Vostok Amphibia Classic 150348

The Vostok Amphibia Classic 150 range of watches first appeared in 2017. It was a brand new case type for Vostok. The first of the Vostok 150 releases, however, was the special edition Vostok Amphibia 150520S (which I think I acquired in late 2015) a black and white dialled watch with a seconds sub-dial and the Vostok 2426.12 movement which powers a second 24 hour hour hand. This was followed by three more special editions (so far!): the orange Vostok Amphibia SE 150L07, a green version, the SE 150B26, and a rather garish watch with a camouflage dial and camouflage nato strap, the SE 150B30.

The Vostok Amphibia Classic 150 range itself appears to consist of seven watches with different dial colours but the same basics and I believe these started appearing in 2017. These Vostok 150 variations are:

150344 – Black dial with wavy pattern

150348 – Green dial with wavy pattern, the watch described here

150346 – Navy blue dial with wavy pattern

150349 – Plain white dial, black hands

150366 – Plain black dial

150367 – Plain turquoise / blue dial

150375 – Black dial with cross hatch pattern

I chose the Vostok Amphibia Classic 150348 because I wanted a watch with a green face. All are fitted with Vostok’s automatic, 31 jewel 2416 movement.

Vostok Amphibia 150 Case

The 150 case has caused a bit of discussion because it does initially appear to be very similar to the classic 710 ministry case in terms of size and shape. However the 710 case has bevelled edges, the 150 does not. The general consensus seems to be that the 150 case is more likely a 090 case with a notch cut into it exposing the lugs. Certainly the dimensions (allowing for the exposed lugs) are more similar at an approximate width, depth and lug to lug of 41mm by 14 mm by 46 mms with a 22m lug width. The 090 is probably my favourite case shape, but the cushion style 150 is not far behind. The style is perhaps a little sleeker than the 710 without its bevelled edges and it has a classic, retro diver look to it. Some have compared the shape to the Seiko Turtle, and I can see why, it does have similarities and it would certainly look much more similar with a bracelet that fis up against the watch body. The case back is the standard Amphibia type.

One of the things that I noticed from the Vostok Amphibia SE 150L07, and with this watch is that the lug holes are quite far away and low down from the watch case – therefore there is a fair sized gap between the factory fitted strap and the polished watch case. Obviously this is hidden in the 090 tonneau case shape. It think this looks just a little bit untidy and a reason why the 150 case would be better suited to a one piece strap, a Nato or Zulu perhaps.

The Vostok 150 bezel is a solid stainless steel bezel. I think this is a new-ish design. the bezel is a lot chunkier and more substantial than older versions with a good, thick, notched edge. The bezel has a white circle indicating zero / 12 o’clock (though it is not lumed though, sadly) and simple black indices at the 5 minute marks with numerals at 13, 30 and 45. What I do like about the 150 watch case is that, by effectively cutting into the 090 to produce the lugs, the bezel hangs over the edges of the case slightly – whether intentional or not, this means that the bezel is nice and easy to grip and turn. The crown is the newer type stainless steel whorled crown with the flat edge which I think looks smarter than the older slightly convex crowns.

The dial of the Vostok Amphibia Classic 150348 is a nice green colour. Kind of green with a sligthly blue-ish tinge perhaps. What attracted me initially though was the pattern. The dial features a wavy pattern with slightly raised, wavy, textured lines across the dial which just makes it that little bit more interesting. The dial has white numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. Sadly the numerals aren’t lumed but the lumed dots at the hourly intervals are pretty good. The dial also features simple white minute indices. The dial features the Cyrilic Amphibia logo beneath the 12 o’clock and 31 jewels, automatic and 200m above the 6 o’clock marker and made in Russia at the bottom of the dial. The date window, black numerals on a white background, has a slightly unusual positioning between 4 and 5 o’clock which sets it apart from most other watches where more often situated at 3, 4 or 6 o’clock. The whole watch is topped off with the usual acrylic domed crystal and standard Vostok Amphibia handset with a white seconds hand.

So, there you have it. The Vostok Amphibia Classic 150348 is a good sized retro style diver (my wrist is seven and a half inches) and perfect if you find the full tonneau design of the 090 a little big and imposing. I suspect I might swap the factory bracelet with a Nato or Zulu style strap to close up the gap between bracelet and the watch body. I might also look to add an aftermarket bezel with perhaps a green bezel insert of some sort. I’ll add some pictures if I do!

Price from Meranom on 2019 $75.00.