PRODUCTION UPDATE
Hi folks.
Just a quick update on the production of the Aoraki.
- Cases – in QC. We’ve picked up a few flaws in the finishing so we’ll be retouching those
- Dials – ready
- Hands – ready
- Movement – ready
- Straps – have the nylon straps. Ordering more leather straps today
- Packaging – have the MOLLE pouches. Aoraki velcro patches are in production, and we’re expecting some new boxes (see sample below) that will make for a more professional presentation while still aligning with our sustainability objectives.
We are slightly ahead of schedule, but I’m still expecting to ship in mid-December. There is always something that throws a spanner in the works!
I’m going to increase the assembly quantity slightly to 120 units total (this number may change if orders suddenly increase). So that means there are only a few slots available if you want an Aoraki before Christmas:
- Zulu LE – 17pcs
- Vector – 10pcs
- Zulu – 11pcs
- Flieger – 2pcs
- Milspec – 3pcs
We will assemble more in 1st quarter 2025, but I can’t say for sure when.
Straps
In case you didn’t know, the Aoraki comes with a leather bund strap and an olive nylon strap out of the box. The beauty of the Aoraki is that it is super easy to swap out straps, some might say it’s a strap monster!
A few have requested another strap option to add to their order, so please have a look at the options below and let me know what’s your pick.
Ribbed nylon – These are the same weave as the olive one that comes with the watch, but just different colours. We used the khaki one on the Peregrine which gives off a great vintage military look.
The Navy Blue strap below might look really nice with the Zulu LE. See the mockup below. Price would be $20.
Leather – the leather strap that comes with the watch is great, but it does increase the height of the watch. Having a two-piece strap would be great if you want to wear it to a more formal event, where you might need the watch to slide under the cuff.
I also really like the feel of the ‘crazy horse’ leather on the bund strap, so keen to use it again here. The straps below are flat with a black leather lining and stitches down the sides.
These are also crazy horse leather, but are padded and side-stitched with black leather lining. I’m quite fond of the brown and coffee colours below, but they also come in green and black.
The buckle will be brushed stainless steel with an engraved DRAKEN logo. Price will be in the range of $35-45.
Let me know what you think in the comments on this post.
Kia kaha.
Mike
Really looking forward to brown bund leather strap but i would love an extra green leather and coffee leather strap as well!
Would love navy blue, navy bond and the padded brown strap.
Looking forward to my Milspec. I think i am fully happy with the straps included. Never used a bund, but I think it compliments this watch a lot.
Thanks for the comment!
Seeing all the news on more Aoraki’s becoming available spurred me to start wearing my Vector again. I would love the option to wear it on a different color nylon or leather strap! Will these be available separately? To anyone who is on the fence about this watch, I can assure you that you won’t regret buying one! It’s hands down the most legible watch that I own and so versatile. A definite keeper in my ever changing collection!
Thanks for the great reference Rob! We are still deciding which straps to make. It will be available separately. Will keep you updated!
Hey Mike
I have a Seiko SRPG35 field watch. Similar look and size to the Aoraki. It ships with a khaki nylon NATO strap. Good overall package.
I wears well with a handful of different colour NATO and nylon straps, but my favorite by far is brown full grain leather 2-piece strap. It really suits the watch, and just looks right.
I think a good quality 2-piece brown leather strap, and perhaps the olive drab sailcloth 2-piece strap which you already have available, would look great on the Aoraki. Can’t wait for my Zulu to ship in December!
Cheers
Thanks for the feedback!
Would love to add the bond and brown to my order .
Thanks for the feedback.
The Zulu is a fairly classic military-style watch, and I think the mustard yellow strap makes it feel much more casual. I live in South Korea, where winters can be quite harsh, and just wearing a watch with a warm colored strap seems to raise the temperature by 5 degrees. In a recent Aoraki update email, I saw that a Bond Zulu nylon strap was added to the range. Do you think you could add a mustard yellow strap as well?
In any case, I’m very happy to hear that the Zulu watch I ordered is scheduled to arrive sooner than expected (sorry to anyone who bought the Zulu LE model). Thank you to the Draken family for their dedication to making perfect watches.