Despite the constant cascade of new watch releases that seem to appear daily, it's rare to find something that boldly challenges conventions like the innovative Raketa 'Russian Code' model. Essentially, it defies the very concept of 'clockwise rotation'. There's a reason why the term 'clockwise' has become a standard. It's a precedent upheld from early childhood learning to tell time in elementary school, through acquiring one's first wristwatch, and when viewing nearly every clock one encounters. The latest Raketa 'Russian Code' model will appeal to many, as it dispels the notion that there is only one 'correct' direction in which the wheel of time turns. In fact, this piece proudly challenges the accepted norm by featuring a dial with numerals and hands that move in reverse.
Raketa is a business that has existed for over half a century. The brand was created in Russia in 1961 in honor of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin's successful flight on the Vostok-1 spacecraft. Thus, the Raketa brand was not only established in connection with space exploration, but since then its design has been inspired by 'the final frontier'. Even the name 'Raketa' translates to 'space rocket' in Russian. As the most famous brand produced by the Saint Petersburg-based Petrodvorets Watch Factory (which also manufactures Podeba watches), 'Raketa' has firmly established its legacy through use in Antarctic expeditions, military applications, and most notably, ascension into space.
Regarding astronomy, it is a little-known fact that the universe itself rotates counterclockwise. The planets in our solar system revolve around the Sun in this direction, and most planets (along with the Sun), as well as asteroids, rotate in the same way. Scientists believe this is the result of events that occurred during the initial formation of the Milky Way and is merely the culmination of a great cosmic coincidence. The concept of 'clockwise' likely emerged with the first sundials thousands of years ago. Although the sun moved from right to left, its shadow moved in the opposite direction. When clocks and watches appeared, hands replaced shadows but continued to move in the same path. Nonetheless, understanding that typical clockwise movement is contrary to the universe's motion, Raketa created a watch that is in harmony with the celestial flow.
There is no doubt: Upon first wearing the 'Russian Code' watch, telling time will be somewhat uncomfortable. Though at first glance it may not seem too unusual, a closer look reveals the source of discomfort. None of the stylized Arabic numerals are in their usual places, except for the 6 and the '0', indicating the typical twelve. Even more unnerving is the constant backward movement of the second hand. These watches truly are unlike any other.
To create these avant-garde watches, Raketa had to take a creative approach in developing the mechanism that allows for reverse time counting. For this, engineers made significant mechanical changes to the escapement and mainspring barrel and created the caliber 2615R. Fortunately, Raketa manufactures 100% of its components in-house, which gave them the freedom and know-how to create such an unusual mechanism. Two working by-products of the atypical mechanism are evident when using the winding crown. First, when setting the time, the hands must be turned counterclockwise. Second, when manually winding, the crown must be turned toward the wearer, not away.
The 'Russian Code' itself is a three-hander with a 40.5 mm diameter and a lug-to-lug length of 45 mm. The case thickness is an impressive 16.5 mm, but it is reasonable for such a symbolic piece as these watches. The interplanetary theme defining the watch's functions is reflected in its design, as evidenced by the large image of Earth adorning the center of the dial. Numerous constellations, from the Little Bear to Cassiopeia, are positioned around the Blue Planet. Another fantastic detail is the large section of moon-gray lume at the end of the second hand, which mimics reality and rotates around the Earth. To ensure legibility, the hands are generously filled with Super LumiNova, more than sufficient for stargazing, both in the night sky and on your wrist.
The 'Russian Code' is available in two color options, each limited to 300 pieces. The gold model has a cream dial and gold sword hands, while the black DLC variant features a more robust dial with unusual gray lume. The black model also includes a color accent with the use of a red second hand. Both models are equipped with a massive case back with a viewing window proudly displaying a rotor inscribed with Raketa and come with a 22 mm leather strap.
The gold version is priced at €1150 (excluding VAT), and the DLC version at €1208 (excluding VAT). These watches are a formidable force that will undoubtedly challenge your perception of time and synchronize you with the rhythm of the universe.
