Raketa Amphibia Review: 200 Meter Waterproof Russian Diver's Watch
Berk OztoprakAuthor
The Raketa Amphibia is an automatic Russian diver's watch from the Saint Petersburg-based Raketa Watch Factory, reinterpreting the tradition of diver's watches with modern technical expectations. Key features include a 41,6 mm stainless steel case, 200-meter water resistance, screw-down crown, unidirectional rotating bezel, and the Raketa-manufactured 2615 automatic movement.
I realize I haven't mentioned Raketa much in my previous posts about Bersenti. Yet Raketa is one of the most important brands that comes to mind when you think of Russian watchmaking. It's not just a brand that designs watches; it's also a well-established factory that produces its own movements.
Who is Raketa?
Raketa's history dates back to the Soviet era. Besides everyday watches, the brand is known for its models produced for polar researchers, sailors, submarine crews, and cosmonauts. One of the most recognizable Raketa models among watch enthusiasts is the Big Zero.
But today our topic isn't Big Zero. Today we're looking at Raketa's new Amphibia model, which emphasizes its relationship with the sea.
What kind of watch is the Raketa Amphibia?
The new Raketa Amphibia brings back the brand's diver's watch heritage with a contemporary case. The most striking aspect of the model is its combination of the classic diver's watch formula with details characteristic of Russian watchmaking.
The watch features a 41,6 mm diameter stainless steel case. The case thickness is 14,9 mm, and the lug-to-lug measurement is 50,5 mm. These dimensions aren't exactly compact on paper; however, the Amphibia isn't trying to be an elegant dress watch anyway. Large indices, a high-contrast dial, and a thick case structure reinforce the model's function-oriented character.
Dial and Readability
One of the most important aspects of a diver's watch is readability. The Raketa Amphibia takes a very clear approach to this. Large indices, a distinct hour and minute hand set, and orange details aim to make the watch easier to read underwater and in low light conditions.
The absence of a date window on the dial is also a positive choice. A simple dial is always an advantage in diver's watches; because the aim is not to add more information, but to read the time quickly and accurately.
Raketa's choice of orange is no coincidence. The brand emphasizes that orange is a striking color in low-visibility conditions. This choice shows that the watch is designed not just for its appearance, but also with a functional tool watch character.
Case, Bezel and Water Resistance
The Raketa Amphibia offers 20 ATM water resistance, or 200 meters. The screw-down crown helps protect the mechanism from water ingress. The watch features a unidirectional rotating bezel, an important safety feature for tracking dive time.
The 15-minute scale and Luminova details on the bezel reinforce the watch's diving-focused character. The embossed design of the starting marker is a nice detail for practical use.
Raketa 2615 Automatic Mechanism
The Raketa Amphibia is powered by the brand's own automatic Raketa 2615 caliber. This movement has 24 jewels, operates at a frequency of 18.000 vph, and offers approximately 40 hours of power reserve.
The most important aspect of the Raketa 2615 is that it is manufactured in the brand's own factory in Saint Petersburg. Only a limited number of brands produce their own movements at this level. Therefore, the Amphibia is an interesting watch not only for its design but also for its mechanical foundation.
The rear cover features a rotor with a mermaid detail. This small design touch nicely connects with the model's nautical theme.
Strap and Usage
The watch comes with an orange silicone strap. According to official information, a black silicone strap is also included in the box. The perforated design of the strap is designed to allow for easier adjustment underwater or while wearing a wetsuit.
With a 22mm strap width and quick-change system, the user can easily alter the watch's character. The orange strap gives the model a more sporty and assertive look, while the black strap provides a more balanced appearance for everyday use.
Raketa Amphibia Technical Specifications
| Door Design | Raketa Amphibia 0321 |
| Kasa | Stainless steel |
| Case diameter | 41,6 mm |
| Case thickness | 14,9 mm |
| July to July | 50,5 mm |
| Waterproof | 20 ATM / 200 meters |
| Cam | Sapphire glass |
| Peak | Screw-top |
| Bezel | One-way rotating bezel |
| Dial / hands | Super-LumiNova |
| Mechanism | Raketa 2615 automatic |
| Number of stones | 24 |
| Frekans | 18.000 vph / 2.5 Hz |
| Power reserve | Approximately 40 hours |
| Strap | Orange silicone, additional black silicone strap |
| Belt width | 22 mm |
Raketa Amphibia Price
The price of the Raketa Amphibia on the official international website varies depending on the country and tax selection. The current official list shows the price as €2.000; however, it can rise to €2.200 in some regional or tax-inclusive listings. Therefore, it is advisable to check the final price at the official Raketa store before purchasing.
Should I buy a Raketa Amphibia?
The Raketa Amphibia is a highly attractive model for collectors seeking a different kind of diver's watch, wanting to go beyond Swiss and Japanese options, and interested in a historic brand that produces its own movement.
Does it have any downsides? Yes. The 14,9 mm thickness might not be ideal for everyone. The 50,5 mm lug-to-lug size might also look large on smaller wrists. Furthermore, the price tag of over €2.000 takes the Raketa out of the "affordable Soviet nostalgia" category.
However, considering the design language, the in-house movement, the 200-meter water resistance, and the brand's history, the Raketa Amphibia is a characterful and noteworthy diver's watch. Overall, I quite liked the model. In particular, the orange details and the mermaid rotor set it apart from an ordinary diver's watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mm is the Raketa Amphibia?
The Raketa Amphibia has a case diameter of 41,6 mm. The case thickness is 14,9 mm, and the lug-to-lug measurement is 50,5 mm.
Is the Raketa Amphibia waterproof?
Yes. The Raketa Amphibia is a diving watch with a 20 ATM water resistance rating, meaning it's water resistant up to 200 meters.
What mechanism does Raketa Amphibia use?
The model uses Raketa's own 2615 automatic movement. This movement has 24 jewels and offers approximately 40 hours of power reserve.
How much does Raketa Amphibia cost?
The price on the official international page may vary depending on the country and tax selection. The current official list shows €2.000, while some regional displays show around €2.200.
Is Raketa Amphibia suitable for everyday use?
Yes, but it's important to remember that it's a watch with a thick and prominent case. It's suitable for everyday use for those who like sporty watches; it might be too big for those who prefer thinner watches.
Source: Raketa Amphibia official product page.
This is not sponsored content. It is news content.
Keep reading
Related readings to this article
