Raketa Watch: A Trip to its Spiritual Home

KMII · 2016-06-14T08:11:56Z

KMII travels with his Raketa watch, exploring its Russian heritage. Discover the charm of Soviet-era watches and their connection to modern designs like the GO Senator Sixties.

KMII

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

58 replies8732 views4 photos

KMII embarks on a nostalgic journey with his Raketa watch, taking it closer to its Russian origins and reflecting on its unique charm. He invites the community to guess the location of his travels, while sharing his appreciation for the watch's simple mechanics and vintage appeal, drawing parallels to modern pieces like the Glashütte Original Senator Sixties.

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I recently had an opportunity to take my Raketa that I got earlier this year closer to its spiritual home and place of manufacture.

To start off with, a special prize to the Purist, who will be able to tell, how much closer to home I brought the watch from the picture below - i.e. what city is this in?

The following picture should make it somewhat easier

I have to say that these days I would have attracted a lot more attention with something sized at 45mm plus, from a Swiss or German brand. Be that as it may, I really enjoyed the slow beat movement, the tractor like sound of the watch (both in pitch and volume), the simplicity of operation (no date to set, hand wind only), its honest nature... It has an appeal from times past and I may well end up with the modern equivalent (looks wise) as a result, namely a Glashütte Original Senator Sixties.

Having left the East behind, I also wore it a couple of times back home, and the same charming aspects convinced me equally well in the West

The Oerlikon case size, the light weight, the charm of another era...

It even goes with that most capitalist of drinks, as long as it is served in a suitably communist glasware

In fact this gave me an idea for a little trip with the watch, which I will definitely share, once performed.

So if you are willing to take a step away from the beaten path, far away from the standard horological centres, there is a lot of left field appeal to be had for peanuts

Definitely a purchase I do not regret!

Key Points from the Discussion

Raketa watches share significant similarities with Poljot models, suggesting potential common manufacturing origins or shared design influences, particularly in their dials which offer excellent value.
The Raketa's aesthetic, particularly its dial, is noted for its resemblance to the Glashütte Original Senator Sixties, which itself was likely inspired by vintage GUB Spezimatik designs.
The author confirms that Raketa watches were and still are manufactured in St. Petersburg, but the initial mystery photo was taken elsewhere within the former Soviet Union, specifically a Hanse League city northeast of Kaliningrad.
The appeal of vintage Soviet-era watches like Raketa lies in their slow-beat movements, robust 'tractor-like' sound, simple hand-wind operation without a date, and their honest, unpretentious nature.
Despite being an unplanned acquisition, the author felt a strong connection to the Raketa from the moment he first saw it, highlighting the emotional draw of certain timepieces.

The Discussion

S F

Jun 14, 2016

Can't agree more.......My Poljot says hello Cheers SF

Alkiro1

Jun 14, 2016

I could not resist too much time as this watch can be found for $50 ;-)

KMII

Jun 14, 2016

Was definitely not a planned acquisition but I felt very much drawn to it from when I first saw it

KMII

Jun 14, 2016

Looks quite interesting - never seen one like that... As for place, no

KMII

Jun 14, 2016

Did you decide on one?

S F

Jun 14, 2016

very similar to the Poljot.... same factory but not sure why the different branding. The dials are awesome for the price And your Raketa looks like a GO 60's.

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