Horological Meandering

BaselWorld 2011: Raketa

Apr 10, 2011,02:17 AM

Of all the "fashionable" brands at Basel the only one that really stuck in my eye was Raketa, Pretrodvorets Watch Factory in Saint-Petersburg. The factory was founded by Peter the Great in 1721 processing precious stones. They have been making wrist watches since 1946 and gave their own brand the name Raketa in 1962 to honour the exploit of Yuri Gagarin the year before. In just two days, April 12th, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his flight.

Raketa has re-edited some favorite models from Soviet times including the watches that Brezhnev and Gorbachev wore.
I think what piqued my interest is the energy and pride with which they are working. Using their own mechanical and quartz movements, revisiting their historical designs making fun fashion watches with energy and IMHO good looks.
See for your self.
Don