The Neva

From Alexander Shorokhoff -

Courtesy of Alexander Shorokhoff

This is the latest offering. Limited to 49 pieces, the case is of stainless steel and measures 43.5 mm in diameter.

Courtesy of Alexander Shorokhoff

And the movement is something else again!

In their own words -

For the movement a Russian caliber 3105.Poljot is used, which is derived from the Swiss Valjoux caliber 7734, but without chronograph function. The movement is completely overhauled, re-oiled, adjusted and tested at the "Alexander Shorokhoff" watch manufacture. The bridges, as always with "Alexander Shorokhoff" watches, are hand-engraved or cloud-cut, and the screws are polished and blued. This beauty can be viewed through the sapphire crystal back. These movements are no longer reproduced today. However, the "Alexander Shorokhoff" watch manufactory has secured a limited quantity and produces this series in a small limited number.

The case is available in a stainless steel as well as a blued finish -

Courtesy of Alexander Shorokhoff

Here are the pertinents -

Technical data NEVA - AS.NEV01-1

Case: 

Stainless steel case brushed and polished with one-sided anti-reflective and cambered sapphire front glass; sapphire crystal back; 5 atm water resistant; diameter: 43.5 mm; height 11.5 mm

Movement: 

Mechanical hand-wound AS.3105, partially hand-engraved and finished, with blued screws, power reserve approx. 42 hours; functions: Hours and minutes, decentralized seconds at 9 o'clock, date.

Strap: 

Crocodile leather strap or Milanaise strap for extra charge

Buckle: 

Pin buckle or folding clasp for an additional charge

Limitation 49 pieces



US Retail Price $1500

Cosmonauts

I am, for better or worse, a romantic.  And while I will always revere the astronauts that came from the US, I have a deep rooted fascination for the cosmonauts from what used to be known as the Soviet Union.  And when I got the chance to buy an a Gagarin watch, well I couldn't say no!  I have had this watch in my own collection for a lot of years now.  It does not have a tourbillon.  It is not gold.  It does not give me stock prices.  And to be clear, it is not political.

But it makes me happy when I wear it.   And at a time where you don't need a watch, isn't it better when it makes you smile?

Enjoy your watches

The Sturmanskie Gagarin 50th Anniversary - legibility

Something that is so easy to lose sight of - literally!  The face of your watch.  Is it clearly laid out?  Is it easy to read?  The Sturmanskie Gagarin 50th Anniversary is such a nice, refreshingly clear lay out and design.  Hours, minutes, seconds.   Bells, whistles, sub dials - they all have their place.  But sometimes you just want a watch.

And while we are on the subject of legibility - I have to mention the quality of the lume of this watch - it is truly impressive!  Not just the hands, but the numerals as well.  I am having to remind myself of the actual retail of this watch when I consider the wearing experience so far... it is underpriced.  I have tested quite a few watches at much higher price points that were not nearly as good.

The time keeping is still good - the past 72 hours we are at +4 seconds per day.

Stay tuned!

The Vostok-Europe Gaz-Limo Quartz Chronograph - a week in

I've now had a week to spend with the Vostok-Europe Gaz-Limo Quartz Chronograph and it has been a great seven days!


More than anything else this week - the key word has been "wearability"!  This is one of the MOST comfortable watches I've had on in some time.  

It's a 43 mm watch, but it does not "swamp" your wrist with its size.  As you can see - the lug ends neatly stop at the edge of my wrist.  My wrist is about 7.5 inches so you get a general idea of scale here.


The strap is profoundly comfortable.  This is a very nice "surprise" for a watch in this price category.  Usually you are stuck with something scratchy or frail.  Not so here - soft, yet durable leather.  The 22 mm lug width strikes just the right balance. 

And as always, it's the little things.  The finishing work on the clasp is a very nice touch.

All of these element combine for a very comfortable watch that feels "present" but not "oppressive".  Substantial - but not unreasonable.  

The Vostok-Europe Gaz-Limo Quartz Chronograph OS22/5611131 a few days in

Okay, I've had a few days to get acquainted with my new friend, and I must say - Spaceba Vostok-Europe!

More than anything else, I am really struck by the finish of this watch.  Let's be very clear, Vostok-Europe is not in the upper-echelons in terms of price.  But having said that, I must say that the finish and attention to detail on the case is really something quite impressive.

And at: 179,00 €  

it is certainly at a price point that most people could afford.  The fit and feel of the watch so far have
been top-notch.  For a less-expensive, quartz piece you might be expecting something that feels light-weight or unsubstantial.  Not so with the  Gaz-Limo Quartz Chronograph!  It sits very well on the wrist and its presence is truly felt on the wrist.  Not overly heavy, but there.

And before I go any further, a big shout-out to the nice folks at  who sent the watch for review!

Vostok europe

So far, the chronograph functions are working flawlessly.   And the finish on the buttons is as good as the case -

More tomorrow - stay tuned!

Ode to the cold war

This is my Vostok Amphibian - a gift from Wendy several years ago

It has accompanied me to (of all places) the "old Saigon" section of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam - how's that for irony!  Luckily for me, the McCarthy is long-gone!