Back in May 2011 we reviewed the excellent Raven Trekker. A pure USA made steel tool watch that delivered. We really liked its simplicity and functional style. At WatchGecko we also stock the American brand Nodus so when we heard about a collaboration between these two US brands it was exciting.
Nodus X Raven TrailTrekker GMT - Credit Nodus
Project TrailTrekker is the code name for a strategic alliance between Nodus and Raven Watches. Through years of friendship and global travels, the two brands decided to come together to create the ultimate outdoor watch, designed without compromise. Both Nodus and Raven watches are renowned for their resilience and practicality combined with advanced manufacturing methodology resulted in timepieces fit for the wilds.
The inspiration for the watch was the terrain in an imaginary journey between the two states where the watch companies are based, Kansas and California. This would involve tracking the Gold Coast which would be a perilous journey requiring first class equipment - and part of that equipment would be a new watch designed for purpose.
Nodus X Raven TrailTrekker GMT - Credit Nodus
Both Raven and Nodus assessed their portfolios and decided that the new watch could be created from the merging of the classic Raven Trekker and the Nodus Contrail. The final version would be called the TrailTrekker and seen as an evolution of both watches as well as a new creation.
From a design perspective the TrailTrekker is everything you would expect from this merging of creative minds. It is a paragon of durability, anchored in a 316L stainless steel case and bracelet. To enhance its resilience, diamond-like coating and Cerakote® application have been incorporated.
Nodus X Raven TrailTrekker GMT - Credit Nodus
To compliment the rugged appearance in mechanical way, a matte grey DLC finish on the case and bracelet embodies the terrain of the Midwest and matches the gunmetal hands and applied indices. For added protection, the fixed bezel and dial are coated with a sand colored Cerakote®. The bezel features an engraved 24-hour scale filled in with black lacquer for tracking a second time zone.
The TrailTrekker case back showcases an image of the iconic caravans that traveled from Kansas to California in the 19th Century, a perilous journey undertaken by original settlers who sought a better life along the Pacific Gold Coast.
Nodus X Raven TrailTrekker GMT - Credit Nodus
Powering the TrailTrekker is the Miyota 9075. This automatic GMT movement combines precision with the flexibility to regulate in-house for even greater accuracy. With a jumping local hour hand and a second time zone, this is a “true” GMT. A compact case design allows does not compromise 200-meter water resistance.
This is an exciting collaboration, and the result is everything we would have expected and more. The new TrailTrekker sets an impressive standard for field and outdoor GMT watches and if this is an example of what Nodus and Raven can do together let's hope there is another collaboration soon.
Nodus X Raven TrailTrekker GMT - Credit Nodus
Technical Specifications of the Nodux X Raven TrailTrekker
- Case: 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, 39.5mm case width x 11.8mm thickness x 46.6mm lug-to-lug x 20mm lug width
- Finish: Specialist Grey DLC matte
- Crown: Black DLC screw-down
- Glass: Box sapphire crystal with blue anti-reflective coating on the underside
- Bezel: Fixed 24-hour bezel with Cerakote® ceramic coating
- Lume: Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade A (blue glow)
- Water resistance: 200 Meters
- Bracelet: Flat-Link 20mm-16mm taper. Proprietary NodeXTM Clasp. Quick-release springbars plus additional ballistic nylon strap.
- Movement: Miyota 9075 Flyer-Style GMT. Regulated in-house to ±8 seconds per day, 28,800 VPH. Power Reserve of 42 hours
