Introducing FireEng

[FireEng]

Hi all,

I am an engineer and I like all type of mechanism. I always liked watches.

I loved the history of the raketa watches, so I bought a cheap one on ebay. I would like to restore it, just for the experience.

I want to start with some aesthetic repairments. The case is scratched, and the dial seems to be dirty. Unfortunately I didn't find book in italian (which is my language) that can help in these repairments. I hope that I can find some help here in this forum.

Thanks

[watchweasol]

Hi once you open the back of the watch and locate the calibre number of the watch, under the balance,on the plates and or rotor if automatic, a picture of the watch is very helpful. There are many members who are ,also Russian watch officianados and will be able to help for sure.   Cheers

[WilliamTK48]

Like you, I have found Raketa watches to be well made and enjoyable to service.

The trouble is that during the Soviet era, most of the cases and dials were made from very cheap materials, espcially for the watches meant for the domestic market. There are exceptions, but this is mostly true. So, they don't age well. 

This may not help you, but I would advise you to concentrate on servicing the movements and helping them operate correctly, and not worry much about the dials and cases. You might get lucky and find new and good cases that will fit your movements, but I wouldn't count on this. I enjoy wearing some battered looking watches, they all keep reasonably accurate time, and they were not very expensive.

[FireEng]

This is the watch. As you can see the back of the case is really scratched. I cannot understand if it is brass or steel.

I would like to polish the case and to clean the dial, just to start. Are there any references about these procedures in the group or in some book?

I also don't know if this model has a name. 

 

Edited January 16, 2023 by FireEng

[watchweasol]

Hi have a look under the balance wheel, Ican see a logo (makers mark) and there should be a number in your case 2609Ha which is the calibre. There are parts sheets for these watches.  It looks in fair condition and would respond to a good service and clean up. The case looks pitted due to the acidic sweat reacting withe the metal. There are a few vids on U Tube if you search for them. All in all a nice piece of Russian tech.    Cheers

[FireEng]

Thank you for the advices watchewasol. Which videos? Are you meaning videos about cleaning or polishing? What material do you think is the case? 

[watchweasol]

Hi there are quite a lot in the vids it’s just a case of searching, try watch case restoration as a search string.  The case it’s self is a bit tatty but to be expected if it’s been worn for a long time but could be improved some what by just brushing with a brass brush. Nothing too vigorous just to improve the look. If you search Cousins uk document downloads you will be able to find a sheet for the 2609.  Cheers

[lexacat]

Personally I wouldn't touch the dial, and the hands look to be in good condition. The dial has a great vintage appearance that only comes with time and makes it unique. 

Edited January 17, 2023 by lexacat

[FireEng]

Thank you

[watchweasol]

Hi Like Lexacat said leave the dial alone . One can do more harm than good trying to clean them up, yours looks ok