I like watches. They are in my opinion a perfect accessory; they exist in any budget, they work with any type of clothing, they are functional and they are true hardware that one actually owns. The goal of this article is to both serve as my research hub for everything watch-related and the list of the watches I own.

List

F-91w

Research

Vostok

A russian watch brand unfortunately, but does have a couple of models I like. Particularly the Desert Shield model. The thing speaks to me on so many levels, from a clean retro design and to an intriguing mix of a russian watch with an american, patriotic design.

The history of this model is quite interesting as well, it can be read here. This is probably the only model from Vostok I will end up owning. I do find some other models interesting, but not to the point of buying them. Also the idea of owning multiple russian watches doesn’t sit will with me.

Speaking of those models. Here are a couple I find interesting.

Aeromatic 1912, A1245. No clue where to get this one, seems to be rare as balls

Classic “Scuba Dude,” just an honorable mention

Vostok does have a dedicated following and quite a modding scene. However, as anything made by russian alcoholics, Vostok is not known for it’s great quality. The crown is famously loose, the diving ring is loose as well to the point of being useless. Which is funny considering they are supposed to be diving watches. In addition to that, the details are painted on quite badly at times.

If you want to buy one, I’d advise to go used. Despite their lack of quality, they are rugged watches and as a bonus you will not be giving any money to a russian company.

Seagull

Seagull is a Chinese watch brand. In fact the first one to appear in communist China. The specific watch that everyone used to be crazy about is the 1963, based on the vintage pilot watch of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, “Project 304.” The watch uses a modified Swiss Venus 175 movement, making it quite bulky, but oddly lovable. 1963 used to be affordable, and still is on Aliexpress, however on the original website it is listed for 335 − 539 eur depending on the model. I, being retarded, unfortunately favor the more expensive models. Here are the ones I find interesting.

My number one pick. Moonphase edition of the 1963

Airforce Edition. Can be a more elegant version, since it comes in the 38mm diameter

Limited edition bronze moonphase 1963. An honorable mention, mostly

Seagulls are top-notch, quality watches. The movement is basically a copy of a Swiss one and the design is goated. It also comes with a bit of history, which I can certainly appreciate. The communist tinge, does bother me a bit, however I can live with it due to several reasons. First of which is, obviously, quality. Then there is also the fact that China is not communist anymore; and last, but certainly, not least is the fact that China will probably be instrumental in the coming division of the russian state.

Timex

Weekender

I am a basic bitch like that. Pretty much the face of the modern field watch genre. It is, admittedly a more casual style of a field watch, but it works. Weekender uses a simple quartz movement, and there is really nothing to say about the thing. It’s just a good, neutral watch. Here are some models I find interesting.

White dial and a navy-white strap