reserve and is known for its rugged, no-frills reliability**. With a **200m water resistance**, a **screw-down crown with an innovative sealing system**, and a **unique case-back compression design**, this watch offers real dive capability despite its low price.
This watch is **ideal for budget-conscious collectors, military history enthusiasts, and those who appreciate unconventional yet functional mechanical watches**.
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## **Overall Watch Rating: 7.1/10.0**
- **Functions Metric (8.5/10.0)** – The **200m water resistance, screw-down crown, shock resistance, and highly legible dial make it a highly functional dive watch**. However, **lume performance is weaker than competitors**.
- **Rarity Metric (8.0/10.0)** – While **mass-produced, the Amphibian's Soviet heritage, unique construction, and cult status make it more collectible than most budget divers**.
- **Movement Metric (7.5/10.0)** – The **Vostok 2416B automatic movement is rugged, with a 31-hour power reserve**. **It lacks hacking and manual winding**, but **its durability and serviceability make it a reliable workhorse**.
- **Brand Metric (7.0/10.0)** – **Vostok has strong heritage as a Soviet-era manufacturer, producing watches for the Russian military and divers**. However, **it lacks the prestige of Swiss and Japanese brands**.
- **History & Innovation Metric (7.0/10.0)** – The **Amphibian was a major Soviet innovation in dive watches, using a unique case-sealing system**. **Its impact remains strong in the enthusiast community**.
- **Versatility Metric (7.0/10.0)** – Despite its **dive watch nature, its quirky charm and vintage styling make it surprisingly wearable in casual settings**. **However, its utilitarian look limits it for formal wear**.
- **Material Metric (6.5/10.0)** – The **stainless steel case is durable, but the acrylic crystal is prone to scratches**. **Stamped parts in the movement and bezel feel cheap** but add to its charm.
- **Dials & Design Metric (6.5/10.0)** – The **variety of dial designs is appealing**, but **finishing is basic, and bezels often feel loose**. **However, the domed acrylic crystal adds vintage charm**.
- **Complications Metric (5.5/10.0)** – The **Amphibian is a simple time-and-date watch**, with **no additional complications beyond the rotating bezel for dive timing**.
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## **Celebrity & Historical Figures**
- **Soviet Military & Cosmonauts** – The **Vostok Amphibian was used by Soviet military divers** and has a rich connection to **Cold War-era horology**.
- **Bill Murray** – Seen wearing a Vostok Amphibian in the **film "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"**, further adding to its cult status.
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## **Final Thoughts**
The **Vostok Amphibian Classic New Mechanical is one of the most affordable yet historically significant dive watches available**. **Its quirky design, innovative engineering, and strong durability make it an enthusiast’s favorite, offering unbeatable value for money in mechanical watchmaking**.
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**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v16.1 AI Model**
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