Tag: Pilot Watch

Few watchmakers are as closely tied to space exploration as Raketa. Named after the Russian word for “rocket,” the brand has long drawn inspiration from the achievements of the Soviet space program. The Baikonur continues that legacy with a design rooted in orbital timekeeping and practical tool-watch functionality.

The Space Race Context

To understand the relevance of a 24-hour “cosmonaut” watch, it is worth revisiting the historical backdrop of the Space Race. During the late 1950s and 1960s, the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union extended far beyond geopolitics. Space exploration became a powerful demonstration of technological and ideological superiority.

The Soviets struck first with Sputnik 1 in 1957, the world’s first artificial satellite. In 1961, Yuri Gagarin completed a single orbit of Earth aboard Vostok 1, becoming the first human in space. The United States responded with rapid advancements of its own, culminating in the Apollo missions and the Moon landing in 1969.

During this era, precision timekeeping was not a luxury but a necessity. Space missions required accurate mechanical instruments, and wristwatches played a role in backup timing and mission procedures. The development of 24-hour dials was closely tied to the realities of orbital flight, where astronauts and cosmonauts experienced multiple sunrises and sunsets within a single Earth day.

A 24-Hour Dial Built for Orbit

At the heart of the Raketa Baikonur is its defining feature: a central 24-hour display. Unlike conventional 12-hour watches, this layout completes a single rotation per day, immediately distinguishing between daytime and nighttime hours.

In low Earth orbit, where spacecraft circle the planet approximately every 90 minutes, crews witness up to 16 sunrises and sunsets in 24 hours. Under such conditions, a standard 12-hour dial offers limited contextual information. A 24-hour display provides clarity and eliminates ambiguity.

The Baikonur presents this format in a bold, instrument-style execution. The dial is structured around a prominent 24-hour scale with clear visual separation between day and night sectors. Raketa incorporates its historic “Big Zero” motif at both noon and midnight, reinforcing brand identity while maintaining legibility. Despite the unconventional layout, noon remains positioned at the traditional 12 o’clock location, ensuring intuitive orientation for the wearer.

Dual-Time Functionality

In addition to its primary 24-hour indication, the Baikonur integrates an internal rotating flange bearing a secondary 24-hour scale. This ring is adjusted via the crown at 2 o’clock, enabling the tracking of a second time zone.

Because both displays operate on a full 24-hour basis, the second time zone benefits from complete AM/PM clarity. This configuration avoids the potential confusion of traditional GMT watches that rely on 12-hour secondary displays. The main crown at 4 o’clock is used for winding and time-setting, while the upper crown controls the internal rotating scale, reinforcing the watch’s technical, instrument-driven layout.

Case, Crystal, and Construction

The Raketa Baikonur is housed in a 42 mm stainless steel case with a thickness of approximately 14 mm. Its proportions provide a substantial wrist presence consistent with its tool-watch identity.

The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, offering strong resistance to scratches and daily wear. On the reverse side, the caseback features a mineral glass exhibition window that allows a view of the in-house movement. This combination prioritizes durability on the front while preserving visibility of the mechanical calibre.

With 200 meters of water resistance, the watch is engineered for robust everyday use. Although inspired by orbital conditions, its specifications make it fully suitable for terrestrial environments, including water-based activities.

In-House Mechanical Movement

Powering the Baikonur is the Raketa Calibre 2624CA, produced entirely in-house at the brand’s historic manufacture in St. Petersburg. Raketa remains one of the few watchmakers to maintain full vertical integration in its movement production.

The calibre offers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours and operates at a frequency of 2.5 Hz, or 18,000 vibrations per hour. It is regulated to an accuracy range of roughly –10 to +20 seconds per day. While these specifications are traditional compared to modern high-frequency movements, they reflect Raketa’s adherence to mechanical continuity and independent manufacturing.

The continued use of legacy machinery and long-established production methods contributes to a distinctive character that differentiates Raketa from many contemporary brands.

Strap and Wearability

The Baikonur is fitted with a white nylon strap secured by Velcro, aligning with its space-oriented aesthetic and practical intent. The strap attaches via solid end links and incorporates quick-release spring bars, allowing easy removal without tools.

The Velcro closure enables broad adjustability, making it suitable for wear over bulky clothing or specialized gear. In addition to the nylon strap, Raketa includes an extra leather strap, offering a more traditional option for everyday use and expanding the watch’s versatility.

Overall Perspective

With a retail price of approximately € 2,400, the Raketa Baikonur competes in a segment dominated by Swiss-made alternatives. Its differentiation lies in its authentic 24-hour architecture, practical dual-time functionality, robust construction, and fully in-house mechanical movement.

By integrating the logic of orbital timekeeping into its core design, the Baikonur connects directly to the technological rivalry of the Space Race era while remaining a functional, modern mechanical instrument for everyday wear.

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General Specifications:

Brand: Raketa

Model: Baikonur

Reference: W-14-16-40-0325

Dial: White

Lume: Yes

Case Material: Stainless steel

Case Dimensions: 42 mm Diameter, 14.05 mm thickness

Crystal: Sapphire glass

Case Back: Mineral glass

Water Resistance: 200 Meters

Strap: Grey nylon strap with a Velcro closure and an additional leather strap with a steel pin buckle

Caliber: 2624CA

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Winding: Automatic

Frequency: 2.5 Hz (18,000 Vph)

Power Reserve: 40 Hours

Price: € 2,400

Limited Edition: No

Availability: Now, for pre-order