Saturday, September 28, 2013

5ChM Vostok Ship Cabin Clock

Not a watch this time but a whole wall mounted clock from my collection. And not just any clock -- a Vostok ship cabin clock!





I have had it since 2007 -- that means what -- for 6 years already? -- and it has been operating flawlessly and generally keeps a very good time. I had to move the adjusting slider at the top of the dial a bit at first but since then it has been running within single seconds per week -- better than almost all of my wristwatches.




The watch case opens and locks tightly with a key. The same key is used to wind the watch up. The case is dust- and water-proof. But some even claim that the clock is genuinely a water tight clock, they even say that such clocks have been found working and in some cases still ticking on board submerged vessels -- literally under water.

Setting time and winding.

 

Its technical data sheet runs like this:

Movement with 12 jewels with an anchor escapement.
Monometallic balance.
Splash-proof aluminum case with anti-corrosion coating.
At temperature 20±5°C, at humidity to 80% 6 days operation accuracy rate is ±90 sec.
Power reserve – 8 days.
Daily temperature change accuracy at the temperature range –25°C to +50°C is not over 1 sec. per 1°C.
Diameter – 210 mm.
Height – 74 mm.
Weight not exceeding 2,8 kg.



Regarding its appearance, my only complaint is the dial design, specifically the submarine picture on the dial. I would much prefer a plain white dial or a radio room type of dial. You see, the submarine picture and especially the black detail around it interferes with the hands, especially the shorter hour hand when it is between 11 and 1 o'clock -- the hand gets lost against the black circle when viewing it from certain angles -- as a result dial readability suffers. Other than that, I am satisfied with everything.

More after the break


The Vostok Ship Clock is still supplied to equip ships and may be found in almost every cabin on board many naval vessels as you can see, for example, from these two pictures from a Russian watch forum showing Vostok Ship Clock (with the same dial as mine) on board naval patrol fast boats.

































Vostok ship clocks are mounted on the wall using three screws, they can be mounted directly on the wall but you have to drill and make three holes in it, also you will be constantly touching the wall with your hand when opening / closing the case with the key. To solve these problems, some people use improvised wall mounting boards often round-shaped which can be made for example from a kitchen cutting board with enough thickness then you screw the clock on to the board and then hang them together on the wall using only one hook or screw in the board whatever. Clocks for naval ship use are issued with special mounting assemblies which are the same thing in essence.




The date of manufacture is stamped on the case under lid in the top right area -- 06-4 meaning April 2006.




In sum, this is a very good clock, I am happy to have it. It is something different and unique in an increasingly digital world -- an honest mechanical device that you wind yourself (but only once a week) in a world of digital trickery (thievery and scams too). Funds permitting, I am going to buy more pieces and mount them in every room in all my homes -- that'll be fun.

More pictures




















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