Inspired by 1930s Russian fairytale, Raketa’s latest is the Golden Key, an unusual watch that further expands the brand’s diverse repertoire. The cushioned-shaped watch has a case of walnut wood – this evokes historical wooden clocks and watches from Eastern Europe – and includes a winding key, though it can be wound conventionally via the crown as well.

Though modelled on a similar 1970s Raketa model, the modern-day creation is a surprisingly apt adaption of its namesake, The Golden Key, or The Adventures of Buratino, a Russian version of Pinocchio that also includes a wooden puppet that comes to life, but also includes a golden key as central to the tale. Like all Raketa watches, this is affordable and powered by an in-house movement, albeit a basic calibre descended from a Soviet era construction.

Initial thoughts

The Golden Key has a recognisable 1970s look thanks to its shape and dial, but still manages to stand out because of the wood case. The case and dial are detailed nicely enough so the watch avoids looking like a novelty souvenir. The winding does feel like a bit of a gimmick, but it has no bearing on the function of the watch, which can be wound via the crown anyway.

Raketa stuck to the colours of the 1970s original with the Golden Key, making it pleasing but also plain. A more adventurous combination of wood and colour would have made it more interesting; I’m sure that’s on the cards if this one sells well.

The only weakness of the watch is arguably its movement, which ironically is also its most historical aspect. The cal. 2609 is a movement developed in the Soviet Union, and despite being a higher-end calibre in terms of Soviet offerings, it is decidedly no frills by modern standards, though I expect it will run robustly. The movement has been remade and dressed up slightly by the modern Raketa company, but it still looks basic.

The 1970s originals were also powered by the cal. 2609, but those were socialist through and through, and are available for not very much today. The Golden Key is discernibly improved in terms of quality, but also a product of capitalism, so it costs €2,900.

Key wound

The Golden Key is essentially a 1970s style watch packaged in an unorthodox material. As a result, it has the flavour of the 1970s, but looks different from practically everything else from the period, or inspired by the era.

The case is walnut, a wood that’s known to be stable and resistant to warping, making it suitable for a watch case. In addition, the wood case is coated with a clear varnish that protects it from moisture.

The case dimensions are appropriately compact for the design at 38.8 mm in diameter and 10.88mm high. While the case middle is wood, the rest of the case components are gold plated steel.

The large, onion-shaped crown has a recessed emblem that allows the key to be slotted into the crown for winding. And the key is attached to a leather cord, allowing it to worn around the neck.

The dial similarly takes after the 1970s original with baton hands and oblong markers, all finished in gilt to match the steel case components. The dial also features a grained surface and a key emblem at six.

The movement is visible through a display back that’s a mineral crystal, though the crystal on the front is sensibly scratch-resistant sapphire. Given the nature of the movement, a solid back would not be a bad idea.

Though similar technically to the Soviet-era cal. 2609, the modern version has been reworked so it has cleaner details along with some modest decoration, including a grained chequerboard motif on the barrel ratchet wheel.

Key facts and price

Raketa Golden Key
Ref. W-01-10-10-0328

Diameter: 38.8 mm
Height: 10.88 mm
Material: Walnut wood
Crystal: Sapphire in front, mineral on the back
Water-resistance: 50 m

Movement: Cal. 2609
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Manual wind
Frequency: 18,000 beats per hour (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Leather

Limited edition: 300 pieces
Availability: Direct from Raketa, with delivery in 2026
Price: €2,900 excluding taxes

For more information, visit Raketa.com.