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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThe Raketa Mars-3 is a 50-piece limited-edition watch created with UK retailer The Limited Edition and Scottish Watches to mark 50 years since the Soviet Mars-3 lander reached Mars on December 2, 1971. Its distinctive dial evokes the lander’s brief, distorted image transmission, while a 24-hour dial and rotating bezel give Earth and Martian time separate roles.
What is the Raketa Mars-3?
Announced in December 2021, the Raketa Mars-3 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Mars-3 landing. The collaboration brought together Russian watchmaker Raketa, The Limited Edition and Scottish Watches. Mars-3 touched down on the Martian surface on December 2, 1971, and transmitted an image before communication stopped. Raketa says that image was the watch’s main inspiration: Raketa’s launch announcement describes the source as “the image that was taken and sent by the Soviet lander – Mars 3 – on 2 December 1971.”
The dial turns that fragment of space history into a textured, rusty-looking surface. Raketa’s announcement describes laser engraving on a brass dial followed by a hand-operated etching process; Europa Star calls it bronze. Because launch accounts use different material names, “bronze-colored” is the safer description than treating the precise alloy as settled. Europa Star’s December 2021 presentation of the watch also describes the dial as laser-engraved.
According to the launch press release, the dial markings sit on the underside of the sapphire crystal, creating a parallax effect as the viewing angle changes. The hour and minute hands are bronze-colored and luminous; a red seconds hand provides contrast.
#1 Best Overall
- Custom model. Original vintage movement + Brand new case and dial.
- 24 hours movement
- Day/Night
- Mechanical, Manual winding-up
- Case size (without crown): 43 mm. Thickness 10 mm
How does the Raketa Mars-3 show Martian time?
The dial is a 24-hour display for Earth time, rather than the familiar 12-hour arrangement. The bezel carries a scale for Martian sols, and Raketa’s launch description says the wearer can rotate it to set Mars time for a selected Mars time zone. A sol lasts 24 hours, 39 minutes and 35 seconds in Earth time, as reported by Raketa, Europa Star and Monochrome Watches.
In practical terms, the design places Earth time on the dial and a Mars-time reference on the bezel. It is an unusual horological display, not a claim that the watch is a calibrated scientific instrument or that it independently calculates local time on Mars.
Rank #2
- Custom model. Original vintage movement + Brand new case and deal.
- Mechanical, Manual winding-up
- New leather band
- Stainless still back
- Watch size: 42x12mm (without crown)
Specifications and edition details
| Specification | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 43mm stainless steel. Monochrome additionally lists 13.15mm thickness and 47mm lug-to-lug. |
| Movement | Raketa calibre 2624a, automatic; 18,000 vibrations per hour and a stated 40-hour power reserve. |
| Display | 24-hour hours, minutes and seconds, with a rotating Martian-sol bezel. |
| Crystal and caseback | Sapphire front crystal and mineral exhibition caseback, according to Europa Star and Monochrome. |
| Straps | Calfskin leather strap with red lining, plus an additional black rubber strap. Monochrome lists a 22mm lug width. |
| Water resistance | Not consistent in the launch-era sources: Europa Star lists 50m, while Monochrome lists 200m. Confirm the individual watch’s paperwork or with Raketa. |
| Production | 50 individually numbered pieces. |
The case, movement and strap details above are reported in the December 2021 coverage by Europa Star and Monochrome Watches. The sources disagree on water resistance, so that figure should not be assumed from one account when assessing a particular example.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price and availability
When the watch launched in December 2021, Monochrome reported an original price of £1,680 or €1,940, excluding taxes. That is historical launch pricing, not a current retail quote.
Rank #3
- Custom model. Original vintage movement + Brand new case and dial.
- Case size: 43 mm
- 2609 Movement
- New band
- Mechanical, Manual winding-up
The Limited Edition’s product page currently presents a pre-owned example described as mint condition and accompanied by its box, papers and warranty. The page displayed an asking price of £9,500 including UK VAT when checked. This is one seller’s listing, not a market average or evidence of a completed sale; availability and price can change. Check the listing directly for its latest status and terms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Custom model. Original vintage movement + Brand new case and dial.
- 24 hours movement
- 19 Ruby Jewels
- Mechanical, Manual winding-up
- Case size (without crown): 43 mm. Thickness 10 mm
Rank #4
- Custom model. Original vintage movement + Brand new case and dial.
- 24 hours movement
- 19 Ruby Jewels
- Mechanical, Manual winding-up
- Case size (without crown): 43 mm. Thickness 10 mm
What to check when considering one
- Confirm the individual watch: With only 50 numbered examples, check the serial number and that the watch matches the seller’s description.
- Verify provenance and included items: Review the condition, box, papers and any stated warranty rather than assuming they accompany every resale example.
- Ask about water resistance: Published launch-era figures conflict, so request documentation for the specific watch or confirmation from Raketa before relying on a rating.
- Assess fit: The 43mm diameter and Monochrome’s 47mm lug-to-lug measurement are useful reference points; compare them with a watch that fits you comfortably.
- Compare asking prices cautiously: A live listing is a seller’s current ask, not proof of typical value. Condition, completeness and provenance matter when comparing examples.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
