by Brent Robillard
The Kruger is back—and it’s bolder, tougher, and more refined than ever. In its second generation, Draken’s purpose-built chronograph has evolved into a dual-offering that speaks to different kinds of wearers: the go-anywhere adventurer who prizes lightweight versatility, and the unapologetic tool watch fan who wants every ounce of tactile interaction. I’ve had the chance to wear both—the updated VK63-powered mecaquartz and the all-new automatic powered by the ETA 7750—and I’m here to tell you, the evolution is real.
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Key Features of the Draken Kruger V2 Chronographs
Design, case, and materials
Let’s start with the DNA. The Kruger V2 retains the angular, tactical silhouette of the original. You still get the blocky crown guards, aggressive pushers, and muscular lugs, but there are quiet upgrades all over: the addition of drilled lugs for easy strap changes, a smoother case profile, and a hardening treatment that boosts the Grade 2 titanium case to a scratch-resistant 1200HV rating. These aren’t just watches that look the part—they’re built to take abuse and ask for more.
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Despite sharing the same mid-case and general shape, the two versions wear very differently. The automatic 7750 model is the bruiser of the pair. At 15.6mm thick, it sits high and proud on the wrist, with a robust, almost defiant wrist presence. It’s what you strap on when you want to feel like you’re wearing something purpose-built. But the benefit of that height is ease of operation—the crown is more accessible, the bezel easier to grip, and the mechanical pushers have that signature 7750 snap you can feel in your bones.
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The mecaquartz, on the other hand, is all about subtle confidence. At just 12.45mm thick, with a streamlined case back and a shallower bezel, it hugs the wrist like a stealth mission. The case might still measure 44mm at the bezel, but in the hand (and on the wrist), it feels nimble. Especially on the titanium bracelet with its quick-release spring bars, comforting-adjust clasp, and screw links, it’s a dream to wear. My son, after trying both, went for the VK63 without hesitation. Me? I’m Team Auto all the way. Different wrists, different stories.
Dials
Design-wise, Draken has also upped its game. The matte black dial of the automatic version is a masterclass in legibility, with creamy C3 X1 Super-LumiNova on the sword hands and pencil markers (BGW9 on the bezel), and stark white for everything else—save for the red central chrono hand and the “Kruger” name. The layout is a familiar 7750 triple-subdial setup (6, 9, 12) with day-date at 3, but the symmetry and contrast make it easy to read at a glance.
The VK63 full-lume dial, by contrast, is a spectacle in the dark. Treated in BGW9 from edge to edge, it comes alive in the night, glowing with ghostly intensity. The layout is slightly altered—subdials at 3, 6, and 9, with a clean Arabic numeral ring and a subtle date at 6. The blue-tipped chrono hand is the only splash of color, and it works perfectly with the icy glow.
Bezel, case back, and extras
Bezel action on both is another area of evolution. Gone is the original’s 120-click unidirectional bezel. In its place, a more intuitive 60-click bi-directional version with a detent mechanism: countdown timing on the auto, elapsed diver-style on the quartz. There’s also talk of a third option—a 12-hour insert for tracking a second time zone—and even DLC-coated variants down the line. Draken’s clearly thinking long-term here.
Both models are capped with slightly domed sapphire crystals featuring AR coatings on both sides, which keeps glare to a minimum and legibility at a maximum. Flip them over and you’ll find an engraved case back featuring a white rhino—Draken’s way of honouring the wildlife rangers of South Africa’s Kruger region. A portion of proceeds from these watches goes directly to support anti-poaching wildlife rangers in the Kruger region of Southern Africa. It’s a meaningful, mission-driven detail that adds depth to the story.
Each watch ships in a tactical MOLLE pouch with a quick-release titanium bracelet and a rugged khaki single-pass NATO strap—because of course it does. That’s the Draken way: practical, purposeful, and tough as hell.
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SPECS
| Case | Grade 2 Titanium 44mm Diameter 49.5mm Lug to Lug 15.6mm/12.45mm Thick 22mm Lug Width 60-Click Bidirectional Bezel Screw Down Case Back & Crown 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Black Dial/Full Lume Dial Printed Indexes Sword Hands X1 C3 & BGW9 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | ETA 7750 25 Jewels 28 800bph 48-Hour Power Reserve or VK63 3-year Battery Life |
| Strap | Titanium Bracelet /w Quick-release Spring Bars and Comfort-adjusting Clasp Fabric Single Pass NATO |
Draken Kruger V2 Titanium Chronograph
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Final Thoughts
My first hands-on experience with the brand was with the Aoraki Vector, and I was impressed then. The Krugers offer more of the same–value for money, robust build quality, function-forward design. Draken has made a name for itself in the building of durable watches with attention to detail. You can see that in the evolution of the Kruger V2. You could strap these on for a weekend and feel secure in your ability to go anywhere and do anything. These are no-nonsense watches with clear intent and a quiet confidence—built for life in the field, whether that’s behind a desk, under the waves, or somewhere deep in the bush.
Pricing & Availability
The Draken Kruger V2 Auto will retail for $2449 NZD (approx. $1475 USD/$2020 CAD); the mecaquartz will be $799 NZD (approx. $480 USD/$660CAD). For more information, keep your eye on the brand website.
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Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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