Rare Watch Archivi - SOVIETALY™

Discover the Exclusive Raketa Aspol Watch: A Piece of Polar History

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 15 July 202415 July 2024Artur Chilingarov, ASPOL, Association of Polar Explorers, Associazione degli Esploratori Polari, Calibre 2623H, calibro 2623H, collectible watches, commemorative dial, commemorative watch, esplorazioni polari, orologio commemorativo, Orologio Raketa, Orologio raro, orologio vintage, polar explorations, polar history, quadrante commemorativo, Raketa ASPOL, Raketa Aspol watch, Raketa Watch, Raketa World Time, Rare Watch, Soviet history, storia polare, storia sovietica, Vintage Watch 0 Comment

Description and Features of the Raketa Aspol Watch

The Raketa Aspol watch is a rare and fascinating piece, created to celebrate polar explorations and honour the explorers associated with the Association of Polar Explorers (ASPOL). This watch stands out not only for its design but also for its historical and collectible value.

Technical Specifications

Movement: Calibre 2623H manual wind, known for its robustness and accuracy, with a 24-hour format.
Case: Made of chrome-plated brass, giving the watch a shiny and durable appearance.
Crystal: Plexiglass, lightweight and impact-resistant.
Dial: Available in two colour variants – blue and red. The red version is particularly rare and sought after by collectors.

The Commemorative Raketa Aspol Dial

The dial of the Raketa Aspol watch is rich with symbols and inscriptions celebrating polar heritage:

Central Globe: Represents the significance of polar explorations, with a polar bear at the centre, symbolising ASPOL.
Aspol Inscriptions: The association’s name is present in both Cyrillic (АСПОЛ) and Latin (ASPOL), emphasising the connection to polar explorations.
City Names: Lists various cities around the world, facilitating time reading across different time zones.

The Association of Polar Explorers (ASPOL)

Founded in 1990 during the All-Union Congress of Polar Explorers, the ASPOL aims to protect the interests of polar workers and indigenous peoples of the Far North. The association plays a crucial role in implementing Russia’s state policy in the Arctic and Antarctic.

ASPOL’s Mission and Activities

ASPOL is involved in various areas, including:

Environmental Sustainability: Promotes projects and policies for the environmental protection of polar regions.
Education and Culture: Organises events such as the International Forum “Arctic: Today and the Future” and celebrates “Polar Explorer Day” on May 21st, commemorating the first scientific expedition to the “North Pole-1” station.
International Collaboration: Facilitates cooperation between governmental entities, scientific institutions, and non-profit organisations for the sustainable development of polar regions.

Historical Facts and Soviet Legacy Related to the Raketa Aspol Watch

During the Soviet era, polar explorations were a scientific and strategic priority. Polar expeditions, like the “North Pole-1” station in 1937, collected crucial scientific data and contributed to the understanding of atmospheric processes in the Arctic.

Artur Chilingarov and ASPOL

Artur Chilingarov, president of ASPOL and special representative of the President of the Russian Federation for international cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctic, is a key figure in promoting polar explorations. Under his leadership, ASPOL continues to support scientific research and environmental protection in polar regions.

Conclusion

The Raketa Aspol watch is not just a piece of Soviet horological history but also a tribute to polar explorations and the men and women who dedicated their lives to these missions. Its rarity, especially the red dial variant, makes it a highly valuable item for collectors and history enthusiasts.

For more information about ASPOL and its activities, visit the official website: ASPOL.

Raketa 3031: The Sovereign Watch of Soviet Technology

Sovietaly™ Orologi Russi 8 July 20248 July 20241970s Watch, Automatic Watch, collezionismo orologi, Manual Winding, Mechanical Alarm, orologio sovietico, orologio vintage, Petrodvorets Watch Factory, Raketa 3031, Rare Watch, Silver Dial, Soviet watch, Soviet watchmaking, Vintage Watch, watch collecting, Watch Collectors, Waterproof Watch 0 Comment

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