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Vintage Raketa “Star Wars” Octagonal Watch | Soviet-Russia Transition Era | Cal. 2628.H | Day-Date
An authentic vintage Raketa (Ракета) “Star Wars” mechanical wristwatch representing the fascinating transition from the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation.
This example is especially desirable because it carries the “СДЕЛАНО В РОССИИ” (“Made in Russia”) marking, placing it within the early post-Soviet production period immediately following the dissolution of the USSR. Produced during the Soviet-to-Russian transition era, approximately 1990–1992, this watch represents a brief and historically important chapter in Raketa\'s production.
The watch features the distinctive octagonal “Star Wars” case, a collector nickname inspired by its futuristic geometric design, black accent panels, and exposed screw details. Inside is the reliable Raketa Caliber 2628.H manual-wind mechanical movement with day-date functionality.
The cream dial features bold black Arabic numerals, black hands, a day-date display at 3 o’clock with Russian day abbreviations, and the important “СДЕЛАНО В РОССИИ” (“Made in Russia”) marking.
The watch is fitted with an aftermarket olive green suede-style strap.
Features
- Authentic vintage Raketa (Ракета)
- Highly collectible Soviet-to-Russian transition-era model
- Early Russian Federation production
- Estimated production: circa 1990–1992
- “СДЕЛАНО В РОССИИ” (“Made in Russia”) marking
- Distinctive octagonal “Star Wars” / “Coffin” case
- Black accent panels
- Exposed case screws/details
- Cream / off-white dial
- Bold black Arabic numerals
- Black hands
- Central sweep seconds
- Day-date display at 3 o’clock
- Russian day abbreviations
- РАКЕТА (“Raketa”) logo
- Genuine Raketa Caliber 2628.H
- Manual-wind mechanical movement
- Day and date functions
- Acrylic crystal
- Chrome-plated case
- Caseback numbered 418
- Aftermarket olive green suede-style strap
The Soviet-to-Russian Transition Era
The most important characteristic of this watch is its place in history.
This Raketa comes from the short-lived transition period surrounding the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. During this period, the Petrodvorets Watch Factory continued producing mechanical watches while the political and economic identity of the country changed dramatically.
Earlier Raketa watches were marked:
СДЕЛАНО В СССР
“Made in USSR”
This example instead carries:
СДЕЛАНО В РОССИИ
“Made in Russia”
That change in wording is a defining characteristic of the transition from Soviet production to the newly established Russian Federation.
As a result, transition-era Raketas occupy a fascinating position between Soviet and modern Russian horology. They retain much of the mechanical engineering, manufacturing traditions, and design language developed during the Soviet period while carrying the new Russian Federation “Made in Russia” designation.
History
The Raketa “Star Wars”, also known among collectors as the “Octagon” or “Coffin,” is one of the most visually distinctive watches produced by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory.
Its sharply geometric case, black accent panels, and exposed screw details give it a futuristic industrial appearance that inspired the popular “Star Wars” nickname.
What makes this particular example especially interesting is its transition-era provenance.
Produced around the period of the Soviet Union\'s dissolution, it represents the moment when Raketa moved from decades of Soviet production into the uncertain early years of the Russian Federation.
The Caliber 2628.H continued to be used during this period, allowing traditional Soviet mechanical technology to continue into early post-Soviet production.
The Dial
The watch features a clean cream/off-white dial with strong black contrast.
Dial details include:
- Cream / off-white dial surface
- Bold black Arabic numerals
- Black hour and minute hands
- Central sweep seconds
- РАКЕТА (“Raketa”) logo
- Day-date window at 3 o’clock
- Russian day abbreviations
- СДЕЛАНО В РОССИИ (“Made in Russia”) near 6 o’clock
The dial remains clear and fully legible while retaining natural vintage character.
Russian Dial Markings — Translated
РАКЕТА
“Raketa” — the brand name of the Petrodvorets Watch Factory.
СДЕЛАНО В РОССИИ
“Made in Russia”
This marking is particularly significant because it identifies this watch as a Russian Federation-era piece rather than a conventional Soviet “Made in USSR” Raketa.
The Octagonal “Star Wars” Case
The defining visual feature is the unusual octagonal case, commonly referred to by collectors as the “Star Wars” or “Coffin” case.
The futuristic geometric design is dramatically different from the round cases used on many Soviet watches.
Despite its substantial-looking octagonal design, this is actually a relatively compact watch with the following measurements:
- Case Diameter: 32mm
- Case Diameter Including Lugs: 34.5mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 18mm
- Chrome-plated base metal case
- Contrasting black accent panels
- Exposed screw details
- Angular geometric construction
- Acrylic crystal
- Traditional mechanical crown
The compact dimensions make this a particularly interesting vintage piece for collectors who appreciate smaller, historically styled watches.
The case shows honest vintage wear and surface markings, particularly around the upper section.
Caseback
The original caseback is present and is numbered:
418
The caseback is consistent with the distinctive octagonal case construction of this Raketa.
Movement
This watch is powered by the Raketa Caliber 2628.H, a manual-wind mechanical movement produced by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory.
The movement is clearly marked 2628.H and provides the practical day-date complication.
Movement Specifications
Manufacturer: Petrodvorets Watch Factory (Raketa)
Caliber: Raketa 2628.H
Type: Manual-wind mechanical
Typical Jewels: 19 jewels
Functions:
- Hours
- Minutes
- Central sweep seconds
- Day
- Date
Beat Rate: Approximately 18,000 bph
Power Reserve: Approximately 40–45 hours
The movement appears complete and original as shown in the photographs.
Condition
This watch is presented in honest vintage collector condition, with age-related characteristics consistent with a transition-era mechanical watch.
Please note:
- Running at the time of listing
- Timekeeping accuracy has not been formally tested or guaranteed
- No known service history
- Slight chip on the acrylic crystal at the bottom-right area
- Case shows vintage markings and surface wear, particularly on the upper section
- Chrome-plated finish displays age-related wear
- Dial remains clean and legible
- Movement appears complete and original
- Fitted with an aftermarket olive green suede-style strap
Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the item\'s description.
Specifications
Brand: Raketa (Ракета)
Model: “Star Wars” / Octagonal / “Coffin”
Manufacturer: Petrodvorets Watch Factory
Country of Manufacture: Russia — Soviet-to-Russian Federation Transition Era
Estimated Production: Circa 1990–1992
Historical Period: USSR → Russian Federation Transition
Movement: Raketa Caliber 2628.H
Movement Type: Manual-wind mechanical
Jewels: Typically 19 jewels
Functions: Hours, minutes, central sweep seconds, day, date
Case Material: Chrome-plated base metal with black accent panels
Case Style: Octagonal “Star Wars”
Case Diameter: 32mm
Case Diameter Including Lugs: 34.5mm
Lug-to-Lug: 18mm
Crystal: Acrylic
Caseback Number: 418
Dial Color: Cream / off-white
Calendar: Day and date
Strap: Aftermarket olive green suede-style strap
Dial Marking: СДЕЛАНО В РОССИИ (“Made in Russia”)
Service History
The watch is running at the time of listing, but its timekeeping accuracy has not been formally tested.
No service history is known. The watch has not been time-tested for long-term accuracy, and accuracy is not guaranteed. As with any vintage mechanical watch, future servicing, cleaning, regulation, or maintenance may be beneficial depending on the buyer\'s intended use.
The watch is offered in its current condition as a vintage collectible, and buyers should assume that its maintenance history is unknown.
A Collectible Watch from the Birth of Modern Russia
This Raketa is more than an unusual mechanical watch—it is a transition-era timepiece from one of the most significant moments in modern Russian history.
Produced around the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it bridges two distinct eras of Russian horology. Its “Made in Russia” marking documents the shift away from Soviet production, while the mechanical architecture and manufacturing heritage remain deeply rooted in the Soviet watchmaking tradition.
Its compact 32mm case, unusual octagonal geometry, cream day-date dial, and Raketa 2628.H movement make it a particularly distinctive example of transition-era Raketa production.
Combined with the futuristic “Star Wars” case and historically important СДЕЛАНО В РОССИИ (“Made in Russia”) marking, this is a compelling piece for collectors of Soviet watches, early Russian watches, Raketa, transition-era horology, and unusual mechanical watch designs.
The aftermarket olive green suede-style strap provides a complementary vintage appearance while allowing the distinctive octagonal case and cream dial to remain the focal point.
📸 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.
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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.