It’s hard to believe it’s been over a decade since the Raven Trekker was introduced to the watch world. Back then, it was a watch I read about constantly, and I was always drawn to the value the watch presented as an early collector. Over the years, it’s been a pleasure to see Steve Laughlin’s brand grow—as it brought us hits like the Venture and newer co-branded projects like the TrailTrekker. But in my eyes, the Trekker has always stood at the heart of his brand. We were always hungry to see how the model would grow with each new iteration, and now, Raven has announced the latest 2024 lineup of Raven Trekker models along with a version that calls back to an earlier Raven model—the Raven Vintage.
One of the really cool things about the 2024 Trekker is the case design. The case size, at 39mm, hits a sweet spot between durability and comfort, making it a mid-size that’s equally fit for the wild and any other kind of everyday wear. Lug to lug is 48mm and the case thickness sits at 12.5mm
Raven pays homage to its roots, offering the watch in its Vintage Blue colorway—a nod to the original Raven Vintage model, which came with sword hands and a military dial. That’s classic, yet it feels fresh among its lineup of adventure watches, an amazing balance between Raven heritage and contemporary function.
Those who prefer a more modern look can get the Trekker in the Matte Edition with a fully sandblasted stainless steel case and a matte black dial. Accented by a black PVD-coated bezel and crown, this gives the piece a real tough, tactical aesthetic without being overtly flashy. I think it’s perfect for those who like function over flair. Meanwhile, the Gloss Grey model flaunts its polished ceramic bezel matched with a similarly hued dial, featuring a sleek, modern aesthetic thanks to bold hands and a touch of orange for subtlety. This would be my pick these days.
Despite the aesthetic refresh, the fundamental Trekker is still there, with a number of tweaks aimed at improving both comfort and performance. The new slimmer profile is courtesy of a redesigned case back and a lowered crystal, while water resistance has been reduced to 200 meters from 300 meters. But this reduction doesn’t sacrifice the toughness for wearability; it makes it more apt for day-to-day use without compromising its rugged DNA. Additionally, the oversized screw-down crown features further improvements in both grip and function, a welcome touch on a watch intended to accompany you on adventures.
Underneath the hood, the Raven Trekker is fitted with a tough-as-nails Miyota 9-series automatic movement with Parashock protection that’s able to take all bumps and scrapes associated with life on the trail. Available for $650 USD, the Trekker offers serious bang for your buck. The watch achieves refined aesthetics blended nicely with serious adventure capabilities.
Available from October 11, 2024, it’s a timely reminder that the Raven Trekker isn’t going anywhere—and I’m all for it. That grey version is really tugging at the heartstrings now.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.