Well, though this translation still has not been finally approved by Vitaliy, I think I post it. Otherwise we will be waiting another couple of months. After all, this is a very close translation and I only needed a formal OK and confirmation of the numbers given in the first three answers (which sound astonishing to me). If any changes indeed are necessary, I will make a correction.
Here we go...
First of all I would like to thank all the collectors and simply those people who like Vostok watches worldwide for their love towards russian watches, trust and partnership. We very much appreciate the attention of the international community.
How many employees work for Vostok? The production involves something like 300 people, management - 7.
How many watches and movements Vostok is producing a year? About 220-240 thousands watches and 33-38 thousands mechanisms.
What percentage of production is exported? About 18-21%.
What other items besides watches does Vostok manufacture? Ship's clocks, wall and floor clocks, water meters, gas flowmeters, electricity meters, a combination of devices and various accessories for the automotive industry, dies for production, etc.
What is the relation between Vostok Watch Makers Inc., Vostok International LTD, ОАО Чистопольский часовой завод "Восток" и „Русские часы"?
All of these entities are under one central management. The purpose of their creation - the division of areas of work, more rapid response to market demands.
Are any of the Soviet-era staff still working at Vostok? Yes.
Are watch cases manufactured at the Vostok factory? For the vast majority of models, yes.
Does Vostok consider subcontracting some activities of complete chain (like they now produce even the ruby-jewels in their Briolet sub-brand)? Yes.
Is there ongoing development of new mechanical movement (quick date-set, chrono, etc)? Yes.
Would the quality of the watch acquired in Russia be different from that of the watch acquired from the official dealer listed on your website? In principle not, but the watches for export are made separately with double testing procedure which is reflected in their price.
What is more advantageous for Vostok as a company, the drain abroad of the watches manufactured for the domestic market or direct deliveries abroad? Direct deliveries.
Are there new models in project? Yes, we work on that.
Will the Vostok factory in Chistopol continue to produce watches and movements? Yes it did, does and will do.
Are we still going to be able to buy classic Vostok designs such as the 'Scuba' Amphibian? Unambiguously yes.
Will Vostok ever consider making a re-issue (like they did for the 1967) of the Amphibian? No, at the moment not.
Will BOCTOK remain a Russian company making Russian watches with Russian movements? Unambiguously yes.
Will the pricing of current and future Komandirskie and Amphibia models be in line with current pricing expectations? In 2010 the price will remain the same.
If yes, will the quality be higher? We're continuously working to improve the quality of the watches and mechanisms.
There was an article in Russian, that Vostok is going to be supplier to Russian army again. The contract was expected to end of 2009:
- Is there any progress with Russian army contract for military watches? Yes, there is a progress. The only question is the funding from the side of military.
Is it true that Vostok is in difficult financial situation? Yes, and the reason is the non-payment by russian consumers.
Does Vostok produce the watches „Troika"? No.
How is Vostok coping, in terms of transitioning from an enterprise which grew out of planned economy, to an enterprise which has to exist - and flourish - in the market economy environment? Only by expanding the product assortment and maintaining the quality of the earlier models.
If Vostok needs help, how the collectors and fans of your watches worldwide would be able to help? We would appreciate to receive the recommendations and suggestions of how to improve the design of the watches.
There is an information that Vostok started work on a *true* GMT movement for Vostok-Europe, is it true? Yes.
If yes, what phase is the developement of this product in? At the stage of completion of the design development.
What about the global marketing & distribution strategy of Vostok? From a US perspective, if Vostok were able to sign with a distributor who could afford well-placed advertisements and product placements, they could move many more watches. We completely agree with this statement. Any suggestions as for the distributor?
How is the new line of Amfibia watches selling compared to the classic designs? We have reissued the watches of this collection twice. The second re-issue is almost sold out.
Have they taken steps to stop the blue-faced watches fading? Yes, we are working on the selection of paint with high light-resistance.
The questions of WUS members have been answered by Mr. Vitaly Podyachev, Director of VOSTOK INTERNATIONAL LTD through intermediary of www.m-watches.com, the official distributor of Vostok watches in Germany.
