Petrodvorets Watch Factory Archivi

Raketa 3031: The Sovereign Watch of Soviet Technology

The Raketa 3031 is considered one of the most complex and fascinating watches ever produced by the Soviet watch industry. This article delves into the technical characteristics, history, and rarity of this unique model, providing a comprehensive overview for collectors and vintage watch enthusiasts.

History and Production

The Raketa 3031 was produced by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory, one of the oldest watch factories in Russia. The model was introduced in the 1970s and 1980s, with two main production batches:

First Batch (1974): 200 units
Second Batch: 1,000 units

Technical Characteristics of the Raketa 3031

Movement:
- Caliber: 30 mm
- Qualification: 3031 (indicates the presence of a calendar and shock protection)
- Mechanism: Manual winding mechanism with 17 jewels
- Differences from subsequent movements:
  - Rotor positioned on the right side of the movement
  - Calendar star is straight
  - Calendar disk has a slight “jump” before setting
Construction:
- Case: Stainless steel
- Crystal: Slightly domed
- Case Back: Screwed
- Crown: Offset
- Alarm Bezel: Red with a pointer for setting the time
- Water Resistance: Supports water pressure up to 20 atmospheres
Functionality:
- Alarm Setting: The winding crown is pulled out and turned counterclockwise to set the alarm time.
- Alarm Sound: A buzzer sounds at the set time.
Variants:
- Lug Design: Some variants feature integrated lugs, while others have separate, more pronounced lugs.
- Second Hand: Some versions have a red second hand, others silver.
- Date Window Frame: The golden frame can have different background colors (black or white).

Variants of the Raketa 3031

Variant 1

Dial: Silver with black rounded indices and silver hands.
Case: Rounded shape with integrated lugs.
Date and Day: Day indicated in Cyrillic and date with a golden frame and black background.

Variant 2

Dial: Silver with black rounded indices and silver hands. Red second hand.
Case: Rounded shape with separate, more pronounced lugs.
Date and Day: Day indicated in Cyrillic and date with a golden frame and white background.

Analysis of the Internal Movement

The photo of the Raketa 3031’s internal movement reveals a well-finished and decorated mechanism. The rotor of the automatic movement features particular decoration, highlighting the attention to detail typical of this model. This confirms the complexity and precision of the Raketa 3031, making it the most complicated Soviet watch ever produced.

Brochure Translation for Raketa 3031/303318

Description of Model 3031/303318

Model 3031/303318 — stainless steel case, waterproof — supports water pressure up to 20 atmospheres. The dial is silver, with a ray design, and a calendar window. The indices are in relief, silver-colored with black tips, filled with luminous material. The calendar frame is superimposed, silver-colored. The inscriptions are printed in black. Around the dial is a signal device ring, which also serves to measure underwater time. The hands are nickel-plated, with luminous material.

Rarity and Collecting

The Raketa 3031 is extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. The current value of this watch ranges from €5,000 to €10,000. Its technical complexity and limited production contribute to its high market value.

Conclusion

The Raketa 3031 is an excellent example of Soviet watchmaking engineering. Its unique features, limited production, and distinctive design make it one of the most complex and appreciated watches among collectors worldwide. If you are a watch enthusiast, the Raketa 3031 is definitely a piece to add to your collection.

Reference Videos

For more details and an in-depth look at the features of this extraordinary watch, here are some useful videos:

Video by Dmitry Brodnikovskiy: “Самые дорогие часы СССР-легендарная Ракета 3031” Watch on YouTube
Other Informative Videos:
- Video 1
- Video 2
- Video 3

The Watch Cooperatives of the Petrodvorets Factory

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 25 May 20239 July 20241980s watches, Alexander Brodnikovsky, artigianato sovietico, collectible watches, history of Soviet watches, jasper, mechanical watches, mirror dials, orologi anni '80, orologi da collezione, orologi da polso, orologi meccanici, orologi Raketa, orologi sovietici, perestroika, peterhof masters, Peterhof Masters watches, Petrodvorets watch cooperatives, Petrodvorets Watch Factory, pocket watches, precious stone watches, Prestige watches, raketa, Raketa watches, rare watches, Renaissance watches, Soviet craftsmanship, Soviet watches, stne dial, unique watches, wristwatches 0 Comment

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.

Sources and Videos

Video Playlist on the Renaissance Cooperative

Prestige: Elegance Reflected in Mirror Dials

Origin and Specialization

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
Gold-plated case nicknamed “Peterhof frog”
Mechanical movement 2609

Sources and Videos

Peterhof Masters: Creativity and Printed Themes

Origin and Specialization

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

Sources and Videos

The Charm of Petrodvorets Cooperative Watches

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.

Raketa ЗАЭС- 10 Years Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Atomic Energy, Russian Watches, and Red Jasper

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 3 January 202124 June 2024atomic energy, collezionismo orologi, commemorative watches, Nephrite, orologi russi, orologi sovietici, Petrodvorets Watch Factory, raketa, Raketa R2609 caliber, red jasper, Russian watches, Soviet watches, stone dial watches, storia dell'orologeria, watch collecting, watchmaking history, Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, ЗАЭС 0 Comment

russian watch Raketa 10 years Zaporizhzhia

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 Raketa ЗАЭС Watch

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.