Vintage Raketa (Ракета) “Big Zero” Export Model | Cal. 2609.НА | 19J | USSR For Sale

Vintage Raketa (Ракета) “Big Zero” Export Model | Cal. 2609.НА | 19 Jewels | Made in USSR

An authentic vintage Soviet Raketa (Ракета) “Big Zero” mechanical wristwatch from the Petrodvorets Watch Factory in Leningrad, USSR, featuring the iconic oversized numeral design that has become one of the most recognizable and collectible Raketa dial styles.

This example is an export-market configuration, distinguished by its Latin-script RAKETA branding and MADE IN USSR marking rather than Cyrillic branding. The striking white dial features the characteristic large black “0, 3, 6, and 9” numerals surrounded by bold triangular hour markers, creating the unmistakable “Big Zero” appearance.

The watch is powered by the reliable Raketa Caliber 2609.НА, a Soviet manual-wind mechanical movement with 19 jewels. The combination of the distinctive Big Zero dial, export configuration, Soviet manufacture, and clean overall condition makes this an especially attractive example for collectors of vintage Raketa and Soviet horology.

This example is presented in impeccable overall vintage condition, with only minor cosmetic nicks around portions of the case near the strap/lug area. These small marks are visible upon close inspection but do not detract from the overall appearance of the watch.

It is fitted with an aftermarket lizard-grain leather strap.

Features & Collector Highlights

• Authentic vintage Raketa (Ракета) “Big Zero”
• Export-market model
• Estimated production era: late Soviet period / c. 1980s–early 1990s
• Manufactured in Leningrad, USSR
• Produced by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory
• Raketa Caliber 2609.НА
• 19-jewel manual-wind mechanical movement
• Original Soviet mechanical movement
• Iconic Big Zero dial design
• Large Arabic numerals at 0, 3, 6, and 9
• Bold triangular hour markers
• Latin-script RAKETA branding
• MADE IN USSR marking
• Central sweep seconds
• Original-style Soviet handset
• Chrome-plated case
• Stainless steel caseback
• Acrylic crystal
• Caseback number 717082
• Approximately 39mm case diameter excluding crown
• Approximately 41mm including crown
• Approximately 18mm lug-to-lug
• Aftermarket lizard-grain leather strap
• Excellent overall vintage presentation
• Minor nicks around portions of the case near the strap/lug area

History & Rarity

The Raketa brand was introduced by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory in 1961, taking its name from the Russian word for “Rocket” and commemorating Yuri Gagarin\'s historic spaceflight.

The Petrodvorets Watch Factory has a much longer history, tracing its origins to the 18th century. During the Soviet period it became one of the USSR\'s major producers of mechanical movements and watches, developing many of its movements in-house.

Raketa became particularly well known for producing distinctive mechanical watches with unusual dial layouts and case designs. Unlike many Soviet manufacturers that relied heavily on externally sourced movements during various periods, Raketa developed and manufactured a substantial range of its own mechanical calibers.

The Big Zero is among the most recognizable Raketa designs. Its enormous Arabic numerals and geometric hour markers give the dial an immediately identifiable appearance, while the simple three-hand mechanical layout reflects the straightforward, functional design philosophy of Soviet watchmaking.

Export versions were produced with Latin-script branding and English-language markings such as “MADE IN USSR”, allowing Raketa watches to be marketed outside the Soviet Union.

This example\'s Latin RAKETA logo and MADE IN USSR marking identify it as an export-oriented configuration.

The Big Zero Dial

The defining feature of this watch is its iconic Big Zero dial.

Rather than using conventional hour numerals around the dial, Raketa used oversized Arabic numerals at the cardinal positions, with the distinctive 0 at 12 o\'clock serving as the signature feature.

The bold black graphics contrast strongly against the clean white dial.

Dial Details

• Large black 0 at 12 o\'clock
• Large black 3 at 3 o\'clock
• Large black 6 at 6 o\'clock
• Large black 9 at 9 o\'clock
• Bold triangular hour markers between numerals
• Fine outer minute track
• Latin RAKETA branding
• MADE IN USSR marking
• Central hour and minute hands
• Central sweep seconds hand

The dial remains exceptionally clean and attractive overall, with strong contrast between the black graphics and white background.

The oversized numerals and geometric markers give the watch a highly recognizable late-Soviet design aesthetic.

Export Model

This example represents the export configuration of the Raketa Big Zero.

The dial uses:

RAKETA

rather than the Cyrillic Ракета, and carries:

MADE IN USSR

at the lower portion of the dial.

These Latin-script markings were used on watches intended for international/export markets and are an important part of the identity of this particular configuration.

The export presentation also gives this Big Zero a slightly different character from the Cyrillic-dial examples commonly encountered in Soviet watch collecting.

The Case

The watch features the classic rounded Raketa case associated with the Big Zero design.

Its relatively large diameter gives the watch considerable wrist presence without relying on an oversized modern case.

Case Details

• Chrome-plated Soviet case
• Rounded / circular case profile
• Integrated-style lugs
• Original Soviet crown
• Acrylic crystal
• Stainless steel caseback
• Caseback number 717082

The case is in excellent overall vintage condition.

There are some small nicks and minor marks around the case in the areas near the strap/lug attachment points. These appear consistent with normal handling and use over the decades.

These marks are relatively minor and do not materially detract from the otherwise exceptionally clean presentation of the watch.

The case has not been represented as factory-new or untouched; rather, it retains the honest character of an original vintage Soviet watch while presenting particularly well overall.

Crystal

The watch retains an acrylic crystal appropriate to its Soviet-era construction.

The crystal presents well overall and complements the exceptionally clean appearance of the dial.

As with any vintage acrylic crystal, minor age-related surface marks may be present and should be evaluated from the detailed photographs.

Caseback

The watch retains its Soviet caseback with the number:

717082

The caseback is consistent with the period construction of the watch and contributes to its originality as a vintage Soviet Raketa.

Movement

This Raketa Big Zero is powered by the Raketa Caliber 2609.НА, one of the well-known manual-wind movements produced by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory.

The 2609.НА is a straightforward, robust Soviet mechanical movement designed for reliable everyday operation and used across a wide range of Raketa watches.

Movement Specifications

Manufacturer: Petrodvorets Watch Factory / Raketa

Caliber: Raketa 2609.НА

Type: Manual-wind mechanical

Jewels: 19 Jewels

Functions:

• Hours
• Minutes
• Central sweep seconds

Winding: Manual

The 2609.НА is part of Raketa\'s extensive family of in-house mechanical movements and is particularly appropriate to the simple, functional design of the Big Zero.

Russian & Export Markings — Translated

RAKETA — Latin-script export branding for the Raketa watch brand.

MADE IN USSR — “Made in USSR.”

2609.НА — Caliber designation identifying the Raketa mechanical movement.

717082 — Caseback number.

Condition

This watch is offered in excellent / impeccable overall vintage condition, especially considering its age.

It presents exceptionally well, with the clean white Big Zero dial and bold black graphics remaining the visual centerpiece of the watch.

Dial

• Original Big Zero dial
• Clean white background
• Strong black numerals and markers
• Original Latin Raketa branding
• Original MADE IN USSR marking
• Minimal visible aging overall
• Excellent overall presentation

Hands

• Original-style Soviet handset
• Clean overall appearance
• Central sweep seconds hand present

Case

• Original Soviet case
• Excellent overall presentation
• Minor scratches and handling marks consistent with vintage age
• A few small nicks around portions of the case near the strap/lug area
• No major case damage visible
• Original case geometry remains well defined

Crystal

• Acrylic crystal
• Clean overall presentation
• Minor age-related marks may be present

Movement

• Raketa Caliber 2609.НА
• 19 jewels
• Manual-wind mechanical
• Original Soviet movement

Caseback

• Original Soviet caseback
• Number 717082
• Light age-related handling marks consistent with vintage use

Strap

• Aftermarket lizard-grain leather strap
• Strap is a modern replacement and is not represented as the original Soviet-period strap

Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the item\'s condition description.

Specifications

Brand: Raketa (Ракета)

Model: Big Zero — Export Model

Country of Manufacture: USSR

Manufacturer: Petrodvorets Watch Factory, Leningrad

Approximate Production Era: c. 1980s–early 1990s

Movement: Raketa Caliber 2609.НА

Movement Type: Manual-wind mechanical

Jewels: 19 Jewels

Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds

Winding: Manual

Case Material: Chrome-plated base metal

Case Shape: Rounded / circular

Case Diameter: ~39mm excluding crown

Case Diameter Including Crown: ~41mm

Lug-to-Lug: ~18mm

Crystal: Acrylic

Caseback: Stainless steel

Caseback Number: 717082

Dial: White Big Zero export dial

Dial Markings: RAKETA / MADE IN USSR

Strap: Aftermarket lizard-grain leather

Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minor nicks around portions of the case near the strap/lug area

Service History

No documented service history is known.

The movement is offered in its current vintage condition, and maintenance history should be assumed to be unknown unless otherwise stated.

As with any vintage mechanical timepiece, precise timekeeping accuracy has not been professionally machine-calibrated, and long-term accuracy cannot be guaranteed without appropriate testing and servicing.

Routine cleaning, lubrication, regulation, and servicing may be beneficial if the watch is intended for regular daily wear.

Buyers should consider the watch a vintage mechanical collectible rather than a newly serviced modern timepiece.

Important Vintage Watch Disclaimer

This is a decades-old Soviet mechanical watch and is being offered as a vintage collectible in its present condition.

Mechanical accuracy, amplitude, power reserve, and future performance are not guaranteed unless specifically stated.

Water resistance should not be assumed. Vintage gaskets, seals, crystal, crown, and case components can deteriorate over decades regardless of their original factory specifications.

Professional inspection and servicing are recommended before relying on any vintage watch for regular daily wear or exposure to water.

Please examine all photographs carefully before purchasing. The photographs are considered an important part of the item\'s description and show the actual watch being offered.

A Classic Raketa Big Zero Export Model

The Raketa Big Zero has become one of the most recognizable designs in Soviet horology, combining an unusually graphic dial with the straightforward mechanical architecture of Raketa\'s in-house movements.

This example is particularly appealing because of its export-market Latin-script dial, iconic Big Zero numerals, Raketa 2609.НА movement, and exceptionally clean overall presentation.

The approximately 39mm case, bold black-and-white dial, Soviet MADE IN USSR marking, and aftermarket lizard-grain leather strap give the watch a strong vintage presence while retaining the unmistakable character of the original Soviet design.

There are a few minor nicks around the case near the strap/lug area, but these are relatively small and do not detract significantly from the overall condition.

For collectors of Raketa, Big Zero watches, Soviet mechanical watches, USSR horology, and export-market Soviet timepieces, this is a particularly attractive example of one of Raketa\'s most iconic designs.

📸 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 specifically 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.
• We do not recommend exposing vintage watches to water unless they have been professionally inspected and pressure-tested after purchase.
• Purchasing a vintage mechanical watch means understanding that these are collectible historical objects rather than modern quartz watches.

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Tracking is included with every shipment.

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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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