Design
At Draken, we pride ourself in creating pieces with an original design language. Our first model, the Tugela, set the foundation for our case design, with it’s tapered sides inspired by the Protea flower. It’s domed crystal sapphire merges with the bezel creating a very distinct profile. The Benguela heralds the next evolution in our case design.
Functionality
The multi-layered dial of the Benguela features applied bead-blasted indices mirroring the case finish, large cut-out luminous indices (sandwich effect), make for a highly legible dial, both day and night.
Durability
We wanted the Benguela to be over engineered. If we built it to withstand ridiculous extremes, it would be able to cope with a little 4-day hike in the bush. With sapphire crystal, a minimum 500m water resistance, Viton gaskets, and the work horse NH35A movement, you wont have to think twice about where you go with the Benguela.
Versatility
Each Benguela will come with a bracelet AND a natural rubber dive strap, both featuring quick release pins to make strap changing a breeze. Optional leather straps are available for a more causal look.
Specifications
Dial
Sandwich dial, with custom bead-blasted applied indices. X1-Old Radium Super-LumiNova®
Movement
Japan SII NH35A automatic or Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic.
Case
High grade 316L stainless steel with bead-blasted finish. Moulded case back.
Crystal
3.7mm thick domed sapphire crystal with 10x anti-reflective coating.
Bezel
120-click unidirectional rotating bezel with luminous 12h marker.
Water resistance
500m water resistance.
Strap and bracelet
NBR rubber divers strap and bead-blasted bracelet with quick release pins.
Dimensions
43mm diameter, 22mm lugs, 15mm thick, 52mm lug to lug.
Making of the Benguela – The Prototypes
I’ve spent the past few weeks testing out the Benguela prototypes and getting feedback from fellow watch enthusiasts. With three different band options (bracelet, rubber and leather), it was important to get a feel for each and make sure they worked with the watch...
Making of the Benguela – The Case Back
The Tugela case back I really wanted to make a splash (figuratively and literally) with the case back of the Benguela, but being a deep dive watch, it would need to be at least 2.2mm thick. That means solid—no crystal display of the movement within. For our...
Making of the Benguela – The Bands
To give you the freedom to customise your Benguela for different styles and activities, we're going to include at least two different band options with your new watch. Bracelet The bead-blasted bracelet on the Tugela 2.0 was popular, so we'll be using the same 22mm...
Making of the Benguela – The Movements
We have some exciting news to share about the movement(s) for the Benguela. (Notice the hint there?) But first, let’s talk movements. If you walk into a watch shop at your local mall, 90 percent of the watches will have quartz movements. This means a battery...
Making of the Benguela – The Dial
In 'Part One' we talked about the case of the watch, with its original hooded lugs. The dial of the Benguela adds another unique element. Understandably, the dial of a watch is it's most recognisable feature. Think about some of the most popular dive...
Making of the Benguela – The Story
In the second part of our 'Making of the Benguela' series, we talk about the name and theme of the watch. As many of you know, our brand takes a lot of inspiration from South Africa, but there were a number of events that led up to the formation of the Republic. The...
Making of the Benguela – The Case
Thanks for signing up to receive exclusive updates for our new watch - the Benguela. This is the first of our 'Making of the Benguela' series which will give you some insights into the creative process for our super-deep dive watch. We'll be sharing interesting...
Introducing the Benguela dive watch
For the past 6 months we've been working on the design of a new dive watch. With the success of the Tugela, we wanted to give fans something that was in the same realm but with slightly different objectives. The Benguela builds on the design language from our previous...
Tugela – Second production
You've all been asking for it, so I'm going to make it happen! We're going to do a second production of the Tugela! The Tugela was our first model and has by far been our most popular model to date. For the second run of the Tugela, we want to make a few minor tweaks...
What’s on the horizon for Draken Watches
We have a number of designs planned for the future, so I thought I would share a bit about the future models, and get some early feedback on the direction we are taking. Draken would not exist without our backers and supporters, so we really want to make sure that we...