Our Methodology
Our methdology for selecting our top 10 list is subjective evalutation based on our combined 20+ years of experience as Russian military watch enthusiasts. We take into account such factors as value for money, reviews and comments from watch forums, and popularity of sales. You may disagree with our rankings. If you are so inclined feel free to email your comments. We update our list from time to time as new models are released, trends change, our readers give us additional feedback, and our experiences with these watches cause us to change our opinions.
Articles/Resources
Coolest Dive Watch Technology
Wooden Watches: The Perfect Fusion of Nature and Technology
The Apple watch
Russian Watch of the Day
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See also: Top 5 Dive Watches Under $1000
Top 10 Russian Military, Aviator & Dive Watches
Russia has been making quality mechanical watches for military and professional purposes for nearly a hundred years. These are our picks for the best Russian military watches on the market today. (Latest update: 7 Mar 2012 by Sarge)
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#1 VOSTOK AMPHIBIA
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This no-nonense watch in many ways represents the best of Russian watchmaking. It's practical, functional, durable and inexpensive, pricing in at about $60. The mechanical movement is reliable and accurate. Receives widespread internet acclaim from such sources as Poor Man's Watch Forum.
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#2 VOLMAX 45mm AVIATOR
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This 45mm Aviator competes in style with Swiss brands like Rolex or Breitling, but at a fraction of the price. Every man should have one aviator-style watch and this model is a great choice among the different brands of Russian watches. It costs about $400 and is worth every penny.
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#3 VOSTOK-EUROPE EKRANOPLAN
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We like the size and styling of this "Capsian Sea Monster" Ekranoplan. It's big with a 47mm case. The trig lights on the dial are a nice touch. Vostok-Europe has a good reputation for quality. This particular watch costs about $500.
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#4 VOSTOK AMFIBIAN BLACK SEA
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This is a great looking scuba watch that Vostok makes for the export market. It costs a little more than the traditional Vostok Amphibia, but it's a different watch. For one thing, the case is bigger (45mm) and it has an ultrasoft, comfortable plastic strap.
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#5 VOLMAX WINGS OF THE MOTHERLAND
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It takes a certain kind of man to wear a watch like this. Very unique, very high quality. This particular model shown has a yellow gold case. This watch makes a statement. Cost is about $1000.
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#6 VOLMAX STURMANSKIE CHRONOGRAPH
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We didn't choose this watch because it was the first watch in outer space. We chose it for it's quality and design. Sturmanskie's use the reliable 3133 movement originally made by Poljot and now made by Maktime. The Sturmanskie pictured here is a new model but the classic designs are extremely popular among Russian watch enthusiasts. This one costs about $700.
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#7 INVICTA RUSSIAN DIVER
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One of the bigger, heavier watches you will find with a diameter of 52mm and a thickness of 15mm. Invicta is not a Russian brand but they have captured the spirit of the Russian dive watch and make good quality at a good price. If you like huge watches this one is a must-have.
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#8 MAKTIME AVIATOR
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Classic aviator watch with the legendary 3133 movement. In 2006 Maktime bought the production rights for various Poljot movements, including the 3133 that powers this watch. Affordably priced at around $200 on eBay.
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#9 RAKETA 24 HOURS
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Raketa's 24 hour watch is pure CCCP Russian with a retro throwback feel. The Raketa factory is in the process of reviving the brand and resuming production and development of new models. Until they get their act together, new Raketa's are hard to find. But you can try eBay.
Raketa watches are generally inexpensive and the quality is adequate.
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#10 DENISSOV COALITION
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We love this watch but at about $1000 feel it is simply too expensive for a Russian watch. We'd like it more if it cost about $500. The high price tag may be due to the fact that it is a limited edition. This watch also uses a 3133 movement.
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HONORABLE MENTION
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An honorable mention goes to the Vostok Komandirskie. It's rugged, reliable and inexpensive but at 38mm it's simply too small by modern standards.
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