MATERIALS
We could do the casein titanium grade 5, which is an alloy and far more scratch-resistant. Machining grade 5 titanium is harder and more expensive. We most probably wouldn’t do the bracelet in grade 5 as this would push production costs far too high. I noticed a lot of Kruger customers put the watch on a different strap. I’m interested to hear who has a Kruger and wears it on an alternate strap? Leave a comment on the blog post here.
I’m still keen to do a ceramic insert on the Kruger, most likely in matte black again. We might only paint the triangle at 12h with lume this time. I did experience some lume flaking off the insert on my personal piece.
Sapphire crystal for the display of course, but could look at doing AR-coating on both sides, like we did on the Aoraki and Peregrine.
DLC? We could do it here again, but I’m mindful of not having too many SKUs. The more different versions we do, the more complicated the assembly is and the more likely there will be QC issues. What do you think of DLC-coated watches? Leave us a comment here.
BEZEL
There was a fair bit of engineering involved to get the bezel action to click well on the original. Because titanium has a higher friction coefficient than steel, it tends to have a grating feeling if the bezel click spring touches raw titanium. We added an extra piece of steel inside the bezel to resolve this. It worked well, but I think it could be better.
Having an extra piece of steel however, added to the overall tolerances in the bezel, making it feel slightly loose in my opinion.
My thinking now is to do the bezel in steel and the case in titanium. If we did it in steel, we could get a much more reliable, positive click more easily. The lightness benefits of titanium case and the weight benefit of steel for a more tactile bezel action.
Another option that I recently discovered (and would need to test) is coating the bezel with DLC. This would drastically reduce friction, removing the grating sensation, and we might not need the extra steel ring on the inside. Only thing is the whole bezel would be black which might look a bit odd aesthetically. Let me know your thoughts.
Something else I have considered is doing a 60-click bidirectional bezel, incorporating a detent mechanism instead of the typical flat spring. We used this design on the Tugela GMT for a 48-click bezel. We could offer two insert options, so the bezel could be used to track a second timezone or as a 60min timer, depending on preference. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
In the next post about the Kruger, I’ll talk about the movement and dial designs. Stay tuned!
Kia kaha.
Mike
Hi Mike,
The Kruger V2 looks to be an excellent timepiece – I would prefer the 44mm version personally. When do these become available?
Thanks,
Michael
I like the idea of the 42mm case with the 44mm bezel. I like DLC coatings and have experienced good performance from them. I have a Chronograph with a ceramic bezel insert and love the way it dresses up the watch. I missed out on the K1 so looking forward to K2 and the chance to give some input.
Materials – I personally prefer stainless steel. Titanium is nice, but its primary advantage to me is weight, and I’m not usually fussed about having a heavy watch on my wrist. The downsides of cost, scratch resistance, and bezel action are usually not worth it, to me.
Bezel – definitely want a bezel, definitely should be ceramic…I would also prefer the matte black of the original. Not particularly fussed as to whether it’s a 120-click uni, or 60 click bi-directional. I am not generally a fan of DLC in general, and as thats basically meant as a solution to the titanium problem, just seems like another reason to skip the titanium.
And I know dial design discussion is coming next, but I’ll submit my vote now for a reverse panda variant. Always my favorite layout, and the Kruger is the perfect pilot chronograph design for it.
DLC please!!!!
I own two Draken watches – personally, I think 44mm is a touch too big. I would vote for a fixed bezel at 42mm. I have many watches that have a fixed bezel rather than a rotating bezel. I believe almost no one really uses the bezel. The Kruger is a great looking watch, had not seen it before the recent email. I would buy it for sure. What colors did you offer? Thanks!!
Please don’t make it smaller… as you described, the size is not overly big in how it sits on the wrist. On the materials, would it not be easier and more affordable to do the case and bracelet in 316L stainless? If that’s not an option I guess Grade 5 is an option for the case… not sure about the case in Grade 5 and the bracelet in Grade 2… would that look odd? And then not sure about the bezel… if the case is Grade 5 Titanium, the bezel is 316L and the bracelet is Grade 2, do you run the risk of a mismatch of colors/finishing between the three materials? My preference would be a polished ceramic bezel insert… everything else is so muted, I think a shiny high luster bezel would make this a tiny bit less of a tool watch, and more stylish. I mean how many people are really using this for its original intended purpose? On a totally different topic, if there is any room in the budget for an ‘on the fly’ adjustable clasp (no tools), that would be amazing. Anyway, my two cents, and super nice that you are asking for feedback from your community. I was too late to the party to get my Kruger and can’t wait to hear what your final plans and timeline are. Thank you.
I am looking forward to Version 2!
For me 44mm is a perfect size. I totally dislike the trend to smaller watches and the market is full of 40mm watches.
I would prefer an all steel version because I don’t mind the weight and don’t like titanium watches that much.
The crystal definitely should get AR-coating on both sides!!
The bezel should be bidirectional with 60-minute count down markings. Like on the Sinn 103. In the cockpit we like to set time markings quickly and this should be possible in both directions. We don’t go diving in the cockpit that’s why unidirectional bezels don’t make much sense…
But please don’t chose black coatings on the bezel! Ceramic inserts rock!
Cheers!
Keep it the same size mate and I like the darker titanium personally. A few colour options would also be great.
Again, keep up the great work. The two Drakens I have I thoroughly enjoy owning.
I think the 42mm model is a great idea! Also DLC coating would be good to keep the titanium from looking scratched up.
I understand these are just my personal opinions. Do what you think is best!
Case size: smaller with fixed bezel
Case Material: love the idea of titanium, with the coating. A little lighter weight/color sounds okay to me.
Bracelet: I am one of those that prefer a non metallic bracelet (leather, rubber, etc)
Bezel Material: I prefer the sapphire insert bezel. They just look better than any other material. Flat black is the way to go.
DLC: I would pass on a DLC watch
DLC bracelet; need to see that one. Might look awesome or really weird.
Lastly, I love the idea of a mecha-quartz watch! Thanks for asking our opinions.
I have a H2O Orca DLC with DLC bracelet… if you want to see what a DLC bracelet looks like, H2O Watch has a few…
I have a 7.875 inch wrist, so a 42mm case and 44mm bezel is fine with me. But for salability, I think a 42mm case and 42mm bezel in grade 2 titanium would be a smart move. You will still have a good size watch but it will be more palatable for those who prefer smaller watches. I would also prefer the fixed bezel and grade 2 titanium if it will help keep cost down so you can possibly use a mechanical movement this time and still keep the watch affordable.
Mike maybe provide the SE image for reference. Please keep the size and titanium spec as is. The cnc parameters and tooling is in place and ready. For movement and dial layout of the SE spec with markers rather than Arabic’s and VK67 are great. For bezel I’m a proponent of system RZE has used where stainless mechanical mechanism overlay is attached to case and bezel is attached via screws to that mechanism which allows better more stable and tactile action plus various bezel options. My preference is for a 12 hour allowing for gmt use. Bezel could be milled from titanium with lume or milled with ceramic inlay. Mayb the kit includes 2-3 bezel options with each kit?? Micro on-fly adjustment clasp would be bonus but not a deal breaker. I’m In line if titanium, size and bracelet are retained. Fixed bezel and smaller case deal killer for me.
I own, and wear often, the DLC panda Kruger. I love a big watch and I absolutely love my Kruger. I was skeptical at first and worried the full titanium construction would feel too lightweight, and cheap feeling. But that wasn’t the case once I got the Kruger on my wrist. I believe it is because it is a large watch and even a full Ti construction can’t hide all the weight of the big boi. That being said, I enjoy a heavy stainless watch, the weight has never bothered me.
When it comes to the full DLC coating, I love it on the Kruger with the white dial. I absolutely love it. It’s not for everyone, or for every watch. But I wouldn’t want my Kruger in any other version. It’s unique. Not a lot of options like this out there. Black DLC coated bracelet, black DLC coated case, black bezel and a fully lumed white dial.
Keep it simple, produce a DLC/white dial Kruger, like the beauty I own, and a non DLC coated Kruger. And if it’s viable, make a stainless version. It would offer a more affordable version and therefore appeal to a larger demographic.
I enjoy a 44mm in size, so don’t change that. And please don’t jump on the “small watch” band wagon. I don’t know who started that, so don’t be that guy.
A ceramic bezel would be a treat. I personally prefer that over a stainless or aluminum insert.
120 or 60 click bezel? Either works to be honest. I’d prefer a 60 min timer rather than a second time zone. I don’t travel enough to care to track another time zone. I’m not a picky person, but if that bezel doesn’t line up, my OCD will not allow me to wear the watch. I don’t care if it was a Roly or a Casio.
I’m interested in the bidirectional detent design. I’ve never experienced that and I think it would appeal to the enthusiasts who enjoy fidgeting with their bezels.
The bottom line, I’m biased when it comes to the Kruger. Especially in the DLC/white dial configuration. I believe it’s truly an innovative and unique design. So, if the V2 Kruger comes with some refinements, but keeps a lot of its originality, I’d still be in love with that timepiece.
I like the idea of a fixed bezel, if it’s going to make it more wearable. Also the almost 50mm L2L is pushing it for smaller wrists. Any changes to drop that to e.g., 48mm, would make it more versatile wrist size-wise IMHO.
One way to keep costs down is offering a version on a strap (rubber, leather or sailcloth) with a titanium buckle. That would be a nice touch. Do keep the Matt ceramic bezel, ti-grade 5 case with a DLC option. I love mine and wear it often without the bracelet.
Hey Mike. I’ve worn my Kruger on the bracelet quite a bit, but recently swapped it for the nato that came with my Peregrine. The bracelet has never fit me perfectly, so I tend to wear it a bit loose. Any thought given to an on-the-fly adjustable clasp? Your thoughts around the bezel hit home for me because I have found that mine will move somewhat easily if bumped. A more positive click with a stronger positional hold would be an improvement. If can offer one thought that wasn’t in your email: I’d love to see the pushers get a little redesign. Some hashing or knurling on the ends would make them more tactile to use and add a bit of flare to otherwise bland rods. Just my opinion. It’s a wonderful piece and I wear it a lot. Keep up the awesome work!
I’d be interested if the overall max diameter of watch, in this case the bezel diameter, stays at at least 44mm. I’ve owned a Damasko DC67, which this watch strnongly emulates….same idea 42mm case, 44mm bezel. Too many small watches out there now imho 44mm not including crown is my personal size minimum.
Mike,
I love these user feedback forums and the concept that we the people help craft your company and the production of these beautiful watches. For me I’m not opposed to a smaller ~42mm fixed bezel piece. I think it would set v2 apart from v1 and solve some of the friction problems associated with Titanium. To help keep the piece affordable, I’d be just fine with Grade 2 Ti with the same 1200HV coating which makes it a more unique piece than any of the rest of my Ti watches. I’m neutral on DLC, but I’m sure a lot of folks love it. As far as Stainless Steel, I’m open to that was well, especially if the community leans towards more expensive features that would otherwise increase cost.
I would be super interested in the piece if powered by a Seiko V192 Solar movement. I think the community also loves the special editions that feature a flash of red/blue for example. I love the value of the packaging and the second fabric strap.
Take care!
I have the Kruger SE and it is great. No need to change the size. Changing up the bezel to a bidirectional with 12h and/or 55-5 countdown scales are my preference. Using steel for the bezel seems like a good idea if you keep the hardened Ti2 case. No to AR coating on the outside of the crystal. The VK67 with 6-9-12 sub dial layout is preferred over the VK63 with 24h sub dial. The date at 4:30 is well done but I wouldn’t mind if you changed it up with a trapezoidal window or move it to the 3 position and have less text on the dial, you have the logo on the crown and ‘Draken’ engraved on the case.
I recently put it on a ZuluDiver black rubber strap which has red stitching and sides. I like the bracelet too.
A bidirectional bezel or countdown bezel would be super useful.
I haven’t had any issues with my Kruger regarding scratches, it takes a beating and hasn’t had any issues. Only thing is that Ti is softer than SS so it tends to deform when impacted, but that’s a rare occurrence.
44mm for me, and keep it the same.
When it’s not broken, it doesn’t need fixing.
When do you anticipated these becoming available?
So excited to see a v2 forthcoming! I love my Kruger (DLC, Panda). I’ve never been a fan of all black watch cases, but it was all that was left when I purchased and I’ve worn this one the most out of my many watches over the past year, and it’s been flawless.
I wanted to like the band, but I couldn’t get it adjusted comfortably. Need a half link adjustment. I put it in a cheap Ritchie silicone strap and it has been remarkably comfortable for how large of a watch it is.
I’ve worn this as my “active” watch, including exercise and construction work. With LOTS of impacts, it really doesn’t show any worse for the wear.
Only suggestion I have for the v2, is to only include the smaller minute markings on the bezel for minutes 0-15. For minutes 16-60, just have a hash every 5 minutes. I think this would be cleaner looking and actually more helpful when reading it with lume in the dark.
Since someone (Mike) is basically asking me for a “wish list” on a watch … here you go…
I almost pulled the trigger on the Kruger DLC with white dial – but it broke my pretty hard rule on buying any watch over 13 mm thick. The 42mm case with 44 mm bezel is fine (but wouldn’t want any larger, that’s the maximum).
DLC is a must, titanium is plus and would pay more for Grade 5, steel would be fine too. Love black DLC watches, but only DLC (no PVD or lesser coatings). If it’s not DLC, there’s just too much other competition in the market. To keep SKUs down I’d consider going DLC only.
Full lume bezel is a must if there’s a bezel, I’d use a sapphire bezel (I can’t see how the lume can possibly come out of a sapphire bezel). I don’t need a rotating bezel either though.
Full lume white dial with black hands or a black dial with lumed hands is a must.
Lumed date wheel with full lume dial is a bonus.
Any date wheel has to match dial colour. Date is a must for me (can’t wipe out the marker at 3 either), position at 6 is fine. If date not at 3 or 6, then has to display upright to dial text.
Quartz is desired for me, there’s thousands of micro-brands building automatics. A legitimate high-quality quartz is practically impossible to find (why get lost in an sea of competitors?). Solar quartz would be a big bonus, but doesn’t have to be solar if has an “end of life” battery indicator.
The original Kruger checked off like 4 of 5 boxes. If it was 13 mm thick or under I would have bought.
My current grail watch is a TAG Heuer Solargraph DLC version, but pricy for a quartz. Also love the Sinn UX line in DLC but battery change is a problem (if it was solar, would have been purchased already). Love the Sinn U2 (GMT) in DLC as well, but too thick (and prefer quartz to auto). Formex Essence Leggera white dial almost a trigger pull for me (but if do get an automatic has be a longer power reserve, I often take my watch off for work, and I work a lot).
Anyways, build a cheaper TAG Solargraph DLC – I’ll buy it
A solar powered Sinn UX DLC – I’d buy it
A quartz Formex Essence Leggara (or one with a 80 hour power reserve) – I’d buy it
A thinner Sinn U2 DLC – I’d buy it
If the original Kruger was 13 mm, and / or a three-hander non-chrono watch 13 mm or less thick – then I would have bought the full lume DLC for sure.
I could take or leave the chronograph function, but would want under 13 mm no matter what, ideally more like 11 to 12 mm for 3-hander with 200 m water resistance (any more than that is just not necessary)…
Anyways, guys like me are why and how all these microbrands pop up (was thinking of starting my own!)
I do put my money where my mouth is… My H20 Orca DLC with 2892 movement (but I wish it was only 200 m water resist and 2 mm thinner), have a Steinhart Ocean Black DLC – but the DLC quality isn’t great, don’t like the “homage” aspect of it or the missing marker at 3 where the date is (but was my first “real” watch) … anyways… (have a logo designed for my own watch company – been trying to find a “perfect” watch for over 10 years now!)
Couple of thoughts:
1) I have 24 watches. This is getting the most wrist time by far.
2) Only grip I have is the bezel is loose. As in very loose.
3) A DLC bezel I don’t think would look strange at all. Consider the Nodus sector deep for example or Sangin Kinetic II Titanium. I’d buy one.
4) I largely use the Ti bracelet, or a distressed dark leather band on it. I typically love Nato straps, but for reasons I can’t understand I’ve yet to put a nato – any nato – on this one. Yet.
I’m so very excited to see you doing this again. I wish you nothing but the wildest of success. This is the type of thing I’d even consider helping to support to grow it.
Hey, Mike
I’ve been going through the details for the V2, and have identified the points that I feel most strongly about, based on my 2 years with the Kruger (S)SE:
For:
– Grade 5 Titanium Case in Black DLC (I’m all for experimenting with new materials)
– Fully-luminous Ceramic insert on 120-click bezel (it’s an iconic look, that should stay with the Kruger). I’ve noticed a few people were interested in a countdown insert, and I’m not opposed to that, since I can have one for each. I’m open to either, as long as that basic aesthetic is kept.
– similar or the same case dimensions as the V1 Kruger (the 42-44mm taper fits me like a glove). I wouldn’t want that fit to change for my tastes.
– anything VK67/ETA 7750-based, as the asymmetrical Chrono allowed for the perfect placement of the Brand logo and model name, and the day/date 7750 could sit perfect at 3:00, with Draken above the window, and Kruger below it. That’s just how I’m picturing it.
– Baton indices are my preference, and I would love to see them again, which is why my SE Kruger got more wrist time. For the hands, I would prefer a matching pair as before, but for both to be in the style of the “Vector” minute hand shape. I feel that this would pair nicely with baton indices, and aid with hand alignment, as I’ve had some minor alignment issues with mine),
Against:
– Omitting any of the current physical bezel aesthetics (they’re part of the charm of this model, especially the lume). The only lume I’ve noticed any deterioration from is the lume on the crown.
– anything to drastically change its appearance from V1.
– any manual movements
Indifferent:
– dual-sided AR coating (Omega has often done this in the modern age, but when it starts wearing out, it’s noticeable). Based on my time deployed with my V1 SE, the sand would shred that external layer of AR coating.
– bracelet material-based issues. I never tend to wear my watches on bracelets, unless it’s for a more business-casual/formal event, so I’m not bothered about a difference in material between case and bracelet, or if it even comes with one. I have been wearing mine on various StrapsCo Planet Ocean Deployant Rubber straps, and it fits like a glove.
I also would prefer a “countdown” bezel to any other, think those are very under-utilized.
It seems like, in general, for any “hard use” tool watch, that AR coating on the outside of the sapphire isn’t desired… though can be polished off by the user if required, so not a huge deal either way…
I liked the size of the original but think maybe brushed stainless, ceramic insert and maybe a Miyota movement. Tougher and you can align the hands easily.
I love the Kruger! Really wish I had the original DLC panda 😍
In response to various questions in your post:
– I’m all for reduced price, but not if it means losing the bezel if you reduce the size
– I don’t do bracelets, so 100% wouldn’t want to pay for one if there’s an option
– HUGE fan of DLC, love that option
– I’d have to see a render of the DLC bezel option, can’t really picture it that well. I think Nodus does it on one of theirs, and it looks pretty good. Is there a way to just do the inside of the bezel and the topside (if needed) of the case? Or is that just not possible?
– Love the idea of bi-directional bezel and multiple inserts, super cool!
All that said, the sad reality is that I probably can’t afford one. So my feedback might not be all that helpful in the end.
The Kruger`s bold size and stunning DLC finish are the features that captured my attention. It exudes a sense of purpose and cool functionality with a clean, and crisp aesthetic.
Although the original Kruger was pure monochromatic mastery, I feel that the color of the bezel and dial should reflect the ethos of the namesake, Kruger National Park. It could be offered in various shades of green and brown that, presented in different textures or patterns, would suit the new iteration extremely well.
I love the design of the watch and gives me Damasko DC66 vibes. But for me with a 7 inch wrist 42 case and 44 bezel is too big, i owned a DC66 which had these dimensions and its a big watch. I would love 40 and 42mm personally and think would cater for the vast majority of wrist sizes. Thanks
Definitely all titanium, non-DLC. It is what makes the watch special. Also, fully mechanical movement is a must for me.
I second the fixed bezel request, I never rotate it except when it inevitably ends up getting misaligned every over in a while, and I have to rotate it back into position.
Finally, definitely don’t make it smaller!
Can’t wait to pick up a couple!