Vostok watches, produced in Russia, are icons of reliability and robustness in the watchmaking world. Known for their ability to withstand extreme conditions, these watches are cherished by both collectors and enthusiasts. Their history dates back to the Soviet era, during which they were developed to meet the needs of both the military and civilians. In this article, we will explore in detail the identification codes used to describe the movements and cases of Vostok watches. For convenience, the notation ABCDE/FGHIJKH is taken from the site: netgrafik.ch.
Understanding Vostok Watch Codes
Russian/Soviet movement and case codes follow a specific format: ABCDE/FGHIJKH.
ABCDE
- AB: Movement diameter in mm.
- CD, CDE: Soviet movement specification. For more details, refer to the table at the bottom of the page.
FGH
- FGH: Case variation. Each combination of numbers represents a different case design or style.
I
- I: Case material. Here are some examples from Vostok models:
- 0: Stainless steel and other metals without plating.
- 1: Chrome plated.
- 2: Gold plated.
- 3: Gilded (at least 5 microns).
- 4: Colour coated.
- 5: Synthetic, polymer, rubber.
- 7: Titanium alloy.
- 9: Glass, crystal, ceramics, marble.
JKH
- JKH: Handset. Each combination represents a specific type of hands used on the watch.
Classification of Vostok Cases
The table below categorises the different cases used in Vostok watch models. The information is organised by case code (FGH), case material (I), watch model, and case shape.
Vostok Case Table
| Case Code FGH | Material I | Handset Code JKH | Model | Case Material | Case Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 0 | XXX | Amphibia | Stainless steel | Tonneau |
| 119 | 0 | XXX | Amphibia | Stainless steel | Octagonal |
| 71 | 0 | XXX | Amphibia | Stainless steel | Octagonal |
| 47 | 0 | XXX | Amphibia | Stainless steel | Carre |
| 32 | 0 | XXX | Amphibia | Stainless steel | Tonneau |
| 937 | 0 | XXX | Amphibia | Stainless steel | Round |
| 96 | 0 | XXX | Amphibia | Stainless steel | Big Lug |
| 25 | 0 | XXX | Amphibia | Stainless steel | Ministry |
| 02 | 0 | XXX | Amphibia | Stainless steel | Round |
| 42 | 0 | XXX | Amphibia | Stainless steel | Round |
| 62 | 7 | XXX | Amphibia | Titanium alloy | Tonneau |
| 38 | 1 | XXX | Komandirskie | Chrome plated | Round |
| 38 | 3 | XXX | Komandirskie | Gold plated | Round |
| 78 | 1 | XXX | Komandirskie | Chrome plated | Round |
| 78 | 3 | XXX | Komandirskie | Gold plated | Round |
| 44 | 1 | XXX | Komandirskie | Chrome plated | Carre |
| 44 | 3 | XXX | Komandirskie | Gold plated | Carre |
| 79 | 1 | XXX | Komandirskie | Chrome plated | Round |
| 79 | 3 | XXX | Komandirskie | Gold plated | Round |
| 139 | 1 | XXX | Komandirskie | Chrome plated | Round |
| 139 | 3 | XXX | Komandirskie | Gold plated | Round |
| 29 | 1 | XXX | Komandirskie | Chrome plated | Round |
| 29 | 3 | XXX | Komandirskie | Gold plated | Round |
| 34 | 1 | XXX | Komandirskie | Chrome plated | Carre |
| 34 | 9 | XXX | Komandirskie | TiN | Carre |
| 33 | 1 | XXX | Komandirskie | Chrome plated | Tonneau |
| 33 | 9 | XXX | Komandirskie | TiN | Tonneau |
| 09 | 1 | XXX | Generalskie | Chrome plated | Round |
Case Materials
Vostok watch cases are made from various materials, each with its own durability and aesthetic characteristics:
- Stainless Steel (0): Offers exceptional resistance to corrosion and long durability. It is the predominant material for Amphibia models, known for their robustness.
- Chrome Plated (1): Primarily used in Komandirskie models, providing a shiny finish and good corrosion resistance.
- Gold Plated (3): Found in some Komandirskie models, giving a luxurious and refined appearance.
- Titanium Alloy (7): Lightweight and highly resistant, used in models like the Amphibia for increased durability.
- TiN (Titanium Nitride) (9): Known for its extreme hardness and scratch resistance, providing a distinctive golden finish.
Case Shapes
Vostok watch cases come in various shapes, each with a unique design to suit different tastes and aesthetic preferences:
- Tonneau: An elegant, barrel-shaped design.
- Octagonal: An eight-sided design often associated with robustness.
- Carre: A square or rectangular shape offering a classic look.
- Round: The most common and versatile shape, suitable for any style.
Main Models
- Amphibia: Famous for their water resistance and robust construction, these watches feature cases in stainless steel or titanium alloy. Originally designed for the Soviet naval forces, they have become popular among divers and adventurers.
- Komandirskie: Inspired by military style, these watches, though not officially used by the military, are available in chrome plated, gold plated, and TiN versions. They are known for their classic design and reliability.
- Generalskie: These watches also feature a military-inspired style but lack evidence of official military use. They often include models with chrome plated cases.
Conclusion
Vostok watches perfectly combine history, engineering, and design. The diversity of cases, in terms of materials, models, and shapes, offers enthusiasts a wide range of choices. Whether you are a collector or simply a watch lover, Vostok models with their unique characteristics and reliability make an excellent choice. Their history and continuous evolution make them a fascinating topic for anyone interested in horology.
