I apologize in advance to all watch enthusiasts, as this will not be a classic review of a watch as you might expect. This time, I have a watch on my desk that is intriguing for many other reasons – the Nubeo Star Trek Enterprise-D chronograph.
Nubeo is one of the brands that has long captured my attention, which is not surprising given that their watch designs are anything but ordinary. I also owned one of their watches for a while, specifically the Mars model. Their watches are often quite massive, featuring unusual shapes and vibrant colors that stand out in a sea of conventional timepieces. Although the brand initially developed as a Swiss microbrand, it has been part of the Solar Time group from China for several years now. This group also includes some more well-known and perhaps somewhat more conventional brands like Spinnaker, Avi-8, and Dufa.
In recent years, Nubeo has launched several very interesting collections in collaboration with others, the most widely known being the collection connected with NASA. While I find the NASA collection interesting due to my past enthusiasm for watches related to the space program, I was even more attracted to two other collections – one made in honor of the 45th anniversary of the video game Space Invaders, and the collection developed in collaboration with the STAR TREK franchise. The first is significant because it was a game from my youth, while the second appeals to me as a big fan of sci-fi and indirectly of STAR TREK.
I have a comprehensive collection of all the movies and series ever made to date in my DVD collection, including Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Enterprise, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Since I’m too young to have grown up with the original series, I was introduced to the Star Trek universe through The Next Generation, which is why it’s my favorite of all the mentioned series, with Captain Jean-Luc Picard being the best captain. However, I do not belong to those trekkies who buy all sorts of franchise products related to the series, let alone participate in conventions. Nonetheless, the collection of watches themed around Star Trek could not leave me indifferent, as it beautifully merges my love for timepieces with my passion for the iconic franchise.
The Star Trek watch collection consists of two models: one is the Star Trek Starfleet automatic watch with a Seiko NH35 movement, and the other is the Star Trek Enterprise-D chronograph with a Seiko Mecha-Quartz VK63 movement. Both models are available in three classic Star Trek colors – red, blue, and yellow. Although I generally prefer automatic watches over quartz ones for their craftsmanship and traditional appeal, I found the quartz watch here to be much more interesting. My decision to purchase one of these watches was not based on horological reasons; in fact, those were entirely irrelevant. Except for one thing – the price!
Both watch models were, from a horological perspective, outrageously expensive. The automatic watch was priced at $1,500, and the quartz chronograph at $1,100 (plus, of course, additional import duties). I quickly realized that this was a completely nonsensical price from a horological standpoint, simply exceeding the limit I was willing to pay for Star Trek memorabilia. It was a difficult pill to swallow, knowing that while I appreciated the craftsmanship, the price tag felt inflated for what they were offering.
Well, it seems I wasn’t the only one thinking this way, as despite both models being limited to only 200 pieces of each color, the watches were not sold out, and almost all models remained available even months after their release. This was particularly surprising given the brand's affiliation with such a beloved franchise. Moreover, Nubeo significantly reduced the official prices, with some dealers offering even better deals. For example, the automatic watch was available at Watches.com for just $377, and the chronograph for $286. And the best part, they were offering an additional Black Friday discount on these prices! Now, these prices are much more reasonable, so I seized the opportunity and grabbed the last Command Red chronograph watch they had in stock, for which I paid $228. With shipping and all duties for the EU, I ended up paying €280 for the watch.
For that price, the watch is worth every cent for a Star Trek fan. The packaging does not disappoint at all! Inside a cardboard box, adorned with some iconic starships on the inside, there is a waterproof, high-quality plastic case, holding the watch and a picture of the ship from The Next Generation, the Enterprise-D, which is also the main motif on the watch. The attention to detail in the packaging reflects the care and thoughtfulness that Nubeo has put into this collection.
It was this striking silhouette of the Enterprise that was the main reason I opted for the chronograph version of the watch, as the automatic version only features the Star Trek logo in the center of the dial, which is quite dull in comparison to the Enterprise ship.
The Enterprise is crafted with incredible precision, and Nubeo put great effort into capturing as many details as possible. It's a shame that some of these details aren’t visible to the naked eye. Another drawback is that the saucer section is partially covered by the chronograph hand, which for example covers the iconic registration number NCC-1701-D.
In addition to the Enterprise, the watch features the Star Trek logo in three places (at the rear end of the chronograph hand, on the crown, and on the case back), and the left side of the case proudly displays the text "STAR TREK." With a bit of imagination, you can spot other interesting details on the dial, such as the blue lines at 6:00, which even glow blue in the dark. Some interpret this as a nod to the computer interface, but for me, it evokes the Warp Drive.
I must specifically praise the colors. As mentioned, the watches come in three colors: "medical blue," "explorer yellow," and "command red." The names themselves clearly reference the uniforms worn by the crew of the Enterprise-D. The shades are an excellent match to the actual uniform colors. It’s also commendable that the color of the rubber strap perfectly matches the dial color.
From a Trekkie’s perspective, the watch is an excellent product. However, given all the Star Trek elements, it’s safe to say that only Trekkies are likely to buy such a watch. That said, it’s important to also evaluate the watch from the perspective of a watch enthusiast. And here, my excitement fades.
First, the watch is quite large and thick. It measures 47.5mm in diameter at its widest point (excluding the crown and pushers). The curved tonneau design doesn’t help visually reduce its size (even though the lug-to-lug isn’t outrageously large); if anything, it makes it appear even bigger. Personally, the size doesn’t bother me, but it’s definitely too large for the average wearer.
The second issue is the use of mineral glass. I can’t understand why Nubeo didn’t opt for sapphire. The watch is so big and thick that it’s impossible to hide it under a sleeve, leaving it exposed to accidental scratches and impacts – not a great scenario for mineral glass. Speaking of scratches, the whole PVD coated case and bezel are also quite delicate in this respect...
The third issue lies in the choice of movement. I already mentioned that the movement selection bothers me from a Trekkie perspective, as the chronograph second hand disrupts the view of the Enterprise’s saucer. Additionally, the small subdials (24-hour indicator at 3:00, seconds at 6:00, and the chronograph minute counter at 9:00) stick out awkwardly from the Enterprise design, breaking its silhouette. However, I must commend Nubeo for attempting to make the subdials as discreet as possible and, even more impressively, for using rotating discs instead of hands for all three. If they had to include a chronograph movement, they at least implemented it smartly.
Still, I have to reflect further on the choice of a chronograph. If they wanted a chronograph movement, why didn’t they make it more functional? Looking closely at the chronograph minute counter, you’ll notice it has very little practical use. A chronograph is meant to measure time accurately, but it’s incredibly difficult to read the elapsed time on this subdial. The minute markers are vague, the pointer is very wide, and the entire subdial is small and hard to read.
Next thing is the date window. Namely, the placement of the date is also poorly executed. The dial is made of multiple layers, and the date window is on the bottom layer, making it quite recessed. A high border surrounds the date, obstructing the view. The date is only visible when viewed straight on, and even then, the surrounding colors make it hard to read. Once again, I question whether this complication is necessary for such a watch.
Personally, I would have opted for an automatic movement with a small seconds subdial at 6:00 (perhaps using another rotating disc) and no date. This would have made the watch less bulky (no chronograph pushers), allowing the Enterprise to shine in all its glory without being disrupted by chronograph subdials or a chronograph second hand.
The hands are difficult to comment on, as I already know them. They are typical Nubeo hands – (too) wide and part of the brand’s overall design language, which is either something you like or, more likely, find off-putting. However, they are undeniably unique compared to most watches, making them interesting for that reason alone. On a positive note, the Luminova is excellent.
I am slightly disappointed with the water resistance, which is only 5 ATM – essentially basic and suitable only for hand washing.
The quality of the strap, however, is excellent. It’s made of thick rubber, as it should be to match the size of the watch, yet it remains soft and comfortable.
Let's see now some wrist shots. Despite its size, the watch feels well-proportioned and doesn’t look overly aggressive on my wrist. Surprisingly, it’s very easy to wear. The watch isn’t too heavy or unwieldy. It feels completely natural.
So, what to write in conclusion? This is a very specific watch for a very niche segment of buyers. For myself, I can say that I’m incredibly happy to have purchased it—of course, considering how much I paid for it. At full price, I’d probably be kicking myself. If you’re not a Star Trek fan, there’s absolutely no reason to buy this watch, not even at the discounted prices. But if you are passionate about Star Trek, this watch will be a delightful addition to your everyday life.
P.S.: While reviewing this watch, I couldn’t help thinking—nobody in any version of Star Trek ever wears a watch! Perhaps the reason is that, during space travel, Earth time becomes irrelevant. But still—are we really headed for such a dull future—without watches?
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