An authentic New Old Stock (NOS) Raketa Big Zero (Большой Ноль) mechanical wristwatch produced by the legendary Petrodvorets Watch Factory during the final years of the Soviet Union. One of the most iconic and internationally recognized Soviet watch designs ever produced, the Big Zero has become a cornerstone of serious USSR watch collecting.
This example is especially desirable as a complete collector's set, retaining its original Soviet presentation box, factory hang tag, booklet/papers, and original Raketa CCCP leather strap. Finding a Big Zero in unused New Old Stock condition is increasingly difficult; finding one with its original accessories intact is significantly rarer.
Powered by the reliable Raketa Caliber 2609.HA manual-wind movement, this watch remains running and presents exactly as collectors hope to find these historic Soviet timepieces.
Few Soviet watches are as recognizable as the Raketa Big Zero.
Introduced during the late Soviet era, the design became famous for its oversized numerals and highly legible minimalist layout. The watch gained international recognition after reports that Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev was seen wearing a Raketa Big Zero during the Perestroika period, bringing worldwide attention to Soviet watchmaking.
Produced by the historic Petrodvorets Watch Factory in Leningrad, the Big Zero represented a uniquely Soviet interpretation of modern design—clean, functional, highly legible, and instantly recognizable. Today it remains one of the most sought-after models among collectors of Soviet horology and is often considered an essential piece for anyone building a serious USSR watch collection.
The defining feature of this watch is its iconic Big Zero dial.
Features include:
The dial remains exceptionally clean and well preserved, exhibiting the appearance expected from a New Old Stock example.
The watch features the classic round Big Zero case design with clean lines and balanced proportions.
The stainless steel case remains exceptionally well preserved, showing minimal signs of storage wear. The acrylic crystal presents beautifully with excellent clarity, allowing the bold dial design to remain the focal point of the watch.
The watch retains its original Raketa CCCP leather strap, an increasingly uncommon detail often missing from surviving examples.
This watch is powered by the respected Raketa Caliber 2609.HA, one of the most reliable and long-running Soviet mechanical movements.
The movement appears exceptionally clean and is running at the time of listing.
Unlike most surviving Big Zero watches, this example retains the accessories that collectors actively seek:
Complete sets have become increasingly difficult to locate as packaging and paperwork were often discarded over the decades. Their survival significantly enhances both collectability and historical appeal.
This watch is presented in outstanding New Old Stock condition.
Please note the following specifics:
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the item's description.
Brand: Raketa (Ракета)
Manufacturer: Petrodvorets Watch Factory
Model: Big Zero (Большой Ноль)
Country of Manufacture: USSR
Estimated Production: Late Soviet Period (1980s–Early 1990s)
Movement: Raketa Caliber 2609.HA manual-wind mechanical
Jewels: 19
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Crystal: Acrylic
Dial: White Big Zero Dial
Strap: Original Raketa CCCP Leather Strap
Accessories: Original Box, Factory Tag, Booklet/Papers
The watch is running at the time of listing unless otherwise stated.
No service history is known. As with any vintage mechanical watch, future servicing or regulation 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 its maintenance history is unknown.
The Raketa Big Zero is widely regarded as one of the defining watches of the Soviet era. Its bold dial design, historical significance, and unmistakable appearance have made it one of the most recognizable USSR watches ever produced. Finding a genuine Big Zero is increasingly difficult; finding a New Old Stock example complete with its original strap, box, factory tag, and booklet is substantially rarer.
For collectors seeking a centerpiece Soviet watch rather than simply another vintage timepiece, this complete Big Zero set represents one of the most iconic and enduring designs ever produced behind the Iron Curtain.
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.
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✔️ 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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Orders are typically processed within 1–3 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).
Domestic shipping is provided via USPS Ground Advantage or another comparable tracked service.
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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.