Raketa / Ракета

Raketa: The Legacy and Timepieces of Russia’s Iconic Watchmaker

The Petrodvorets Lapidary Factory was established in 1721 by decree of Tsar Peter the Great in Peterhof, near Saint Petersburg. For over two centuries, it specialized in the refinement and crafting of precious stones, producing jewellery, mosaics, and decorative elements for palaces and churches.

In 1932, it was renamed the First State Precision Jewellery Factory (ТТК-1) and became the primary supplier of rubies for the Soviet watch industry, particularly for the First State Watch Factory. Severely damaged during World War II (1941-1944), it was rebuilt and, by 1949, had begun producing watches under the Zvezda and Pobeda brands. In 1954, it officially became the Petrodvorets Watch Factory, shifting its focus to pocket and wristwatches.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the factory launched multiple brands, including Baltika, Leningrad, Mayak, Neva, Russia, Start, and Svet, all featuring in-house movements. In 1962, at the height of the Space Race, it adopted the name Raketa along with a new emblem. The company grew into one of the USSR’s most significant watchmakers, developing over 50 calibres, including the renowned 2209 ultra-thin movement, which earned accolades at the 1965 Leipzig Trade Fair and the 1967 Montreal Expo. By 1974, Raketa had become the first Soviet watch manufacturer to fully automate its production.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Raketa reached its peak, employing nearly 8,000 workers and producing 4.5 million watches annually. The factory evolved into an industrial hub, complete with schools, hospitals, and a massive nuclear bunker for its workforce. Its timepieces were manufactured for Soviet ministries, the military, Arctic expeditions, and the civilian market, with exports reaching 38 countries.

Following the collapse of the USSR, Raketa faced significant challenges, experiencing a sharp decline in production throughout the 1990s and filing for bankruptcy in 2004. However, in the 2000s, the brand managed a resurgence, adapting to the modern market. Today, Raketa remains one of the few Russian watch manufacturers still in operation, alongside Vostok and Molnija, preserving its long-standing heritage in mechanical watchmaking.