Vostok Question?

[winterrider]

I have finally decided on my next time piece. I’m asking my wife for the Vostok Arktika for Christmas. I have the Black Monster, which I wear all the time, but I wanted a watch for dress. Yes, there are better choices, but my grandfather was from Saint Petersburg and I drink Russian vodka, which I keep in the freezer. The watch comes with either a stainless band, a carbon fiber band or the ostrich band. I’m choosing ostrich. I think it’s the same as leather, but that’s why I’m writing this thread, for opinions!
I also read the following somewhere, I don’t remember where, sorry. Is this true?
“This watch is powered by automatic movement which means the winding of the spring occurs automatically when the wearer moves his arm.(This I know) However, it is recommended that you manually wind the watch at least once every two weeks. (This I didn’t know)
Thanks for your input………………..Kevin

[boscoe]

Kevin there is a wonderful review of the Arkita in the Review and Reference forum.
I owned an Arktica (rose gold plate) for about a year. It was a nice watch with some quirks, though. Evenutally, those quirks drove me to sell: a misalligned anchor on the second hand (made me nuts) and a day/night indicator that switched at 9 pm no matter what.

As for the strap, ostrich is much, much nicer than the original leather, which feels a bit cheap and stiff. Yes, the movement is automatic. No, you don't have to wind it every two weeks if you wear it daily. And even if you don't once a month will do.
Hope this helps.
I'll post some fotos of my ex.

[boscoe]

[winterrider]

Thanks Boscoe, we spoke on a previous thread. Because of your pics I changed my mind from another Vostok watch. Too bad about the quirks, but it sounds typically Russian. I still admire the Arktika and plan to get it with the ostrich strap. I did read the review when you first told me about it. Hopefully they will send me a normal piece. I hope my ostrich band doesn’t’ look for a hole to stick its buckle in! Kevin

[boscoe]

I like Russian watches. Just bought a Poljot. And here's a weird one from my collection:

[Knight Watchman]

Remember Dan. Vostok-Europe is not Russian! ;D

[boscoe]

I know. It's made in Romania or Bulgaria. Or some other romantic Eastern Bloc nation.
My reply just was an excuse to post pix of that bizarre Gorby watch

;D ;D ;D