The 1886 x Raketa “First in Space” is a collaboration brought together by CLÉ. Based on Raketa’s Space Launcher model, it is a tribute to Saudi Arabia’s space legacy.
“Saudi Arabia’s journey into space began in 1985 when HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman AlSaud became the first Arab, Muslim, and royal to venture into space. His mission was a landmark achievement that inspired generations of Saudis to reach for the stars. In 2023, the Saudi Space Commission advanced this legacy, launching missions that positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in space exploration.
“First in Space” celebrates these milestones, merging heritage and innovation to honour Saudi Arabia’s achievements. The collection is a symbol of national pride and a testament to the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for the future.”
Raketa is a Russian watch brand and one of the oldest watch factories in the world. It is renowned for “producing movements entirely in-house.”
“Founded in 1721 by Peter the Great as a lapidary, today’s Raketa represents over 300 years of Russian heritage and watchmaking. The watch brand was named Raketa (meaning “space rocket”) in 1961 in honour of the 1st manned space flight by Yuri Gagarin.”
1886 is a Saudi Arabian fashion house. “A trailblazer in Saudi luxury fashion, 1886 blends cultural heritage with bold, modern design, pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion while celebrating Saudi pride.”
CLÉ is a Saudi Arabian company involved in luxury experiences and exclusive collaborations. “CLÉ curates global collaborations that tell cultural stories through collectible objects.”
Key Features
Dial
Green Aventurine stone dial featuring a 24-hour scale. Eastern Arabic numerals. Central rotating disc displaying a map of Saudi Arabia. The numerals and hour and minute hands are filled with green luminescent material.
Functions
Hours, minutes, and seconds.
The hour hand goes around the dial once every 24 hours, instead of twice as in a 12-hour scale. Because when in orbit, an astronaut will witness 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours (according to online sources).
Second hand is red in colour.
Movement
Powered by calibre 2624A, an in-house automatic movement. Power reserve: 40 hours.
According to online sources: Frequency: 18,000 vph or 2.5 Hz. Jewels: 24. Accuracy: -10 / +20 seconds per day.
Case and Strap
Made from stainless steel. Diameter: 43 mm. Sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 20 metres. Watch comes with a white fabric strap. A green fabric strap is also provided.
The watch comes with an “exclusive pair of space gloves designed by 1886, crafted from materials inspired by authentic space suits.”
Our Thoughts
The 1886 x Raketa “First in Space” sheds light on an important aspect of space history that might go unnoticed, especially if one is not from Saudi Arabia. Collaborations such as this, brought together by three brands, makes horology and watch collecting even more interesting. We are so accustomed to Swiss, German, Japanese, and (increasingly) American watchmaking, that a Saudi Arabian – Russian collaboration would not even cross our minds!
While the 1886 x Raketa “First in Space” will mostly appeal to Saudi Arabian watch collectors, the fact that it marks the end of production for Raketa’s Space Laucher model, makes it a great deal rarer and more collectible. It is perfect for collectors who appreciate an off beat watch honouring an important aspect of history.
Additional Details
Name: CLÉ Presents: 1886 x Raketa “First in Space”
Price: Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR) 13,750 (approximately USD $ 3,700)
Limited edition of 60 boxed sets
Available exclusively at CLÉ and 1886 official stores.
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