by Brent Robillard
First time’s a charm
Today, we’re diving into something special: our first-ever review of a Draken timepiece here at TCW. Draken Watches is a New Zealand-based microbrand known for crafting rugged, adventure-ready watches with unique designs and exceptional build quality. Their latest release, the Draken Aoraki Vector field watch, showcases their commitment to blending functionality with style, and I was excited to test one out in the metal.
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Key features of the Draken Aoraki Vector
A case built for adventure
The Draken Aoraki Vector boasts a compact yet bold case design, measuring 39mm in diameter, 46.55mm lug-to-lug, and 12.35mm thick. These dimensions hit the sweet spot for many wrists, offering a comfortable and versatile wearing experience without compromising on presence. The 316L stainless steel case feels solid in hand, reflecting the rugged nature for which Draken is celebrated. Adding to its durability, the Aoraki features Viton gaskets, which provide enhanced resistance to water and wear. Due in part to this upgrade–as well as its screw down crown and caseback–the watch offers 100m of water resistance, making it a reliable companion for everyday adventures and light water activities.
I particularly like the crown placement at 4:30, which protects the wearer’s wrist during strenuous activity, but allows it to remain easily adjustable without removal of the watch. The size and knurling of the crown also add to the functionality.
Dial Design: Modern Meets Functional
The Aoraki’s dial is a visual treat in legibility. The newly designed broad arrow handset is both distinctive and bold, perfectly complementing the minimalist, military layout of the dial. Super-LumiNova has also been generously applied to the hands and indices. The elongated pencil-style hour markers give the dial a sleek look and focus attention toward the centre, while neo-vintage Arabics on the cardinal points orient the wearer, especially in low light conditions. Topping it off is a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, providing a clear and scratch-resistant window to the sharply executed dial.
Strap options for every occasion
Draken includes two strap options with the Aoraki Vector, catering to different styles and scenarios. The leather bund strap adds a vintage, rugged vibe, while the nylon single-pass NATO strap leans into the watch’s adventurous spirit. Both straps are well-crafted and comfortable, allowing you to easily switch up the look and feel of the watch depending on your mood or activity.
Movement: Reliability Meets Simplicity
At the heart of the Draken Aoraki Vector is the Miyota 82S5, a reliable Japanese automatic movement. Known for its robust performance and affordability, this calibre provides a no-nonsense approach to timekeeping. It has a 3Hz beat rate and a 42-hour power reserve. It is also outfitted with a Faraday cage, increasing anti-magnetism to 20,000A/m. The small seconds dial adds a touch of retro charm to an otherwise practical timepiece.
On wrist experience
One of the standout features of the Aoraki Vector is its wearability. The 39mm case size, combined with the short lug-to-lug distance, ensures a snug and well-balanced fit on a variety of wrist sizes. Despite its rugged construction, the watch remains lightweight and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for daily wear. Whether you’re hiking a trail or navigating your daily commute, the Aoraki feels right at home.
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Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 46.5mm Lug to Lug 12.35mm Thickness 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back 100m of Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Flat Sapphire Crystal Matte Dial Printed Markers Broad Arrow Handset Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Miyota 82S5 Small Seconds 21 Jewels 21 600vph 42-Hour Power reserve |
| Strap | Leather Bund & Nylon Single Pass |
Draken Aoraki Vector
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Final Thoughts
The Draken Aoraki Vector is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and innovation. Assembled in New Zealand, this watch blends rugged durability with thoughtful design and practicality. From its compact case size to its versatile strap options, the Aoraki offers an enjoyable wearing experience for both outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
For our first encounter with a Draken timepiece, the Aoraki Vector has set the bar high. If you’re in the market for a robust, stylish watch with a touch of adventure, this one deserves your attention. Let us know your thoughts on the Draken Aoraki Vector in the comments below!
Pricing & Availability
The Draken Aoraki Vector retails for $399USD and is also available in four additional variants. Please consult the website for more details.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
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