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A couple of years ago I bowed out of proceedings with nothing more than a cheap Casio. However, can you ever really leave? Probably not.
Having now retired I have more time to follow my various interests. I do spend a little time doing some unpaid work for a few charities but otherwise I can focus on various specific interests far more than before.
Lately watches have slowly crept back into my thoughts and I have picked a few budget pieces up which have began to fuel my interest again.
When I joined TZUK just over 12 years ago my very first post included a picture of my then favourite Vostok Komandirskie – blue ‘sub commander’ dial.
As a nice bit of symmetry here is a picture of the two Vostoks I picked up recently as part of various Vostok modding I have planned.
For nostalgic reasons both have the blue ‘sub commander’ dial.
Komandirskie 211289 with manual wind 2414a movement and Amphibia 420289 with auto 2416 movement.
Both on the best strap in the world! Eulit Panama in grey :peaceful:
The Komandirskie on the left has a great profile and feels nice and slim. The 2414 movement is often quoted as being the AK47 of watch movement – rugged, very reliable if not quite as accurate as more refined alternatives. There are documented cases of these things going strong after decades never having had a service. I guess accurate time isnt quite as important when your retired! I have fitted a polished stainless steel bezel to this one and its my current daily wearer. I am growing very fond of it.
The Amphibia on the right needs little introduction. I find the quirky chromed brass bezel quite endearing so will be keeping it on this one. The 420 case design is my favourite Amphibia – however it can feel a little unbalanced as its quite tall due to the auto movement. With this one I plan to fit a manual 2414 with a low profile case back over the next few days. I have been playing around with another Amphibia and this totally transforms the watch – it wears so much better this way. I prefer manual movements in any event.
I have started to gather a number of cases, movements and other parts and am enjoying tinkering about. At the moment I am getting to grips with swapping dials and hands. The great thing about Vostoks is most parts are pretty cheap so if things go badly wrong its hardly a disaster. I have some nice sandwich dials and various hands that I will be fitting into Amphibia and Komadirskie cases soon. I will post some pictures for those that might be interested!
Ian :untroubled:
