Adi Model 224 Ana-Digi Diver Review

On an aftermarket Maratac band





The 224 is another of Adi's watches that is marketed to the Israeli Defense Forces. It is in many ways a combination of the best features of the two previous Adi military models that I have reviewed here. The 224 has the Miyota T201 movement of the Ana-Digi Diver housed in the shrouded case of the Model 221. The result is a best of both worlds combination between the feature rich analog/digital movement and a case design that will accept pretty much any 22mm band.

The watch measures 42 mm in width (not including the crown and pushers) 13 mm in height, 43 mm lug to lug and uses a 22mm band. Like the previously reviewed model 221, the 224 wears smaller than it's dimensions would suggest thanks to the short lug length. That makes it quite comfortable on the wrist.

In all other respects, the 224 is identical to the previously reviewed Ana-digi diver. It boasts the same 200 meter water resistance (again accomplished without a screw down crown) and it's movement has the same feature set as the other model too. The lume is superluminova that is quite visible in darkness and the digital display pane has a small backlight. The alarm function works well enough to remind you of an appointment or the like but is not loud enough to use as an alarm clock.

I think that this is my favorite of Adi's military watches so far. I particularly appreciate that I can change watchbands easily. The stock rubber diver's band is just fine but I think a Nato or Zulu would work well with this watch too. I feel pretty comfortable recommending the 224 as a good beater. I gave the model 221 to my 13 yr old son about a year ago and he has 't managed to destroy it yet. That suggests that the 224 with it's similar case design should hold up well too.

The 224 isn't the easiest of Adi's watches to track down. The one retailer that I found who had it was israel-shop.net. Their price was reasonable but their shipping time at three weeks could have been better. Still, it arrived with no problems so I can't really complain. All told, the 224 is a fine field watch that should give good service. I think it's a keeper.

Ostwok Vostok Generalskie Review

On a Hirsch Trapper for a change of pace


On a Nilsen Bund




Here's a question for you. When is a Vostok not a Vostok. The answer-when it's an Ostwok. For those of you who are now scratching your heads, I'm quite serious. It seems that back in the mid 1990s a Swiss company was formed for the purpose of selling rebranded Vostok models to western customers. (See this thread on Watchuseek for more discussion). The company was named Ostwok and was in business from 1995 until roughly 2000. Their products were otherwise ordinary Vostok Komandirskie and Generalskie models except that the logo on the watch face was changed (See images above. That's not a Vostok logo). Otherwise, the Ostwok is a Vostok in all other respects. This particular model uses a Vostok 2414A stemwinder movement. It shipped with a typical Vostok leather band (which is to say a terrible watchband that I swapped for this leather bund strap). The packaging was a little nicer than a typical Vostok's and included a small catalog of the company's available selection (see above). All in all, the Ostwok is an interesting footnote in Russian watchmaking history. FYI, I got this one on ebay. Examples turn up there from time to time.