Anything But Ordinary

In 2013 my brother and I took a trip to Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. My brother had completed four years of Russian language education in university and I had just finished a degree in English and was eager to travel. Near the end of our trip we were told that there was a free tour of an old soviet watch factory relatively nearby. Intrigued and with nothing else to do that day, we set off in a taxi for the Petrodvorets (Peterhof) Watch Factory. What we found inside would change my life forever.

Guided through the factory I was introduced to the world of horology. Whirring machines making parts so tiny I could barely see them, smoking men covered in grease, and a room of three to five women all assembling these gorgeous watches. There were things I never knew existed being made right before my eyes in a workshop that looked older than anywhere I had ever been and unlike anywhere I have been since. I was captivated. I still am.

While I collect and love other watches, I’m always going to be a Raketa fan first and foremost. I made a formative bond with the brand the moment I stepped through their door. Since then I’ve written for top publications such as WatchUSeek and frequently meet with top bloggers and photographers in the watch coverage scene. Writing has always been my passion and I love to write about watches. There’s so much to talk about and contemplate. I have article ideas about almost everything. I hope that together we can make something really special for all fans of Russian watchmaking.

Founded by Peter The Great in the early 16th century, the factory was a lapidary and slowly transitioned into making watches for the state. The factory began making Raketa brand watches starting in 1961 after the successful launch and safe return of Yuri Gagarin. The word Raketa (ракета) means rocket, in honor of the historical spaceflight. Today, Raketa still makes watches while continuing to operate and maintain the factory in St. Petersburg, Russia. For more information about Raketa click here.