While Omega watch company Swatch Group worked for the American NASA, Petrodvorets Watch Factory in Saint Petersburg supplied clock Soviet cosmonauts.

The name "Rocket" was named the brand after the successful completion of the first manned flight into space, Yuri Gagarin flight. Despite the fact that Gagarin did not wear them during the flight hours were donated after him. All members of the Soviet army and the astronauts had a clock "Rocket".

During its heyday the factory produced watches for the entire Soviet government produced about five million hours for soldiers, firefighters and polar explorers.

Petrodvorets Watch Factory in Saint Petersburg, founded by Peter I to supply jewelry imperial court, counts its history from 1721. In 1762 the factory produced the imperial crown for Catherine the Great, and later in the plant treated stones for Faberge eggs.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union at the factory fell on hard times. Two years ago, the plant was purchased by private investors. Poler among Russian and foreign investors who bought the plant two years ago.

Factory Director Jacques von Poler (Jacques von Polier) says: "The plant was in poor condition and was on the verge of closing, but we found investors who rescued him. At the plant were placed several orders of government and all. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the domestic market for the plant "Rocket" just disappeared. "

The new plant - a miniature replica of the old. A team of Swiss experts rebuilt and reduced plant, which formerly had its own hospital, an orchestra and a bunker for eight thousand people.

Poler reports that watchmakers have access to models of hours since the 1950s, are now upgrading and reissued.

The plant produces its own watch movements, including hairs and clockwork components. When the plant was built research center in Moscow, the factory was also founded a school of watchmaking.

Poler believes that the watch may have caught those who are interested in Russian history and culture. Hours dedicated to the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, also reissued.

"Many people believe that the country does not produce anything other than oil, gas and Kalashnikovs. Russia has one of the richest cultures of the world, and yet we produce watches. This is a thread, svyazyzuyuschim link with the Russian culture and history. We want to remind people that were born in Russia, Tchaikovsky and Tolstoy, "- said Jean von Poler.