The world of watches can be a bit stuffy at times. Luxury brands with their million-dollar price tags and heritage steeped in tradition can feel out of touch for the everyday adventurer. That’s where collaboration watches come in. These unique timepieces fuse the design sensibilities of two distinct watchmakers, often resulting in something fresh and exciting. The
Nodus x Raven TrailTrekker is a prime example of this.
The TrailTrekker springs from the creative partnership between Nodus Design Lab and Raven Watches. Nodus is a Californian microbrand known for its innovative and functional timepieces. Raven, on the other hand, is a Kansas-based watchmaker specializing in rugged, exploration-ready watches.
Courtesy of Nodus
For years, the two companies have fostered a friendly relationship, their founders bonding over a shared love of watches and exploration. This camaraderie eventually blossomed into a full-fledged collaboration, resulting in the TrailTrekker.
The TrailTrekker’s design draws inspiration from the perilous journeys undertaken by early American explorers venturing westward. The watch’s rugged construction is meant to evoke the resilience of these pathfinders, while its overall aesthetic reflects the harsh beauty of the American heartland.
The TrailTrekker features a 39.5mm matte gray DLC-coated stainless steel case [based on the image]. The DLC coating, short for Diamond-Like Carbon, is known for its exceptional scratch resistance, making it a perfect choice for an active timepiece. A fixed 24-hour bezel encircles the dial, its markings coated with Cerakote, a ceramic material known for its extreme durability.
A quick glance at the watch reveals a no-nonsense utilitarian face. The dial sports a clean, contemporary design with large, 3D-chamfered, gunmetal hands and indices. These markers are generously filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade A lume, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light conditions.
Courtesy of Nodus
Ticking away within the TrailTrekker is the Miyota 9075 GMT movement. This automatic workhorse from the famed Japanese movement maker is renowned for its reliability and ease of maintenance. But, what makes this movement a perfect fit for the TrailTrekker lies in its functionality - the independently adjustable hour hand.
Unlike standard GMT watches, the 9075 allows you to quickly adjust the local hour hand forward or backward in single-hour increments. This means no fiddling with the minute hand or date when zipping through time zones on your travels. The 24-hour hand, on the other hand, stays locked to your home time, allowing easy reference at a glance.
The TrailTrekker isn't just about rugged good looks. Every detail of the watch reinforces its expedition-ready ethos. As mentioned earlier, the case and bracelet are treated with a matte gray DLC coating, known for its extreme scratch resistance. However, the resilience doesn't stop there. The TrailTrekker's fixed 24-hour bezel and the underlying dial boast a layer of Cerakote.
Courtesy of Nodus
Cerakote isn't your average paint job. It's a ceramic-based coating originally developed for military and aerospace use. Cerakote offers unparalleled resistance to scratches, abrasion, chemicals, and corrosion. If you're the type who knocks watches around in the daily grind, this coating is your guardian angel.
Protecting the dial is a flat sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the underside. Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness, making it practically scratchproof – another testament to the watch’s go-anywhere durability.
The solid screw-down crown and substantial screw-down case back ensure that no adventure is too tough for the TrailTrekker. With a water resistance rating of 200 meters, you can ditch the worry when your trip takes a turn for the wet and wild.
Courtesy of Nodus
Ruggedness isn't the TrailTrekker's only strong suit—far from it. Its 39.5mm case diameter gives it a comfortable, modern presence on the wrist. The watch's relatively modest 11.8mm thickness and 46.6mm lug-to-lug dimension prevent it from turning into a cumbersome brick, promoting all-day wearability.
The fully articulated bracelet tapers from 20mm to 16mm at the clasp, providing a secure and balanced feel. Plus, thanks to the included set of quick-release spring bars, changing between the bracelet and the supplied ballistic nylon single-pass strap is a breeze. The watch even boasts Nodus’ proprietary NodeX clasp, which allows micro-adjustments on the fly for a perfect fit.
The sum of the TrailTrekker's parts creates a watch that's ready for just about anything. Its combination of durability, practicality, and a touch of design flair is a perfect reflection of the collaborative spirit between Nodus and Raven.
Nodus, true to its nature, brings a contemporary design edge to the table. Its focus on thoughtful functionality and meticulous finishing is evident in the TrailTrekker. Raven's influence, on the other hand, is seen in the watch's no-nonsense build quality and overt ruggedness. It's a testament to both brands that this fusion feels seamless rather than forced.
Courtesy of Nodus
It's easy to understand the allure of collaborations in the watchmaking world. They often produce unique timepieces that wouldn't be possible from either company on their own. The Nodus x Raven TrailTrekker is one such example. It's a well-built, superbly functional, and devilishly handsome watch that's equally at home on both urban escapades and backcountry excursions.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a budding watch enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a well-crafted tool, the TrailTrekker offers something truly special. Limited numbers and strong initial demand mean you'll have to act fast to get your hands on one. If you do, you'll have a timepiece that serves as a reminder of the power of friendship, collaboration, and the spirit of adventure.