Vostok Ministry Amphibia Review

Bracelet detail


Caseback detail


The signed clasp


The subject of this review, the Vostok Ministry Amphibia is mechanically very similar to the previously reviewed Vostok Amphibia. Both watches feature 200 meter water resistance, a thick, domed acrylic crystal, Vostok's rugged 2416b automatic movement and the company's trademark crummy lume. Where these two models differ is in the case design. Both are made of stainless steel but that is where the similarity ends.

The Ministry Amphibia is much larger than previous Amphibia designs. The cushion case measures 40 mm in width (43 mm including the crown), 14 mm in thickness and 45mm lug to lug. Additionally, the band lug width of this model measures 22 mm instead of the usual Vostok 18 mm standard. The overall effect is a much more solid feel on the wrist. The stock bracelet on this model is a stainless steel folded link design. The overall quality of the bracelet is somewhat better than that of previous Vostok models. It’s still not great (nothing a nice Watchadoo couldn't improve on) but it suffices.

Ministry Amphibias aren't the most common type of Vostok and their availability can be hit or miss. I picked up this one on the global tag sale from Zenitar's store for a pretty reasonable price. If you are a Vostok or Russian watch collector, a Ministry Amphibia would make a fine addition to any collection to say nothing of a good daily wearer/beater.