The Russian Commander's Watch: Komandirskie

Find out why this is truly the AK-47 of watches.

Vostok Komandirskie Tank Watch (featured)

Vostok Komandirskie Airborne/Paratrooper's Watch

Vostok Komandirskie Aerobatic Team Watch

Vostok Komandirskie U-Boat Commander

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[WondersofWatchdom]

There is currently a shortage of Komandirskie models on Amazon, but here are some classics, and other items used in the video:

TimeGrapher Weishi 1000

Caseback Opening Tool and Holder

Rocket Forces Watch

Submarine Commander

Self-Winding Tank Commander


Self-Winding KGB Watch

Self-winding Paratrooper

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Photo Credits:

-Poster of Conan the Barbarian, copyright 20th Century Fox, reduced resolution poster for fair use.

-Nicholas Roerich "Guests from Overseas". From the series "Beginnings of Russia. The Slavs." 1901, public domain
-Funeral of Ruthenian noble by Siemiradzki, public domain
-A confrontation between mounted archers. Illustration of Rashid-ad-Din's Gami' at-tawarih. Tabriz, public domain
-Mongol soldiers by Rashid al-Din 1305, public domain
-Taliban border guard in Turkham, Afghanistan, public domain
-Japanese D51 locomotive outside Yuzhno-Sakhalin Railway Station, Sakhalin Island, Russia. public domain
-Burning T-34 tank, Russia 1941. File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F016221-0016, Russland, Brennender T-34.jpg Public Domain.

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[theshowmanuk]

I'm a total addict, but after buying a new komandirskie and an amphibia, I realised what I really wanted was a soviet era (pre 1990s) watch. That was when the fun really started. Vostok, Raketa, Slava, Luch, ПОЛЕТ, Pobeda, Sekonda (British company, Russian watches). So full of history. During the '80s I bought a new Rolex, if someone gave me a Rolex now, I would sell it and buy a bunch of soviet watches. I have over 80 now, I am hooked !

[dennisworkingacc]

Correct translation of the slogan:

“Time always respects and supports that which is solidly built and turns to dust everything that proves fragile.”

[jw]

I found a Komandirskie paratrooper model with marked rotating bezel and radioactive lume in 1993 in a Tbilisi bazar and wore it ocean swimming, free diving, sailing, climbing, etc. for a decade before learning it wasn't the dive model. Never leaked-- a fantastic, indestructible watch that still works.

[weirdwurstLP]

I own one since half a decade, it really is the AK-47 of watches. It likes to stop every now and then despite having sufficient tension on the main spring, you just give it a good smack and it comes right back to life.

[taham]

Someone who likes Vostok straps? Now, that's a new one. Cheers, mate.

[johnbuttery]

I bought an identical "tank" Vostok when I was a student about 17 years ago. I've replaced the strap more than once, the chrome is half gone and it got run over but it still goes well and I will never part with it.

[Itoyokofan]

"Time will always respect and support what is strong but will turn into dust which is weak" is the Anatole France quote, if you've ever wondered.

[suheilkaspar]

Vostok is originality and character, and that ring on the back cover is really ingenious .. It's the feeling that you're wearing something really unique with a strong character at an incredible price.

[josephrogers]

what I love is the watch dial. I am 80 and eyesight no longer young. So a bold simple watch dial is very good. Like the font they also used. The brand I had bought through the years was "Time" because they made easy readers. Now I have ordered this same watch and should be here by Monday. I like AK ttech. No mater how used it takes the abouse.

[typhoon]

I got mine from Meranom. It's incredible how enjoyable these watches are to wear, I have about 5 other watches 6 to 8 times more expensive and I still go to my Amphibia for my daily use.

[Nefville]

This is a fantastic damn review really. I'm glad I found this channel. I'm tired of another channel who I will not name talking crap about Vostok so when I see something like this it [warms the heart].

[donschloth]

I’ve got a Soviet CCCP Komanderskie from 1988. Left it in a drawer for 25 years. Wound it up and it’s keeping time no problem. Looks great as well!

[klowen]

This has to be the best and most comprehensive review of the Komandirskie, and Vostok in general. Recently discovered Vostok via some of the 'used' ones now selling on fleabay by enterprising Ukrainians, and immediately became a convert. Also appreciated all the 'trivia' you included along the way, both technical and historical, and yep, I "get" the Russian approach and overall sensibility, captured by that fittingly Darwinian motto you quote.... "Time will always respect and support that which is strong but turn to dust that which is weak." Molto Grazie!

[lumengrid]

Have exactly same watch. Purchased about 14 years ago and still going strong. Went swimming, diving used as daily beater. Didn't opened it once to clean and generally abused it. Amazing consider I paid 25$ including delivery from Russia!

[Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-]

Thanks for praising and promoting the Vostok watch in the way that you did.
Hopefully people are going to see this video and purchase a new Vostok watch,
thus keeping the legendary factory going for a few more decades to come.

As someone who has spent a while repairing and restoring vintage Vostok's, I could
argue about some of the histrionics and other details, but that would be nit picking
at a great promotional video.
Well Done, enjoy your Vostok for many years to come. 👍

[WanWan_Cx]

Im not a watch guy but I really like your videos.I'm now also considering buying one of these for my father.

[Rick-velx]

Best Komandirskie video I’ve seen. This model is available plain dial with no service logo and the one I own, now on a black/olive/black Nato.

[nataliewilliams]

Just got mine in the mail yesterday. I love it. Bought a few more that have not come yet.

[retrostu]

Currently looking for my first Komanderskie watch after having recently bought an Amphibia “Scuba Dude” and now feel I have the bug. There are just so many interesting designs for the cases, bezels and dials 👍🏻