When it comes to watches, we too often think of the Swiss – with the German and Japanese manufacturers no longer trailing far behind. But watchmaking is truly a global enterprise. In Russia, many collectors will immediately think of Konstantin Chaykin’s maverick creations. But there is also a larger manufacturer, with a surprising amount of in-house know-how and original design. Raketa is a Russian watch brand with incredibly rich and, sadly, lesser-known heritage. They offer some stellar creations at more approachable price points. There is serious value at play here, as it is rare to find vertically manufactured pieces that are very affordable considering what they offer. Fortunately, the New York Times investigated the Raketa Manufacture, showcasing why watch wearers should pay attention to their timepieces. Raketa was born in 1945, but under the Russian name Pobeda, which translates to victory. The manufacturer was government-owned, producing watches in service of the Soviet Republic. It was not until 1961 that the name switched from Pobeda to Raketa, which translates to rocket. Why rocket, you ask? Because the brand wanted to commemorate the incredible achievement of Yuri Gagarin – the first cosmonaut to orbit the earth. Producing 5000 watches per year, Raketa…
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