This watch is no longer in the brand's current collection.

Raketa Classic “BIG ZERO” Arabic 0283

Case Size:: 40mm
Case Material:: Stainless Steel
Movement:: Automatic Winding

$1,926

Out of stock

Reference:: W-11-16-10-0313
Date Added:: November 1, 2024
Case Material:: Stainless Steel
Case Size:: 40mm
Case Back:: Open
Dial Color:: White
Strap Material:: Leather
Strap Color:: Black
Buckle Type:: Pin
Movement:: Automatic
Caliber:: 2615
Power Reserve:: 40 hours
Water Resistance:: 10 ATM / 100 meters
Functions:: Hours, Minutes, Central Seconds

Raketa has just unveiled a fresh take on its legendary “Big Zero” model, designed especially for the Middle Eastern market. This time it comes with a stunning Arabic dial. Limited to just 100 pieces, the watch features a crisp black and white color scheme, where the oversized Eastern Arabic numerals highlight Raketa’s signature “0” — a nod to the factory’s unique legacy. Adding an artistic flourish, the logo appears in vibrant red Arabic script, specially designed by renowned calligrapher Mohammad Sharaf.

The collaboration with Sharaf, a major figure in the contemporary Arabian art scene, taps into the growing passion for standout timepieces in the Middle East. Raketa’s rich Russian watchmaking heritage, paired with local cultural elements, makes the Big Zero Arabic a true fusion of East and West — perfectly capturing the region’s love for sophisticated design with a story to tell.

Turn the watch over, and a transparent case back reveals the finely decorated automatic movement, fully made in-house at the Raketa Watch Factory in St. Petersburg.

What makes the Big Zero truly special is its rebellious concept: the idea that time should start from 0, not 12. This radical approach isn’t just a quirky design choice; it’s a philosophical statement that challenges the norms of traditional timekeeping. After all, doesn’t everything in life start from zero? It’s this bold thinking that has helped the Big Zero win the hearts of watch lovers across the globe, keeping it as relevant today as it was back in the Soviet era.

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.