komandirskie paratrooper My Komandirskie Paratrooper

[VWatchie]

Search eBay for "Komandirskie" and you’re bound to find several copies having the Paratrooper dial. It’s definitely one of the most common, and if you ask me, there’s a very good reason for it.

I bought my copy in December (2017), but it’s not until now that I’ve had the time to service it, give it a new strap, and start to wear it. As the rest of the watch, the movement was in great condition, although all oil and lubricants had dried up. For some reason, the calendar cam spring was missing. Of course, being a Russian watch designed for military use that can take a beating like few, that won’t stop the calendar mechanism from functioning, but it will make the date rollover slow rather than click. Fortunately, I have several Vostok calibre 2414 scrap movements to scavenge for spares.

As can be seen below 6 o’clock, this copy has the "ЗАКАЗ МО СССР" (ORDER OF MO USSR) marking meaning it’s from the Soviet era. According to this blog post, it means "By Order of the Ministry of Defense of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic". I paid $62.50 for my copy on eBay (seller tdn74-2008), and although you can find working Komandirskies for $20 including shipping I was more than happy to pay the price (I usually am when I find these IMO more than affordable Russian watches in great condition).

I always promote this video to anyone who's curious about Russian watches, Vostok Amphibians in particular, which is the "big brother" of the Komandirskie!
 

[bsoderling]

Hi VWatchie,

been reading your posts on russian watches with interest. In this post you are are referring to your sample as. being a ”copy” . Can you expand a bit on this? I presume you are not talking about the common fake stuff with chinese movements as one can find in ”Rolex’s” etc. but something different and more genuine? 

[VWatchie]

Thanks for the question and sorry for the confusion! It's probably my English that isn't up to snuff. Like you I'm Swedish so I simply translated the Swedish word "exemplar" and out came "copy" I guess I could do away with the word "copy" completely as it doesn't really add anything, or perhaps replace it with the word "specimen"!?

So, no, nothing fake! It's the real deal! 

 

 

[jdm]

6 hours ago, VWatchie said:

 Like you I'm Swedish so I simply translated the Swedish word "exemplar" and out came "copy" I guess I could do away with the word "copy" completely as it doesn't really add anything, or perhaps replace it with the word "specimen"!?

You used the right word. If you photographic forums, people often use it to refer to their piece in comparison to a standard quality level..

[bsoderling]

Hi,

Got you... I was kind of thinking in the direction that maybe the Soviet versions from 60-70’s were considered ”original” and the ones of later, post-soviet days were labelled ”copies”.

I presume there is actually a lot of Soviet era romanticism and money making around these newly produced Kommandaskies?


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[VWatchie]

No, I've never heard of "original"/"copies" in the context of Russian watches. I know there are a few counterfeits of dials, especially the ones marked "ЗАКАЗ МО СССР", but not in my case. There's a forum on F10 on WUS dedicated to spotting Frankens and counterfeits and my "copy" passed. There's no official list of eBay trusted sellers of Russian watches that I know of, but after a while, certain seller names begin to crystallize, and meranom.com is always a safe source. The guy running the place (Dmitry) is also very service minded and have even shipped me some spare parts for just compensation for the postage ($10).

I bought a Poljot on eBay once that I'm pretty sure was a fake. The seller offered me a refund. Perhaps for a good reason. Anyway, to the best of my knowledge, there's generally very little problem with counterfeits.

It's not my impression that wrist-watch enthusiasts buy Russian made watches out of "Soviet era romanticism" (I certainly don't. It was, as we all know these days, a very dark era in human history), but first and foremost because of their affordability, in-house movements,  because they are so easy to modify and customize, and because they are interesting from a historical POV. To the best of my knowledge, no modern day Vostok watches have dials with the Soviet hammer and sickle symbol or the CCCP inscriptions. I've also noticed that the quality of the movements has improved over the years. For example, bridges these days are considerably more precision fit then they used to be. If you ask me, the affordability of the newly produced Komadirskies and Amphibians is unbeatable.

Edited July 28, 2018 by VWatchie

[bsoderling]

Hi and thanks for all this valuable info. You obviously dived deep into this field of buying/servicing/collecting russian watches.

The historical aspect of our hobby is something I find very rewarding.

The mechanical watch development based on the Swiss technology and spreading out in various geographical (and political) directions is an entire industrial epoque in itself that came to a semi-standstill with the introduction of the cheap quartz technology. This obviously except for the continuation in high-end brands making ”mechanical” into a sales argument.

On a related topic I learned from a collecting friend that one can find NOS watches from (I think) the early 80’s from Chinese sellers that are quite interesting from this aspect. These watches made for the domestic market have apparently been sitting on the shelves in China since those days, when the quartz revolution made them impossible to sell, even on the local Chinese market.

My friend bought a ”bucket” of them a couple of years ago for very low prices and I helped him getting a few running as they had dried up completely. The one I kept as compensation for the work is running increadably well while being very basic when looking at the details with your ”swiss glasses” on.

Now I realize that these watches are (as one could expect) also becoming collectibles and prices are going up by the day. The fun never lasts, does it... :-)




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[VWatchie]

Just noticed that the video link in my first post no longer works, so here is a replacement video if you want to know more about these Vostok watches and their history.

[VWatchie]

Just found the video I linked to in my first post. If you're curious about the Vostok Amphibia you won't be able to see this video without wanting one. I guarantee it!

 

 

[Poljot]

9 hours ago, VWatchie said:

Just found the video I linked to in my first post. If you're curious about the Vostok Amphibia you won't be able to see this video without wanting one. I guarantee it!

Great review!

I am in the process of purchasing this dial to replace the white one.

 

 

[VWatchie]

Truth be to told, I prefer the Komandirskies. They're lighter, mechanical, just as reliable, and a whole lot of fun! Those two dials belong to my favorites. Thanks for showing them!

[MechanicMike]

Absolutely love mine.

[Poljot]

30 minutes ago, VWatchie said:

Truth be to told, I prefer the Komandirskies. They're lighter, mechanical, just as reliable, and a whole lot of fun! Those two dials belong to my favorites. Thanks for showing them!

I also noticed that by default I put Vostok on my wrist more often than other watches. It just feels right, it's very accurate and also I am never concerned about humidity, freezing temperatures or extreme heat. I do not have to "be careful" while wearing it as this watch can take almost any unintentional abuse .

[Poljot]

33 minutes ago, MechanicMike said:

Absolutely love mine.

I like your black dial & bezel. And 31 jewels!

[MechanicMike]

1 hour ago, Poljot said:

I also noticed that by default I put Vostok on my wrist more often than other watches. It just feels right, it's very accurate and also I am never concerned about humidity, freezing temperatures or extreme heat. I do not have to "be careful" while wearing it as this watch can take almost any unintentional abuse .

whoa! lume shot!!

[VWatchie]

This is my (modified - gilded hands) everyday beater!

Thanks for the pictures "comrades"! I never saw that 31 КАМЕНЬ Komandirskie dial before. Absolutely amazing! I feel warm ar heart these watches are finally getting some love here on WRT. I've been waiting for it, and I couldn't agree more @Poljot, these watches seem able to run, and run well, no matter how dirty and neglected they are. If you would take the dirt from a well ticking Vostok not having been serviced for a decade or two and distribute it evenly among a hundred Pateks, I am positively sure it would bring all hundred to a dead stop.

The historic perspective is fascinating as well as these watches were never designed to meet a free market, but to provide reasonably precise and personal time keeping to the masses. Still then to see all the love and creativity go into the dials of these watches is pretty spectacular. To quote Sting: "We share the same biology, regardless of ideology".

 

 

Edited January 6, 2021 by VWatchie

[Poljot]

1 hour ago, VWatchie said:

This is my (modified - gilded hands) everyday beater!

Thanks for the pictures "comrades"! I never saw that 31 КАМЕНЬ Komandirskie dial before. Absolutely amazing! I feel warm ar heart these watches are finally getting some love here on WRT. I've been waiting for it, and I couldn't agree more @Poljot, these watches seem able to run, and run well, no matter how dirty and neglected they are. If you would take the dirt from a well ticking Vostok not having been serviced for a decade or two and distribute it evenly among a hundred Pateks, I am positively sure it would bring all hundred to a dead stop.

The historic perspective is fascinating as well as these watches were never designed to meet a free market, but to provide reasonably precise and personal time keeping to the masses. Still then to see all the love and creativity go into the dials of these watches is pretty spectacular. To quote Sting: "We share the same biology, regardless of ideology".

 

 

What a combo! Made in USSR & USA flag!   Very well done!

Ideology comes and goes, and in many cases someone else's ideology is being pushed on other countries "for fun" and to allow it "self-destroy" and get robbed and reduced. What did not completely work in the Paris Commune 1871, was tested on Russia in 1917. Who's ideology that would be? Russian? I don't think so, unless these three names are Russians:  Friedrich Engels, Karl Marx, François Marie Charles Fourier.

BTW, do you use 9010 on Vostok balance?

[MechanicMike]

3 hours ago, VWatchie said:

This is my (modified - gilded hands) everyday beater!

wow look at that!

was there for that one. 

[MechanicMike]

3 hours ago, VWatchie said:

these watches seem able to run, and run well, no matter how dirty and neglected they are

virtually indestructible. and super comfortable. and the back...

[VWatchie]

6 hours ago, Poljot said:

BTW, do you use 9010 on Vostok balance?

Indeed I do, but I'm really curious to know why you ask? Is there a better/more appropriate alternative? Do you have a Vostok specific alternative?

[Poljot]

7 hours ago, VWatchie said:

Indeed I do, but I'm really curious to know why you ask? Is there a better/more appropriate alternative? Do you have a Vostok specific alternative?

I knew you would ask!

Here is choice of oils for Poljot, Vostok and similar watches: 8200, 8141 and МН-45 (Russian letters М & H (H is N) "Масло часовое МН-45"

http://www.zarechie.ru/catalogue/oils/instrument/mn-45.html

I could not get replacement for 8200 and 8141 to be Moebius-Free / Independent, but 9010 has been successfully replaced by MH-45. No complains at all.

[VWatchie]

2 hours ago, Poljot said:

I knew you would ask!

Amazing info. Thank you! I had no idea Russian watch oils were available and could be ordered  I Wouldn't be surprised if they account for a good part of the "punishment" these watches can endure!

In case you've missed it, here's a link to another favorite Vostok of mine, plus my "declaration of love" for the Vostok 24XX calibers.

Vostok 2409 Service Walkthrough - Your Walkthroughs and Techniques - Watch Repair Talk

 

Edited January 7, 2021 by VWatchie

[Poljot]

33 minutes ago, VWatchie said:

Amazing info. Thank you! I had no idea Russian watch oils were available and could be ordered  I Wouldn't be surprised if they account for a good part of the "punishment" these watches can endure!

In case you've missed it, here's a link to another favorite Vostok of mine, plus my "declaration of love" for the Vostok 24XX calibers.

Vostok 2409 Service Walkthrough - Your Walkthroughs and Techniques - Watch Repair Talk

 

I am sure you did not expect Russians to rely on Moebius oil supply, thus they had, and still have, an excellent watch oils selection:

МЦ-Н replaced МЦ-3

МН-30 replaced МЗП-6

МН-45 replaced МБП-12

I also have МН-60 for use in -60C to +50C (in case you are visiting North Pole and then Global Warming hits you hard ... unexpectedly)

 

I will definitely read your service walkthroughs for 24xx calibers. Thanks!

Those in Bold are mineral oils, no longer produced (i believe).

[Poljot]

МЦ-Н replaced МЦ-3

МН-30 replaced МЗП-6

МН-45 replaced МБП-12

Those in Bold are mineral oils, no longer produced (i believe).

[AndyHull]

MN-45 oil appears to have characteristics (viscosity) very similar to hydraulic oil (mil-h-5606 for example).

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdigmJSSMew/VKGFH6ZJJRI/AAAAAAAAZCQ/phYNso0yLng/s1600/oilviscosity.jpg

Another potential supplier of MN-45 oil.

https://bora.in.ua/en/ukraine_import/chasovye_masla/mn-45.html

Edited January 8, 2021 by AndyHull