The 2024 Raven Trekker
I was fortunate enough to meet Jake Witkin earlier this year and be introduced to Raven watches. Our original meet up was at a coffee shop in Buffalo NY to discuss Nodus. At the time Jake was sporting a Nodus/Raven Collab Trailtrekker GMT which is a complete stunner of a watch and piqued my interest. I was introduced that day to a line up of watches that were previously not on my radar. I can say now I am more then thankful for the introduction, and I am looking forward to writing this review and adding a Raven to my collection.
With over a decade of evolution the Trekker has proven to be an ultimate adventure watch and an everyday piece that stands out amongst the micro brand community. The fit and finish of this watch is leagues ahead of any other watch I have held at this price point, and it really makes me question the thousands of dollars needed to achieve a more popular mainstream purchase.
Price aside this watch screams take me outside and I can’t wait to do so and give it the adventures it so much deserves. The Trekkers look gives off this vibe of adventure that Is very hard to describe but here’s my attempt. I did a review previously of a NODUS Sector Deep Black and described it as coming from the depths of the ocean at night to assist you while offshore. So here’s what is see looking at the Trekker.
The Trekker holds do I dare say Land, Air and capable of Sea description, I feel the Trekker has come in from the back country, or has just rappelled down a rockface into a waiting vintage land rover and is heading back to a cabin to throw some logs on the fire, kick your feet up with a glass of whisky, and read some Jack Carr. It has all the hallmarks of a great vintage inspired dive watch. With subtle key nods here and there that are not overdone, and the modern case feels bulletproof on the wrist. It feels secure.
The watch community likes to throw around the term “Tool” watch and I couldn’t think of a better piece deserving of this title. It does not scream bulky tool though; this watch is not a crescent wrench or a hammer. It’s a finer tool. Like a robust micrometer? An instrument designed for fine measurement. Precisely measuring time and giving you unparalleled accuracy and reliability. A watch I wish I would have had with me during my time in the service.
So lets kick off this review with a first impressions and detailed watch review shall we?
Packaging & Unboxing
The Trekker Came in a sleeve style carboard box. Simple construction but very well done. The sleeve has a high-definition image of Man standing on a mountain ridge under a blue sky looking towards more mountains and immediately gives you this sense of adventure. The company name and logo are done in white contrasting brilliantly to the blue sky, with the model “Trekker” Done in black. Sliding off the cover and opening the box I was met with warranty cards and a blue sticker. Stating “RAVEN WRIST WATCHES BUILT FOR ADVENTURE” Since 2008. Which quickly made it to the back of my laptop. Under these documents revealed the Trekker. Sitting in the foam insert at first glance I was really impressed with the finish and size. The Matte Sand Blasted finish was perfectly done giving it a very tough anti scratch appearance. The bezel and crown were done in a matte black which flows perfectly with the dial under that beautifully done AR Coated Box Sapphire Crystal. The 39mm size is a sweet spot for me and I couldn’t be more excited to size this piece and get it on the wrist.
On The Wrist
After easily adjusting the bracelet thanks to the screwed links I was able to get a snug fit just with the removal of a couple links. As always, I like to take the watches I review outside as soon as possible, and boy was I not disappointed. Immediately the AR Coated Box Sapphire crystal went to work. It was around noon and the sun was directly above me giving me ample light on the Trekker. The size of the watch fits very comfortably on my wrist very low profile and the contrast of black to bead blasted stainless steel is very appealing. The bezel action is very crisp and tactile with a coin edge which is my personal favourite for operational use. The matte dial under that blue hued AR coated sapphire is highly legible and the touch of almost a national geographic orange/yellow gives you a subtle artistic vibe with what I believe is a nod to adventure itself. The 12, 3, 6 and 9 are all done in a very retro style font and give the dial a great symmetry. I have always been a fan of the 12, 3, 6, and 9 layouts after I scored a 1965 Gold Tudor Oyster Prince from my local watch shop. This watch just feels well built, with the case shape and chamfers on the bottom edge are a refined feeling aiding in wrist movement potentially while rock climbing or simply having my wrist at a 90 while doing press ups. Its functional and tough looking. I love how the only shine on the Trekker is the blue AR coating and the rest is all business.
Detailed Review and Specifications
Case: 39mm
Case Finish: Sand blasted
Lug to Lug: 48mm
Bracelet: 20mm to 16mm with Nodex clasp
Thickness: 12.5mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Miyota 9015/9039
Crystal: Box sapphire/AR coated
Lume: SuperLumiNova Blue
Dial: Matte black with printed lume
Bezel: Matte black DLC
As always, I will work from outside inward. The bracelet is brilliantly done at 20mm at the lugs and tapering down to 16mm at the clasp. The End links are female and that’s a big plus in my books, it keeps the length of the watch down and lets the bracelet fall straight down wrapping your wrist providing better comfort. The clasp is NodeX and incredibly smooth to operate. With a Raven Logo signed double push button deployant clasp and a very easy to adjust diving extension this watch is ready for your heart rate to climb and wrists to swell while out in the back country.
The bead blasted finish on the overall watch feels of great quality giving it a tough but elegant finish that feels great in hand and on wrist. The case diameter is 39mm and the lug to lug is 48mm. This is a true 48mm as well as stated earlier the female end link does not protrude adding length and the integration of the end link and lugs has zero play and is a snug fit adding a sense of security that your spring bars which are quick release are not taking a lot of pressure under stress. The drilled lugs themselves are hooked down softly and have the side profile of what I can only describe as a bird’s beak. Pure class. The DLC matte black screw down crown has no crown guards (another nod to the past) and is embossed with the Raven Logo and knurled perfectly to operate. Speaking of operation, the Trekkers crown is buttery smooth and easy to purchase and operate. Add the screw down crown and case back gives this piece a 200m water resistance.
Moving inward we reach the matching DLC matte black bezel as stated earlier it is a dream to operate very functional. With contrasting white hash marks every 5 minutes and a white triangle and pip at the twelve it says trust me and I would. Zero back play and it must have a decent amount of pressure to operate meaning it won’t be easily knocked out of position. Props. Next the box sapphire crystal and AR coating. Pronounced but not overly done to seem retro remake this sapphire sits in a modern seat with ultimate clarity and a playful distortion at certain angles. Under the sapphire we are greeted with a very well-done layout on the dial. Matte black with contrasting white printed on indices. With a healthy application of blue Superluminova this dial, and bezel are a dream to read in low light conditions and the lume last the night.
The indices are very legible with the 12, 3, 6 and 9 dial layout and the rest being rectangular in shape. The chapter ring is also printed in that National Geographic orangish/yellow perfectly aligned for seconds and minute tracking. Just under the 12 you have Ravens Logo and Text also printed in white on the dial. Above the 6 you have “Trekker” in matching yellow and some specs of water resistance at “200M/650FT” in white. Moving inward to the hands. The hands are white and rectangular in shape loaded with Superluminova as well, with the hour hand just reaching shy of the indices as to not overlap and the minute hand reaching all the way to the minute track aligning perfectly. The yellow seconds hand shape reminds me of a tempo keeping needle from music class. The “counterweight” side is slightly thicker as it thins out towards the minute track your met by a paddle of lume which aids in nighttime seconds keeping and then has a tip that overlaps the exact second as it sweeps along. Speaking of sweeping this Trekker is sporting a Miyota 9015/9039 movement. A work horse and a movement that can be worked on if need be, by most watchmakers. Or keep it faithful in years to come and send it to Raven themselves which I am sure they would be happy to assist in any time keeping issues should they arise, which I would say they most likely wont. Knowing the Miyota as the Toyota Hylux of movement world. It’ll take a beating. On the back side of the watch, we have the specs and Raven logo. I do like a sanitized case back with minimal information which the Trekker provides. No need for an overdone sapphire case back on a tool watch in my opinion.
I have been able to wear the Trekker for over a week now and I can honestly say it feels luxury. I believe luxury is in the eye of the person holding the timepiece and is drastically different from each individual’s perspective. In my opinion the Trekker sits leagues above most watches in the microbrand world. Only time will tell how it holds up against the knocks I’m certain it will take on my many adventures. But to be honest I have zero doubts in Ravens quality and look forward to rocking the trekker around the world.
Conclusion
The Trekker is a rock-solid companion that has been beautifully crafted for a rugged back country explorer or a desk diver who dreams of the mountains on his desktop or his next vacation away from the daily grind. The specs are there, the materials are great, the finish is second to none and the movement will keep you on time and ready for whatever life throws at you. I truly enjoyed reviewing the Trekker and will be purchasing one myself in the new year to add to the collection.
Special Thanks to Jake for hooking up our team with a watch to review. Hats off to Raven for creating the Trekker, it’s a killer watch and deserve a place on the wrist of any modern adventurer looking for a sturdy trustworthy time piece.
As Always,
Stay Sketchy
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