Komandirskie Anyone?

[Denis]

Bought to fix up. Crown and crystal wrong, Lume is dead. Advertised as in need of attention, only work for 6 hours. I thought mainspring is gone. Turned out to be working just fine. Power reserve 33 hours (Originally must be something like 38, if memory serves me right.)

Gained 1 minute (roughly) after one week. Can't complain, at about £12. And most importantly gold plating is very decent.

There is something magical about a watch older than yourself.....

...or is it just me?

[bobm12]

Nice project Denis and nice watch! Sometimes I too get surprises on ebay (one way AND another :)   ) I'm glad it was the good way for you!

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

[Geo]

Welcome to the forum Dennis.

That' s a cracking bargain you managed to get there. I always say it doesn't matter how expensive it is, a good watch is one that keeps time!

[noirrac1j]

Beautiful! I love the Russian watches--They are full of character! I have a Boctok divers watch and I wear it all the time:

 

JC

Edited December 23, 2014 by noirrac1j

[Denis]

Thanks guys!
Yes, this surprise keeps surprisingly good time.
Lovely scuba dude there, JC. Is that Jurgens bund pad/strap?
I see amphibia in my future too. During my hunt for this watch i grew to strongly dislike any sort of plating. Very hard to get plated case of that vintage in good condition.

Denis
 

[noirrac1j]

Hello Denis,

The strap is one the was made by Jstraps in California. The huy who makes them (Johnny Torrez) constructs them to order, and yes it is a bundt-style strap. I love the "scuba dude" and want to get another Bocok--maybe a chronograph. I have only a few plated watches because they aren't as collectible and it is difficult to get them and keep them in good condition.  Thanks for posting!

 

JC

[Denis]

Hi, JC. Vostok doesn't make chronograph movements. (As far as i know.)

There was joint Russian-Italian joint venture that saw marriage of Poljot 3133 movement and Vostok stainless steel case, marketed as Vostok Komandirskie chronograph. Modern Vostok chronographs use quartz movement from Miyota.

I know, very disappointing. Poljot 3133 has a bit of history of its own.

 

Denis

[noirrac1j]

Hey Denis,

Yes you are correct! I do think it was the Poljot I was thinking of--certainy another great Russian make. Yes it was definietly a Poljot aviator chronograph I had in mind! You seem knowledgeable in Russian watches. Have you overhauled any? I am thinking of cleaning/oiling my Boktok but its still a little early and its is showing no sgins of needing it. I was wondering if they differ significantly from comparable Swiss or German brands?

 

JC

[Denis]

Hi JC.

Have you overhauled any?

No, I didn't. I'm afraid all my knowledge is purely theoretical. I sift through a ton of information about russian watches when i was looking for this one. And now, when it turned out working so well, I have NO motivation to butcher it. As you gathered by now, i'm in no position to tell you if they differ significantly from comparable Swiss or German brands. (I know that some vintage movements are modifications or copies of movements of Swiss, American, German or French origin. But thats history.)

 

Apart from obvious reasons like repair and due service. If it shows no sign of needing attention, then i see no reason for cleaning/oiling it... Except, for pure curiosity. (Of course i can understand that.)

Factory general recommendation (from a catch-all document, not a particular model) is once in 3-4 years. Check "water-tightness" every 2-3 years and "to change gaskets as required". But i think they are conservative about it.
Interestingly, "Automatic watch, worn daily should be manually wound once a week (20-30 turns of crown clockwise)."
Unfortunately i couldn't find any factory service notes. Russian sources refer mainly to experience and soviet watchmaking books.
However, this link might be of interest to you:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f54/vostok-2416b-service-notes-240805.html

Hope that helps

Denis