The Time Bum has developed a growing affinity for Russian Watches. Like all watch nerds, it started with the Vostok Amphibia.
For my next purchase, I wanted something different, not only different
than the Vostok, but also unlike any other watch I owned. A Soviet
vintage Raketa "Big Zero" was the logical choice.
Raketa, or "rocket" is a line of watches produced by the venerable Petrodvorets Watch Factory,
which was founded in 1721, and in its modern incarnation, is still
cranking out watches. It is possible to buy a new Petrodvorets Classic
(as it is properly called) in a number of interesting dial variants,
but I decided to kick it old school and find one "сделанный в cccp"
(made in USSR). For that, I turned to the global marketplace for all
things esoteric: eBay. After perusing a number of watches, I happened
upon eBay seller samun_povt
in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation. Unlike most others,
Raketas are clearly his passion. He collects and services these watches,
and has assembled a large and varied collection. His listings include
numerous high quality photographs from every angle and a video of the
watch in action. Every detail and blemish is clearly displayed. He also
provides a 3 month warranty of function and accuracy. Buoyed by his
thoroughness and 100% feedback rating, I took the plunge and bid. His
Zeros generally start at $55. I won this one for $70, plus $15 shipping.
My
watch arrived in the states in about ten days, which was surprisingly
quick. Sadly, it would only run intermittently. After some email
correspondence, we determined it was likely the result of a balance
wheel damaged by a hard shock in shipping. I sent the watch back to its
motherland for repair, and waited. And waited. And waited. Turns out,
the trip home was not quite as swift. Four months later, it finally
arrived in St. Petersburg, and was promptly repaired with another video
to prove it. A couple weeks later and it was back in my hands and
running properly. I commend samun_povt for his exemplary service and
only wish our postal services had followed suit.
The Big Zero has gained its nickname
in the most obvious way. It has four wildly oversized Arabic numerals
on a white dial separated by massive "teeth" with a 0 in the 12:00
position. The dial takes up almost the entirety of the 39mm case,
making the small watch appear much larger on the wrist, an impression
aided by the tall acrylic crystal and relatively small 18mm lug width.
The layout is the opposite of most watch faces as the huge black markers
dwarf the undersized stick hands. It is a bold design and to my eye,
reminiscent of pre-war posters and signage, even though the watch only
dates back to the 1980s. This particular watch features a pentagon logo
that indicates it was made for export. The markers have been retouched
with a bit of black paint, but it was a tidy job. Modern Petrodvorets
Classics have polished stainless steel cases, but Soviet era cases are
chrome plated steel or base metal. Inside this case beats a 16 jewel
Raketa 2609.HA, a simple and sturdy hand wound movement that has been in
service since the early 1960s. It is not water resistant, and there is
no illumination. The Raketa came on a remarkably flimsy strap, but this
was easily remedied. A black leather NATO from Crown & Buckle proved
to be the ideal accompaniment.
According
to Raketa, Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev wore one, and on one
occasion, when asked by Italian journalists what "perestroika" meant for
Russia, he said that Russians wanted to start their lives from zero,
and showed them the watch to illustrate his point. Personally, I find
the story suspect - not because of what was said, but because I have
never seen a picture of Gorbachev wearing anything other than suit, and
surely he had more fashion sense than to wear a Big Zero with business
attire. This watch is an odd duck. With
its in your face dial, it is not a dress watch. With its lack of lume
and water resistance, it is not a tool watch. It is really more of a
casual weekend lets-get-coffee watch, more appropriate with jeans and a
black t-shirt than a coat and tie. Regardless of how you choose to wear
it, this classic Raketa is charming, striking, and a worthy addition to
your collection.
Pro: Bold design, nice price.
Con: Not exactly versatile.
Sum: An eye catching piece with an interesting history. The Time Bum approves.
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