Vostok Watches

by: Michael O'Brien

When most of us think of watches and other timepieces we rarely think about Russia. Perhaps because Russia is better known for vodka, caviar and the Czar’s collection of Faberge eggs than it is for watches. One brand of Russian watches has been around for quite sometime with the Vostok having been founded in nineteen forty two, smack dab in the middle of World War Two. The full scale production of wrist watches did begin until after the war when Vostok was named the official watch of the Soviet defense forces. From these beginnings Vostok has come to be known for producing rugged and functional timepieces made from stainless steel and able to hold up well at depths up to two hundred meters. One model was produced solely for use by military personnel and not available for sale to the mass market.

Steady growth was achieved in the post war years and by the early nineteen eighties, Volstok was capable of producing close to five million watches a year. The basic Volstok models are very inexpensive with most retailing for less then fifty dollars. Other models having been produced in limited numbers can cost more. The turn of the twentieth century saw the introduction of a new Volstok model which can retail for as high as two hundred dollars. The new Amfibia is a redesign of previous model and is said to feature a thirty one jewel movement and is rugged enough for a variety of sport uses such as diving.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien is a writer for many popular websites.