Introducing Raketa Revives a Historic Design with the “Golden Key” Edition

Raketa Manufacture introduces The Golden Key edition, a distinctive creation inspired by the fairy tale The Adventures of Buratino—the Russian equivalent of Pinocchio. In the story, a golden key opens the door to a world where cherished dreams come true. Raketa translates this poetic symbol into a functional element, transforming the key into an alternative means of winding the watch. Attached to a leather cord, the winding key can be worn around the neck as a charm or at the wrist as a bracelet.

The cushion-shaped case is crafted from natural walnut wood, evoking the tradition of historic wooden clocks and watches once produced in Eastern Europe. While the watch can be wound conventionally via the crown, it also incorporates the dedicated winding key, reinforcing the narrative link to its inspiration. This model pays tribute to a rare Raketa wooden-cased watch produced in the 20th century, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of that unusual design. The wooden case is coated with protective varnish to guard against moisture and warping, while preserving the warmth and natural beauty of the material.

Measuring 38.8 mm in diameter and 10.88 mm in thickness, the case proportions remain compact and well suited to the design. While the case middle is made of wood, the remaining components are executed in gold-plated steel, providing both structural integrity and visual contrast.

The oversized, onion-shaped crown features a recessed emblem that allows the winding key to be inserted directly for operation. When not in use, the key remains attached to its leather cord, reinforcing the watch’s distinctive character and ornamental appeal.

The movement is visible through a display caseback fitted with a mineral crystal, while the front crystal is made from scratch-resistant sapphire. The dial echoes the aesthetic of the original 1970s model, featuring baton hands and elongated hour markers, all finished in gilt to complement the gold-plated case elements. A finely grained dial surface adds texture, while a key emblem positioned at six o’clock subtly reinforces the theme.

Powering the watch is the hand-wound Caliber 2609, a modernized version of Raketa’s in-house movement. It has been reworked with cleaner detailing and modest decorative elements, including a grained chequerboard pattern on the barrel ratchet wheel. The movement beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz) and delivers a power reserve of 42 hours.

The watch is paired with a brown leather strap and is produced in a limited edition of 300 pieces. It is priced at EUR 2,900.

The watch is available for pre-order in Waqt E-shop.