Russian Watch Guide

Scratch and Dent Sale at Russia2all

2010-11-27T19:25:00.000-08:00

Get wholesale pricing on watches with minor case imperfections that occurred in shipping. These watches are 100% brand new. Russia2all just can't sell them as new due to the slight scratches or dimples. You'll never beat these deals on Russian watches.

Only while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other deal. No coupon code needed.

Go to scratch and dent sale

Long-Awaited Anchar Diver's Watches Available in December

2010-11-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

The long-awaited Anchar watch line by Vostok-Europe will be ready for shipment in December.

The watch is named after the world’s fastest submarine, the Russian K-162 “Anchar”, which reached a world record speed of 44.7 knots (82.8 km/h). Built to be a super-fast attack sub, the titanium hulled Anchar served the Soviet navy at the height of the Cold War and still holds speed records today.

Designed as the first Vostok-Europe timepieces for deep diving, the new Anchar line of watches reflect the spirit of their namesake. Every detail of the watch construction was built to correspond to special ISO 2281 standards for divers’ watches:

- NH25 automatic movement (made by SII Company, Japan) constructed on 12 jewels with central second hand and single calendar
- Stainless steel 48 mm diameter case. Thickness – 16 mm
- Water resistant - up to 300 meters (30 atm).
- 16 tritium green and yellow tubes on the dial and hands
- Genuine leather strap integrated to the watch case
- Optional silicon strap integrated to the watch case
- Screw driver of TORX standard for interchanging straps
- Shockproof and water-resistant dry box for storage of all accessories of Anchar watch set

The first edition of Anchar watches was successfully tested by officers of NATO Underwater Demolition Units and scientists of the Greek Institute of Marine Archeology.

Christmas Photo Contest from Vostok-Europe: Win an Anchar Watch

2010-11-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

People from all walks of life count on their Vostok-Europe watch the world over -- from scuba divers to bankers to sky divers to opera singers. To celebrate this diversity, Vostok-Europe has announced a Christmas photo contest called "Around the Globe with Vostok-Europe".

VE wants you to send them photos of you and your Vostok-Europe in everyday use at home or in the most extreme environments in exotic corners of our planet.

The best picture, as voted on by the fans of our Facebook page, will win the photographer a first-of-series Anchar watch: number 001 of the series.

You are welcome to send your photos to the VE Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vostok-Europe/140248269356554

The entry and voting period ends 20th of December 2010.

Vostok Europe Now Official Watch of Greek Football Club Panathinaikos

2010-11-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

Vostok Europe became an official watch of legendary Greek football club Panathinaikos.

Vichos Watches Co., the exclusive distributor of VE in Greece, signed a long-term contract with merchandising company Greenteam S.A. for production of official Panathiaikos watches and distribution them in specialized Panthinaikos and regular watch shops in Greece.

The ceremony of presentation of the two first official watches of Panathinaikos from VE was arranged at the last day of Athina Watch Fair on 21 of November.

Two legendary football players – the goal keeper of Panathinaikos and of the Greek National Team Alexandros Tzorvas and the captain of Panathinaikos Djibril Cise took part in presentation and signed autographs for multiple fans of Panathinaikos football team.

Poljot Watch Interview

2010-10-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Find out about the difference between Poljot and Poljot International watches (plus a whole lot more about Poljot) in this interview with Julian Kampmann. Mr. Kampmann operates the long-established Poljot24.de store.

Here's a link to the Poljot watch interview.

Any Good Russian Women's Watches Under $3000?

2010-10-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

I recently received an email from a reader asking about women's watches made in Russia. Here's the email:

"It's our anniversary in November and I'd like to buy my wife a watch as an anniversary present. My budget is about $3,000. Most manual or automatic watches for women I've been finding are much more than $3,000. Are there any Russian watch manufacturers that produce women's watches?"

My suggestion to this gentleman was that he check out the NIKA watches at Russia2all.com.

Nika "NJW" is the leading manufacturer of gold and fashion wrist watches in Russia. The watches are relatively affordable, considering they are made with either 14k and 18k gold, plus the designs are modern and stylish. NIKA watches use Swiss and Japanese movements.

Here's a link to the Nika website where you can view their stunning designs.

Get the Latest News on Raketa Watches in this Exclusive Interview

2010-09-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

In recent years there has been plenty of rumor and mystery surrounding the famous Raketa brand. Communication from the company was virtually non-existant -- not surprising since the factory never had an English-speaking employee in 300 years. But that has all changed and Raketa is back on the scene and anxious to rebuild its brand and extend its legacy.

Find out what's happening at Raketa watches -- including plans for new models and Raketa's battle with counterfeit sellers -- in this exclusive interview with Count Jacques von Polier, Head of Design and Propaganda at the Petrodvorets Watch Factory.

Go to interview

Julian Kampmann, Russian Watch Expert in Germany

2010-09-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

Julian Kampmann is a russian watch expert based in Munich, Germany. He sells Aviator, Vostok and Buran watches via his website, Poljot24.de. If you check around the web you'll see he receives many favorable comments from his customers.

Here's more information on Poljot24.de direct from Julian:

I've been trading with russian watches since 1992 nonstop and opened my online shop in 1998. Before that I sold them via printed catalogue.

I have about 400 different russian watch models on stock (about 250 models online) and usually have over 1200 russian watches on stock. This is important for me because I know that the customer would prefer to have the watch on the next day. In most cases I can send on the next day of the purchase.

I ship worldwide – I do have only 40% customers within Germany and the rest worldwide, specially France, Britain, Benelux, but also Australia, USA, Canada, etc.

And (most important normally for the customers) I try to really do my best in customer service. I offer a 2 year warranty, inexpensive repair service and most of all intensive answering of all possible questions for the customers, because many have no idea about russian watches or don't know what to buy.

Moscow Classic Will Soon be Available at ShopNBC

2010-09-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, ShopNBC (a US TV shopping channel) started selling Vostok-Europe watches. Soon they will be selling Moscow Classic watches as well.

The ShopNBC Russian watch segments are presented by everyone's favorite watch komrade, Craig Hester.

The Moscow Classic segment is scheduled to run on September 19 at 1am EDT.

m-watches.com, Authorized Seller in Germany

2010-08-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

m-watches.com is an an authorized seller for Vostok, Raketa and Moscow Classic. The company is based in Germany but ships internationally, including to North America. In fact, the price is 19% lower for all deliveries outside EU since tax does not apply.

"All watches are legally imported to Germany and we are listed as authorized sellers on all three manufacturer's websites," says m-watches.com proprietor Tetyana Borysenko.

m-watches.com also operates a German-language ebay store.

Video - How a Vostok Komandirskie is Built

2010-08-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

This 8 minute video, which was made for Russian television, takes a close look at the Vostok Komandirskie. It includes a good explanation of the inner workings of the watch's mechanical movement.

Particularly entertaining is the segment where Dmitri the watch designer drives over his Komandirskie with his car. Of course, the watch survives unscathed and fully functional!

Is Russia the Largest Manufacturer of Aviation Wristwatches?

2010-08-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

I recently noticed a claim on the Aviator (Volmax) website that Russia is the world's largest manufacturer of Aviation watches.

I don't know whether the claim is true, though it could be, and certainly there is no denying that Russia has a rich and deep history of making aviator-style watches for the military.

Here's the quote in its entirety:

"Russia is the world’s largest manufacturer of Aviation wristwatches, with a history going back to 1927 when the Russian government decided to build quality timepieces for its military. In the decades that followed, the Russian watch industry produced timepieces specifically built to exacting military standards that were not originally available to the public. The direct descendants of these watches are available today in the Aviator line. From highly complicated chronographs to big-dialed, easy-to-read timekeepers, the Aviator watch by Volmax is the culmination of three quarters of a century of aviation watch development."

Download Vostok-Europe Summer Catalog

2010-08-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Vostok-Europe's Summer Catalog 2010 is available for download in PDF format.

The catalog includes photos and detailed information about all V-E current watch models including Ekranoplan, Gaz Limo, Energia, Anchar, Rocket N1, TU-144, Red Square, K-3 Submarine, Expedition and Arktika.

Vostok-Europe has, perhaps, the most stylish design of all modern Russian watches so the catalog is worth checking out.

Download the catalog here.

Vostok-Europe Debuts New Gaz-14 Limo Chronograph

2009-08-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

This week, Vostok-Europe debuts the new GAZ-14 Limousine chronograph.

The watch uses the Japan OS22 movement with retrograde function and 1/20 second indication.

The new chrono has the same dimensions as other watches in the GAZ line.

New Energia-2 Launches Next Week

2009-07-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

Vostok-Europe has scheduled the launch of the new Energia-2 model for next week.

The new Energia-2 features slight design changes from the original Energia model including increased case size, round top crystal and concave downward dial opening, and more relief teeth of the bezel.

Retail price for the new watch will be $479 or $519, depending on the model.

Here are the specs:

- Automatic 2441 VE movement with asymmetrical position of minute, hour and second hands

- Stainless steel 46 mm case

- 5 atm water resistance

- SuperLuminova indexes on the dial and hands

- Exhibition case back with engraved serial number

- Solid stainless steel bracelet with double pushers deployant buckle

- A-grade black PVD plating of case and bracelet.

Tips from a Russian Watch Expert

2009-06-12T08:38:00.001-07:00

Russian Watch Guide recently had the opportunity to interview Mark Gordon, one of the world's top experts on Russian and Soviet watches. In the interview Mark shared his thoughts on the best Russian watch brands and movements, the quality of modern vs vintage Russian watches and much more.

You can read the interview here.

45mm Aviator - Big, Functional Aviator Watch

2009-06-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

The 45mm Aviator by Volmax has a lot of characteristics that are common to Russian watches. It's a simple, solid, mechanical watch with military styling. It's also a big watch with a 45mm diameter.

For more information, read this 45mm Aviator review.

Ekranoplan Poster

2009-05-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a copy of a poster for Vostok-Europe's impressive new "Ekranoplan" watch.

Vostok-Europe "Caspian Sea Monster" Ekranoplan Watches Now Available

2009-05-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

Vostok-Europe's newest watch is now available. It's called the "Caspian Sea Monster" Ekranoplan KM. It's a big watch with a case diameter of 47mm. Several versions are available. The watch sells for about $450 at Russia2all.

The watch is named after the largest "ground effect" vehicle ever built. The Sea Monster carried record payloads quickly and economically by riding just above the sea waves on a cushion of air -- or "ground effect" -- which significantly increased lift and reduced drag.

Features of the watch include:

- An automatic 2432.01 movement with raised hands to accommodate tritium tubes

- 20 atm water resistant surgical grade stainless steel 47 mm case

- Black and gun metal PVD coated sand blasted cases

- Uni-directional rotating bezel with minute counter

- Two color day & night indicator

- 24-hour GMT digital readout

- 17 trigalight® micro tubes on the dial and hands for nighttime visibility

- Screw-down crown and exhibition case back

- Custom, integrated silicon strap

Vodolaz Diver - The Biggest, Heaviest Russian Watch

2009-04-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Zlatoust Vodolaz diver watch is one enormous timepiece. It's nearly 3 inches across measured to the end of the crown cover. And not only is it big but heavy too, weighing over 0.5 pounds.

Clearly not for everyday use, the Vodolaz diver is more of a conversation starter or perhaps even a novelty watch.

Here's a link to an article about the Zlatoust Vodolaz diver watch.

How to Set a Vostok Amphibia Watch

2009-02-18T10:18:00.000-08:00

If you've never owned a Vostok watch before, setting the time and date can be a little tricky. And the fact that the manual is in Russian doesn't make matters any easier.

One thing to keep in mind is that this watch has a screw-down winding cap with an internal rubber gasket. You always need to close that completely after winding and setting to keep it waterproof.

Also, there is a shortcut to setting the date quickly without having to turn through 24 hours to move the date ahead one day. Basically, you can move the hour hand between the 8 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions to advance the date.

Here is a link to the Vostok Amphibian manual with complete instructions on how to set the watch. The manual is in English.

Russian Watches Featured in Wrist Watch Annual

2009-02-13T15:53:00.000-08:00

The 2009 edition of Wrist Watch Annual features articles on two Russian watch brands: Aviator and Vostok-Europe. You can view these and other articles in our Magazine Articles Archive. The articles are in PDF format.

NIKA Jewelry Watches

2009-02-12T08:09:00.001-08:00

I received the following email today with some interesting information about a company called NIKA Jewelry Watches. They manufacture gold watches with Swiss and Japanese movements. The company is based in Moscow.

***

"NIKA Jewelry Watches” has been developing luxury gold wristwatch sales in Russian Federation since 2003 and has thus acquired an extensive expertise in creating TOP quality real gold wristwatches (only Swiss and Japanese movements provided) in a very affordable price segment. Having based on the features demanded by very spoilt Russian customers and market we have been growing rapidly and now have reached a level of production enabling us to introduce our products in US and EU markets with a big boom.

Our designs range up to 820 pieces and each month we produce more than 15000 top quality Gold and Silver wristwatches with having more than 4000 retail points all around Russian Federation. At the moment we have more than 400 employees, many of them professionals with more than 40 year work experience in watch business.

...Moreover we have received many international awards in high end jewelry wristwatch design and recognition from publishers all around Europe and Russia.

We have a special website created and tailored for US market, (www.nikawatches.com), but we are still working on it as the translations made there are terrible and I do apologize for that, it will be improved in days to come. Please see both websites (.com and .ru) for better picture.

Inside Vostok-Europe

2009-02-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

Vostok-Europe's Managing Director, Igor Zubovskij, was recently interviewed by Russian Watch Guide. You can read the interview here.

Two More Buyer's Guides

2009-02-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

In a previous post I had mentioned a Squidoo site called Buyer's Guide to Vostok Watches. The same author has published two more sites called Buyer's Guide to Vostok-Europe Watches and Buyer's Guide to Raketa Watches. These sites serve as brief introductions to the aforementioned brands.

Best Place to Buy a Raketa Watch

2009-01-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

I'm often asked where is the best place to buy a Raketa watch. Many times a Raketa watch, in particular the 24 hour model, is a person's first Russian watch purchase. The reasons why are clear: the style and function are unique, the 24 hour face looks great in photos, and the watch is inexpensive.

For the past few years most people have been buying Raketa watches on eBay.

However, this year the Raketa company has started the process of establishing a distribution network of authorized sellers. At the time of this writing, the network is not yet established.

You can learn more about the status of Raketa watch production and distribution in this Raketa interview.

Watch Komrade Show on YouTube

2009-01-29T08:57:00.000-08:00

The Watch Komrade Show is a weekly series of YouTube videos by Craig Hester aka "the Watch Komrade". Craig offers lots of good advice and information about Russian Watches.

Here's a link to the Watch Komrade Show.

Get the Best Price on Your New Watch

2009-01-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

Part of the appeal of Russian watches is that they are great value. And nobody wants to overpay for a watch, right?

To help you locate the best prices -- and alert you to deals, sales, clearances and specials offers -- I've set up a page on the Russian Watch Guide website that lists the sellers that offer the best prices. On that page I will also be posting any deals or sales I come across. Readers and sellers are welcome to post too.

Here's the link to the page where you can find the best price on Vostok, Raketa, Aviator and other Russian watches.

Aviator Watch Review

2009-01-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased an Aviator 26669, one of the cheaper models in the Aviator line. Here's the Aviator review.

Tips on Buying a Vostok Watch

2009-01-05T17:33:00.000-08:00

Here's a a link to an article called Tips on Buying a Vostok Watch. It talks about the Vostok Company and the reasons why the author believes Vostok watches are such good value.

Another Hot New Vostok-Europe Watch: GAZ-14 Limousine

2008-12-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

This new watch from Vostok-Europe takes its name from the GAZ-14 limousine, a car considered one of the greatest achievements in Soviet automotive history.

It features an elegant stainless steel case, dual-time capability and an exhibition case back.

The GAZ14 Limousine was scheduled for worldwide launch on December 15.

New Expedition Watches by Vostok-Europe

2008-12-20T09:02:00.000-08:00

Vostok-Europe recently released the new Expedition Around The World watch line. There are four new Expedition models with the following features:

-Trendy combinations of A-grade black and rose gold PVD platings
-24-hour time indication using additional central hand
-Variation of different two-color leather straps matching the colors of the dial

These watches use the Vostok 2426 automatic movement.

Super-Low Prices on Vostok-Europe Energia

2008-12-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

Wow, the price of Vostok-Europe Energia watches has really come down. JTVwatches.com is clearing them out for $199.50. Only green and teal blue though. Phenomenal price, if you like the colors.

Authorized vs. Unauthorized Distribution of Volmax Watches

2008-12-13T07:09:00.001-08:00

To clarify some of the confusion between official, authorized sellers and unauthorized sellers, here is a notice posted on the Volmax website. Note that manufacturers are not obligated to honor warranties on watches purchased through unauthorized sellers.

*****
To eliminate any further confusion about internet sales, the Volmax company is announcing that there is only one internet site per country authorized to distribute our watches and provide proper warranty service. Additionally, www.smirs.com is the only authorized seller to operate in countries not represented currently by official distributors.

A list of official distributors is available on our website. These distributors may have authorized other internet resellers in their respective countries, however, there is only one official wholesale distributor per county. Any authorized resellers should be listed on the website the official distributor has linked to our site. However, if a retail website in your country is not listed on your country's official site, you should contact your distributor to ensure the retailer has rights to sell our products.

ALL other sites selling our products are operating without the consent of the Volmax Company, and we cannot vouch for the authenticity, quality or service provided by these sites. Accordingly, our distributors are not obliged to provide after sale warranty service for watches bought from these sites.

Upon signing a sponsorship agreement with National Aerobatic Team The Swifts , and in connection with growing recognition of Aviator watches, the appearance of counterfeit, unauthorized and unacceptably similar watches that infringe upon our copyright have become more and more frequent. Any use of the names Aviator, Buran, or Shturmanskie for commercial purposes by individuals and organizations without the express, written consent of the Volmax, Co. is prohibited. This is particularly important as regards wholesale and extensive offers of watches, which are similar to Aviator, Buran, Shturmanskie on the following web-sites that are not authorized by Volmax in any form:
http://www.aviator-watch.com
http://www.Ebay.com
http://www.poljot-watches.ru
http://www.russia-watches.com
http://www.russian-time.com
http://www.ruwatch.com
http://poljot24.de
http://poljot.de
http://www.poljot-times.com
http://www.rugift.com
http://www.ruspluss.com
http://stores.ebay.de/russia-and-more

Volmax officially states, that we do not have any partner relationships with the above listed sites and, as such, in no way give warranties for goods provided by them.

Origin of these goods are questionable and not endorsed in any way by our company.

To confirm that a reseller is officially authorized, please check the following link to find officially authorized distributors and retailers:

List of authorized representatives
Watches, which were bought from unauthorized representatives are not provided with our free warranties and services even when accompanied by warranty certificates.
*****

Here is the link to this notice: http://www.aviatorwatch.ru/en/news/new/16

Red Friday Sale at Russia2all

2008-11-28T02:03:00.000-08:00

I received the latest newsletter from Russia2all today and as usual it has some great deals including:

"The New N1 Rocket at Best Price Anywhere!
Fantastic 1-time deals on Denissov, Aviator, and Buran!
Moscow Classic Watches Prices Lowered Plus 30% off!"

You need special coupon codes to get these prices, which are printed in the newsletter. So, as always, I recommend signing up for their newsletter at Russia2all.

Movement Codes Explained

2008-11-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

Someone asked me recently why different brands of Russian watches sometimes seem to have the same model/movement number. For example, Poljot 2623 and Raketa 2623.

The first two digits of the code, in this case 26, are the diameter in millimeters. The next two digits are a code that describes the features of the movement.

Here's a link to a detailed explanation of the movement codes for Russian watches:

http://www.netgrafik.ch/russian-codes.htm

Now You Can Add Comments to Articles in Russian Watch Guide

2008-11-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

This weekend I updated Russian Watch Guide so visitors can comment on articles posted on the site. I hope this will help everybody share their knowledge about Russian Watches.

40% Off Moscow Classic Watches

2008-10-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Just got a newsletter from Russia2all and they're having another great sale this October. You can get 40% off all their Moscow Classic watches.

They also have special deals on Aviator and Denissov models.

The newsletter says these deals are only for newsletter recipients so I suggest signing up for their newsletter or contacting them for details/restrictions if you are interested.

Not sure when these deals expire.

After-Summer Clearance Specials at Russia2all

2008-09-12T11:48:00.001-07:00

Russia2all is advertising some great clearance prices via their newsletter including $69 for a Buran Day/Night (I've never seen a Buran priced this low) and $199 for a Sputnik Commemorative watch. Other Vostok-Europe and Moscow Classic watches are also on sale.

You need special coupon codes to get these prices, which are advertised through their newsletter. I suggest signing up for the newsletter on their site to be informed of their special offers and to receive the coupon codes.

The site is at Russia2all

Review of Moscow Classic Model #3603/0066102

2008-09-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

I've just posted a review of a Moscow Classic watch I bought this summer. It's advertised as a diver watch but there's no way I'm taking it in the water with that leather strap.

Here's the review

The Movement Inside a Typical Russian Watch

2008-09-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Most Russian watches use mechanical movements. Vostok and Poljot movements are the most common, however some higher-end Russian watches are now using Swiss ETA movements. Some low-end models are using Chinese movements.

If you are curious what these movements look like, check out this page at the PMaier Russian Watches Shop (based in Germany):

www.vostok-watches.com/movements-russian-watches.html

It gives pictures and data for mechanical movements by Vostok, Poljot, Molnija and ETA. The chart also lists watches that use each movement.

It's a good resource.

Dimensions and Photographs at Solod

2008-09-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

I'm impressed by the photos and dimensional information for the watches sold at solod.com. Most online sellers only state the dimensions in their specs but solod goes a step further and illustrates the dimensions graphically.

I find this very helpful when buying a watch online and usually refer to their online catalog even if I end up buying the watch elsewhere. It helps me visualize exactly how that watch will look on my wrist.

Some online watch sellers have outstanding 3d images of their watches. Don't think I've seen this at any Russian watch sites though.

Energia by Vostok-Europe on Sale

2008-09-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

JTVwatches.com has a good price on Vostok-Europe Energia watches. $399. It's a new model that came out earlier this year. Striking design.

They also sell Aviator, Denissov and Moscow Classic brands.

Good Prices on Old TU-144

2008-09-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

I guess people aren't too interested in the old Vostok-Europe TU-144 now that the new model is on the way.

The old version is being deeply discounted. I've seen it for $165 at Amazon and about $120 at Overstock.com.

New TU-144 Coming This Month

2008-09-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

I see that the new Vostok-Europe TU-144 is shipping this month. Looks like a nice big heavy watch (42mm) in lots of different colors. Price is about $300 at Russia2all.com.

TU-144 was the name of the first supersonic aircraft.

Blog Starts Today

2008-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

On this blog I'll be posting news and information about Russian watches by manufacturers such as Vostok, Vostok-Europe, Volmax, Maktime, Denissov, Raketa and Moscow Classic.

I will focus mainly on new Russian watches currently available for retail sale.

I invite you to use this blog to share any news, tips or information you have about Russian watches.