Raketa’s Pilot series feature watches that are especially designed for use in aviation. One watch that stands out from the series because of the movement it uses is the Raketa Pilot 031.

The Raketa Pilot 031 uses the 2623.H Raketa mechanical movement, a type of movement that is designed especially for extreme weather conditions. The movement comes with a 24-hour format, as it was designed to comply with aviation requirements, following a 1969 Soviet State order. It was originally designed for pilots, cosmonauts, and  polar explorers and was made exclusive to such until the restructuring of the Soviet economic system. After the Perestroika, the movement was made available to the public. The 2623 Raketa movement comes with 17 jewels and 24-hour, minutes, and seconds functions. It does not come, however, with a calendar function.

Raketa 2623 H Mechanical Movement

Aesthetically, the watch is simple but sleek in design. It features a 38 mm stainless steel case and a stainless steel bracelet. The dial is black with white numbers and markings and features a seconds-counter on the outer dial. The crystal is made of mineral glass and since the case itself is only 38 mm, it is suitable for both men and women and is classified as a unisex watch.

The Raketa Pilot 031 has a water resistance depth rating of 50 meters and features a stainless steel caseback engraved with the brand name and three Soviet planes.

Whether as an aviation watch or just as an everyday watch, the Raketa Pilot 031 is a great Russian watch to own especially since it comes equipped with such an impressive movement.

Features:

Brand: Raketa
Series: Pilot
Model: Pilot 031
Reference No.: W-30-11-30-0031
Gender Unisex
Movement: Mechanical
Caliber of Movement: Raketa 2623.H, 17 Jewels
Function: hour, minutes, seconds
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Size: 38mm
Crystal: Mineral glass
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Water resistant: 50 meters
Russian movement and assembly.

More Information: See Raketa brand information.

Vostok Prestige carries a wide-range of timepieces equipped with various Vostok movements. Despite what the series’ name might suggest, Vostok’s Prestige watches are mid-priced and not nearly as expensive as other Russian watch brands. Vostok Prestige watches range from $88 to $200. While there are several timepieces in the Prestige series, one of the later models released in 2005 is the Prestige 2416/71001.

Vostok Prestige 2416/71001

The watch is equipped with the Vostok Automatic 2416B self-winding movement with 31 ruby jewels, which is protected by a screw-down stainless steel case back. The movement measures 24 mm and has a power reserve of 31 hours. It comes equipped with the hours, minutes, seconds, and date calendar functions, everything you need for an everyday watch.

Vostok 2416B Automatic Movement

The case is made of stainless steel and measures 40 mm in diameter. The watch features a black dial with luminous Arabic numerals, markings, and hands. The crystal is made from mineral glass and the band is genuine black leather. Despite being one of the newer models in the Prestige line, the Prestige 2416/71001 still displays classic Russian craftsmanship, with its clean stainless steel case and large markings on the dial. The caseback is also stamped (not etched) with the Vostok brand name.

The Prestige 2416/71001 sells for $99 on ebay, certainly a great bargain for a new Vostok model.

Features:

Brand: Vostok
Series: Prestige
Year: 2005
Movement: Automatic, self-winding movement
Caliber of Movement: Vostok 2416B, with 31 ruby jewels
Power reserve: 31 hours
Case: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Crystal: Mineral glass
Screw-down crown and caseback
Shock resistant balance
Luminous hands and markings
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Date Calendar
Central Second hand
Band: Genuine leather
Width of strap: 20 mm
Russian Movement and Assembly

More Information: See Vostok brand information.

Vostok Megapolis 2415/709427

Vostok mixes the functionality and convenience of self-winding watches with the classic sophistication of gold-plated watches and the minimalist appeal of polished stainless steel in the Megapolis collection. From uniquely shaped dials to classic round shaped dials, the collection boasts of stylish timepieces that one can use to dress up or dress down depending on the occasion. Perhaps one of the dressiest watches in the series is the Vostok Megapolis 2415/709427, a watch featuring a classic round, gold stainless steel case with a black dial and a gold-toned sub-dial.

Impressive in design and function, this is the perfect dress watch to add to one’s collection. Its genuine black leather strap neutralizes its glossy gold case so it can also serve as an everyday watch. The Vostok Megapolis 2415/709427 comes equipped with a self-winding automatic caliber 2415 Vostok movement with 31 jewels. It has a stainless steel case and the dial is covered in mineral glass. The case is adequately sized with a diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of 13 mm.

The Vostok Megapolis 2415/709427 features Roman numerals in the inner dial and a 60-minute timer on the outer dial. It also features a seconds sub-dial at 10-o’clock but does not come with a date window. The dial has luminous numerals, markings, and hands.

The Megapolis has a water resistance rating of 30 meters so it can withstand hand-washing or the occasional rain shower but it cannot be used while showering, swimming, or during any other kind of water sports activity. It has a screw-down stainless steel caseback etched with the original Vostok (Bostok) logo.

Vostok Megapolis 2415/709427 Gift Box

The watch retails for $125 to $166 online, a great price for a stylish, Russian-made dress watch equipped with Vostok’s 2415 Automatic movement.

Features:

Brand: Vostok
Series: Megapolis
Gender: Men’s
Model: 2415.02/709427.
Movement: Automatic, Self winding
Caliber of Movement: Vostok Automatic 2415, 31 Jewels
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Case: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Luminosity: luminous hands, markings, and digits
Shock resistant balance
Water resistance: 3 ATM (30 meters)
Band: Genuine leather
Width of band: 20 mm
Packaging: Gift box
Russian movement and assembly

More Information: See Vostok brand information.

The Komandirskie series by Vostok was first released in the year 1965. The watches in the series were supposed to be exclusively issued to members of the Soviet military but was eventually made available to the public around the 70s and 80s. There have been several Komandirskie watches released in the 90s and newer models made in the early 2000s up to the present are widely available online. Modern Komandirskie watches have chrome-plated steel cases; some are heavily inspired by the older models and others feature their own unique modern design.

Vostok Komandirskie 2414/811398

One such watch in the new Komandirskie series is the Vostok Komandirskie 2414/811398, which is a military-style watch with a blue dial. It uses the 2414A Vostok mechanical movement with 17 jewels. Unlike some of the modern Komandirskie watches with a case diameter of 40 mm or even 42 mm, the Komandirskie 2414/811398 is slightly smaller with a case diameter of 39 mm. The Komandirskie 2414/811398 features a functional bezel with a 60-minute timer function. It also features a screw-down stainless steel case back, which is engraved with the Russian two-headed eagle, a feature that many collectors would certainly like as it adds a nice, historical touch to this modern timepiece.

Caseback

Vostok 2414A Mechanical Movement

With a water resistance of only 30 meters, the Komandirskie certainly does not compare to the Amphibian’s 200 meter-water resistance depth rating but if you’re just looking for a nice quality Russian watch for daily wear, this is certainly a great watch especially since it only sells for $36 online. However, if you’re interested in a Komandirskie modern model with a higher water resistance rating, the 42-mm Komandirskie might be better suited for you, as it comes with a 100-meter water resistance rating.

Features:
Brand: Vostok
Series: Komandirskie
Movement: Mechanical lever movement, manual wind
Caliber: Vostok 2414A movement with 17 jewels.
Case: chrome-plated stainless steel
Case diameter: 39 mm
Date calendar.
Central second hand.
Water resistant: (3 atm) 30 meters
Luminescent hands and indices for night visibility.
Shock resistant balance
Power Reserve: 36 hours

More Information: See Vostok brand information.

Vostok’s Kirovskie K-43 540854 watch is a reproduction of the original 1943 Kirovskie series. It employs a very retro design with its large stainless steel case and leather straps, which are very much reminiscent of Kirovskie’s original design in the 1940s

Vostok Kirovskie 2415 K-43 540854

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The K-43 540854 is a basic military watch and at 42 mm, it’s slightly larger than most Vostok watches. The watch uses an automatic caliber 2415 Vostok movement with 31 Jewels; it has a maximum power reserve of 31 hours. It features a seconds counter but does not have a date window. The case and back cover are both made of stainless steel etched with the original Vostok logo and the year “1943″. As it is a commemorative watch, there is not much difference to the original in terms of design and function.

The dial is covered in mineral glass and the strap is made of genuine leather. White arabic numerals are featured on the dial with luminous hands. It also comes equipped with shock resistant balance. With its classic uncoated case design, clean black dial and white markings, and classic black strap, the Kirovskie makes for a great everyday watch. If you’re a collector of Russian watches, this commemorative piece is a great addition to your collection. The watch retails for $180 to $220 online.

Features:

Brand: Vostok
Series Name: Kirovskie
Model: Kirovskie 2415 K-43 540854
Movement: Automatic
Caliber of Movement: Vostok 2415, 31 Jewels
Power Reserve: 31 Hours
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Case: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Luminous hands
Side Second Hand
Shock Resistance Balance
Water Resistant
Band: Genuine leather strap

More Information: See Vostok brand information.

Vostok is a Russian watch brand that needs no introduction. Vostok watches date back to 1942 and have become a huge part of Russian watch history. Known for producing high-quality but affordable timepieces and movements, Vostok represents seven decades of Russian watchmaking. Vostok is popular for their military and diving watches.

One of the first diving collections released by the brand was the Amfibia diving series, which became popular because of its water resistance depth rating of 20 ATM or 200 meters, making it suitable for diving.   One watch that stands out in the Amfibia series is the AMFIBIA Automatik Black Sea-440581. It employs a very clean and solid design with its 45 mm stainless steel case and white dial. Unlike the Amfibia Seaman which comes with a stainless steel bracelet, the Black Sea comes with a PU strap, which gives it a sportier look.

The Amfibia Black sea uses an automatic Vostok 2416B movement with 31 ruby jewels. The movement has a maximum power reserve of 31 hours. Like the other models in the Amfibia series, the Black Sea has a water resistance depth rating of 20 ATM or 660 feet. It can handle activities like swimming, board diving, and scuba diving but cannot handle deep sea diving. Nonetheless, the Black sea is a pretty great Russian diver. With a diameter of 45 mm, the dial is fairly sized and the numbers and markings on the dial are easy to read. It also comes with SuperLuminova fillings on the dial and hands for luminosity.

SuperLuminova on Dial and Hands

The Amfibia Black Sea sells for $150 to $260, which might be more expensive than standard watches from Vostok but considering its superb craftsmanship, sleek design, and water resistance capabilities, it’s a pretty fair price to pay for a good-quality Russian diver.

Features:
Movement: Vostok 2416B automatic
No. of Ruby Jewels: 31
Central Second hand.
Power Reserve: 31 Hours
Shock resistant balance.
Water Resistance: 20 ATM (200 meters)
Luminosity: SuperLuminova hands and indexes.
Case: Stainless Steel
Case Dimensions: Diameter 45 mm, height 14,8 mm.
Band: PU Strap
Date Window at 3 o’clock

Moscow Classic Navigator 3602-02861096

The Navigator is, arguably, one of the best dive watches in Moscow Classic’s product line. With a case diameter of 52 mm, it certainly does not come lacking when it comes to size. While significantly larger than most Russian watches, the Navigator is still a very comfortable watch to wear.

Bold, stylish, and functional, it has everything you need in a dive watch. Although there are other divers in the market that offers higher water resistance ratings, the Navigator still manages to meet industry standards in dive watches, as it has a water resistance depth rating of 20 ATM or 200 meters. You can use this watch for various water sports activities from light swimming to more intense impact water sports like scuba diving and board diving.

The Navigator stays very true to Russian aesthetic, as its large dial features one sub-dial, large numerals, and the Moscow Classic logo in Russian against a solid black background. The watch also features a unidirectional rotating bezel  with a 120-click cycle. The case is made of 316L stainless steel and is coated with PVD in matte black, which I think adds a very nice touch to the overall look of the watch. There are also other models in the series that feature matte polished case finishing for those who prefer the silver variety. At 15 mm thick, the case offers just the right thickness to ensure it offers adequate comfort when worn.

Moscow Classic Navigator 3602-02811096

Perhaps one of the best features of the watch is its movement. It uses the classic 3602 Russian Molnija movement, a movement that is no longer under production as Molnija has ceased its operations. The Navigator uses a screw-in solid back cover with serial number etching so you cannot see the historical movement in action. The caseback is also made of 316l stainless steel with the same PVD coating, making it look very sleek and gives the watch a more solid and harmonious design.

Back Cover

The Navigator uses a mineral glass crystal and it also features a crown nestled in between two crown protectors. The band is made of genuine leather and features contrasting white top-stitching and a tang buckle. The watch uses SuperLuminova on the dial and hands, giving it a pretty radiant luminosity.

SuperLuminova Dial and Hands

If you’re looking for an oversized Russian diver, the Navigator is certainly one of the best options in the market. You can get the Navigator for around $300, which is a great price for a Russian diver of this caliber.

Features:

Movement: Manual Wind
Caliber of Movement: 3602 Molnija with 18 jewels
Case: 316L Stainless Steel with Black PVD
Case Diameter: 52 mm
Case Thickness: 15 mm
Dial Color: BlackRotating Bezel
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Band: Genuine Leather
Band Length: 8.5 inches
Clasp Type: Tang Buckle
Water resistance: 20 ATM (200 meters/ 660 feet)
Luminosity: Superluminova Dial Hands
Caseback: Screw-in back cover with serial number etching

Additional Features:
Sub-Dial Second Hand
Authentic Russian Pocket-Watch Movement
Screw In Crown
Russian Movement and Assembly

More Information: See Moscow Classic brand information

Moscow Classic’s Zwezda diving series carries the most interesting divers in the brand’s entire collection. Superior both in aesthetics and functionality, the Zwezda features a decagon case with metal screw-like accents around the watch’s outer case. The watch features a two-toned dial. There are five varieties in the series, featuring black coated cases except for one which features a rose gold plated case.

The Zwezda uses the 2416 Automatic Vostok movement with 31 ruby jewels. The crystal is made of mineral glass and the case is made of 316L surgical grade stainless steel. Since the Zwezda is part of Moscow Classic’s diving collection, the watch uses a waterproof silicone band and has a water resistance depth rating of 10 ATM or 100 meters. While not suitable for deep sea diving, the Zwezda can be used for swimming and other light water sports activities. Like many contemporary men’s watches, the Zwezda has a case measuring 45 mm in diameter, making it quite substantial in size. Additional features on the watch include a seconds-counter in the internal dial and a date window between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock. The Zwezda also features a beautiful exhibition caseback.

Moscow Classic Zwezda Series

Moscow Classic’s Zwezda watches are priced at $249 to $329, depending on the color and model. The watch comes in a rectangular watch box carrying the Moscow Classic logo inside.

Moscow Classic Zwezda 2416/04431140 Rose Gold

Exhbition Caseback

Features:

Movement: 2416B Automatic Vostok movement
Self-Wind
Number of Jewels: 31 pcs.
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100 meters)
Case: 316L stainless steel
Case diameter: 45 mm
Silicone water-proof band with buckle
Strap size: 22 mm
Calendar: Date

More Information: See Moscow Classic brand information.

Part of Moscow Classic’s Military collection, the N-7 Rocket series derives inspiration from the R-7 Semyorka, a soviet missile that was developed during the Cold War. The famous Soviet rocket is the world’s first intercontinental ballistic missile. While never deployed, the rocket had 28 launches between the years of 1957 to 1961.

The Moscow Classic R-7 Chronograph employs a very simplistic design with a white or black dial and a sleek leather strap. The case is made from high-grade stainless steel and comes with either an IPB finish for the black variety and a polished finish for the silver variety. The R-7 features a screw-in solid case back with serial number etching but it also comes with an extra exhibition caseback for those who would rather see through the back to see the watch’s movement in action.

The R-7 has two sub-dials with and a date window. SuperLuminova pigments are used on the markings and hands for illumination. The strap is made from croc-embossed genuine leather and comes with a tang buckle. The R-7 only has a water resistance depth rating of 50 meters so it is not recommended for use while swimming or engaging in water sports activities but it has all the features of a great everyday watch.

The Moscow Classic R-7 retails for $436 to $749 online.

Features:

Movement: Mechanical Chronograph Poljot 3133
No. of Ruby Jewels: 25 pcs.
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Case: High-grade stainless steel
IPB case finishing
Case Diameter: 42 mm
SuperLuminova on dial and hands
Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters)
Strap size: 21 mm
Set includes two back covers: Solid and exhibition caseback
Genuine Leather

R-7 Moscow Classic series

More Information: See Moscow Classic brand information.

The 31681/01631061 Russian chronograph is part of Moscow Classic’s Corsair series, one of the many military-inspired series of watches in the company’s collection. This three-eyed Russian chronograph employs a very classic military-style design with its 46 mm 316L stainless steel case with brush case finishing, solid black dial, and leather straps with contrasting white top-stitching and tang buckles. The watch features classic Russian aesthetic and functionality.

The Corsair 31681/01631061 uses a manual wind movement of the 31681 Poljot/Maktime caliber. Its dial is covered by mineral glass and features SuperLuminova indexes on the dial and hands for luminosity. The dial also features a date window and three sub-dials. The Corsair has a screw-in exhibition case-back etched with the watch’s serial number.

The 31681/01631061 retails for $729 but is offered for a discounted price of $479 in some online sources like Russia2all and Amazon.

Features:

Brand: Moscow Classic
Series Name: Corsair
Band Material Tumbled Black or Brown Genuine Leather
Band Length: 9 inches
Band Width: 24mm
Clasp Type: Tang Buckle
Movement: Manual Wind
Caliber of Movement: 3133 Poljot/Maktime
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, stop watch with summing up action
Crystal: Mineral Crystal
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Brush Case finishing
Case Diameter: 46mm
Case Thickness: 15mm
Illumination: SuperLuminova indexes on the dial and hands
Caseback: Exhibition Caseback
Calendar: Date Window Between 4 and 5 o’clock
Water Resistant Depth: 10 ATM (100 meters)
Weight: 116 grams
Additional Features: Russian Movement and Assembly

More Information: See Moscow Classic brand information.