Many watch lovers will recognise the symptoms of New-watch-itis.

It starts as a mild sense of longing, perhaps too much time spent lingering on Ebay, gazing forlornly in watch shop windows, or peering benignly at watch display stands. This vague itch if left unscratched becomes a fever for a new watch regardless of how many watches already sit untouched and unloved in the bedroom drawer. Some men crave new watches the way women crave new shoes.

The last thing you want to hear with the onset of New-watch-itis is ‘but you’ve already got a dozen watches you never wear.’ This is stone cold female logic impinging upon the fantasy of a new watch.

The problem for most average income guys not in on the Scott W. Rothstein ponzi scheme, that yet another good quality Swiss mechanical watch is more than the marriage or partnership can stand.

By the same token there’s something about those otherwise excellent value Japanese watches that just fail to get the blood pumping.

Fortunately, there is a cure; a relatively untapped resource of stunningly designed mechanical watches hinting of an exotic past.

Russian watches. Affordable, fascinating and reliable, they could become your next new hobby.

Why you should consider or choose a
Russian Watch

They are outstanding value

Most Russian watches sell for between $30 and $300. Given that most Russian-made watches are good-quality mechanical watches, many buyers consider them a real bargain.

The quality is good

Depending on the manufacturer you can find some genuine bargains. Brands such as Volmax, Poljot and Vostok are good quality watches.

They look great

Russian watches generally feature bold, functional, imaginative modern designs. In particular if you like macho diver, aviator or military-style watches, you will probably like Russian watches.

They are unique

How many people do you know that have a Russian watch? Especially unique are watches that feature Russian lettering on the face. They’re a real conversation piece.

They use mechanical movements

Most Russian watches are mechanical watches. If you can appreciate the beauty and functionality of a fine mechanical timepiece (over a battery-powered quartz watch), a Russian watch might be for you.

They are reliable

Generally speaking watches built by Vostok and Volmax (which make the Aviator, Buran and Sturmanskie brands) are durable, reliable, and keep good time.

They have a sense of history

Russia has a rich history of mechanical watch-making that dates back more than eighty years.

Where to buy Russian watches

Ebay has a constant stream of Russian watches up for sale. Look for sellers with a long history of selling and with a high approval rating. If you search the net you will also find a number of sources, but beware of the Frankenwatch – a case containing non-original parts.

Other good resources include www.russia4u.co.uk and www.aviatorwatch.ru