Raketa 24h watches are a type of mechanical watch produced by the Raketa factory in St. Petersburg, Russia. These watches are characterized by a 24-hour dial instead of the usual 12-hour dial.
Raketa 24h Marine
How the hour hand works
The hour hand on a 24h watch is the longest hand and is located in the center of the dial. The hour hand completes one full rotation in 24 hours, from midnight to midnight.
To read the time on a 24h watch, you need to identify the index on the dial that corresponds to the position of the hour hand. The index indicates the time of day.
For example, if the hour hand is at the 12 o’clock index, it is midnight. If the hour hand is at the 6 o’clock index, it is 6:00 am. If the hour hand is at the 18 o’clock index, it is 6:00 pm.
Raketa 24h Zestril
How the minute hand works
The minute hand on a 24h watch is the shortest hand and is located in the center of the dial, next to the hour hand. The minute hand completes one full rotation in 60 minutes.
To read the minutes on a 24h watch, you need to identify the number on the dial that corresponds to the position of the minute hand. The number indicates the minutes of the day.
For example, if the minute hand is at the 12 o’clock index, it is 00:00. If the minute hand is at the 6 o’clock index, it is 00:30. If the minute hand is at the 18 o’clock index, it is 06:00.
Soviet and Russian Raketa 24h watches
Raketa watches were often used in closed environments or above the Arctic Circle, when it is not possible to accurately determine the time of day by observing the sun.
In fact, above the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets during the summer and never rises during the winter. In these cases, a 24h watch is the only way to know the correct time.
During the Perestroika, a period of major economic and social reforms in the Soviet Union led by Mikhail Gorbachev, the historic Petrodvorets Watch Factory (also known as Raketa) gave rise to three unique cooperatives: Renaissance, Prestige, and Peterhof Masters. These cooperatives, active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, represent a fascinating chapter in the history of Soviet watches. Here, we will explore the history, activities, and peculiarities of each of these cooperatives.
Renaissance: The Art of Watches in Precious Stone
Origin and Specialization
The Renaissance cooperative emerged in the late 1980s at the Petrodvorets Watch Factory in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Founded during the Perestroika, Renaissance specialized in producing wristwatches and pocket watches with dials made of semi-precious stones such as jade, jasper, malachite, and nephrite. These watches were particularly appreciated for their beauty and uniqueness.
Activities and Production
Renaissance was renowned for the impeccable quality of its stone dials, making each watch a unique piece. The watches produced were mainly mechanical but also included quartz models. The pocket watches with stone dials were rare and produced in limited quantities, making them highly sought-after collectibles.
The Prestige cooperative was also founded in the late 1980s, during a period of economic transition for the Soviet Union. Prestige is distinguished by its production of watches with mirror dials and iridescent coatings that change color depending on the viewing angle. This type of dial was particularly innovative and attractive.
Activities and Production
Prestige was famous for its mirror dials, often decorated with religious themes and images of churches. These watches were not sold commercially and were probably produced in very small batches. The watches had tall cases with a projection for the calendar, giving them a distinctive appearance.
Examples of Models and Technical Details
Mirror dial with an image of Saint George the Victorious
The Peterhof Masters cooperative, also founded in the late 1980s, focused on producing watches with printed dials on various themes. This cooperative was known for the high quality of its prints and the variety of themes covered in its designs.
Activities and Production
Peterhof Masters’ watches were often decorated with naval and military themes. The dials were detailed and well-finished, giving the watches a particular charm.
Examples of Models and Technical Details
Atomic Icebreaker Yamal: Printed dial with the image of the atomic icebreaker Yamal, mechanical movement 2614
Koppernik: White dial with Roman numerals, naval and military themes, caliber 26NP movement
Watches produced by the Renaissance, Prestige, and Peterhof Masters cooperatives not only represent the excellence of Soviet craftsmanship but also tell a story of innovation and adaptation during a period of significant change. These watches, with their unique characteristics and fascinating history, are precious items for collectors and watch enthusiasts.
Authoritative Sources
Alexander Brodnikovsky, a recognized expert in this field, has shared much of this valuable information, providing a detailed view of these rare watches and the cooperatives that produced them.
Conclusion
The cooperatives of the Petrodvorets Watch Factory represent a unique chapter in the history of Soviet watches. Each cooperative left a distinctive mark, creating watches that are appreciated today not only for their beauty and quality but also for their historical significance. Collecting these watches means owning a piece of history and celebrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the past.
Soviet commemorative watches are highly sought after by collectors, but there are often fakes sold at high prices. This article aims to help collectors verify the authenticity of a Pobeda Lunochod 1 watch with a black dial, using detailed analysis methods such as microscopy.
Technical Details of the Pobeda Lunochod 1 Watch
The Pobeda Lunochod 1 watch, equipped with a Pobeda 2602 mechanical movement, is known for its reliability and simplicity. The case, usually made of chrome-plated brass, houses silver-colored hands for hours, minutes, and seconds. The black dial, celebrating the 1970 Lunochod 1 mission, is decorated with the image of the Soviet rover and other Cyrillic inscriptions.
fake Zim Pobeda Lunochod I 1970 front
Dial Authenticity: Real or Fake?
Many collectors wonder if the commemorative dial of the Pobeda Lunochod 1 is authentic or a fake. To answer this question, it is necessary to analyze the dial with appropriate tools, such as a microscope.
fake Zim Pobeda Lunochod I 1970 dial
Microscopic Analysis
Microscopic images of the black dial reveal important details that help determine authenticity:
Modern Printing: The images clearly show that the dial was printed using modern techniques. The writings are not concentric and exhibit ink print quality, with a color mixture visible especially on the indices.
Lack of Documentation: In Soviet catalogs of the time, there is no trace of wristwatches dedicated to the Lunochod rovers. This strongly suggests that these dials were produced later to deceive collectors.
Suspicious Details
In addition to the print quality, there are other clues suggesting the dial is not authentic:
Perfect Condition: Too many examples for sale are in almost perfect condition, an unusual characteristic for watches produced in the 1970s.
Layout and Colors: The dial design, with misaligned writings and colors not typical of authentic Soviet models, is another clue of falsity.
fake Zim Pobeda Lunochod I 1970 detail
fake Zim Pobeda Lunochod I 1970 detail
fake Zim Pobeda Lunochod I 1970 detail
Lunochod Commemorative Watches: A Rarity
To date, there are no known authentic wristwatches commemorating the Lunochod rovers. Some Soviet pocket watches seem to take this name, but there is no concrete evidence linking these models to the Lunochod space missions.
Conclusions
After careful analysis, it is clear that the commemorative dial of the Pobeda Lunochod 1 is a fake. This conclusion is based on microscopic analysis of the print, lack of official documentation, and other suspicious characteristics. Collectors are advised to be cautious and always thoroughly verify authenticity before making a purchase.
A Space Odyssey: The Lunochod Missions
Lunochod 1
Lunochod 1 was the first automated lunar rover, launched by the Soviet Union in 1970. This historic mission explored the lunar soil, sending crucial data on the composition of the ground and the lunar environment back to Earth. Powered by solar panels and equipped with eight independently driven wheels, the rover traveled a distance of 10.5 km on the lunar surface, significantly contributing to our understanding of lunar geology.
Lunochod 2
Lunochod 2, launched on January 8, 1973, was the successor to Lunochod 1. This rover featured an advanced telecontrol system and a series of improved scientific instruments, including an X-ray analyzer, a magnetometer, and an alpha particle detector. During its nearly five-month mission, Lunochod 2 traveled a distance of 37 km on the lunar surface, providing valuable data on the composition of the lunar soil and the resistance of materials to extreme lunar temperatures.
Discoveries and Contributions of Lunochod 2
One of Lunochod 2’s most significant discoveries was a small crater, which was subsequently named in its honor. The information collected by the rover contributed to a deeper understanding of lunar geology, influencing the planning of future space missions.
Lunochod 3 and Beyond: Unfulfilled Plans
Lunochod 3 was planned for a lunar mission but was never launched. The rover is currently displayed in a museum in Moscow. This rover would have benefited from the lessons learned from previous missions, but its mission was canceled due to budget cuts and changes in Soviet space policy priorities.
The Fourth Rover: An Early Failure
The first attempt to launch a Lunochod rover failed in 1969 when the carrier rocket was destroyed shortly after launch. This incident highlighted the technical difficulties and risks associated with space exploration, but it did not stop the successes of subsequent missions.
Resources for Further Reading
For those who wish to deepen their knowledge of Soviet and Russian watches, here are some pertinent and specific links:
Introduction The precision of Russian watches is a fascinating topic for many watch enthusiasts. Often, people wonder how accurate they are compared to their Swiss counterparts. This article explores the precision of Russian watches, debunking myths and providing concrete data for enthusiasts and collectors.
Historical Context and C.O.S.C. To understand the precision of Russian watches, it is useful to start with the reference parameters of Swiss precision. The C.O.S.C. (Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) is the Swiss body that certifies the precision of watch movements. Founded in 1973, this institution measures the precision of movements with a tolerance of -4/+6 seconds per day.
The Soviet Quality Mark: GOST In the Soviet Union, the quality mark for industrial products, including watches, was “ГOСT” (GOST). Established in 1967, it certified products based on strict standards, with a particular focus on the final product rather than the production process.
Precision of Russian Watches Russian calibers, such as the Vostok 2414A, have a declared precision of -20/+40 seconds per day at a temperature of 20°C (+/- 5°C). This range may seem broad compared to Swiss standards, but many enthusiasts find that individual pieces can exceed these expectations with proper maintenance and adjustments.
Factors Influencing Precision Several factors can influence the precision of a Russian watch: the manufacturing plant, the production period, and the conditions of use. Russian watches are known for their robustness and longevity, with a recommended service interval of at least ten years.
Maintenance and Adjustment To keep a Russian watch in good condition, periodic service and precise adjustments are essential. A timegrapher can be a useful tool for monitoring accuracy and making necessary adjustments.
Conclusions Although they do not always reach the precision of Swiss chronometers, Russian watches offer a unique combination of robustness, history, and charm. They are ideal for collectors who appreciate variety and robust engineering.
Among my favorite Russian and Soviet watches are those made by Raketa with stone dials. I own several, each unique due to the distinct patterns of the stone. The two most commonly used stones are Jasper and Nephrite.
The History and Craftsmanship of Raketa Stone Dials
One might initially wonder why Raketa produces watches with stone dials. The reason is deeply rooted in the origins of the Petrodvorets Watch Factory. Originally known as the Imperial Workshop for Precious Stone Processing, it was established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1721. Hence, it is natural for the factory’s expertise in working with precious and semi-precious stones to extend to watchmaking. You can find various examples of both Nephrite and Jasper dials on the Raketa brand’s official website.
Raketa 10 Years Zaporizhzhia Commemorative Watch
This watch exists in at least two known versions: a general version and a commemorative version celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The commemorative version in my possession features a white Roman numeral “X” on the dial. This “X” is absent in the standard version. According to the ABOUT US page of the official website of the nuclear power plant, the first reactor was commissioned in 1984. Therefore, the Raketa ЗАЭС commemorative watch for the 10th anniversary dates back to 1994, during the post-Soviet period.
Unique Features of the Raketa ЗАЭС
The stone dial of this watch includes two overprints (a typical technique for stone dials). The first is a gold print indicating minutes on the outer part of the dial, featuring the atomic symbol and the inscription “ЗАЭС” over horizontal lines. The second print is white, showing the hour markers in Arabic numerals, except at 6 and 12 o’clock, where a gear/sun symbol appears. The white Roman numeral “X” denotes the 10th anniversary of the nuclear power plant’s operation.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
This is the name of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in present-day Ukraine. The plant is of Soviet origin, with construction initiated in 1977. As of 2021, it remains operational, with decommissioning planned in phases between 2030 and 2041. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and one of the ten largest in the world.
Here are three main links providing information about the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant:
The distinctive shape of the Raketa Zero gold-plated case enhances the appeal of this watch. The simple shapes of the case harmonize well with the complexity of the dial. The hands are also gold-plated and thin. The back of the watch is straightforward, with a stainless steel back and the serial number 885 engraved.
Technical Specifications
The watch houses a Raketa R2609 caliber with 19 jewels, featuring inscriptions in English for export purposes. This particular stone dial watch is one of the most beautiful in my collection and is quite challenging to find, especially in the 1994 commemorative version. It was likely a gift to shareholders or personnel of the nuclear power plant.
One of the most sought-after watches by enthusiasts of Russian and Soviet space-themed timepieces is the Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz (Восток Командирские Союз Аполлон). This watch is a must-have for collectors, but it is not easy to find and often comes at a high price. After years of searching, I finally acquired two versions: one with a chrome case and another finished in Titanium Nitride (TiN).
Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz
Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz
The Mystery of the Watch
At first glance, many believe this watch commemorates the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission of 1975, where American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts conducted a joint mission in space. The dial features the spacecraft docking, with the names “Soyuz” and “Apollo” in Cyrillic. However, the real story behind this watch is different.
The Advertising Twist
The Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz was produced as an advertising piece for Apollo-Soyuz cigarettes, a brand launched to commemorate the space mission. These cigarettes were produced by the Java Tobacco Factory in Moscow for the Soviet market and by Philip Morris for the U.S. market, with packaging tailored for each region.
One of the most distinctive features of this watch is its caseback. Unlike standard Vostok Komandirskie models, it features unique engravings that highlight its exclusivity:
A five-pointed star
The word “эксклюзивный” (exclusive)
The word “выуск” (edition)
A six-digit serial number
Another five-pointed star
This marking signifies a special edition, though the exact number produced remains unclear.
The Dial Details
The black dial with its printed elements is the standout feature of this watch. Key characteristics include:
Minute and hour markers in white
Circular hour markers in white, except for red at 12, 6, and 9 o’clock
A date window at 3 o’clock
The spacecraft Soyuz and Apollo depicted in blue and white, with curved lines indicating their docking paths
The Hands and Movement
The watch hands are typical of Vostok Komandirskie models: steel with luminous paint for the hour and minute hands, and a red second hand. Inside, it houses the reliable Vostok 2414 mechanical movement.
The Apollo-Soyuz Mission
The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) marked the first international human spaceflight mission, paving the way for future cooperation in space. Launched in July 1975, the mission demonstrated the possibility of joint operations between the U.S. and USSR, despite Cold War tensions. For more details on the mission, visit the official NASA page.
Apollo-Soyuz Cigarettes
Apollo-Soyuz cigarettes were a commemorative brand of the 1975 space event. These cigarettes were sold both in the USA and the USSR, with the brand varying between “Apollo Soyuz” for the American market and “Союз Аполлон” for the Soviet market. This brand symbolized international cooperation in space and represented a unique element of the popular culture of that period.
Conclusion
The Vostok Komandirskie Apollo Soyuz is more than just a watch; it is a piece of history blending space exploration with a unique advertising campaign. Collectors cherish it for its story and the mystery surrounding its true origin.
Welcome to the story of Sovietaly, my collection of Russian and Soviet watches that has taken shape over the years. My passion for watches has deep roots in my life, roots that delve into the tales and stories of the watches my grandfather collected with care and pride. Growing up, those pieces of history always fascinated me, and in 2017, I began to make sense and structure of my expanding personal collection.
The Birth of the Sovietaly Website
In an attempt to organize the information and share my passion for Russian and Soviet watches, I decided to create a website. After exploring various options, I chose Google Sites for its simplicity and familiarity from past use. The result is the site you can visit here: Sovietaly. This space allowed me not only to showcase my collection but also to address an important issue: what to name this unique collection of watches?
The name “Sovietaly” was suggested by a dear collector friend who saw the deep connection between the concept of “Soviet” and Italy. This name became my distinctive brand, also used as a nickname in groups and forums. I decided to protect the brand (™) after legal advice, recognizing the value and protection my collection deserved.
The Creation of the First Logo
The second step was to find a logo that fully represented the essence of Sovietaly. Inspired by iconic symbols like the Raketa Big Zero watch, the hammer and sickle of the Soviet Union, and the colors of the Italian flag, the logo was created with the collaboration of a professional on Fiverr.com.
It should be emphasized that the logo with the hammer and sickle was created solely to evoke the collection of Soviet watches, without any reference to communist ideology or political issues, which do not interest me.
Sovietaly (TM) logo
The Evolution of the Logo in 2024: A New Identity
In May 2024, I decided to renew the logo to eliminate any political references and to highlight the connection with Italy even more. The new logo maintains the brand’s recognizability, adding a border with the Italian flag, reflecting a new identity more aligned with reality, given the increasing dissemination on social media.
This is currently the logo of the site and social media channels, representing the identity of Sovietaly and its evolution more accurately.
Logo di Sovietaly
A Journey of Passion and Sharing
The journey of Sovietaly has been an exciting path of growth, learning, and sharing. Since then, the Sovietaly logo has become a recognizable and original element, proudly accompanying the collection. Over time, I have also experimented with its presentation, using only the text as a watermark for photos on social media.
Each watch in my collection has a story to tell, a story that I could not wait to share with other enthusiasts. Each piece represents a piece of history, a fragment of time that carries the charm and mystery of past eras.
I hope this story can inspire other watch enthusiasts and collectors. Thank you for being part of this adventure!
Per fornire le migliori esperienze, utilizziamo tecnologie come i cookie per memorizzare e/o accedere alle informazioni del dispositivo. Il consenso a queste tecnologie ci permetterà di elaborare dati come il comportamento di navigazione o ID unici su questo sito. Non acconsentire o ritirare il consenso può influire negativamente su alcune caratteristiche e funzioni.
Funzionale
Always active
L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso sono strettamente necessari al fine legittimo di consentire l'uso di un servizio specifico esplicitamente richiesto dall'abbonato o dall'utente, o al solo scopo di effettuare la trasmissione di una comunicazione su una rete di comunicazione elettronica.
Preferenze
L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso sono necessari per lo scopo legittimo di memorizzare le preferenze che non sono richieste dall'abbonato o dall'utente.
Statistiche
L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso che viene utilizzato esclusivamente per scopi statistici.L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso che viene utilizzato esclusivamente per scopi statistici anonimi. Senza un mandato di comparizione, una conformità volontaria da parte del vostro Fornitore di Servizi Internet, o ulteriori registrazioni da parte di terzi, le informazioni memorizzate o recuperate per questo scopo da sole non possono di solito essere utilizzate per l'identificazione.
Marketing
L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso sono necessari per creare profili di utenti per inviare pubblicità, o per tracciare l'utente su un sito web o su diversi siti web per scopi di marketing simili.
Per fornire le migliori esperienze, utilizziamo tecnologie come i cookie per memorizzare e/o accedere alle informazioni del dispositivo. Il consenso a queste tecnologie ci permetterà di elaborare dati come il comportamento di navigazione o ID unici su questo sito. Non acconsentire o ritirare il consenso può influire negativamente su alcune caratteristiche e funzioni.
Funzionale
Always active
L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso sono strettamente necessari al fine legittimo di consentire l'uso di un servizio specifico esplicitamente richiesto dall'abbonato o dall'utente, o al solo scopo di effettuare la trasmissione di una comunicazione su una rete di comunicazione elettronica.
Preferenze
L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso sono necessari per lo scopo legittimo di memorizzare le preferenze che non sono richieste dall'abbonato o dall'utente.
Statistiche
L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso che viene utilizzato esclusivamente per scopi statistici.L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso che viene utilizzato esclusivamente per scopi statistici anonimi. Senza un mandato di comparizione, una conformità volontaria da parte del vostro Fornitore di Servizi Internet, o ulteriori registrazioni da parte di terzi, le informazioni memorizzate o recuperate per questo scopo da sole non possono di solito essere utilizzate per l'identificazione.
Marketing
L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso sono necessari per creare profili di utenti per inviare pubblicità, o per tracciare l'utente su un sito web o su diversi siti web per scopi di marketing simili.
