Tool
Raketa watches are not built with tourbillons, minute repeaters or flyback chronographs. The watches we build are meant to do one thing, and do it well: tell the time. We follow the Soviet design principle that the more complicated a thing is, the less reliable it will be. Thus, our watches use an exceptionally simple, yet robust mechanism, that has undergone over 60 years of incremental adjustments, simplifications and improvements.
In the late 1970s, Soviet submarine crews needed a watch. Staying underwater for many months, they needed a watch with a robust 24-hour movement to allow them to distinguish day from night. Additionally, it needed to be a watch with a bi-directional rotor, so that it could more efficiently wind itself in cramped conditions. Given its proximity to the sea, Raketa already had a strong history of making naval watches, and was naturally given the task of creating such a watch. To this day, Raketa continues the tradition of producing specialised watches for submariners.
In addition to the Raketa “Sonar” model for the main collection, Raketa has launched a limited edition of 500 pieces — Raketa “Sonar Kashalot”. The bezel of this watch for submariners is made from titanium of the nuclear powered submarine K-322 “Kashalot”. The metal was obtained during the submarine’s deconstruction at the Amur Shipbuilding Plant and was officially given to the Raketa Watch Factory. The Raketa “Sonar” model is a submariner’s watch by design and functionality: it has a Raketa 24 hour automatic movement, luminescent dial and hands and a bi-directional rotor, which submarine crews badly need.
The Raketa 24-hour movement was specially developed in 1970 by the Raketa Watch Factory for the polar explorers of the 16th Soviet Antarctic expedition. Since this freezing continent is in perpetual daylight or darkness during consecutive periods of 6 months, this watch needed not only to be robust but also needed a special 24 hour movement that would allow to tell the time without knowing if it was day or night.
While preserving both the spirit and identity of its predecessors, this iconic model now conforms with all the modern requirements for diving, both in terms of design and functionality. Its stainless steel case is capable of withstanding pressures at 200 metres depth. A screw-in crown securing the movement from any water entry. Its unidirectional bezel with a 15-minute scale and luminescent indexes, produces a clear clicking sound for error-free adjustment with no risk of accidental misalignment. The starting marker is made in relief for easy setup. A high-contrast dial with large indexes and hands is easy to read and enhances dive control. The luminescent coating ensures a bright and long-lasting glow.
Designed in a classic style but with Raketa's recognisable identity, the new case with its clean facets combines a glossy polish and a satin finish. This look is harmoniously continued by the stainless-steel bracelet, which emphasises the masculine character of the watch. A genuine leather strap is also included in the set. The movement is protected by a screw-in crown, which provides a water resistance of up to 200 meters.