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Brand info
Aviator
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RChZ
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Russian Watch FAQ
Updated 4 Apr 2012 by Editor, RussianWatchGuide.com


What are the most popular Russian brands?
How much do they cost?
Do they keep good time?
Are they reliable?
Why should I buy a Russian watch?
Where can I buy a Russian watch?
Are Russian watches made in Russia?
Are there fake Russian watches?
What's the difference between Vostok and Vostok-Europe?
Why does my Russian watch have English writing on the face?
I don't want to spend a lot of money. Which watch should I buy?


What are the most popular Russian brands?

The most popular brands of Russian watches are Vostok, Vostok-Europe, Volmax and Poljot. Volmax markets watches under the Aviator, Buran and Sturmanskie brands. Other Russian brands include Denissov, Moscow Classic, Maktime, Orion, Raketa, Rekord and Slava.

How much do they cost?

Russian watches range in price from as little as $30 up to thousands of dollars. However, many good Russian watches sell for between $50 and $300. Given that these are good-quality mechanical watches, many watch buyers consider them an outstanding bargain.

Do they keep good time?

Yes they do. However, most Russian watches are mechanical watches and mechanical watches do not keep time as accurately as quartz watches. Expect the watch to be accurate to within 10 or 30 seconds per day. The accuracy of the movement is usually stated in the watch specifications.

Are they reliable?

Generally, yes. However, this depends on the manufacturer. Most modern watches by Volmax, Vostok, Denissov, Moscow Classic, Vostok-Europe and Maktime are very well made watches. Other cheaper brands may be lower quality.

Why should I buy a Russian watch?

Because these are strong, masculine, mechanical watches that look great on your wrist. The top brands keep good time and are built to a high quality standard. Not too many people in the West have seen a Russian watch, let alone own one. For this reason they are unique. For more information, see Why Buy a Russian Watch

Where can I buy a Russian watch?

You can buy Russian watches online from an official supplier or online watch store specializing in Russian watches. Russian watches are also available on eBay. For more information, see Where to Buy a Russian Watch, Tips on Buying a Russian Watch and Buying a Russian Watch on eBay

Are Russian watches made in Russia?

Not all Russian watches are made 100% in Russia. Some Volmax watches, for example, use Swiss movements. Vostok-Europe watches are assembled in Lithuania but use Russian-made movements. Some Russian brands use Japanese Miyota movements.

Are there fake Russian watches?

Fake or counterfeit Russian watches are not particularly common but they do exist. Nonetheless, it's generally best to buy from an official supplier or reliable online seller to ensure you are getting a genuine product with a full warranty.

What's the difference between Vostok and Vostok-Europe?

Vostok and Vostok-Europe are two different companies. Vostok is a Russian company that has been manufacturing mechanical watches in Russian for decades. Vostok-Europe is a newer company formed as a joint venture between Vostok and a Lithuanian company. Vostok-Europe watches are assembled in Lithuania using movements supplied by Vostok's Russian factory. Because Vostok-Europe watches are assembled outside Russia, there is some debate as to whether they should be called a Russian watch or an Eastern European watch.

Why does my Russian watch have English writing on the face?

Some Russian watches are made specifically for export. These watches usually use English writing.

I don't want to spend a lot of money. Which watch should I buy?

A watch is an expression of an individual's personality and the decision of which watch to buy is highly personal. That said, if you are on a tight budget, you might want to check out Vostok watches, especially their Amphibia series. Vostok makes numerous models that sell for between $50 and $100. They are generally well made and highly regarded.


20 COMMENTS

I bought 2 NOS watches off the internet,(one a Luch, the other a Raketa) when they arrived I noticed that the passport numbers didn't mach the numbers on the rear of the watches so I think they may be fake. How can I tell if the movements inside are oridinal Raketa & Iuch movements? I had trusted the seller as I had bought from him before & all numbers matched.
Gavin M - Monday, 27 February 2012, 09:09 GMT

I have a MOTNIJA Russian pocket watch that needs some parts. Its caliber is 3602. Since you are so knowledgeable on Russian watches can you please give me a hint who should I contact. Best regards and thank you.
Orlando - Friday, 3 February 2012, 19:55 GMT

Where can I get information on the Boctok with the number 754277 on the back cover. Im interested in knowing year it was made and where it was made. Any info would be appreciated.
dweaver - Saturday, 7 January 2012, 04:41 GMT

i have a Russian gold watch which the name is boctok, 17jewels. can you give me more information
gordon fryer - Tuesday, 8 November 2011, 11:06 GMT

i can't find watches 24 h, For women. can you help me? thanks
katalina - Sunday, 30 October 2011, 18:09 GMT

sorry..i'm still blurred.. how to know Vostok/Volmax/Raketa watch? how are they differentiated by this names?
eddie - Wednesday, 11 May 2011, 12:55 GMT

trying to find the age and value of my dads 18 ruby molnija pocket watch with a train on the back
annoymunis - Sunday, 27 March 2011, 14:27 GMT

hi guys..im shena from malaysia.. i saw a russian watches shop in malaysia..and the pricing very high.. but people still buying coz its very hard to get it there...anyway russian watches very nice n unique..
shena - Monday, 14 February 2011, 06:38 GMT

I have a watch that is made by Parker with the numbers written in Russian?? Is anyone familiar with this watch??
chris Lansdowne - Friday, 14 January 2011, 19:03 GMT

Also when people ask, are Raketa watch accurate? Yes they do. They are accurate as usual swiss watches. Also you can adjust them by yourself, using metal pin. If you spend some time to adjust it, using quarz wathes as example of good time, you can reach standard accuracy of 1-2 seconds per day for mechanical watches!
Alex - Tuesday, 21 December 2010, 07:00 GMT

I think there is a great mistake. Here in Russia most reliable watches are Raketa without any doubt!!! It was during 50 years and it's continues to be so.
Alex - Tuesday, 21 December 2010, 06:57 GMT

I purchased a Favorit watch at the kiosk inside Pulkovo airpoet in St. Petersburg, Russia. I thought I had it ready to run, but i can't get it to work!! I think it runs on battery.. but not sure. I tried to wind it by the stem and it still doesn't work!! Help!!No serial number and made in Belarus!
Allen - Friday, 12 November 2010, 21:29 GMT

I just bought 2 old vostok a month ago,from my 2 friends.both are: komandirskie & KGB they look pretty old I Love it so much even they didn't had a real strap or bracelet.worth it for me cuz i bought it for a very Cheap price :)if you wanna take a look pls add me on my facebook:dity_thehandgunner@yahoo.com Thank you
Dity - Wednesday, 27 October 2010, 07:36 GMT

I purchased a small ladies pocket watch with a porcelian front, the brand is Yanka, wind up, the numbers on the face are roman numerals is this an old watch? Keeps great time!email:flipnflops@ymail.com
Cindi - Tuesday, 28 September 2010, 15:13 GMT

I have a WTYPMAHCKNE silver tone and a red second hand can you give me more info on it and a value?
brenspenc - Tuesday, 1 June 2010, 20:30 GMT

i have a watch that sats on the face-chaka, made in the ussr, any comments please, are they any good? serial number169086, 17 jewels
viking johnny - Sunday, 17 January 2010, 16:11 GMT

I found an older russian watch - named PETERGOF in my cabinet. Any idea what brand that is Serial number: 225 Regards Ronald (USA) email: rbayer5977_1@wowway.com
Ronald Bayer - Thursday, 14 January 2010, 01:58 GMT

Aldo, you could try contacting Detente Distribution http://www.detentewatches.com/ or Island Watch in NY for ideas on best places for repair in the NYC area. They would know.
CJ - Saturday, 13 June 2009, 00:12 GMT

Where can I fix a Russian Watch? Couldnt do it at Torneau in NYC. Any suggestion?
Aldo - Friday, 12 June 2009, 17:48 GMT

In the past couple years I've noticed a lot of Russian watches coming on the market in the $500-$1000 price range. True, there are lots of good Vostoks under $100, and they really are great value, but the trendier, higher-end Russian watches like the Aviator brand often cost $500 or more. Worth the price though IMHO.
Will J - Sunday, 16 November 2008, 21:19 GMT

 
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