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.
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...
Introducing the Kalahari
Our next model takes it's name from the biggest desert of Southern Africa - the Kalahari. This is a desolate landscape that is harsh, unforgiving and beautiful. It is ever changing and to the observant, abundant with life. In much the same way, the Kalahari watch is...
Introducing the Peregrine
While the Tugela is in production, we wanted to get the ball rolling on our next watch. Even before we launched the Tugela there were a couple of designs that we had in the filing cabinet, just itching to be refined. One being a chronograph watch, the other a pilot...
New strap samples coming soon!
We've received a photo of the other strap colours from our supplier. Looking forward to doing some pro photos of these on the Tugela.
The Movement
But first, some education... Often when talking about watches, people refer to the movement of the watch. This is basically the motor that runs the watch on the inside. Today, the main two types of movements, are quartz and mechanical. Since the late 1970's, early...
The Box Design
So, I've been debating whether to go with a travel case (a popular option among many microbrand watch companies) or a box. The advantage of using a travel case is that you can reuse the case again for storing a spare watch while wearing another watch on your wrist....
The Date Ring
The other detail on the dial that I am really excited about, is the date window, or more specifically, the date ring behind the date window. I have managed to find a supplier that can do lumed numbers on the date ring! the Date ring will be glowing white text on black...