 |
PM |  | |
Quote | | |
Reply | | |
Full Topic | |
| Joined: | Sun Oct 19th, 2008 |
| Location: | Quebec Canada |
| Posts: | 911 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
Just received my first Vostok Europe Russian watch and thought i would share my first impression on that Gaz-Limo ( base on the Gaz 14 Limousine clock ) a dual time automatic watch. It's actually my first experience with a Russian watch.
First, I was not expecting much from it but the watch look superb on pictures and at $244USD shipped, I found it was very reasonable for an automatic dual time watch. The best price I found was from Russia2all and i had to wait about 6 weeks for new production to be ready. According to what i read, and I'm not 100% sure about that, every Vostok Europe watches are limited editions and when the model run out, it usually comeback with some minor changes. Mine is 372/3000. Didn't care to much about the LE but found it was a nice bonus.
Now, my first impression when I open the box.
-The Bad :X: It was obvious that the watch had not been handle with care. The case is all polished and I received it with multitude of scratches all around :X. Nothing major but hey, that's a new watch, I was expecting it to be scratchless and I don't think it's to much asking. The front and back mineral glass were protected with a clear plastic but no protection applied to the crowns. Then, my eye saw right away that the "35" printed on the dial was not printed properly, the "3" is not completely printed :X. You can see it on the wrist shot. I then adjusted the time but the Vostok movement, Caliber 2426 do not have a quick set date and I had to move the hour hand from 8H to 12H, back and forth to adjust the day...long process and I will make sure that this watch sits on the winder not to have to adjust it every time because it's a pain. The bracelet is a no go and will have to disappear fast, I don't like the color, nor the feel or the reptile pattern on it but I knew even before I bought the watch that I would not keep it and prefer having I nice watch on cheap bracelet than the opposite. Also, I wish to keep the signed buckle (20mm wide) for the next strap.
-The GOOD :D: Well, from what you just read, you might thing that I have regrets and feel disappointed about the product but, that's not the case. I think that you can see from the pictures that this is a beautiful timepiece. I know that taste are personal, but I really believe that this watch has a stunning dial and the combination of texture on it with the blue numerals, bezel and hands just looks fantastic! The movement is very smooth to wind and time is set easily (ecxept for the date like said before). I think that a lot of attention was put on this design, I like everything about the dial but I would have like to see the writing in Russian to be a bit more exotic. The movement is nice to look at with blued screws and the rotor has some kind of "Côtes de Genève" on it and the whole look is good for such a low priced watch IMHO, much nicer in person than on the picture. The inner 24H bezel is moved by using the crown at 2 o'clock and their is a nice positive resistance and distinctive click when it moves. The second time zone hand cannot be adjusted separately so you set the second time zone by moving the inner bezel. At 43mm wide and 12mm tall without the dome crystal, the watch has the right size IMHO. Because of the inner bezel, the dial looks huge and i like it. The date window sits at 2 o'clock and make the dial look very balanced.
So, i didn't test accuracy yet and will have to come back in a few days with my observations. The lume seems decent (Superluminova is used) but i doubt it will long efficiency due to the small amount used on the hands and on the lumed dots at 3,6,9 and 12.
-Conclusion:
I like it even if not perfect. VE will have to improve on QC since few companies offer products of very high quality for even cheaper, Seiko, Citizen and others comes to my mind, but the overall watch is impressive. I have a Poljot mechanical alarm on the way and can't wait to compare the two companies. By the way, I would like to hear your advise on a replacement strap. The watch has 22mm lugs that taper down to 20mm at the buckle. I would like to keep the original signed buckle but would not mind if the strap is 22mm all the way. If possible, include a link or picture. THX! in advance for your help and recommendations and thanks for reading.
I'll let the pix do the talking now.
