Introducing The Russian Watchmaker “Raketa” Unveils its latest Releases the Sonar

Petrodvorets Watch Factory, also known as the Raketa Watch Factory, is one of the oldest and largest watch manufacturers in Russia. It was founded in 1961 in Peterhof, near St. Petersburg (formerly Petrodvorets). The factory has a rich history of producing mechanical watches and has been known for its unique designs and craftsmanship. Raketa watches, with their unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and Russian soul, stand as a testament to the pursuit of luxury within the heart of Russia. Raketa’s timepieces have a rich history that reflects the resilience and creativity of the Russian people.

The journey of Raketa watches traces back to the era of the USSR, witnessing the fall of the Soviet Union. The Petrodvorets Watch Factory, recognizing its achievement, aptly named its watches "Rocket" Raketa in Russian, paying homage to the nation's accomplishments in space exploration and technological prowess. In the depths of the ocean, where Soviet submarine crews spent extended periods, the demand for reliable timekeeping was paramount. Raketa responded to this need by developing robust watches equipped with a 24-hour movement. 

Now, the brand unveils the Raketa "Sonar" watch model. This timepiece stands as a testament to Raketa's dedication to crafting specialized 24-hour watches tailored specifically for submariners. By seamlessly blending durability with precision, the "Sonar" upholds and extends the legacy of Raketa's tradition, ensuring that those who navigate the depths can rely on a timekeeping companion as resilient as the sea itself.

The case is crafted from stainless steel, measuring 44mm in diameter. Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal, offering clarity and durability. The case back is composed of mineral glass, and we talked in detail about the difference between both glasses here. In an exclusive addition to the main collection, Raketa unveils the Raketa “Sonar Kashalot,” a limited edition timepiece comprising just 500 pieces. This watch showcases a bezel crafted from the titanium of the nuclear-powered submarine K-322 “Kashalot,” which was originally laid down in the Soviet Union in 1986.

The dial is exceptional in both timepieces, featuring a 24-hour display instead of the usual 12-hour format, enhanced by a beautiful color combination of red and blue. The 24-hour display was crucial for submariners, enabling them to distinguish between day and night in the submerged confines of their vessels. The hands and indices are adorned with Super luminova, ensuring legibility even in the darkest depths. If you look closely and compare both variants you will notice the submarine logo shifting from 12 o’clock in the normal edition to 0 o’clock (24) in the limited edition.

At the core of both timepieces beats the Raketa Calibre 2624A, an automatic movement that delivers 24 hours of uninterrupted precision. The movement features hand-made Neva waves and a bi-directional automatic winding Turquoise rotor, complemented by a stopper in the self-winding unit activated during manual winding. With an average rate of -10/+20 seconds per day and a 40-hour power reserve, the "Sonar" ensures reliable performance. Operating at a frequency of 18,000 vph (2.5Hz), it serves as a resounding testament to Raketa's commitment to precision and accuracy.

The Sonar comes with a silicone strap for everyday wear, while the Sonar Kashalot comes with an exclusive additional leather strap, and a mini version of the K-322 “Kashalot” submarine available solely as part of the collector set. The sonar is priced at AED 7,550, and the limited edition is priced at AED 10,980.

For more information please visit Raketa’s official website.