In the vast universe of horology, collaborations often serve as a bridge between two distinct worlds, creating something that resonates with enthusiasts from both sides. When the subject is a cultural touchstone as monumental as Star Trek, the task becomes one of honoring a legacy while creating a functional, compelling timepiece.
Nubeo has undertaken this mission with its Mariner Star Trek Live Long and Prosper collection, a series of watches that are not merely branded merchandise, but are instead bold, mechanical tributes to one of science fiction's most enduring symbols of peace and logic. These watches aim to capture the spirit of exploration and the philosophy of an entire fictional culture, translating it into a wearable form that is as assertive in its design as Starfleet is in its exploratory mandate.
The Nubeo brand itself is no stranger to designs that evoke a sense of the futuristic and the substantial. Often characterized by large cases and designs that feel architecturally inspired by space travel and advanced machinery, Nubeo has carved out a niche for itself by producing timepieces that make a strong visual statement. Their design language often forgoes subtlety in favor of presence and a kind of rugged futurism. This makes the brand a particularly fitting partner for the Star Trek universe, which itself is a blend of high-concept philosophy and the tangible, hard-wearing technology of starships and their dedicated crews. The Mariner collection, therefore, feels less like a departure for Nubeo and more like a focused application of its core identity, honing in on a specific and beloved corner of the science fiction galaxy.
Courtesy of Nubeo
To fully appreciate the Nubeo Mariner, one must first revisit the cultural stratosphere from which it draws its inspiration. Star Trek, since its debut in the 1960s, has been far more than a simple television show about space adventure. It presented an optimistic and progressive vision of humanity's future, a future where poverty, war, and disease on Earth were things of the past. At its heart was the United Federation of Planets and its exploratory and defensive arm, Starfleet, whose mission was to seek out new life and new civilizations. This narrative of unity, discovery, and intellectual curiosity has allowed Star Trek to endure for decades, spawning numerous series and films and cementing its place as a cornerstone of modern mythology.
Central to this mythology is the character of Mr. Spock, the half-human, half-Vulcan science officer of the USS Enterprise. Spock embodied the central conflict of the series: the struggle between logic and emotion. His Vulcan heritage dictated a life governed by pure reason, yet his human side gave him a depth and relatability that made him one of television's most iconic characters. Portrayed by the late Leonard Nimoy, Spock became the stoic, logical conscience of the Enterprise crew, his counsel and unique perspective proving invaluable on countless missions across the final frontier. His character represented the pursuit of knowledge and the belief that intelligence and cooperation could solve any problem.
The most famous cultural contribution from Spock and his Vulcan heritage is undoubtedly the hand gesture known as the Vulcan salute, accompanied by the blessing, "Live long and prosper." This symbol has transcended the show to become a universally recognized gesture of goodwill. Its origin is a fascinating story in itself; Leonard Nimoy created it, drawing from his own memory of seeing an Orthodox Jewish priestly blessing during a synagogue service as a child. Within the Star Trek universe, the gesture is a fundamental part of Vulcan culture, a greeting and farewell that encapsulates their philosophy of peace and the value of a long, productive life. It is this powerful, multi-layered symbol that Nubeo has placed at the very core of its new collection.
Courtesy of Nubeo
Translating this deep well of lore into a physical object requires a thoughtful design process, and the Nubeo Mariner tackles the challenge head-on. The most arresting feature, and the undeniable centerpiece of the watch, is the dial. It features a prominent, three-dimensional sculpture of the Vulcan hand making the iconic salute. This is not a simple printed image; it is a raised, molded element that gives the dial an incredible sense of depth and physical presence. The hand itself has a matte, stone-like finish, rendered in a pale grey or a light lavender depending on the model, making it stand out dramatically against the intricate dial work behind it. It feels like a piece of a monument has been placed under the crystal, an immediate and unmistakable tribute.
Flanking this central sculpture, the phrases "LIVE LONG" and "& PROSPER" are printed on the dial's chapter ring,
Split between the left and right sides. The font is modern and technical, in keeping with the Starfleet aesthetic. The dial itself is multi-layered, featuring a complex architecture of rings and cutouts that enhance its visual depth. Large, applied hour markers, filled with Swiss Newlite, ensure that the time is legible even in low-light conditions, a practical touch that grounds the fantastical theme. A small but essential detail is the Starfleet delta shield insignia, placed just below the 12 o’clock position, solidifying the watch's official connection to the source material.
The handset chosen for the Mariner is equally bold. The hour and minute hands are large and partially skeletonized, with broad, pointed tips that are color-coded to match the specific edition of the watch—either red, yellow, or blue. This not only aids in legibility but is also a direct and clever reference to the uniform colors of Starfleet. The thin, needle-like seconds hand sweeps across the dial, a constant reminder of the mechanical engine beating within. The entire dial assembly is protected by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, a premium feature that prevents glare and ensures a clear view of the intricate details beneath.
Courtesy of Nubeo
The case of the Nubeo Mariner is a formidable piece of stainless steel engineering, measuring a massive 50mm in diameter. With a lug-to-lug measurement of 58mm and a thickness of 17.4mm, this is a watch designed to have a significant presence on the wrist. It is not intended for the faint of heart or the slender of wrist; it is a statement piece built to be seen and felt. The case design is angular and robust, with strong lines and a combination of brushed and polished finishes that give it a tool-like, industrial feel. Substantial crown guards protect the pull-out crown, further emphasizing the watch's rugged construction.
Surrounding the crystal is a unidirectional turning bezel, a feature typically found on dive watches. While the watch's water resistance of 5 ATM (50 meters) makes it suitable for everyday splashes but not for serious aquatic activities, the bezel adds a layer of functional, tactical aesthetic. It is marked with large, clear Arabic numerals at ten-minute intervals, with the text color matching the specific variant of the watch. The edge of the bezel is deeply grooved, providing excellent grip and reinforcing the timepiece’s purposeful, machine-like appearance.
Driving the Mariner is a Japanese automatic movement, visible through an exhibition caseback. This choice of movement is a practical one, offering the reliability and robust performance for which Japanese mechanical calibers are well known. For many collectors, an automatic movement is essential as it features a self-winding mechanism powered by the motion of the wearer's arm, creating a living connection between the watch and its owner. The ability to view the movement's rotor and oscillating balance wheel through the caseback provides a glimpse into the intricate world of micromechanics, a fascinating contrast to the watch's overt science-fiction theme.
Courtesy of Nubeo
Given its substantial size and weight of 170 grams, comfort becomes a key consideration. Nubeo has addressed this by fitting the Mariner with a 20mm integrated silicone strap that is designed to flow seamlessly from the lines of the watch case, creating a unified and cohesive look. Silicone is an excellent material for a watch of this scale; it is soft, flexible, durable, and resistant to water and sweat. The strap is finished with a sturdy pin buckle, ensuring the watch remains securely fastened to the wrist during any mission, terrestrial or otherwise.
The collection is offered in three distinct colorways, each paying homage to the iconic uniforms seen throughout Star Trek's history. The "Vulcan Blue" (NB-6122-02) features blue accents on the bezel text and a matching blue silicone strap, calling to mind the uniforms of the science and medical divisions, famously worn by characters like Spock and Dr. McCoy. The "Vulcan Yellow" (NB-6122-01) uses a vibrant yellow for its highlights and strap, reflecting the gold uniforms of the command division, worn by Captain Kirk himself. Finally, the "Vulcan Red" (NB-6122-03) incorporates bold red details, a nod to the engineering, security, and operations divisions. This color-coding allows fans to align themselves with their favorite Starfleet division.
The Nubeo Mariner Star Trek Live Long and Prosper collection is a bold and imaginative fusion of pop culture and horology. It successfully avoids feeling like a simple novelty item by grounding its fantastical theme in a substantial, well-built mechanical watch. The design is an unapologetic celebration of its source material, from the monumental 3D Vulcan salute on the dial to the subtle Starfleet uniform color-coding. It’s a watch built for the dedicated fan, the collector who wants to wear a piece of their passion on their wrist and who appreciates a timepiece with an undeniable physical presence.
Courtesy of Nubeo
For those ready to answer the call and add a piece of the final frontier to their collection, the Nubeo Mariner Star Trek watches are presented as a limited edition offering. Priced at $560, the collection represents an accessible entry point into the world of mechanical, pop-culture-themed timepieces. It is a powerful piece of equipment, a conversation starter, and a constant reminder of a more optimistic vision for the future. It captures the essence of the Vulcan philosophy—a belief in logic, harmony, and the enduring wish for all to live long and prosper.
Case: Stainless steel, 50.0mm diameter, 17.4mm thickness, 58.0mm lug to lug. Anti-reflection coated sapphire lens. Unidirectional turning bezel. Water resistant to 5 ATM.
Movement: Japanese automatic movement with three hands and date function.
Dial: Multi-layered with a three-dimensional Vulcan hand salute. Applied indices with Swiss Newlite.
Strap: 20mm integrated silicone strap with a stainless steel strap buckle.
Price: $560
Reference Number: NB-6122-01 (Vulcan Yellow), NB-6122-02 (Vulcan Blue), NB-6122-03 (Vulcan Red).
Notes: A limited edition collection officially licensed by Star Trek. The central feature is the 3D dial element depicting the iconic Vulcan salute. The three color variations are inspired by Starfleet uniform colors.