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Rare Vintage Raketa (Ракета) "TV / Baker" Gold-Plated Quality Mark Watch | Cal. 2609.НП | USSR
An authentic vintage Raketa (Ракета) mechanical wristwatch produced by the historic Petrodvorets Watch Factory in the Soviet Union. This distinctive example combines a striking gold-plated cushion / tonneau-style case, a dramatic two-tone dial with a deep sunburst-red center, gold-tone detailing, and the highly desirable Soviet State Quality Mark.
Powered by the Raketa Caliber 2609.НП (2609.NP) manual-wind mechanical movement, this watch represents the distinctive engineering and design language of Soviet-era Raketa production.
With its unusual case shape, contrasting red-and-silver dial, gold-plated finish, Soviet Quality Mark, and original Raketa mechanical movement, this is a scarce and highly distinctive configuration that will appeal to collectors of vintage Soviet watches. Examples combining this particular case-and-dial aesthetic with the 2609.НП movement and Quality Mark are not commonly encountered.
Features & Collector Highlights
- Authentic vintage Raketa (Ракета) Soviet mechanical wristwatch
- Produced by the historic Petrodvorets Watch Factory
- USSR manufacture
- Rare and distinctive vintage Raketa configuration
- Striking gold-plated cushion / tonneau-style case
- Dramatic red sunburst central dial
- Contrasting silver-tone outer dial section
- Gold-tone applied hour markers and accents
- Classic cursive Ракета / Raketa branding
- Soviet State Quality Mark on the dial
- Raketa Caliber 2609.НП manual-wind movement
- 19 jewels
- Central sweep seconds
- Acrylic crystal
- Gold-tone crown
- Approx. 36mm case diameter excluding crown
- Approx. 38.5mm including crown
- 18mm lug width
- Natural vintage dial patina
- Honest age-related case and plating wear
- Aftermarket strap
History — Raketa & the Petrodvorets Watch Factory
Raketa (Ракета) was one of the most recognizable Soviet watch brands, produced by the historic Petrodvorets Watch Factory near Leningrad.
The factory became one of the Soviet Union's important manufacturers of mechanical watches and developed a substantial range of in-house movements for both domestic and international markets.
Raketa watches from the 1970s and 1980s are particularly appreciated by collectors for their unconventional case shapes, colorful and experimental dial designs, and distinctly Soviet approach to mechanical watchmaking.
Rather than following a single standardized design, Raketa produced an enormous variety of configurations. This makes unusual combinations of case, dial, movement, and Soviet quality markings especially interesting to collectors.
This example is a wonderful representation of that design philosophy, pairing a sculpted gold-plated case with a dramatic two-tone dial and 19-jewel Raketa mechanical movement.
Rarity & Collector Appeal
This is a scarce and particularly distinctive Raketa configuration.
Raketa produced many different case and dial variations during the Soviet period, but examples featuring this combination of:
- Gold-plated cushion / tonneau case
- Red sunburst and silver two-tone dial
- Gold-tone applied detailing
- Soviet State Quality Mark
- Raketa 2609.НП movement
are not frequently encountered in the vintage market.
The unusual case profile and sophisticated dial design give this watch a particularly strong 1970s Soviet aesthetic, while the Soviet Quality Mark adds additional historical and collector interest.
As with many Soviet watches, rarity is best understood in terms of the specific configuration, rather than simply the Raketa brand itself.
The Soviet State Quality Mark
One of the most notable details on this watch is the Soviet State Quality Mark, displayed prominently beneath the center of the dial.
Known in Russian as the Знак качества СССР, the mark was used to identify products that met designated Soviet state quality standards.
Its presence on a Raketa watch adds an important connection to Soviet industrial manufacturing and quality-control history.
For collectors, the Quality Mark is an especially appealing detail because it gives the watch an additional historical dimension beyond its mechanical function and styling.
The Dial & Design
The dial is the defining feature of this Raketa.
A sunburst redcentral disc contrasts dramatically against the lighter silver-tone outer dial section. Gold-tone detailing provides additional warmth and gives the watch a surprisingly elegant appearance.
Dial features include:
- Red sunburst / silver central dial
- Silver-tone outer section
- Gold-tone applied hour markers
- Gold-tone hands
- Gold-tone radial accents
- Cursive Ракета branding
- Soviet State Quality Mark
- Fine outer minute track
The unusual bullseye-like composition gives the watch a strong geometric presence while remaining relatively understated compared with some of Raketa's more colorful Soviet designs.
The result is a distinctly 1970s Soviet aesthetic that looks equally interesting on the wrist today.
Russian Dial Markings — TranslatedРакета
Raketa — the Russian name of the watch brand.
Знак качества СССР
Soviet State Quality Mark — the official Soviet quality certification symbol displayed on the dial.
Сделано в СССР
Made in USSR — identifying the watch as Soviet manufacture.
These markings help establish the watch's authentic Soviet-era identity.
Case & Construction
The watch features an unusual gold-plated cushion / tonneau-style case with broad, sculpted shoulders and angular surfaces.
At approximately 36mm excluding the crown, the case has a substantial presence while remaining very wearable by modern standards.
Case Details
- Gold-plated base-metal case
- Cushion / tonneau profile
- Sculpted angular shoulders
- Gold-tone crown
- Acrylic crystal
- Stainless steel caseback
- Approx. 36mm diameter excluding crown
- Approx. 38.5mm including crown
- 18mm lug width
The gold-plated finish shows honest signs of age and previous use, including surface scratches, handling marks, edge wear, and localized plating loss.
The case retains its distinctive original geometry and remains an attractive example of Soviet-era case design.
Movement — Raketa Cal. 2609.НП
Inside is the Raketa Caliber 2609.НП (2609.NP) manual-wind mechanical movement.
The movement is visible in the photographs and is clearly marked 2609.НП, providing an excellent view of the original Soviet mechanical construction.
Movement Specifications
Manufacturer: Petrodvorets Watch Factory
Brand: Raketa (Ракета)
Caliber: 2609.НП
Type: Manual-wind mechanical
Jewels: 19 jewels
Functions: Hours, minutes, central sweep seconds
Winding: Manual wind
Era: Soviet period
The 2609.НП is part of Raketa's extensive family of Soviet-era hand-wound mechanical movements and is an appropriate mechanical foundation for this distinctive vintage case and dial.
Caseback & Interior Construction
The watch features a stainless steel caseback, which is shown separately in the photographs.
The interior of the caseback carries Soviet-era Cyrillic markings consistent with the watch's original construction.
The watch has also been photographed with the case opened, providing a clear view of:
- Raketa 2609.НП movement
- Movement retaining ring
- Inner case construction
- Stainless steel caseback
- Original mechanical components
- Center number: 15489 (serial/case number).
These photographs are included to provide collectors with a detailed view of the watch's construction and condition.
Condition
This watch presents with strong vintage character and attractive overall appearance, with honest signs of age appropriate to a Soviet mechanical watch of this era.
Dial & Hands
The dial remains particularly attractive, with its deep charcoal center contrasting against the silver outer section and gold-tone detailing.
There is subtle natural patina and age-related toning across the dial and hands. Minor age characteristics are visible upon close inspection, while the original Raketa branding, applied markers, and Soviet Quality Mark remain attractive and legible.
Case & Gold-Plated Finish
The gold-plated case shows surface scratches, small handling marks, edge wear, and localized loss of plating, particularly around exposed edges and high-contact areas.
This is honest vintage wear consistent with decades of age and previous use and should be expected from a vintage gold-plated Soviet watch.
Despite these marks, the case retains its distinctive sculptural shape and presents very nicely overall.
Crystal
The acrylic crystal shows light age-related marks and scratches visible under close inspection.
Strap
Fitted with an aftermarket strap. The strap is not represented as the original factory strap.
Please review all photographs carefully for the most accurate representation of the watch's current condition.
Specifications
Brand: Raketa (Ракета)
Manufacturer: Petrodvorets Watch Factory
Country of Manufacture: USSR
Era: Soviet period, approximately 1970s–1980s
Model Type: Vintage mechanical wristwatch
Movement: Raketa Caliber 2609.НП
Movement Type: Manual-wind mechanical
Jewels: 19 jewels
Functions: Hours, minutes, central sweep seconds
Case Material: Gold-plated base metal
Case Shape: Cushion / Tonneau
Case Diameter: ~36mm excluding crown
Overall Diameter: ~38.5mm including crown
Lug Width: 18mm
Crystal: Acrylic
Caseback: Stainless steel
Dial: Red sunburst / silver two-tone
Dial Markings: Raketa, Soviet State Quality Mark, Made in USSR
Strap: Aftermarket
Condition: Vintage running condition with natural patina, case wear, and plating loss
Service History & Operation
The watch is offered as a vintage mechanical timepiece with no known documented service history.
The movement is running at the time of listing; however, timekeeping accuracy has not been professionally machine-tested or calibrated.
As with any vintage mechanical watch, amplitude, power reserve, accuracy, and long-term performance should not be assumed. A professional inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and regulation may be beneficial depending on the buyer's intended use.
Important Vintage Watch Disclaimer
This is a vintage mechanical watch that has been in existence for several decades and is being offered in its current vintage condition.
No guarantee is made regarding exact timekeeping accuracy, amplitude, power reserve, water resistance, or future mechanical performance.
The watch should not be considered water resistant unless it has been professionally inspected and pressure tested.
Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the item's description. The photographs show the actual watch and document its natural age, including the dial patina, case wear, plating loss, crystal marks, movement, and aftermarket strap.
A Rare & Distinctive Gold-Plated Raketa
This is a particularly compelling example of Soviet Raketa design, combining an unusual gold-plated cushion / tonneau case, dramatic charcoal-and-silver dial, gold-tone detailing, Soviet State Quality Mark, and the 19-jewel Raketa Caliber 2609.НП.
The specific combination of these features makes this a scarce and highly collectible Raketa configuration, particularly appealing to collectors who appreciate unusual Soviet case designs rather than only the more commonly encountered Raketa models.
With its authentic Soviet construction, distinctive 1970s styling, mechanical movement, and naturally aged gold-plated finish, this watch offers a fascinating and genuinely individual piece of Soviet horological history.
📸 Item Description & Photos
Please review all photos carefully, as they are considered part of the item's description. We make every effort to provide accurate descriptions, clear photographs, and disclose any noticeable cosmetic or mechanical condition issues to the best of our ability.
✔️ 's zoom feature is enabled so you can closely inspect every detail.
✔️ We never use stock photos—every listing features the actual watch you will receive.
As many of our watches are vintage mechanical timepieces, minor cosmetic wear consistent with age should be expected unless otherwise noted.
⌚ Vintage Watch Disclaimer
ComradeChronos specializes in authentic vintage Soviet and Russian watches, many of which are 30–50+ years old.
While watches are inspected and confirmed to be functioning prior to shipment (unless sold as non-running or for parts), vintage mechanical watches are delicate instruments. They may require adjustment, regulation, or servicing depending on their service history and age.
Please note:
Normal variations in timekeeping are expected from vintage mechanical movements.
Due to the age of these watches, shipping vibrations or impacts may occasionally cause a watch to stop running, require a gentle shake or manual winding to restart, or reveal a pre-existing mechanical issue that was not apparent during testing.
Water resistance cannot be guaranteed on any vintage watch regardless of original factory specifications, and we do not recommend exposing vintage watches to water unless they have been professionally pressure-tested after purchase.
Purchasing a vintage mechanical watch means understanding that these timepieces are collectible historical objects, not modern quartz watches.
🚚 Shipping – United States & International
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Orders are typically processed within 1–3 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).
Domestic shipping is provided via USPS Ground Advantage or another comparable tracked service.
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Tracking is included with every shipment.
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Once a package has been accepted by the shipping carrier, transit times are outside of our control.
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Buy with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a U.S.-based seller dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Soviet and Russian horology.
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