Article of the week
The New Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7340/1R Perpetual Calendar

Introduced in 1999, the Twenty~4 collection was Patek Philippe’s first dedicated line of feminine timepieces. The original model featured an Art Deco-inspired manchette (cuff) design, but in 2018, the brand unveiled the Twenty~4 Automatic, which is a round-cased iteration powered by an automatic movement. This year, Patek Philippe elevates the collection further by introducing a perpetual calendar complication, marking the collection's debut in the realm of Grand Complications.
Crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, the watch features a 36mm case with a slender profile of just 9.95mm, making it sit gracefully on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Two dial options are available. The Ref. 7340/1R-001 features a silvery opaline dial with a vertical satin finish, evoking the texture of shantung silk that feature irregular texture, while the Ref. 7340/1R-010 presents an olive green sunburst dial for a more contemporary appeal.

Raketa

Raketa is a company with roots dating back to the 18th century. By the order of Tsar Peter I, the Petrodvorets Jewelry and Watch Factory was established in 1721. The factory successfully positioned itself as one of the pioneers in the luxury goods industry in Europe. During the World War period, the factory played a crucial role by manufacturing precision components for military use. In April 1945, the Kremlin issued an order to create the Pobeda watch brand, which subsequently became the first watch to enter space.

Since 1961, the factory has produced men's watches under the Raketa brand, named in honor of Yuri Gagarin (Russian for "rocket"). Raketa manufactures 24-hour watches for polar explorers and astronauts, military timepieces for the Russian Army and Navy, as well as mechanical wrist and pocket watches for Russian citizens. All Raketa watches are crafted in Petergof (Petrodvorets), a city near St. Petersburg, Russia.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian watch industry underwent significant transformations. Raketa, like many other enterprises from the Soviet era, confronted challenges stemming from economic restructuring and heightened competition from foreign brands. Despite these hurdles, Raketa persevered through the turbulent post-Soviet period by adapting to shifting market conditions while preserving its heritage and embracing modernization. The factory continued its tradition of producing mechanical watches, catering to enthusiasts who value traditional craftsmanship.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Raketa watches both domestically and internationally. The brand's rich history, coupled with its distinctive designs and mechanical movements, has garnered attention from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Raketa watches have rightfully earned a prestigious reputation in the global market, offering a blend of modern styling, accuracy, reliability, and longevity to meet the most discerning tastes. Additionally, their reasonable pricing adds to their appeal. The diverse range of Raketa timepieces includes calendar watches, 24-time zone indicators, Sonar watches, and Raketa Big Zero.

Some of the most renowned Raketa men's wristwatches include the Raketa Big Zero, Copernicus (Copernic), Raketa 24-hour, Eternal Calendar (Perpetual), Raketa Automatic, WorldTimer, and Raketa 3031.