Not unlike the crown on a Tudor Black Bay, the Raven Trekker 40’s crown does not screw flush to the case edge, rather it sits atop a small tube that extends from the case. This is presumably done to ensure the free movement of the bezel while still offering a large and easy-to-grip crown. While the raised position is bound to bother some (as it does on the Black Bay), I found the Raven Trekker 40’s signed crown to be really easy to use, largely thanks to its larger size and clearance from the case edge. The case shape and finishing is simple but effective and far from sloppy. In many ways, the Raven Trekker 40 reminded me of my old Marathon TSAR, especially when fitted to the included rubber strap. The similar case shape and use of a larger crown design gave the Raven Trekker 40 a very similar wrist presence, though its general look is certainly more vintage than military.
Much like most of its competition, the Raven Trekker 40 uses the Miyota 9015 automatic movement. Most of the watches I review use this movement, and it’s never given me any trouble, even in a handful of pieces I’ve owned for several years. Its direct competition is the increasingly expensive ETA 2824 and the 9015 seems a fitting competitor, capable of accurate timekeeping, offering hacking and hand-winding and a similar service experience. These days, if you’re spending under US $1000 in this space, it’s likely for a 9015.
All of the non-DLC versions of the Raven Trekker 40 come with three mount options, a solid steel finish-matched jubilee bracelet with a fold over safety clasp, a black rubber strap, and a grey nylon NATO-style strap. The bracelet uses dual-sided screws (requiring two screwdrivers for adjustment), has four micro-adjust positions in the clasp, and its end links are solid and captive (meaning they aren’t secured using the same spring bar which holds the bracelet to the case). Very few brands are making jubilee-style bracelets, but I’m sure many readers are aware of the jubilee bracelet that Seiko has long offered with watches like the SKX007 diver, and in comparison, the Trekker 40 bracelet is a huge step up over that of the tinny and rattle-happy Seiko bracelet.
While the Raven Trekker 40 bracelet is a bit tough to size and mount to the case, it is undoubtedly solid and very comfortable, weighing some 150g when sized to my 7-inch wrist. Furthermore, not only is the jubilee a welcome change from the common three link style, it looks great on the Raven Trekker 40 and feels part of a single design process. While basic, both the included black rubber and the nylon strap are comfortable, offering a lightweight alternative to the bracelet. For those that prefer to wear a NATO on most of their watches, the included NATO is very soft, with a cottony feel and oversized hardware. The rubber is smooth and comfy with a rigid design that will likely best suit those will less boney wrists than mine (perhaps this is why I’m a NATO guy at heart).
Many years ago, watches like the Raven Trekker 40 brought me past a general appreciation of my Columbia quartz field watch or a Timex Indiglo and into the less-casual arena of the watch enthusiast. Stemming from the early days of Benarus Morays, Halios Holotypes, Ocean7 LM-2s, and Bathys 100 Fathoms with Ruthenium dials, I think we are in a golden era of sub-$1000 sport watches. Combining a welcome mix of affordability, features, and straightforward build quality, the Raven Trekker 40 is an excellent example of the evolution within this space and of adventure-inspiring watches in general. While I like to wear my watches while adventuring (I took my EXPII up Mt Baker twice last year), doing so will undoubtedly put some ample wear and tear on a watch.
While many enthusiasts may acquire a luxury sport watch from a brand like Rolex, many would be too scared to actually beat the hell out of their watch while adventuring. While I certainly don’t think of a watch like the Raven Trekker 40 as a “beater” (that’s why I like to keep a g-shock around), I would say it is more Wrangler than G-Wagon. You put it on wrist and just do what you want, unburdened by any worry that it might get a knock or pick up a few scratches.
Of the handful of Benarus and Raven watches I’ve worn and reviewed over the past several years, the Raven Trekker 40 is my favorite. It’s burly without being too big, thoughtful but not overdone, and it nails the key tenants of a sport watch. With a list price of US $690 ($750 for the DLC RT07), it comes in well below the four-figure mark and establishes a strong value statement with an included bracelet as well as the rubber and nato straps. Delivered in a travel-ready zippered leather case, the Raven Trekker 40 is the sort of watch that might make a guy get off the couch, kick around in the woods, and start googling local PADI courses. ravenwatches.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Raven
>Model: Trekker 40
>Price: US $690
>Size: 40mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone looking to step out of the Seiko comfort zone to find a nicely designed everyday sport diver.
>Best characteristic of watch: The mix of size and heft in a really wearable design.
>Worst characteristic of watch: The crystal is reflective.
