Brand collaborations are becoming more common, but only a few go beyond a single release.
The Los Angeles brand Nodus and the Kansas-based company Raven Watches have reached the fourth stage of collaboration in the TrailTrekker series. The new model combines elements from the Raven Trekker and Nodus Contrail, resulting in practical GMT watches for travelers with unique individuality. The latest version - TrailTrekker Carbon - offers the most technical design, replacing traditional dial and bezel materials with forged carbon, while maintaining the compact size and everyday functionality of previous models.
Design and Case of TrailTrekker Carbon
The TrailTrekker Carbon features a familiar 316L stainless steel case with a gray DLC coating, measuring 39.5 mm in diameter and 11.8 mm in thickness. The lug-to-lug distance is 46.6 mm, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist. The matte case finish, treated with media blasting, gives the watch a technical and purposeful appearance. The screw-down crown, water resistance up to 200 meters, and box sapphire crystal emphasize that these are genuine tool watches, not just a design experiment.
The main visual difference is the fixed 24-hour bezel made from forged carbon with Super-LumiNova applied, then engraved and filled with luminescent material. This approach ensures not only a blue glow in the dark but also the uniqueness of each model - no two bezels look the same.
Dial and Legibility
The same forged carbon with luminescent coating is used on the dial, creating smooth layers of gray and black colors, giving the watch greater depth compared to traditional matte dials of tool watches. In the dark, the unique patterns glow with the same blue light as the bezel.
On the dial, polished gunmetal indices filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9 provide high contrast and excellent readability even in low light conditions. The only color accent is the red GMT hand. The dial layout remains restrained and functional, relying on the clean and easily readable design of Raven, without competing with the naturally complex texture of the carbon. This solution allows the material to take center stage without sacrificing usability.
Miyota 9075 Movement: A Reliable Choice for Travelers
Inside the TrailTrekker Carbon is the Japanese automatic caliber Miyota 9075 - one of the key movements in the affordable GMT segment over the past years. As true travelers' watches, they feature independent local time hour hand adjustment, which is especially useful for frequent flyers across time zones. This movement has already earned recognition among many enthusiast-oriented brands, offering about 42 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
One drawback of the Miyota 9075 is its not very attractive appearance, but Nodus thoughtfully hides the movement behind a screw-down case back with fine engraving, while maintaining a slim case profile and clean design.
Straps and Usability
The watch comes with a familiar steel bracelet with flat links, finished in the same matte gray DLC as the case. The bracelet features the NEM (Nodus Extension Module) clasp with quick length adjustment. The set also includes a new Fusion FKM rubber strap with integrated metal inserts at the ends, offering a sportier style without disrupting the masculine and tool watch image. The quick-release spring bar system allows for easy strap changes, giving the owner two different styles to choose from.
Practicality and Market Positioning
The TrailTrekker has always occupied a unique niche, combining the practicality of a traveler's GMT with the reliability of tool watches for outdoor activities. The forged carbon variant develops this concept without changing the main advantages of the original. Nodus and Raven have chosen materials that give the watch an individual character while maintaining simplicity and high functionality.
Priced at $1,075 USD, including both the steel bracelet and rubber strap, the model remains an attractive offering for enthusiasts looking for something different in the crowded GMT market.
Technical Specifications and Availability of Nodus x Raven TrailTrekker Carbon
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nodus x Raven Watches |
| Model | TrailTrekker Carbon |
| Case Size | 39.5 mm (diameter) x 11.8 mm (thickness) x 46.6 mm (lug-to-lug) |
| Case Material | 316L stainless steel with gray DLC coating |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters |
| Crystal | Sapphire, box-effect |
| Dial | Forged carbon with luminescent coating |
| Lug Width | 20 mm |
| Bracelet | Steel bracelet with flat links, gray DLC, NEM clasp; Fusion FKM rubber strap with integrated metal inserts |
| Movement | Miyota 9075, automatic |
| Power Reserve | ~42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT |
| Availability | Pre-order from July 22 |
| Price | $1,075 USD |