Brand Raketa
History
Historic watches
Founded in 1721 by a decree of the Emperor Peter the Great, the Petrodvorets Watch Factory has always been linked to the great names and great achievements of Russian history. For example the “Raketa” brand name was created in 1961 in honour of the first cosmonaut in the world Yuri Gagarin. With its moving parts all produced in the Factory, and with a design marked by the DNA of three centuries of Russian history, the Russian brand “Raketa” acquired a strong reputation amongst worldwide collectors.
Specialized watches
The main sources of inspiration for “Raketa” watches have been heroic personalities and sensational achievements. For example the “Baikonur” model has special features needed for space travel, and was designed in collaboration with the famous Russian cosmonaut Sergey Krikalev. The Factory has also collaborated with the great Russian aircraft constructors “Sukhoi” and “Tupolev” to develop “Raketa” watches for pilots.
Watches with a Russian soul
The “Raketa” Watch Factory’s designers have also been inspired by the triumphs of Russian art and culture. The beauty of Russian ballet is reflected in the Raketa “Premier” watch, designed by the star Bolchoi dancer Artem Ovtcharenko. The film director Emir Kusturica, who loves Russian art, designed the “Avant-garde” watch to celebrate the centenary of the Russian avant garde artistic movement.
Collector watches
Some “Raketa” models have achieved iconic status and are prized by collectors around the world, as for example the “Polar” model with a 24 hour movement (and dial) specially designed in 1969 for soviet arctic explorers. The Factory also possesses the largest archive collection of watch designs in the world – archives that are consulted whenever a new “Raketa” design is created.
Mechanical watches
Raketa is one of the few brands in the world whose mechanical parts are produced from “A” to “Z” within its own Factory. This even includes the spring, the beating heart of the watch, and the most difficult part to make. This tiny spring is made from a secret alloy with a precision down to 0.5 microns (0.0005 mm). Very few other watchmakers in the world have the ability to do this.
Manufactured watches
If you wear of “Raketa” mechanical watch you are carrying on your wrist no less than 242 separate components. The manufacture of one of these watches involves the work of 103 specialists, and 8,201 separate manual operations. The Factory, which is still housed in its original building in Peterhof (Saint Petersburg), uses traditional machines operated by men and women who give a piece of their talent and their soul to each watch that they make.
Russian watches!
Your “Raketa” watch is a story where each page and chapter has its importance. That is why we are proud to declare: “Raketa”, Russian manufactured. Only the best. Nothing else.
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