Vostok Europe collections – what are the differences?

Vostok Europe collections differ mainly in their inspiration: space history, expeditions, science or Lithuanian legends. Many collections offer a choice of mechanical automatic watches and battery- or light-powered quartz chronographs. Here, we briefly explain each collection and what to consider when choosing.

What kind of brand is Vostok Europe?

Vostok Europe watches come from Lithuania. According to the manufacturer, Koliz Vostok was founded in August 2003, and the first watches were sold in 2004. Its head office is in Vilnius. The manufacturer says its watches have been designed and tested for genuinely harsh conditions from the outset.

The watches use Japanese movements, including TMI automatics (NH35, NH34), Miyota quartz chronographs and Epson solar-powered movements. Several models have Swiss-made tritium tubes. Vostok Europe says these glow in the dark even if the watch has not previously been exposed to light. Our Vostok Europe range is priced at around €110–1100. You can find all models on the Vostok Europe brand page.

Space collections

Space Race

The name refers to the space race between the USSR and the USA, which began in 1957 with the launch of the first artificial satellite and, according to the manufacturer, ended in 1975 with the joint Soyuz-Apollo mission. The Space Race models in our range have pilot’s watch styling, 46 mm steel cases and 200 m water resistance. You can choose between an automatic movement and a quartz chronograph. For example, the Space Race Automatic NH35-325B746 is an automatic watch with a blue dial.

Energia

Energia was a Soviet super-heavy launch vehicle that first flew in 1987 after ten years of development and could carry up to 100 tonnes into orbit. Energia watches are large and robust. Energia GMT NH34-575A718 is a 48 mm automatic watch with a second time zone (GMT), tritium tubes, a unidirectional diving bezel, a helium valve and 300-metre water resistance.

N1 Rocket

N1 was a Soviet super-heavy launch vehicle developed for crewed lunar missions. The launch vehicle had three stages, with 30 engines in the first stage. The N1-L3 complex also included two additional rocket stages for travelling to the Moon. The N1 models in our range have polygonal bezels. N1 Rocket GMT NH34-225A713 is a 46 mm automatic watch with a GMT function. It has a fully luminescent dial and water resistance of 200 metres. The collection also includes quartz chronographs, such as the Rocket N1 6S21-225A618.

Lunokhod

Lunokhod-2 was a rover that landed on the Moon on 15 January 1973 and operated there for around four months. For example, the manufacturer’s current YM86-620A636 model is a 49 mm diving-style watch with tritium tubes and a helium valve. Our range includes, for example, Lunokhod 2 Grand Chrono.

Almaz

Almaz was a space station programme launched in the 1960s. The Almaz collection draws inspiration from this space programme. Our range includes the Almaz Chronograph 6S11-320C677BRBK, for example.

Expeditions and the sea

Expedition

According to the manufacturer, the Expedition collection is designed for remote, challenging conditions far from civilisation. It includes the North Pole and South Pole series. Expedition North Pole ‘Polar Sunrise’ VR42-595D734 is a 47 mm solar-powered chronograph. It has a multi-layer skeleton-style dial and a power level indicator. If you want a smaller watch, the Expedition South Pole Automatic measures 43 mm.

Batiscafos

The name comes from the Greek words bathys (deep) and skaphos (ship). The manufacturer recalls that the bathyscaphe Trieste reached the Mariana Trench in 1960. Batiscafos watches are diving watches: for example, the Batiscafos Hybrid PX84-511E769 measures 49.7 mm, offers 300 m water resistance and a unidirectional bezel, and uses both tritium tubes and Super-LumiNova luminescent paint.

Science and technology

Systema Periodicum

This collection is dedicated to the periodic table of chemical elements, created in 1869. Each watch is associated with an element. Systema Periodicum ‘Neon’ VK67-650A723 is a chronograph with an orange dial. Its distinctive feature is the ‘bullhead’ layout, with the crown and chronograph pushers at the top of the watch, at 12 o’clock. The curved case back depicts neon’s entry in the periodic table. According to the manufacturer, 3000 pieces of this model were made.

Atomic Age

Atomic Age is dedicated to the era of nuclear technology. It includes the Sakharov series, honouring the physicist and human rights advocate Andrei Sakharov. Atomic Age Sakharov VK64-640A698 is a 48 mm chronograph with a polygonal case, a 24-hour display and tritium tubes.

Lithuanian legends and elegance

Undinė

Undines are water nymphs in Baltic and Germanic-Scandinavian mythology. According to the manufacturer, the name comes from the old Lithuanian word ‘unduo’, meaning water. Undinė is a collection of women’s sports watches. Undinė Mirror NH38-515A765 is a 39 mm automatic watch with a mirror-polished dial, rotating bezel and 200 m water resistance.

Vilnelė and Limousine

Vilnelė is named after the river flowing through the heart of Vilnius. The manufacturer says the name means ‘little wave’ in Lithuanian. The name Limousine refers to a luxury limousine. Our range includes the Limousine Generation 2 automatic watch (43 mm), for example.

How to choose

The table below gives a brief overview of the collections.

Collection	Inspiration	Example from our range
Space Race	the space race, 1957–1975	automatic or quartz chronograph, 46 mm
Energia	Energia launch vehicle	automatic GMT, 48 mm
N1 Rocket	N1 lunar rocket	automatic GMT or quartz chronograph, 46 mm
Lunokhod	Lunokhod-2 lunar rover	chronograph
Expedition	expeditions to remote places	light-powered chronograph, 47 mm; automatic, 43 mm
Batiscafos	deep-sea bathyscaphes	diving watch
Systema Periodicum	periodic table	bullhead chronograph, 46 mm
Atomic Age	atomic age	chronograph, 48 mm
Undinė	Lithuanian water nymphs	women’s automatic watch, 39 mm

Consider four things when choosing.

• Movement – an automatic watch needs no battery; it is wound by your arm movements. A quartz chronograph is accurate and has a stopwatch. Light charges a solar-powered watch. We explain the differences in the article automatic, quartz or solar-powered.
• Size – most of the men’s watches mentioned here measure 46–49 mm. The 43 mm Expedition or 39 mm Undinė is better suited to a slimmer wrist.
• Luminescence – if you often read the time in the dark, choose a model with tritium tubes, such as the Energia GMT, Atomic Age Sakharov or Batiscafos Hybrid mentioned above.
• Story – if the watch is a gift, choose a collection whose story matters to the recipient: space, the sea, chemistry or Lithuania.

Vostok Europe from Käekellad.ee

We are an authorised Vostok Europe retailer. You can have your watch delivered to a parcel locker (SmartPost, Omniva, DPD), with free delivery on orders of €50 or more. All watches come with a 2-year warranty and a 14-day right of return. More expensive watches can also be paid for with ESTO instalments. If you are unsure which collection to choose, write to us at info@kaekellad.ee.