As the other commenter said, the Vostoks made in Russian today are largely still of the same design with some small improvements and material changes. However, my comment was more meant for those tho might look and see if Vostok is still around and what they offer today. That there are two Vostoks, and the difference between them in today's watches.

But to most it's not the material or the technology, but some untouchable nostalgia that connects them to a country that was founded on an utopia that doesn't exist anymore.

Maybe not collectors, but Russian Vostok watches are still popular among people who like mechanical watches. They are still among the cheapest mechanical watches and mechanical watch movements you can get your hands on today.

If you live in the US, be careful, purchasing Vostoks directly from Meranom (the Russian factory store) might violate some laws given it's currently wartime and there are sanctions, etc.

I could be wrong, but Vostok watches (from Chistopol) are still made the same way they were during CCCP. They improved things a lot by using more durable materials; for example, bezels are made from stainless steel these days; in the past, they were made from brass. However, the underlying machine design and build process are (or should be) the same.

That is my understanding. Outside of some smallish improvements and change of materials, they are relatively unchanged in the bigger picture. Still using the same movement designs, still have the wobbly crowns, etc.