Raketa is a brand I typically associate with space and the skies more than the underwater depths. Afterall, Raketa translates to ‘rocket’ in Russian and some of their coolest releases are watches like the Sputnik 1. However, with the new Raketa Amphibia they’re heading into the deeps of the Baltic Sea with a dedicated diver.
Starting with the case, it measures 41.6mm in diameter, sitting right in the ballpark for dive watches. The underwater world is very hostile to watches between the impact of water pressure and the risk of bumps and scrapes on rocks, so a robust case is an important part of the design. A large steel case can help to fend off the worst of the risks thanks to good scratch resistant properties and being durable enough to withstand high pressures. The Raketa Amphibia has a 200m water resistance rating, so it’s suitable for most amateur dives.
In terms of design, it’s very chunky with exaggerated lugs and wide, flat surfaces. It actually reminds me a little of the Herbelin Cap Camarat Diver if it were on steroids, with stronger shoulders but the same quasi-industrial vibe. The dive timer bezel sits high on top of the case with a wide grip and uni-directional rotation. It does bring the whole piece to a thickness of 14.9mm, which is pretty substantial though not unheard of in dive watch circles.
What I like most about it is the implementation of a high-contrast colour scheme that boosts legibility in low light conditions. The dial and bezel are black with stark white indicators and additional orange accents such as the tip of the minutes hand. Orange is famously a great colour to use in aquatic settings because it stands out against the dark water, hence its use in safety equipment such as life rings, coastguard boats and life jackets.
The display is very clean as well, with a 0 marker at 12 o’clock and then a combination of circle and bathtub indexes around the rest of the hour scale. The plongeur style hands also offer a broad surface to coat with lume, along with the hour markers. It’s a dateless display, which is something dive watch connoisseurs often prefer.
Beneath the display beats the calibre 2615 produced by the Raketa Watch Factory. It’s an automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve and a -10/+20 seconds per day accuracy. You can view it through the exhibition caseback. The rotor is decorated with an illustration of a mermaid inspired by old style nautical illustrations and ship prows. Though she probably could do with a clam shell bra if you don’t want to be too embarrassed to take your watch off in polite company.
The Raketa Amphibia is priced at €2,200 (approx. £1,880), which is about right for a practical tool watch with a manufacture movement. There’s a reason that dive watches are popular and with its hyper legible design and robust case, the Amphibia plays directly into those strengths.
Price and Specs:
More details at Raketa.
