Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Buy a Vostok? No, I don't like their models, too cheap, too 90s... except for this Amphibia! A hybrid of a Doxa Sub 300 and a Panerai Luminor with a sandwich dial.

Not a fan of rotating bezels that clutter the design, the neutral bezel will do just fine. I never tire of this "molten magma" dial; the luminescence is powerful, although not very long-lasting.

As an aside, I had to adjust the bracelet length by cutting links with pliers!

A Vostok Pamphibia on the Atlantic coast

Listen while reading: Aphex Twin - Polynomial-C.

This Strela Blue Sky pays tribute to the Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov. On March 19, 1965, he became the first human to perform a spacewalk during the Voskhod II mission.

“I was stepping into the unknown, and no one in the world could tell me what I would encounter. I had no instruction manual. It was the first time. But I knew it had to be done [...]. I climbed out of the hatch without hurrying and carefully extricated myself. I moved away from the spacecraft little by little [...]. The silence was awe-inspiring, so heavy and so profound that I began to hear the sounds of my own body [...]. The Earth seemed small, blue, clear, so tender, so lonely. It was our home, and I had to defend it like a sacred relic. It was perfectly round.” I don't think I ever knew what "round" meant until I saw Earth from space.

It was the return to the spacecraft that posed a problem: the sudden drop in pressure in space caused his spacesuit to inflate, preventing him from entering the airlock. Time was of the essence because his oxygen supply was dwindling; he would have to deflate it himself using a valve, risking a gas embolism if the decompression was too rapid. He entered headfirst, not feet first as the procedure required, but he was saved!

"Strela" means "arrow" in Russian; Alexei Leonov wore a Poljot Strela chronograph during this mission.

Specs: 3 ATM water resistance, 40 mm diameter, 11.8 mm height, 47 mm lug to lug.

Poljot manual caliber 2609, 2.5Hz, 40-hour power reserve.

The strap is a 20mm Vostok, which is very comfortable and adjustable to the millimeter.

The dial appealed to me more than the case, which is rather generic. The outer edge features the blue of the cosmos, while the center represents the Earth with the equator between 9 and 3 o'clock. The northern hemisphere is brushed vertically, while the southern hemisphere is brushed horizontally. This configuration, with the blue border, visually slims the watch; at 40mm, it looks smaller on my slender wrist.

The Cyrillic inscriptions are essential to me; it's this characteristic of Russian watches that I appreciate. The export models with the Latin alphabet, which were sold in the West during the Soviet era, don't interest me at all. (See my review of my Raketa Baltika.)

"Strela 17 jewels, manual caliber 2609, made in Russia"

On the case back: "Strela, First Hours of Cosmos Discovery 1965".

My presentation at the La Baule Meetup in summer 2025:

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/UVr7B2KeBDo

Blue sky shot

Do you know the 3S? Simplicity, subtlety, Soviet: three words to explain the purchase of my first mechanical watch. My interest in Russian watches is no accident: the Slavic soul, culture, and exoticism of this country are all reflected in this Raketa Baltika. This model was produced between 1967 and 1971 at the Petrodvorets watch factory in Saint Petersburg. The period catalog explained: "For those who appreciate a simple presentation and precision!"

A 36 mm by 8.85 mm case, covered in Plexiglas, protects a cream dial where the hour markers are milled. The milling adds a little volume to this simple watch. The alpha hands and gold indexes offer a discreet charm. As for the exoticism, "Raketa" and "Made in the USSR" written in the Cyrilic alphabet are enough to convince me.

The caliber is a hand-wound 2609A

In Soviet times

<p dir="ltr">Founded in <strong>1942</strong> in Chistopol, Russia, <strong>Vostok</strong> is an iconic watchmaking company, recognized for its robust and reliable mechanical watches. Its history is closely linked to the industrial and military evolution of the Soviet Union, and its creations continue to appeal to watch enthusiasts around the world.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Origins and History</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The history of Vostok begins during the Second World War, when the Moscow watch factory was evacuated to Chistopol to escape the advancing German forces. Initially, production was oriented towards military equipment. It was only after the war that the factory began manufacturing watches for the general public. The name "Vostok", meaning "East" in Russian, was adopted in 1963, probably in reference to the Soviet Vostok space program, which marks the beginning of the USSR's conquest of space.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In 1965, Vostok became the official supplier of watches to the Ministry of Defense of the Soviet Union. This collaboration led to the creation of the famous "Komadirskie" (meaning "Commander") series, specially designed for military officers. These watches were subject to rigorous quality controls and were exclusively available in stores aimed at military personnel.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Iconic Models</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Among Vostok's flagship models, two series particularly stand out:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Vostok Komandirskie :</strong> Launched in the 1960s, this series was initially intended for the military. Komandirskie watches are renowned for their robustness and functional design. They often feature dials illustrated with military motifs, such as red stars, tanks or submarines. Equipped with reliable mechanical movements, these watches are designed to withstand the most demanding conditions.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Vostok Amphibia : Introduced in 1967, the Amphibia series is specially designed for divers. These watches are characterized by their water resistance of up to 200 meters, made possible thanks to an innovative design of the case and the seal. Amphibia are valued for their durability and ability to operate in hostile underwater environments.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Innovation and Know-How</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Vostok is recognized for its expertise in mechanical movements. The company produces its own calibers, which it also supplies to other watch brands. This internal control of production guarantees constant quality and proven reliability of its watches. Vostok movements are renowned for their simplicity, robustness and ease of maintenance, essential qualities for watches intended for intensive use.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Expansion and Partnerships</h3>
<p dir="ltr">In the early 2000s, Vostok joined forces with the Lithuanian company Koliz to create the brand Eastern Europe. This joint venture aims to offer watches with a modern design, while integrating Vostok's proven movements. Although distinct from the parent brand, Vostok Europe benefits from the Russian company's heritage and know-how, while targeting a Western market with contemporary designs and innovative materials.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">International Recognition</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Vostok watches have gained worldwide fame, not only for their quality, but also for their rich history and connection to significant events. For example, after Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the Pentagon rewarded allied soldiers with a special edition of the Vostok Amphibia, commemorating their participation in this campaign. Additionally, Vostok watches have been worn by Russian cosmonauts during space missions, attesting to their reliability in extreme conditions.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
<p dir="ltr">With more than 80 years of history, Vostok has established itself as an important player in Russian watchmaking. Its commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability has allowed the brand to stand the test of time and adapt to market developments. Today, Vostok watches continue to seduce with their singularity, their robustness and their timeless design, delighting collectors and watch enthusiasts around the world.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated February 2025)</p>

A special watch originally created by Vostok/Meranom and Ole! Following a small disagreement between the two parties, this watch is no longer in limited edition and can therefore be found on the web or on the Meranom website in spare parts! This watch is a small immersion/dive into space towards the Moon.

Cosmo Diver! A dive into space

This is the one that was my second automatic watch and that was given to me by a friend in 2014. This Vostock has everything to please me, the fact that it is a watch that goes everywhere and is unrecognizable but also its very sporty look. Basically it is mounted on a rubber strap but having broken the latter and not being able to find another one or even an adaptable one because of its unique lug width, I managed with the help of a seamstress to adapt a nato strap to it and I must say that it suits it wonderfully while I was afraid that it would not match. Anyway, here is a very simple watch with a light gray sunray dial with the most beautiful effect and that we do not see often, if ever.

Vostock Amphibia Black Seal

It is a pretty original qualitative diver with its automatic caliber look product all steel screwed back date window at 6 o'clock screwed crown rotating bezel a real tank quality Russian manufacture it is a forty millimeters 33 rubies magnificent deep blue dial hands and second hand and luminova indexes

A dream diver at an affordable price

I have wanted a Russian watch in my collection for a long time and it is done with this Vostok Amphibian Scuba, bought second-hand but like new for a very small price I find that this watch has a lot of arguments like a water resistance to 20 atm an automatic caliber and a domed plexi which gives it an ultra cool look, for the moment I am very happy with it there is a chance that it will not be the last 😉

My Cold War Diver

<p class="p1"><strong>Apose</strong>&nbsp;est une marque horlog&egrave;re fran&ccedil;aise fond&eacute;e en&nbsp;<strong>2020</strong> &agrave; Mulhouse (France) avec l&rsquo;ambition d&eacute;clar&eacute;e de b&acirc;tir une collection de montres fabriqu&eacute;es en France, automatique, haut de gamme, et au dessin &eacute;pur&eacute;.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="p3">Histoire de la marque : mission 100 % France</h3>
<p class="p1">N&eacute;e en pleine effervescence des micro-marques hexagonales, Apose revendique une d&eacute;marche &laquo; retour &agrave; la puret&eacute; &raquo; qui s&rsquo;oppose &agrave; la surench&egrave;re de complications et de styles criards. Le cap est clair - <strong>dessin minimaliste, composants sourc&eacute;s en France</strong>, assemblage local et partenariats tricolores (cadrans, aiguilles, bracelets et &eacute;crins&hellip;), le tout pilot&eacute; par Romain Thieriet, horloger talentueux et r&eacute;gional de l'&eacute;tape, ayant rejoit Apose d&egrave;s le d&eacute;but de l'aventure.</p>
<p class="p1">L&rsquo;objectif est de prouver qu&rsquo;une montre contemporaine et d&eacute;sirable peut &eacute;galement servir de vitrine au savoir-faire fran&ccedil;ais, si bien que la promesse d&rsquo;Apose tient dans l&rsquo;&eacute;quation<strong> &laquo; &eacute;l&eacute;gance fran&ccedil;aise, fiabilit&eacute; m&eacute;canique et cha&icirc;ne d&rsquo;approvisionnement localis&eacute;e &raquo;</strong>.</p>
<h3 class="p3">Apose : design minimaliste et &eacute;l&eacute;gance subtile</h3>
<p class="p1">L&rsquo;identit&eacute; formelle d&rsquo;Apose repose sur des volumes sobres et des contrastes ma&icirc;tris&eacute;s : carrure acier 316L aux facettes tendues, architecture de bo&icirc;tier souvent &laquo; en trois &eacute;tages &raquo;, alternance de bross&eacute;s et polis, cadrans &agrave; niveaux avec index sur&eacute;lev&eacute;s et aiguilles singuli&egrave;res. L&rsquo;ergonomie se veut universelle autour d&rsquo;un diam&egrave;tre signature de 40 mm et d&rsquo;une &eacute;paisseur contenue, avec des verres saphir trait&eacute;s antireflets et des &eacute;tanch&eacute;it&eacute;s r&eacute;alistes (jusqu&rsquo;&agrave; 10 ATM selon les r&eacute;f&eacute;rences). L&rsquo;objectif &eacute;tant de faire d&rsquo;une montre de ville, un compagnon &laquo; tous les jours &raquo; plut&ocirc;t qu&rsquo;un objet de vitrine, d&rsquo;o&ugrave; le fait que <strong>la lisibilit&eacute; et la tenue au port&eacute; priment syst&eacute;matiquement sur l&rsquo;effet de manche.</strong>.</p>
<h3 class="p3">Collections Apose : N&deg;3-100, Radial, Douz et Pur</h3>
<p class="p1">La gamme Apose s&rsquo;articule en familles clairement diff&eacute;renci&eacute;es, dont l&rsquo;&eacute;volution illustre la mont&eacute;e en &laquo; francisation &raquo; des composants : la s&eacute;rie N&deg;3-100 (collection &agrave; composants exclusivement fran&ccedil;ais), les d&eacute;clinaisons Radial (anneau cannel&eacute; sur cadran), les collections Douz et Pur aux variantes esth&eacute;tiques plus &eacute;pur&eacute;es, chacune pens&eacute;e pour une allure chic au quotidien, plut&ocirc;t que sportive.</p>
<p class="p1">Les bracelets, propos&eacute;s en acier ou en cuir pleine fleur, ont &eacute;t&eacute; d&eacute;velopp&eacute;s notamment avec des chutes de cuir Longchamp sur certaines s&eacute;ries, consolidant l&rsquo;ADN d&rsquo;une montre urbaine fran&ccedil;aise qui assume ses choix de style sans recourir &agrave; des complications spectaculaires, de telle sorte que&nbsp;<strong>le choix entre les collections tient &agrave; l&rsquo;ambiance et aux styles ces cadrans</strong>.</p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1"><strong>Apose n&deg;3-100</strong> - S&eacute;rie limit&eacute;e &laquo; 100 % fran&ccedil;aise &raquo; : composants d&rsquo;origine hexagonale, bracelet issu de chutes de cuir Longchamp, mouvement fran&ccedil;ais Pequignet Initial (65 heures de r&eacute;serve).</li>
<li class="li1"><strong>Apose Radial</strong> - Cadran soulign&eacute; d&rsquo;un anneau cannel&eacute; anodis&eacute;, multiples coloris (Indigo, Azur, etc.), bracelet acier ou cuir et mouvement France &Eacute;bauches (44 heures de r&eacute;serve).</li>
<li class="li1"><strong>Apose Pur</strong> - La collection la plus minimaliste de Apose, mais qui en est aussi l&rsquo;essence m&ecirc;me&nbsp;: un cadran poli pour une profondeur de couleur intense. Mouvement France &Eacute;bauches (44 heures de r&eacute;serve).</li>
<li class="li1"><strong>Apose Douz</strong> - Variation plus sobre du cadran n&deg;3-100 avec mouvement France &Eacute;bauches (44 heures de r&eacute;serve).</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1">En 2022, Apose franchit une &eacute;tape symbolique avec la&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/apose/n%C2%B03-100"><strong>Apose N&deg;3-100</strong></a> : l&rsquo;&eacute;dition adopte le calibre fran&ccedil;ais &laquo; Initial &raquo; (65 heures de r&eacute;serve de marche, 4Hz, masse oscillante en tungst&egrave;ne) manufactur&eacute; par Pequignet, tandis que les bracelets r&eacute;alis&eacute;s &agrave; partir de chutes de cuir Longchamp viennent au service d&rsquo;un cahier des charges &laquo; 100 % France &raquo; des composants et de l&rsquo;assemblage. Cette configuration n&rsquo;a pas vocation &agrave; rendre obsol&egrave;tes les autres N&deg;3, mais &agrave; d&eacute;montrer la faisabilit&eacute; industrielle d&rsquo;un haut niveau de &laquo; Made in France &raquo; sur une montre de s&eacute;rie limit&eacute;e, c&rsquo;est-&agrave;-dire que le<strong> tour de force industriel sert d&rsquo;abord une coh&eacute;rence d&rsquo;ensemble design &agrave; la cha&icirc;ne d&rsquo;approvisionnement</strong>.</p>
<h3 class="p3">Guide d&rsquo;achat Apose : comment choisir sa montre automatique fran&ccedil;aise ?</h3>
<p class="p1">Pour s&eacute;lectionner votre Apose, commencez par la ligne : Apose Radial si vous aimez un cadran anim&eacute; par un anneau cannel&eacute; et des contrastes plus marqu&eacute;s, Apose N&deg;3-100 si la dimension &laquo; int&eacute;gralement fran&ccedil;aise &raquo; (y compris le mouvement Pequignet) est d&eacute;terminante, Apose Pur ou Apose Douz si vous voulez la sobri&eacute;t&eacute; maximale. Poursuivez par la couleur de cadran et la texture de bracelet (acier ou cuir faits main), puis v&eacute;rifiez le confort &agrave; 40 mm de diam&egrave;tre et l&rsquo;&eacute;paisseur au poignet. Enfin, gardez &agrave; l&rsquo;esprit que <strong>le v&eacute;ritable b&eacute;n&eacute;fice d&rsquo;une Apose r&eacute;side dans l&rsquo;&eacute;quilibre entre dessin, lisibilit&eacute; et provenance des composants</strong>.</p>
<h3 class="p3">Conclusion</h3>
<p class="p1"><strong>En quelques ann&eacute;es, Apose a impos&eacute; un style reconnaissable</strong> - coupe nette des volumes, cadrans architectur&eacute;s, bracelets soign&eacute;s - et une ambition rare de &laquo; francisation &raquo; int&eacute;grale de la gamme. La proposition est claire et transparente pour l&rsquo;acheteur : une montre automatique au dessin contemporain qui valorise un tissu de partenaires fran&ccedil;ais. Si vous h&eacute;sitez entre une Apose Radial ou une Apose N&deg;3-100 par exemple, pesez d&rsquo;abord votre rapport au &laquo; Made in France &raquo;, &agrave; la couleur et &agrave; la polyvalence ; <strong>et pour conforter votre d&eacute;cision par des retours concrets, fiez-vous aux avis clients Dialicious.</strong></p>
<p class="p1">(Mise &agrave; jour Mars 2026)</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Apose </strong>is a French watch brand founded in <strong>2020</strong> in Mulhouse (France) with the stated ambition of building a collection of watches made in France, automatic, high-end, and with a clean design.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Brand story: 100% French mission</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Born amidst the burgeoning French micro-brand scene, Apose champions a "return to purity" approach that opposes the overabundance of complications and flashy styles. The direction is clear <strong>-minimalist design, components sourced in France</strong>, local assembly and tricolor partnerships (dials, hands, bracelets and cases&hellip;), all managed by Romain Thieriet, a talented local watchmaker, who joined Apose from the beginning of the adventure.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The goal is to prove that a contemporary and desirable watch can also showcase French craftsmanship, so the promise of Apose lies in the equation "French elegance, mechanical reliability and a localized supply chain".</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Apose: minimalist design and subtle elegance</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Apose's formal identity is based on understated volumes and controlled contrasts: a 316L steel case with taut facets, a case architecture often resembling three tiers, alternating brushed and polished finishes, and multi-level dials with raised hour markers and distinctive hands. The ergonomics are designed to be universal, centered around a signature 40mm diameter and a slim profile, with anti-reflective sapphire crystals and realistic water resistance (up to 10 ATM depending on the model). The aim is to create a dress watch, an everyday companion rather than a showpiece, hence the fact <strong>that readability and fit when worn always take precedence over the waouh effect.</strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Apose Collections: N&deg;3-100, Radial, Douz and Pur</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Apose range is structured into clearly differentiated families, whose evolution illustrates the increasing "Frenchification" of the components: the N&deg;3-100 series (collection with exclusively French components), the Radial variations (fluted ring on dial), the Douz and Pur collections with more refined aesthetic variants, each designed for a chic everyday look, rather than a sporty one.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The bracelets, offered in steel or full-grain leather, were developed in particular using offcuts of Longchamp leather for certain series, reinforcing the DNA of a French urban watch that embraces its style choices without resorting to spectacular complications, so that <strong>the choice between the collections depends on the atmosphere and style of these dials.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Apose n&deg;3-100 </strong>- Limited series &ldquo;100% French&rdquo;<strong>:</strong> components of French origin, strap made from Longchamp leather hides, French Pequignet Initial movement (65 hours reserve).</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Apose Radial</strong> - Dial highlighted by an anodized fluted ring, multiple colours (Indigo, Azure, etc.), steel or leather bracelet and France &Eacute;bauches movement (44 hours reserve).</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Apose Pur </strong>- Apose's most minimalist collection, yet also its very essence: a polished dial for intense color depth. France &Eacute;bauches movement (44-hour power reserve).</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Apose Douz</strong> - A more understated variation of dial N&deg;3-100 with France &Eacute;bauches movement (44 hours power reserve).</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">In 2022, Apose reached a symbolic milestone with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/apose/n%C2%B03-100">Apose N&deg;3-100</a> the edition adopts the French "Initial" caliber (65-hour power reserve, 4Hz, tungsten oscillating weight) manufactured by Pequignet, while the straps, made from Longchamp leather offcuts, serve a "100% French" specification for components and assembly. This configuration is not intended to make the other No. 3 models obsolete, but to demonstrate the industrial feasibility of a high level of "Made in France" on a limited-edition watch, meaning that the <strong>this industrial feat primarily serves to ensure overall design coherence across the supply chain.</strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Apose Buying Guide: How to choose your French automatic watch?</h3>
<p dir="ltr">To select your Apose, start with the line: Apose Radial if you like a dial enlivened by a fluted ring and more pronounced contrasts, Apose N&deg;3-100 if the "fully French" aspect (including the Pequignet movement) is crucial, Apose Pur or Apose Douz if you want maximum simplicity. Next, consider the dial color and bracelet texture (handmade steel or leather), then check the comfort at 40 mm in diameter and the thickness on the wrist. <strong>Finally, keep in mind that the true benefit of an Apose lies in the balance between design, legibility, and the origin of the components.</strong></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>In just a few years, Apose has established a recognizable style- clean lines</strong>, architecturally designed dials, meticulously crafted straps - and a rare ambition to fully "Frenchify" the range. The proposition is clear and transparent for the buyer: an automatic watch with a contemporary design that showcases a network of French partners. If you are hesitating between an Apose Radial or an Apose N&deg;3-100, for example, first consider your relationship to "Made in France," to color, and to versatility.</p>
<p dir="ltr">And to reinforce your decision with concrete feedback, <strong>rely on Dialicious customer reviews</strong>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated March 2026)</p>

Kocmoc's review on his Vostok Amphibia

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