Latest Review
Nodus and Raven have collaborated once again for their fourth edition of their popular TrailTrekker watch, a sporty GMT with EDC design codes. This new release is perhaps the most EDC oriented yet, with the prominent use of forged carbon fiber front and center on the dial and bezel, as well as lots of decorative lume. It also represents the first time a TrailTrekker has crossed the thousand dollar mark, but this one feels like it’s a step up in terms of its ambition, and seeing all four on the Nodus website side by side, it’s clear the two brands are building out a product line that can be taken in a number of different directions going forward.
The new TrailTrekker Carbon maintains certain core design elements that Nodus and Raven have always adhered to with these watches. The basic principle is relatively simple: it combines the Nodus Contrail’s sporty case profile with Raven’s dial design (most notably in their Trekker series) that prioritizes legibility and functionality above all else. Each TrailTrekker, including the new Carbon version, also makes use of the Miyota 9075 GMT movement, an easy to operate “true” GMT that is a genuinely great option for travel.
A huge part of the appeal of the original TrailTrekker was its unique bead blasted “Clay” colored case finishing. This new edition appears to have a similar vibe, with a gray DLC treatment over the steel case and bracelet that is just a shade or two lighter than solid black. Nodus and Raven have once again gone with bead blasting for the finishing, which seems like the best possible choice for a watch that really leans into its toolish nature.
What makes this watch special, though, is the dial and bezel, which are crafted from forged carbon fiber and infused with Super-Luminova. While I’m not normally a lume nut, I admit that I’m a bit of a sucker for lume in unexpected places. Full lume dials, lumed crowns, and lumed cases and bezels always put a smile on my face. I think I especially like these things on tool watches that are purpose built, because there’s this fun dichotomy between the lume that is functional (like on the hands and hour markers) and lume that is purely decorative. Tool watches can sometimes take themselves a little too seriously, particularly when they lean towards the tactical end of things, and lume infused carbon fiber is something that only exists for the fun of it, so I’m a fan.
The TrailTrekker Carbon measures 39.5mm in diameter and 11.8mm thick (it’s 46.6mm lug to lug). The case is water resistant to 200 meters, and the watch comes mounted to a steel bracelet fitted with the NEM (Nodus Extension Module) clasp. It also comes with an FKM rubber strap.
The TrailTrekker Carbon makes its debut at the Intersect Watch Show in Los Angeles this weekend, with orders opening to the public on July 22. The retail price is $1,075. Nodus x Raven
