As someone who appreciates brands that fly both under and over the radar, I was eager to get hands-on and review the Raven Endeavour II Pistachio. While Raven Watches may not be as widely recognised internationally as some larger names, the quality and reliability of their watches make them worth considering, especially if you’re looking for something built with intention and purpose. The Endeavour II, in particular, showcases the brand’s expertise in crafting tough, capable timepieces, making it an excellent choice for those who value functionality and long-lasting performance.
Raven Watches is a small, independent company based in Overland Park, Kansas, which falls almost dead centre in the United States, where I am writing from. Owned and operated by Steve Laughlin since 2008, Raven has been creating rugged, reliable timepieces that are designed and assembled right in the heartland of America. Laughlin’s background in visual arts and his passion for watches have shaped Raven’s identity, producing watches that reflect a no-nonsense, practical approach to design. You may have heard of Raven most recently from their collaboration on the TrailTrekker with NODUS Watches, another American-based watch brand. Raven’s dedication to quality craftsmanship is notably evident in the Endeavour II, their marquee dive watch that balances durability with solid performance.
The Raven Endeavour II’s design is centred on practicality, starting with the full-bodied case. Made from 316L stainless steel, the 42mm case is both corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic, ensuring it can handle the elements while remaining comfortable on the wrist. At 12mm thick, it offers a nice presence without being overly bulky and the 47mm lug-to-lug distance ensures a good fit on a variety of wrist sizes. The brushed and polished finishes on the case give the watch a refined yet utilitarian look, striking a balance between robust style and function.
Raven has equipped and rated the Endeavour II to 500m of water resistance, making it more than capable of handling demanding underwater environments. The flat sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective (AR) coating on the inside ensures durability and clarity, even in bright conditions. The unidirectional bezel, made from ceramic and fully lumed, adds another layer of practicality, making it easy to time dives or other activities.
One premium feature that sets the Endeavour II apart is the automatic helium release valve. While not something most people will use regularly, it’s a thoughtful addition for those who need their dive watch to withstand pressure changes during saturation diving. It’s details like these that highlight Raven’s commitment to delivering a well-rounded and highly functional timepiece.
The Pistachio version of the Endeavour II immediately grabs attention with its light green dial, which features raised indices for easy readability. The dial’s unique colour is complemented by the black ceramic bezel. Plus, the use of Super-LumiNova X1 blue lume ensures visibility in low-light conditions. The polished black hands, for hours, minutes and seconds, offer clear contrast against the dial, further enhancing legibility. The softness of the green dial helps tone down the ruggedness inherent in the watch’s design – my personal favourite of the options, although the yellow may speak more directly to the brand’s ethos of adventure and bold horizons.
At 42mm, the case is perfectly sized for a dive watch, offering enough wrist presence without being too imposing. The 22mm bracelet, tapering down to 18mm, gives the watch a streamlined appearance, and the quick-release mechanism allows for easy strap changes. Whether you’re wearing it with the bracelet or swapping it out for a different strap, the Endeavour II maintains a versatile, functional look.
The bracelet itself is well-designed, featuring a NodeX adjustable clasp that makes it easy to adjust the fit on the go. This is a particularly useful feature for divers or anyone needing to wear the watch over a wetsuit or thicker clothing. Drilled lugs also add to the practicality of the design, making it easier to swap out straps or bracelets without hassle.
Underneath its rugged exterior, the Endeavour II is powered by the Miyota 9015 automatic movement, known for its reliability and accuracy. With a 42-hour power reserve, it’s a dependable choice that aligns well with Raven’s philosophy of building practical, functional watches. The movement also features hacking seconds, which allows for precise time-setting—another thoughtful inclusion for those who prioritise accuracy. The date window, positioned at 6 o’clock with a white date wheel, is unobtrusive and blends well with the overall design. It’s a simple, functional addition that complements the watch’s focus on legibility and ease of use.
What makes the Endeavour II even more interesting is the fact that it’s designed and assembled in Kansas. Raven Watches takes pride in its American roots and that’s reflected in the straightforward, no-frills approach to watchmaking. The focus is on delivering high-quality materials and solid engineering, rather than flashy design elements or unnecessary complications.
Steve Laughlin, Raven’s founder, brings decades of experience to the brand, having been passionate about watches from a young age. His hands-on approach to every aspect of the business—design, marketing, photography, and production—ensures that each Raven watch is crafted with care and precision. This personal involvement sets Raven apart from larger brands, giving the Endeavour II a sense of authenticity and purpose.
The Raven Endeavour II Pistachio is a dive watch built for those who value practicality and reliability over hype. With its 500m of water resistance, durable stainless steel case, and thoughtful design features like the helium release valve and fully lumed ceramic bezel, it’s a timepiece that can handle extreme conditions while maintaining a distinctive and refined look.
If you’re in the UK or elsewhere and searching for a robust dive watch with a distinctly American edge, the Raven Endeavour II deserves serious consideration, especially at a price of $620 (approx. £470). Its combination of technical capability, durability and understated design makes it a solid option for anyone seeking a well-crafted tool watch. Raven may be a smaller, independent brand, but their commitment to quality shines through in every detail of the Endeavour II.
Price and Specs:
More details at Raven Watches.
