That was a very good video, and I think comparing the two makes sense as cheap autos.

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Seiko is better quality.

 

Awesome thread, and nice pics of your watches. I completely agree with your conclusion and would only add that given the price of both i heartily recommend both a Seiko 5 and an Amphibian.

Both Seiko 5's and Vostoks have an enormous range of cases and dials, and particularly the Seiko range covers dress,field and sporty dials.

In my experience the Seiko's are incredibly reliable, well finished, and very versatile particularly with different straps. My Vostok is less accurate, less well finished but is my favourite watch and has a unique charm that is hard to explain. I adore the warm, vintage feel of the acrylic crystal and how easy it is to customise the watch.

 

Good comparison and both with perform satisfactory for the price. Spend a little more and get a whole lot better IMO. Would love to see a Seagull vs Orient comparison. Just for that little bit extra you get a better movement (Orient) and nicer finishing (Seagull). Seikos become a great watch when you spend >$500.

 

As someone who has both ..... I can say that I wouldn't hesitate to get another SNK for the overall quality (my wife stole one of mine because she liked it and I was glad she has a good watch), but the interesting watch category goes heavily to the Amphibia. Don't get me wrong, the Vostok has good quality .... but the Seiko outclasses it in that department. HOWEVER ..... Vostok quality has been good for me and I have had zero failures. So I guess its good enough on that account. What Amphibias have that Seikos lack is a sense of adventure and the ability to make the most out of the resources they had. The case design is different from everything else .... thoughtful touches that people look at wrong like "wobbly" crown (which is that way because it disconnects from the movement as part of its shock resistance) or the acrylic crystal which some scream "cheap" but is also part of the water resistance strategy and easy to polish up. In almost every quantifiable way the Seiko is better, but I still prefer wearing my Amphibias.

YMMV

Edit: My goal was to say that I agree with you .... I guess I could have just said that.

 

The only thing the Vostok has over the Seiko is a commie flavor. It's not more unique, I'd say less.

Vostok is into souvenir styling; they only have about 3 serious designs. They're all about: "Look know funky I am!"

The movement is junk; just a handwinding movement with an auto mechanism thrown on the back. The Seiko movements were purpose-built automatics.

Now the Konandirskie movement... THAT'S the good one; the military original.

 

Now the Konandirskie movement... THAT'S the good one; the military original.

To be honest, I'm not that familiar with the differences between the movements in the komandirskie and Amphibias. Other then the specs, and mechanical vs automatic. What are the major differences that make it better?

 

Mmm, tough one. I've never owned an Amphibia but have long been curious to try one. However, I've had several SNKs, and I've purchased several others. (They were my groomsmen gift, in fact!) I'd say they're comparable, with the keys for selecting between the two include (a) whether you're more interested in a pilot/field or diver style, and (b) whether you're comfortable going down to 37mm (SNK), which is on the small side, especially for bigger wrists.

 

I agree with the general sentiment that the Seiko is technically better, but the Vostok is more interesting and charming.

If i had to choose for a non WIS friend, I'd go Seiko, its a safer choice.

If I had to choose for myself, I'd go Vostok. I really enjoy my one and it keeps surprisingly good time within +\- 3s variance, often averaging out to within 1s per day over several days. I'm sure I lucked out there and wouldn't suggest anybody expect that kind of performance as standard for a Vostok.

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The original question was “which is the better entry level automatic?” Appearance and uniqueness are completely subjective measures that are unique to every individuals taste. So, to me it comes to this, realiabilty and function. I’ve owned several ( more than I can count) of each and from my perspective they both accomplish my stated criteria, just in different ways.

The Seiko’s are clearly a much tighter, well built design from the beginning. Vostok’s, especially the older ones from the Soviet era, were designed much more loosely to account for the differences in Japanese and Russian manufacturing quality control and materials. That’s why you can find and see so many stories about Vostoks still running despite loose parts, teeth broken off gears, etc.!

End result is is that discounting any sentimental value, both watches will get you the same result, in general acceptable accuracy and reliability before total failure, at which time it is much more economical to throw away and replace.

So my advice is to buy the one you like, the odds are that both will run and last a long time. So get the one that sings to you. That’s my go to advice on almost all equal watch debates.

 

I'll admit straight away that I've only experienced Seikos so that's who's I'd throw my lot in with as Vostok is an unknown quantity to me.

 

Vostoks are more accurate in my opinion. Others find the same?

 

If I had to choose for myself, I'd go Vostok. I really enjoy my one and it keeps surprisingly good time within +\- 3s variance, often averaging out to within 1s per day over several days. I'm sure I lucked out there and wouldn't suggest anybody expect that kind of performance as standard for a Vostok.

In my experience that kind of accuracy for a Vostok when regulated is much more common than you think. It took mine weeks to gain 30 seconds.

 

I'd go Seiko 5 for these reasons.
While the Vostoks are interesting in their own way, i just couldn't live with the rough around the edges quality of them.
Also, i must have a date on my watches and the hassle off setting date on Vostoks is another downside.

Although, the size, hands and general design of the SNK doesn't appeal to me at all. I much prefer the SNZG.

 

Went for the SNZG series Seiko 5 over both choices. I think the movement is the same and like the case shape, crown position and dials better. They can be found for well under $100 USD with careful shopping.

 

I've had multiples of both. Unless it's a Meranom SE, Seiko will always win.

 

IMHO, the Vostok 2416b is not "junk". It is based on the handwinding 2414a, but is fully adapted to function reliably as an automatic movement. That gives the 2416b a very reliable hand winding action and the fully jewelled auto winding train is known to be reliable and efficient as well. I own about 18 Vostok powered watches and have had 1 fail on me and that one was dead on arrival. I'd argue the 7s26 without handwinding is a pain to get going and keep going if you want to wear a different watch for a day. Besides the movement, the Vostok Amfibia is full of clever engineering solutions that make for an interesting watch on their own.

Both have their advantages, and I would expect years of reliable service from both of them.

 

Hello,
I own an SNK809 on the stock metal bracelet. i'm looking for a matching replacement for it in a more formal/business style. can someone recommend a good place to find one? Please assist. Regards.

 

The bracelet from the SNK79X watches fits perfectly as the case type is the same, but with polished parts. The bracelet has mixed brushed and polished sections.

I still have one that I never use anymore. PM me if you're interested.

 

Interesting thread which was reopened a few days ago. I was between an SNK809 and an Amphibia the past few days. Went with Seiko SNK809. Might get an Amphibia in the future.

 

Interesting thread which was reopened a few days ago. I was between an SNK809 and an Amphibia the past few days. Went with Seiko SNK809. Might get an Amphibia en the future.

great choice! i might pick up a komanderskie in the future. they are very affordable, and they look fun.

 

Vostok all the way.
Durable yet also immense fun.

 

Seiko's SNK series are cheap watches. Very little horological interest.
On the other hand, with an amphibia, you also get an inhouse movement (and contrary to what is claimed in here, they are very easy to regulate, and accurate once you have done so: I had mine consistently running around +5s on the wrist). You also get a unique (and darn clever) case design; a unique crown (and again, darn clever if you can get over the wobbliness); a unique history; and a case that is pretty much bombproof. Not to mention the water resistance; the quirky design; and the interesting history. You also have a wind up movement; and it sorta hacks.
Sure, the finish leaves a lot to be desired (but it's not terrible either), the lume is disappointing; and the bracelet is truly appaling (but it can be upgraded). But these -in a strange way- actually add to the charm.
Pretty much a no contest in my book.

 

Fun necro. Pretty much everybody here has been right.

I went with the SNK803, wore it in abusive situations.

Added the OEM bracelet and wore it for a couple more years. Been bashed and battered; while the crystal was scratched years ago I still have trouble capturing the gouges in pictures.

Took these the other day to accentuate all the bashes.

You can make out the small gouges on the crystal in the 25 below.

In all its bashed up glory. Under close scrutiny it's weathered but at wrist distance it's still a delight.

That said, Amphs are awesome.

 

Seiko is the only watch I could not like enough to even keep..returned to Amazon after 2 days. Have 4 Vostok contraptions that I find heaps more fun and satisfying. BTW, it was 3 years ago and I paid 50USD for the Seiko.
The 7S26 is such a horrible unrefined movement that even puts the brute Russian movements to shame.
My Vostoks are regulated to within +- 5SPD.

Flame away, but at current +100USD asking prices, I really have no interest experimenting again. TBH, Seiko prices in general have gone insane.