Raketa’s story begins in 1961 in Petrodvorets, near Saint Petersburg, as a successor to the Imperial Peterhof Factory established in 1721. The name “Raketa” (Russian for “Rocket”) was inspired by Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight aboard Vostok 1 in April 1961. This marked a turning point, as Raketa watches became symbols of innovation and industrial prowess. They were produced for civilians and specialized purposes, including military use and Arctic expeditions. During its peak in the 1970s, Raketa was among the world’s largest watch manufacturers, producing around five million mechanical watches annually. Iconic models like the “Big Zero,” celebrated for its clean and minimalist design, garnered global acclaim.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, Raketa faced challenges adapting to a market economy. The brand’s fortunes changed in 2010 when David Henderson-Stewart, an English entrepreneur with a passion for watchmaking, spearheaded its revival. Under his leadership, Raketa embraced modern production methods while preserving its heritage, creating in-house movements, and maintaining its iconic design ethos. Today, Raketa continues to produce high-quality mechanical watches with a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
