The Russian diver watch is a classic “big watch”, the original measured 78mm including the crown with a height of 15mm and a weight of 280 gms (over half a lb).

The original was the Zlatoust Caliber 191-yC divers watch which came out in the early 1950’s and is still in production at the Zlatoust factory now under the name Agat

These new models however “are not built to the same specifications and quality as the originals. Buyers have commented that the modern cases are plated brass, not stainless steel, and that the new movements are not the same as the originals. Water resistance is also questionable.”*

Some interesting facts about the original Russian Diver :

• Features the unique “canteen crown” which covers and protects the crown from water.

• It used a pocket watch movement, one of the reasons it was such a big watch!

• It was NOT intended to be deep diving watch but rather for depths of about 30 metres.

• It wasn’t a wristwatch produced by a watch company but rather a tool made by a weapons systems clock plant

• Used by the Soviet and East German Navy.

• The original was similar in style and purpose to the original Panerai military divers watches and some people refer to the Zlatoust 191-yC as a “Soviet Panerai”.

• Often described as a “hard hat” diver’s watch.

• The dial and hands are NOT radioactive (a common misconception) on the 60’s and 70’s models (unlike the early 50’s versions which used Radium)

• The heavy weight from their solid stainless steel cases was intended to contribute ballast weight.

• The Zlatoust is sometimes nicknamed ´diversant´ which means saboteur in Russian.

There are various watch manufacturers making modern versions of the Russian Diver, for example this version by Moscow Classic.

Ritmo Mundo Persepolis

Ritmo Mundo is an American watch brand that uses Swiss and Italian craftsmanship in their watches.

This unconventionally styled watch features their innovative, patented 52.5mm “orbital case” that is “dual see through, dual time and dual date” by way of swivelling. The substantial Titanium case houses a Swiss Automatic movement and the design was apparently inspired by the ancient Persian Empire.

The dial has been offset to the right in order that the movement can been shown. Also available studded with precious jewels.

Source: Ritmo Mundo

Oakley Gearbox

Another timepiece with an automotive motif, called the Gearbox, Oakley introduced it at Basel world 2010.

The case is impact-forged stainless steel and features a five-jewel Swiss movement and a screw-down crown to optimize water resistance.

Available in three colours, black/charcoal/red, black/white/silver and the combination pictured above. With  a 60-month battery and strap made from UNOBTAINIUM® rubber. Case is a generous 58mm wide with crown (54mm without).

Price:$725
Source:Link

Vostok Energia

The title of this wrist watch is dedicated to Energia, a Soviet rocket. The rocket program represented a giant step ahead in Soviet science and engineering.

With a payload capacity of practically 100 tons, “Energia” furthered the growth of space research in unparalleled methods. The Energia features the Automatic 2441 VE movement housed inside a Stainless Steel 44mm case that is water resistant to 50m and has an exhibition back.

Price:329 euros
Source:Vostok

Aviator Axiom Chronograph

This unusual watch by Russian watchmaker Aviator features two large pushers mounted on the side of the case, these oversized pushers are a stylistic feature as well as a functional decision used for controlling the chronograph functions.

The pushers are connected via a locking system that protects the crown. Housing the Russian Poljot 3133 manual winding movement it has a water resistance to 3 ATM and a case of 45 mm with a sapphire glass back.

Price:$1000 Source:Link

Hamilton Khaki BASE Jump

Hamilton was inspired by Base Jumping in creating their new Khaki BASE Jump Auto Chrono and Khaki BASE Jump Automatic watches.

Equipped with Swiss ETA movements and oversized 50mm cases that scream “action” the unique feature of the Chrono version is the clever use of chronograph activation via the bezel with easy-grip finish, instead of using buttons.

Featuring a sturdy crown protector, located on the left for comfort, the Bezel activated Chrono also helps to avoid having buttons digging into your wrist during extreme sports activity.

The Automatic version has a stainless steel case with a PVD black or bronze finish, the chronograph version comes in Titanium also with PVD black or bronze finish.
Both versions are water resistant to 100 meters.

The Chronograph version is available for $1945 and the Automatic for $1195

Source: Link

Diesel DZ1243

This unique watch by Diesel recalls the dashboard of an aircraft with its design layout and use of a leather case inlay. It features a sonar style seconds hand.

Also has two separate small dials for different time zones located below left and right.

Housed in an imposing 55mm stainless steel case with black leather strap and water resistant to 5ATM.

Source: Diesel