Raketa “Sonar” 0317

The Raketa “Sonar” is a legendary watch model from the Raketa Watch Factory, situated in the historic city of Saint-Petersburg, by the Baltic Sea. This model holds a special place in the collection as it is designed specifically for Russian submariners. The factory’s proximity to the sea and its longstanding tradition of creating timepieces for the Soviet Navy are reflected in the design and functionality of the “Sonar” watch.

Submariners, who spend many months under the sea, require a reliable and sturdy watch. The Raketa “Sonar” meets this need with its robust 24-hour movement, which is crucial for distinguishing between day and night in the absence of natural light. The design of the watch’s hands takes inspiration from the hands found on Russian submarines’ control panels, serving as a homage to its naval heritage. These hands are illuminated, along with the dial, to ensure that time can be read in the dark confines of a submarine. The watch’s automatic movement is equipped with a bi-directional rotor, an innovative feature that significantly increases the winding efficiency— a valuable benefit in the restricted space aboard a submarine.