Soviet Watch Revival: Putin's Raketa Timepiece Soars

David Henderson-Stewart, a British former lawyer, has breathed new life into Russia's Raketa watch factory. He took over the ailing enterprise, once a major Soviet-era producer, with a partner in 2010. Driven by a passion for Soviet design, Henderson-Stewart saw potential where others saw decline.

Under his leadership, Raketa has successfully pivoted to producing high-end watches, emphasizing their "Made in Russia" credentials. This strategy has proven profitable, especially as Western sanctions imposed since 2022 have impacted other luxury brands. Raketa's domestic demand has risen, and sales continue in Europe and the Middle East.

The company's self-sufficient supply chain is a key advantage. "We produce most of them ourselves," Henderson-Stewart stated, highlighting that this independence from Western components resonates with local consumers.

A significant boost came in 2022 when President Vladimir Putin was seen wearing a watch from Raketa's bespoke offshoot, Imperial Peterhof Factory. This public display was interpreted by some as a signal of support for domestic industry, leading to increased demand for similar models.

Raketa watches, priced from $700 to $3,500, often draw inspiration from Soviet designs. Notable models include the Baikonur, named after the cosmodrome, and a unique bestseller with counter-clockwise sweeping hands, a design preserved by 86-year-old head engineer Lyudmila Voynik, who has worked at the factory since the 1950s.