[Mister Mike]

I don't care which questions are asked, as long as they solicit the following answers:

1) BOCTOK will remain a Russian company making Russian watches with Russian movements.

2) BOCTOK remains committed to our flagship Komandirskie and Amphibia product lines. Future expansion of these lines will build upon classic themes, e.g. Amphibias with brushed stainless cases based on '70s and '80s designs; and Komandirskies with traditional '80s-style cases, bezels and dials. Future Amphibias and Komandirskies will have only cyrillic dials -- we recognize that "New Komandirskie" and "Amfibia" watches are not worthy successors to our classic product lines.

3) Pricing of current and future Komandirskie and Amphibia models will be in line with current pricing expectations (i.e. <US$60)

4) We value the feedback of BOCTOK enthusiasts, and will keep our WUS friends informed of new developments; soliciting feedback when appropriate.

 

[Mister Mike]

My previous list is just answers I'd like to read (not necessarily what is practical, or what I'd reasonably expect to read). I'm just glad that there are still people in Chistopol to answer our questions, and I hope they'll continue to produce great mechanical watches for many years to come.

Truthfully, while I think that the $50 Amphibia is one of the best deals there is, I'd pay a few more $$ for an improved version, as long as it's still a BOCTOK. The Amphibia 1967 is a beautiful watch, but a bit overpriced for a Vostok. Perhaps if they're able to focus a bit more on core models with classic Vostok designs, upgrading to glass crystals and better bands/bracelets to widen their appeal, they'll be able to charge more and expand their fan base.

Personally, I like being able to buff out an acrylic crystal, and picking out a new band for a Vostok is half the fun; but those two items are "low hanging fruit" where some simple upgrades will generate some excitement for the brand. Right now, if you want modern features, you often have to give up some of the classic Vostok charm. The key is striking the right balance, while still offering a rugged mechanical watch that a working man can afford.

 

[Mister Mike]

I'd also ask about their global marketing & distribution strategy. From my US perspective, if Vostok were able to sign with a distributor who could afford well-placed advertisements and product placements, I'm confident that they could move many more watches. That recent YouTube video of the Russian show was great -- a good product placement guy could get an Amphibia featured on an American show (I'm thinking something on The Discovery Channel), carried in sporting goods stores, etc. While jewelry stores may be snobbish when it comes to Russian watches, I believe that Komandirskies and Amphibias have a unique appeal -- especially to men who don't frequent jewelry stores anyway -- and there are many untapped distribution venues.

 

[Mister Mike]

Correct. I wouldn't start driving nails into Vostok's coffin just yet. Raketa is coming back, Poljot lives on through its offspring, and our vendor friends have continued to receive new shipments from Chistopol. That Bulgarian article didn't bring anything new to the table, either.