Raven Venture Dive Watch Review

Raven Venture Dive Watch Review

Raven Venture Dive Watch Review

I usually consider that it is a rare and hugely valuable chance 

Raven Venture Dive Watch Review

Whenever I can interact with dedicated brand proprietors eager to demonstrate their goods. Actually, there’s nothing much better than feeling the entire concept of an item finally “clicking” after witnessing the tenacity and perseverance of the people dedicated to developing something totally new - particularly if we’re speaking about micro-brands. It was really area of the experience soon after ending up in Steve Laughlin of Raven Watches for an opportunity to preview the Raven Venture throughout an eventful day in Manhattan last fall. It’s a wrist watch that, surprisingly, did practically nothing for me personally in photos. But, after researching Laughlin’s vision for that watch, getting together with it, and finding what lengths smaller sized brands can push the boundaries of fit and finishing, I grew to become keen on this burly dive watch chock-filled with personality.

Raven continues to be there forever from the micro-brand saga and a year ago has truly proven that Laughlin is raring to produce as numerous models as you possibly can while being bold within this crowded market. In ways, the Raven Venture was initially should have been a kind of 42mm successor towards the Raven Trekker, which we reviewed this past year. However, after understanding that some of the design traits wouldn’t always translate well inside a bigger situation, plans for any new collection were rapidly drafted. It makes sense a wrist watch which i feel could be well suited for not just value-conscious watch enthusiasts, but individuals who are interested in the hobby.

The Raven Venture’s heft is instantly apparent and far of it's because the sturdy 42mm stainless situation. This specific example is made in brushed 316L stainless, but Raven also provides a completely sand-blasted version that gives a far more muted, almost titanium-like color tone. It is also a really proud situation, and therefore while it doesn't always put on tall at 12.5mm thick (same thickness like a modern Rolex Submariner), its presence is definitely felt. This isn’t certainly one of individuals “under the cuff” watches, however it isn’t intended to be and also the familiar situation shape could be more than satisfying for anybody seeking an “adventure watch.”

In addition, there's a great deal of detail that’s consistent along parts such as the 7.5mm screw-lower crown and also the unidirectional dive bezel using its matte ceramic insert. Getting together with these elements yields an optimistic response. The brushing is crisp and meets at dramatically highlighted situation corners and also the lugs curve and twist slightly to be able to support an appropriate fit. It is also important to note how good the clearance was calculated for a few of these components that sit so flush with one another. The situation measures 50mm lug-to-lug, includes a lug width of 20mm, and enables for 300m water resistance.

A number of individuals will rapidly notice 

That the Raven Venture dial borrows a lot of design inspiration in the Tudor Heritage Ranger. The characteristic 3, 6, 9 layout adorns a sizable part of visual space while serving to boost legibility. Raven also incorporated an identical snake mind hour hands that’s well-proportioned as compared to the simple minute hands. Both of them are of the sufficient length and blend well using the vibrant orange spear tip seconds hands. Around 4:30 we obtain a date window aperture. It personally didn’t bother me much and thankfully, Steve chose to utilize an identical date wheel.

Another fun feature may be the 12 o’clock hour marker, which just about jogs my memory from the “Big Triangle” Seamaster 300 mixers have acquired recognition recently. All of the dial markings are sharp, well-performed, and readable because of the high contrast design approach. To complement the design of the bezel, the dial can also be produced in a matte finish. However, odd bezel markings along with the random ’30’ at 6 o’clock makes it simple to forget passed time. Later on, I’d want to see Raven refine these bezel markings and possibly even provide a couple of different inserts - just like a 12-hour/second time zone option. Overall, the dial is satisfying to have interaction with and also the Super-LumiNova applied throughout is indeed a treat.

A considerable watch such as the Venture requires a substantial bracelet which is among the more interesting varieties I have seen within the micro-brand space. Every single link is solid, brushed stainless and also the finish links are solid too. It offers a premium believe that has truly just brought me to prevent altering straps altogether - I’d almost feel like the timepiece could be incomplete with no bracelet. So as the 22mm lug width works very well with a variety of straps, I believe the bracelet provides the best putting on experience and keeps the general feel from the watch very balanced. For more added comfort, Raven engineered a chunky clasp including a ratcheting dive extension.

The clasp is of these two-button variety having a positive action that feels completely secure when closed. It provides a awesome Raven emblem and didn’t really get a lot of scratches within my review period. The clasp is however around the thicker side and I’m almost still astonished by just how much it stands apart from underneath the wrist. While this may be because of the built-in ratcheting mechanism, I know there might be a method to address the problem later on models. Really, unless of course I had been typing away inside my desk, I did not notice it. But, if you are the kind to prevent just as much bulk as you possibly can, this is usually a watch to steer clear of. That stated, the bracelet does in addition have a nice taper to the design which was very useful once the watch was shackled by my 7.25″ wrist.

The Raven Venture, In my opinion, is among 

The first models from Raven to feature the ETA-2824 automatic movement. I know it’s a fairly sleep-inducing option for over a couple of watch nuts, but when again, I believe it’s ideal for individuals seeking ease of access. Besides, the entire “Swiss-made” factor isn’t even paraded around the dial but for the cost, I believe this selection adds a lot of value. This can be a minimal maintenance watch, but one that's really worth servicing and looking after for life.

The instance I had been entrusted with simply lost a couple of seconds each day and everything was smooth to function through the nice, grippy crown. Similar to every other standard ETA, the movement operates at 28,800 bph, includes a 40-hour power reserve, and is capable of doing hacking and hands-winding. A good, screw-lower caseback keeps everything hidden and completes the package. To my understanding, Raven also regulates and inspects these in-house, but it’s unclear when the practice is transported on throughout their models.