The ballance bridges of Raketa 26XX (and cap jewels) are interchangeable. The watch needs a service. The winding stem problem is also not that hard to repair, but needs the hands/dial lifted. Hope you find someone to help you out with servicing the watch.
Ivan

 

I sympathise - I avoid putting a $30 strap on a $10 watch. Part of the reason I collect Soviet watches is the cost.

Having said that, I think you're looking at the problem the wrong way 'round. The Raketa isn't something to hold on to until it's worth a fortune in later life - unless something drastically changes in watch collecting, it'll never be worth that of even low-end "luxury" watches. I understand the urge to purge oneself of a lemon and take aim for an apple the next time 'round, but owning a mechanical watch you're going to need to get it serviced eventually. May as well get it in running order early on and set yourself up for ease later.

If a local shop won't touch it, you might need to search around for recommendations, or do some Googling, and post that sucker off. Living in Australia and collecting vintage cameras, sending something 3-4,000km to get fixed is grim reality. At least the postage on a watch is low! A bellow camera is a nightmare.

 

Thanks for the responses. I definitely don't expect it appreciate in value. I'm interested to know what to expect as for a service cost, which I know can vary by location. I've had some basic service done on my Japanese watches for $50 range and was expecting something similar for the Raketa, after finding the right shop. One place quoted me a minimum of $125 and sending it to California - which is what led me to thinking I should just buy a different one.

 

My opinion: you will certainly not find a watchmaker who has original spare parts for old RAKETA watches.
If this Raketa means so much to you, you have to buy a second watch as a spare parts dispenser. May be a broken one.

regards, Michael

 

I actually was able to find a local watchmaker who repaired it for ~$60. The guy is Russian and was totally surprised to see a Raketa.

More $ than I wanted to put into it, but not too bad in hindsight. Runs great.

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Success story!

I don't know what watchmakers charge, but $60 seems very reasonable for what must have taken over an hour and years of accumulated expertise.