Soviet Vintage Watch Raketa Cal. 2614.H 19 Jewels Made in USSR Petrodvorets Watch Factory 1980s

Soviet Vintage Watch Raketa Cal. 2614.H

Historical Background:

The Raketa watch brand has a storied history dating back to 1721 when Peter the Great founded the Petrodvorets factory near Saint Petersburg. Originally producing decorative stones and items for the royal court, the factory began manufacturing watches in 1949 and adopted the name "Raketa" (meaning "Rocket" in Russian) in 1961 to honor Yuri Gagarin's historic space flight. During the Soviet era, Raketa became one of the most prominent watchmaking enterprises in the USSR, producing reliable timepieces for both civilian use and special professions including the military, submarine crews, and polar explorers.

The 1980s marked a distinctive period for Soviet watchmaking, with Raketa watches embodying the practical, functional design philosophy of the late Soviet industrial aesthetic. These watches were known for their durability and precision in an era when Soviet manufacturing prioritized longevity and reliability over luxury flourishes. The caliber 2614.H movement found in this timepiece was one of Raketa's most successful mechanical movements, known for its dependability and ease of service.

Specifications:

• Brand: Raketa (Ракета)
• Movement: Caliber 2614.H, 19 Jewels
• Power Reserve: 45 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 vph (vibrations per hour)
• Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date display at 3 o'clock
• Origin: Made in USSR (СДЕЛАНО В СССР)
• Manufacturer: Petrodvorets Watch Factory
• Era: 1980s
• Case Material: Brass with chrome plating
• Case Back: Stainless steel screw-down back
• Case Size: 33mm x 41mm
• Lug Width: 18mm
• Bracelet: Brand new stainless steel Milanese loop bracelet (two-piece construction)
• Condition: Shows signs of use on case and crystal, consistent with age
• Service History: Full maintenance (complete disassembly, washing, cleaning, lubrication) by professional watchmaker on March 19, 2025

This elegant Soviet-era Raketa watch features a distinctive square dial with a clean white face surrounded by a subtle patterned border. The dial displays bold black Arabic numerals with matching black hands for excellent readability. A practical date window is prominently positioned at 3 o'clock, while a sweeping central seconds hand adds dynamic movement to the watch face.

The dial bears the "Ракета" (Raketa) logo and the "СДЕЛАНО В СССР" (Made in USSR) inscription in Cyrillic script, authenticating its Soviet origin. These details confirm the timepiece's historical provenance as a genuine product of the Petrodvorets Watch Factory.

The watch features a brass case with chrome plating, a common and practical construction method used in Soviet watchmaking that provided both durability and an attractive finish. The case is complemented by a stainless steel screw-down case back, ensuring extra protection for the movement inside. The watch is paired with a brand new two-piece stainless steel Milanese loop bracelet, offering a modern upgrade that enhances both comfort and style while remaining in harmony with the vintage character of the piece.

The heart of this timepiece is the robust Caliber 2614.H movement, beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour and offering an impressive 45-hour power reserve. This reliable Soviet-made movement exemplifies the engineering prowess that made Raketa watches trusted companions throughout the USSR. The movement features a convenient quick-set date function, allowing for easy adjustment of the date display.

The watch shows signs of use on both the case and crystal, consistent with its age and adding to its authentic vintage character. These patina marks tell the story of the watch's journey through time, from the Soviet era to the present day.

Recently serviced to ensure perfect working condition, this vintage Raketa represents an excellent example of Soviet horology from the Petrodvorets Factory, one of the oldest watchmaking facilities in Russia with a heritage dating back to Peter the Great.

This timepiece is a rare find for collectors or vintage watch enthusiasts looking for an authentic piece of Soviet horological history. Equally suitable for a collection showcase or for daily wear, it combines historical significance with practical functionality in a distinctive design that stands out from modern watches.