The Raketa “Russian Code” watch is a striking testament to the innovative spirit of the Raketa Watch Factory, a historic Russian watchmaker based in Saint Petersburg. With roots tracing back to 1961, when the brand was named after Yuri Gagarin’s pioneering spaceflight, Raketa has long been a symbol of Soviet-era ingenuity and industrial strength. The “Russian Code” model, a re-edition of one of their most popular designs, challenges the very foundation of timekeeping with its counterclockwise movement, blending classic aesthetics with a rebellious concept that invites wearers to rethink time itself.
A Revolutionary Concept
At the heart of the Raketa “Russian Code” is a daring idea: time should align with the natural counterclockwise motion of the planets around the Sun. Unlike traditional clocks that follow the clockwise movement inspired by sundials and the apparent motion of the Sun across the sky, this watch reverses the hands’ direction to mirror the Earth’s orbit. As explained by Raketa, early timekeeping was based on an illusion—the Sun doesn’t move clockwise; it’s the Earth’s rotation that creates this perception. By correcting this historical “mistake,” the “Russian Code” offers a poetic and intellectual twist on how we perceive time, positioning itself as a timepiece for those bold enough to stand out.
This counterclockwise motion isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a deliberate design choice that extends to every detail. The second hand, tipped with a representation of the Moon, orbits a 3D Earth at the center of the dial in reverse, reinforcing the cosmic theme. Even the crown operates in an unconventional way—winding the mainspring and setting the time requires counterclockwise turns, a subtle but clever nod to the watch’s overarching philosophy.
Design and Craftsmanship
Aesthetically, the “Russian Code” balances understated elegance with distinctive flair. The watch features a 40.5mm stainless steel case, available in finishes like brushed silver, polished black, or gold PVD coating, depending on the edition. Its thickness, often around 16.55mm, is largely due to a highly domed sapphire crystal that adds to its vintage charm and visual depth. Despite its robust profile, the case tapers to a wearable 45mm lug-to-lug distance, ensuring comfort on the wrist.
The dial is where the watch truly captivates. A matte grey or glossy black background hosts a 3D Earth centrepiece, surrounded by applied hour markers—positioned counterclockwise, of course—and often adorned with constellations or Cyrillic inscriptions like the brand’s logo, “Ракета.” The hands, filled with luminous material, pair with a glowing blue Moon tip on the seconds hand, creating a striking astral display. This design not only reflects Raketa’s heritage in military and scientific equipment but also evokes a baroque, dressy sophistication.
Complementing the case is a black genuine leather or suede strap, sometimes lined with red for a subtle pop of color. The strap, ranging from 22mm to 20mm at the buckle, enhances the watch’s classic look while ensuring durability for daily wear.
In-House Innovation
Powering the “Russian Code” is Raketa’s in-house automatic movement, the caliber 2615R—a reverse-engineered version of their standard 2615. Modified to drive the hands counterclockwise, this movement showcases the factory’s engineering prowess, with key components like the mainspring barrel and escapement redesigned for this purpose. Operating at 2.5Hz (18,000 bph) with a 40-hour power reserve, it may not match modern high-frequency movements in precision, but its historic charm and craftsmanship shine through. A small exhibition window on the caseback reveals the balance wheel and a rotor decorated with “Neva waves,” a testament to the movement’s entirely in-house production near Saint Petersburg.
A Watch for the Bold
Part of Raketa’s “Curiosity Watches” collection, the “Russian Code” is more than a timekeeper; it’s a statement. It offers a unique blend of heritage, humour, and rebellion. Water-resistant to 50 meters, it’s suitable for everyday wear, though not for intense sports. Its design may cause initial cognitive dissonance as one adapts to reading time in reverse, but therein lies its charm—a playful challenge to convention.
Raketa’s revival under David Henderson-Stewart since 2010 has preserved its Soviet legacy while embracing modern innovation, and the “Russian Code” embodies this duality. With a history of producing iconic models like the “Big Zero” and millions of watches at its peak in the 1970s, Raketa continues to carve a niche for itself in the watchmaking world. This timepiece isn’t for everyone, but for those willing to break free from tradition and embrace a cosmic perspective, the Raketa “Russian Code” is a captivating choice.
Available in limited editions: https://raketa.com/w/en/product/raketa-russian-code-0302/