Raketa 2609B Soviet Watch 21 Jewels USSR 1970s
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This Raketa wristwatch from the Petrodvorets Watch Factory is a clean, all-original Soviet mechanical piece from the 1970s, powered by the 21-jewel caliber 2609B. It has been fully serviced and is ready for regular wear.
The Look
The champagne dial gives this Raketa a warm, period-correct character, especially against the gold-tone case and gold hands. Arabic numerals keep the layout clear and practical, while the central seconds hand adds the steady visual rhythm collectors expect from a classic manual-wind Soviet watch. The dial carries the Raketa logo in Latin script, along with 21 Jewels and Made in USSR, giving it strong export-era appeal without cluttering the design.
The acrylic crystal suits the watch well, adding the soft vintage profile that modern glass rarely captures. At 35 mm across, the case wears comfortably and authentically for the period, with enough presence from the gold-plated finish to feel dressy without becoming loud.
Inside the Case
Inside is the Raketa caliber 2609B, a mechanical movement from the Petrodvorets Watch Factory. This is a straightforward, collectible Soviet hand-wound movement with central seconds and 21 jewels.
- Movement type: Mechanical
- Caliber: Raketa 2609B
- Jewels: 21
- Function: Central seconds
- Factory: Petrodvorets Watch Factory
Case and Specifications
- Reference: 653184
- Era: 1970s, circa 1976
- Case material: Brass
- Coating: Gold-plated, AU20
- Bezel: None
- Caseback: Snap back
- Crystal: Acrylic
- Diameter: 35 mm excluding crown
- Lug-to-lug: 43 mm
- Thickness: 10 mm
- Lug width: 18 mm
- Net weight: 75 g
The Strap
The watch is fitted with a two-piece black nylon NATO-style strap. It uses black plastic hardware, keeping the look simple, lightweight and practical on the wrist.
Condition and Service
This example is in good vintage condition with minimal signs of use on the case. The AU20 gold-plated coating is described as free from deep scratches and without worn-through areas, which is a strong point for a gold-plated Soviet case of this age. The snap caseback is also in good condition, with no deep scratches noted.
The champagne dial is clean, attractive and free from damage, dust and dirt. The watch is all original and was fully serviced on July 12, 2026, including complete disassembly.
Why This One Is Interesting
The appeal here is in the combination: a clean champagne dial, Latin Raketa branding, 21-jewel 2609B movement, all-original condition and a well-preserved AU20 gold-plated case. For collectors of USSR wristwatches, it is the sort of Raketa that feels honest, wearable and properly sorted.
What's Included
- Raketa Soviet mechanical wristwatch
- Black two-piece nylon NATO-style strap with black plastic hardware
Overview
- Reference
- 653184
- Year
- Circa 1976
- Period
- 1970s
- Factory
- Petrodvorets Watch Factory
Movement
- Movement
- Mechanical (hand-wound)
- Caliber
- 2609B
- Jewels
- 21 jewels
Case size
- Diameter (Ø)
- 35 mm
- Lug-to-lug
- 43 mm
- Thickness
- 10 mm
- Lug width
- 18 mm
- Weight
- 150 g
Case
- Case material
- Brass
- Case finish
- Gold-plated
Dial, hands & crystal
- Dial color
- Champagne
- Dial markers
- Arabic
- Hands color
- Gold
- Crystal
- Acrylic
Functions
Condition & service
Condition: Fully serviced
Last serviced: 12.07.2026
Carefully packed and sent with tracking — typically 7–21 business days depending on destination.
Every watch is a genuine Soviet-era original, inspected and (where noted) serviced before it ships.
If it isn't right, return it within 14 days for a refund — just get in touch and we'll sort it out.
A Soviet mechanical watch has no battery — it runs on a tiny wound spring, just as it did decades ago. Treat it kindly and it will keep good time for many years. Here is how to wind, set and care for yours.
Winding a hand-wound watch
- Wind it off your wrist. Hold the watch in one hand so you do not put sideways stress on the winding stem.
- Turn the crown clockwise (away from you) with your thumb and forefinger, in smooth, steady turns.
- Stop as soon as you feel firm resistance. Do not force that last turn — a fully wound spring stops abruptly, and pushing past it can damage the mainspring.
- A full wind lasts roughly 24–40 hours. Winding once a day, at about the same time, keeps the watch running and accurate.
Automatic (self-winding) models
Some Soviet watches — certain Vostok and Slava models — wind themselves from the motion of your wrist. If one has stopped, give the crown 20–30 gentle turns to get it started, then simply wear it. You cannot over-wind a healthy automatic.
Setting the time & date
- Gently pull the crown out to the setting position and turn it to move the hands. Setting the time forwards (clockwise) is kindest to the movement.
- If your watch has a date, avoid changing it between roughly 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. The date mechanism is engaged during those hours and forcing it can break it — move the hands to mid-morning first, then set the date.
- Push the crown fully back in when you are finished.
Everyday care
- Keep it dry. Vintage watches are not water resistant, even if marked so decades ago. Take it off before washing your hands, swimming or showering.
- Avoid magnets — speakers, phones, laptops and magnetic clasps can magnetise the movement and make it run fast.
- Avoid knocks. Take the watch off for sport or heavy work.
- A vintage movement that keeps time to within about a minute or two a day is running well. Small variation is normal and part of their charm.
Storage & service
When you are not wearing it, store the watch flat in its box, away from heat and moisture. There is no need to keep it fully wound at all times. To keep it healthy, have it professionally serviced every 3–5 years — a clean and fresh lubrication is what lets these watches run, quite literally, for generations.
Look after it and your Soviet Time piece will outlast its battery-powered cousins many times over. If anything ever feels wrong, write to support@soviet-time.com. You can also review our Returns & guarantee. — Igor, your watchmaker
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