I apologize in advance to all watch enthusiasts — this won’t be a classic watch review as you might expect. This time, I have a watch on my desk that intrigues me for many other reasons: the Nubeo Star Trek Enterprise-D chronograph.
Nubeo is one of those brands that has captured my attention for quite some time — and understandably so, as their watch designs are anything but ordinary. I even owned one of their models for a while, specifically the Mars. Nubeo timepieces are often large, with bold shapes and vibrant colors that make them stand out in a sea of conventional designs. Although the brand originally emerged 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 widely known — and perhaps more traditional — brands such as Spinnaker, AVI-8, and Dufa.
In recent years, Nubeo has launched several fascinating collections in collaboration with other entities. The most prominent among them is the NASA collection. While that line certainly piques my interest, given my long-standing enthusiasm for space-themed watches, I found myself even more drawn to two other collections — one created to mark the 45th anniversary of the video game Space Invaders, and the other developed in collaboration with the Star Trek franchise. The former resonates with me because Space Invaders was part of my youth, while the latter appeals to me as a dedicated sci-fi fan and, indirectly, a fan of Star Trek.
I have a comprehensive collection of all the movies and series ever made to date in my DVD library, 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 remains my favorite of all the mentioned series, with Captain Jean-Luc Picard being, in my opinion, the best captain.
However, I do not belong to those Trekkies who buy every possible franchise product 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 in this case 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.
From a horological perspective, both models were outrageously expensive. The automatic watch was priced at 1,500 dollars, and the quartz chronograph at 1,100 dollars (plus, of course, additional import duties). I quickly realized that this was a completely nonsensical price from a watchmaking standpoint, far beyond what I was willing to pay for Star Trek memorabilia. It was a difficult pill to swallow, knowing that while I appreciated the design and concept, the price tag felt inflated for what was being offered.
Well, it seems I wasn’t the only one who thought so. Despite both models being limited to only 200 pieces per color, they did not sell out, and almost all variants 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, and some dealers offered even better deals. For example, the automatic model was available on Watches.com for just 377 dollars, and the chronograph for 286 dollars. And the best part — they were offering an additional Black Friday discount on top of that. Now those prices made much more sense, so I seized the opportunity and bought the last Command Red chronograph they had in stock. I paid 228 dollars, and with shipping and all duties for the EU, the total came to 280 euros.
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, decorated on the inside with iconic starships, 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 thought that Nubeo has put into this collection.
It was this striking silhouette of the Enterprise that ultimately convinced me to choose the chronograph version of the watch. The automatic version only features the Star Trek logo at the center of the dial, which feels rather dull in comparison to the detailed rendering of the Enterprise.
The depiction of the Enterprise is executed with remarkable precision, and Nubeo clearly put a great deal of effort into capturing as many details as possible. It’s a pity that some of these fine elements aren’t visible to the naked eye. Another minor drawback is that the saucer section of the ship is partially obscured by the chronograph hand, which, for example, covers the iconic registration number NCC-1701-D.
In addition to the Enterprise itself, the watch includes the Star Trek logo in three places: at the tail end of the chronograph hand, on the crown, and on the case back. On the left side of the case, the text "STAR TREK" is proudly engraved. With a bit of imagination, other interesting design elements emerge on the dial — such as the blue lines at 6 o’clock, which even glow blue in the dark. Some interpret this as a nod to the computer interface, but to me, it evokes the Warp Drive.
Special praise goes to the colors. As mentioned, the watches are available in three tones: medical blue, explorer yellow, and command red. These names clearly reference the uniforms worn by the crew of the Enterprise-D, and the chosen shades are a great match to those from the series. It’s also commendable that the color of the rubber strap perfectly matches the dial, creating a visually cohesive look.
From a Trekkie’s perspective, the watch is an excellent product. However, considering all the Star Trek elements, it’s safe to say that only Trekkies are likely to buy such a watch. That said, it’s also important to evaluate it from the standpoint of a watch enthusiast — and here, my excitement begins to fade.
First of all, the watch is quite large and thick. It measures 47.5 millimeters in diameter at its widest point (excluding the crown and pushers). The curved tonneau-shaped case does little to visually reduce its size — if anything, it makes it appear even bigger, despite a lug-to-lug length that isn’t excessively long. Personally, the size doesn’t bother me, but it is definitely too large for the average wrist.
The second issue is the use of mineral glass. I can’t understand why Nubeo didn’t choose sapphire instead. The watch is so big and thick that it’s nearly impossible to hide it under a sleeve, which leaves it constantly exposed to scratches and impacts — not an ideal situation for mineral glass. Speaking of scratches, the entire PVD-coated case and bezel are also quite delicate in this regard...
The third issue lies in the choice of movement. As I’ve already mentioned, the chronograph second hand disrupts the view of the Enterprise’s saucer section, which bothers me from a Trekkie perspective. Additionally, the small subdials — the 24-hour indicator at 3 o’clock, running seconds at 6 o’clock, and the chronograph minute counter at 9 o’clock — stick out awkwardly from the design, breaking the silhouette of the Enterprise. That said, I must commend Nubeo for attempting to make the subdials as discreet as possible and, even more impressively, for using rotating discs instead of traditional hands for all three. If a chronograph movement had to be used, at least they implemented it in a smart and thoughtful way.
Still, I can’t help but question the inclusion of a chronograph altogether. If they were going to include such a complication, why not make it functional? A closer look at the chronograph minute counter reveals it has very limited practical use. A chronograph is meant to measure time accurately, yet here, it’s incredibly difficult to read the elapsed minutes. The markers are vague, the pointer is too wide, and the subdial itself is small and hard to read.
Another issue is the date window. Its placement is poorly executed. The dial is constructed from multiple layers, and the date window sits on the bottom layer, making it quite recessed. A high border surrounds the date, which obstructs visibility. The date is only legible when viewed straight on, and even then, the surrounding colors make it hard to distinguish. Once again, I find myself questioning whether this complication is necessary at all on a watch like this.
Personally, I would have opted for an automatic movement with a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock (perhaps using another rotating disc) and no date. This would have made the watch less bulky — no need for chronograph pushers — and allowed the Enterprise motif to shine in all its glory, without being disrupted by chronograph subdials or a central chronograph second hand.
The hands are difficult to evaluate objectively, as I’m already familiar with them. They are typical Nubeo hands — wide (arguably too wide) and part of the brand’s distinct design language. It’s a style you either appreciate or, more likely, find off-putting. That said, they are undeniably unique compared to most watch hands, which makes them interesting in their own right. On a positive note, the Luminova is excellent.
One minor disappointment is the water resistance, which is rated at just 5 ATM — essentially basic, and suitable only for hand washing or light splashes.
On the other hand, the quality of the strap 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 on the wrist.
Let’s now take a look at some wrist shots. Despite its large dimensions, the watch feels well-proportioned and doesn’t look overly aggressive on my wrist. Surprisingly, it’s very easy to wear — not too heavy or unwieldy. It feels completely natural.
So, what’s the conclusion? This is a very specific watch made for a very niche group of buyers. Speaking for myself, I can say I’m genuinely happy I purchased it — of course, considering the price I paid. At full retail 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 heavily discounted prices. But if you are passionate about Star Trek, this timepiece can be a delightful addition to your daily life — a functional reminder of a universe you love.
P.S.: While reviewing this watch, I couldn’t help but think — nobody in any version of Star Trek ever wears a wristwatch. Perhaps the reason is that, during space travel, Earth time becomes irrelevant. But still — are we really headed toward such a dull future... without watches?
Add comment
Comments