Founded in 1721 by the decree of Emperor Peter the Great, the Petrodvorets Watch Factory is one of the oldest manufacturing enterprises in Russia and one of the few watchmaking traditions in the world with more than three centuries of history.

Originally established in Peterhof as a workshop producing precious stone ornaments for the Russian Imperial Court, the factory became known for its exceptional craftsmanship and mastery of fine materials. For centuries, its artisans created decorative objects, jewelry elements, and precision mechanisms, serving the needs of the Russian Empire.

In the 20th century, the factory entered a new chapter of its history and began producing mechanical watches. In 1961, following the first human flight into space by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the brand received the name “Raketa” (“Rocket”) as a tribute to humanity’s exploration of space and Russia’s achievements in aerospace technology.

Throughout its history, Raketa watches have become symbols of reliability, precision, and Russian engineering excellence. The factory is unique in that it continues to produce its own mechanical movements in-house, preserving traditional watchmaking skills and craftsmanship.

Today, Raketa represents the meeting point of imperial heritage, Soviet industrial achievements, and modern Russian watchmaking art. A visit to the Petrodvorets Watch Factory offers an exclusive insight into the creation of a legendary Russian brand, where visitors can discover historic workshops, observe skilled craftsmen at work, and experience a living tradition that has survived for over 300 years.

Raketa is not simply a watch brand — it is a journey through three centuries of Russian history, innovation, and craftsmanship.