I ordered my D7 Artic months ago. I"m so excited it's shipping soon. Thanks for the great review. I may have been introduced to Vaer on your Podcast! Cheers.
Brilliant review, and the first 3rd party review I have seen of it. Note that VAER calls out 40mm for the bezel. The size relationship between the case diameter and bezel diameter is a direct nod to vintage diver profiles of a bygone era. I am a fan of VAER, and jumped on the arctic white D7 sans complication the day that ordering was opened. Thanks for the bracelet review. This is VAER's first bracelet. I did opt in for a bracelet, as I expect it would be problematic to find one 3rd party. Keep in touch with VAER, they are working on a 36mm manual dirty dozen inspired wristwatch as we speak, which they have not said much about yet. It will be awesome. One watch to rule them all. I believe you are correct about the VAER branded rubber straps being mfg by Barton. Their nylon straps are tough as nails and very comfortable. Their horween leather straps are "the tits". Color me biased. ;-)
Thanks for watching. Yep I have been dying to get my hands on this watch ever since they announced it. Vaer came on our podcast a few months ago and I have been itching to see it ever since. You wont be dissapointed! Link to podcast in description of the video.
That intro is awesome and I love the breaking news from the future 😂This is such an amazing video, easily one of the best I have seen in a long while. Sam, you put a huge smile on my face, thank you 😊👍
Divers watch suggestion: 2892A2 or SW300 automatic movement, titanium back with sapphire window, high polished stainless case instead of brushed finished, color choices of ceramic bezel insert, offer a sapphire bezel insert, polished applied hour marks. Crown located at 9o'clock instead of 3oclock so as to not interfere with the bend of your wrist. Lume on the bezel also. Stick to less than $750 with a 5 year warranty. Offer a bronze model also.
What your describing is a completely different watch like an Undone watch. They already offer more options that 90% of the brands already. The watch looks and feels like an evolution of their existing brand. This watch represents who they are as a brand. Two guys working tirelessly to create the best dive watch they can. We interviewed them over on the podcast. Very interesting if you are interested to learn more about the design decisions they made.
Fun, informative, and enjoyable review! I've ordered an Atlantic D5 with metal bracelet and really looking forward to receiving it in mid-Dec. Well done Vaer, and congratulations.
You have to love those twisted lugs on this Vaer Diver as well as that polished black dial. These watches look like they would be a treat for your wrist! Thanks for the review.
Hey John, I was really impressed with it honestly. I think Vaer answered so many questions frequently asked by watch collectors with this watch that I wanted to make sure I addressed them. Tried to do it in a lighthearted way 😂
I was contemplating buying a Tudor BB58 until I saw the Vaer D7 Arctic. I ordered it a month or so ago with the new bracelet. Why pay three times more for something when the D7 has practically the same features. Some even exceeding that of the BB58. Nice review, cheers from Kansas.
I own two Vaer watches. Excellent. No dive watch yet. Every detail is great. Mine are American Assembled. Leather band made in US. Ryan, one of the owners, answered questions directly on email :-)
The D7 arrived two hrs ago still havent worn it the strap change system is horrible...cant get the stainlees strap to go or the cheap pleather strap...what to do now but send back for refund.
Thanks Sam. Nice review, and had a good chuckle over the newscast! Being a microbrand diver, this one is pretty far out of my swim lane. Yet that could be my One Watch I think. One quibble, I don't think any watch with less than a movement finely decorated by hand needs a display case back. Give me something suitably nautical on this one. (BTW, did you mention the price?) Cheers.
@@CasualWatchReviews It was probably me. I tend to wander around the house when watching TH-cam. How's that Citizen watch of yours BTW? Titanium, isn't it? Maybe a long term review?
@@truebluemiata oh yep I still have it! Yep I could do. I’m sat in a mountain of microbrands to review some really cool ones, but I can add it to the list for sure. My collection is getting big again so I have toyed with it selling it. But it does look cool!
I've been waiting for a review of this watch for a while now. I ordered a D5 Atlantic(the cheap version of the reviewed watch) while at the pub with a friend, and have been hoping I didn't make a big mistake. Based on your review, and the Vaer video I am much more confident of my drunken purchase. In fairness I have been watching Vaer for a while now, and nearly bought their first automatic field watch. I also nearly fought the vicious chicken of Bristol, and personally wet myself at the Battle of Badon Hill.
They need to offer a watch using the ETA2892A2 or maybe an SW300 E'laborate movement. High polished stainless or a titanium diver would be awesome too. I would be interested then. I like the USA story tho.
Hey thanks for watching! This is probably the best value ETA powered watch I have reviewed. i’m not sure any of that would enhance the watch they have made, it would certainly make it more expensive I think.
Minute track design gives me Sinn 104 cues. Negs for me :no drilled lugs, pins ( not screws?), bracelet design - mmm, oyster design is credited with strength, but another design (smaller links?; just not so bulky) could have elavated the watch to salivating position.
This was easily one of the best microbrands I reviewed last year. I was lucky to be sent one after the review, one of the production ones and I hardly take it off.
Wow. Smashed it. The white on black looks fab, and the minute track is as classy as..... Tough market. NTH, and the like, also smart. That said, if I needed another Diver, I may just go for this piece of Americana.
I like it. Stays true to their own simple design aesthetic which I’ve always liked. May have to put one on my Xmas list. Great and amusing review Sam. Not sure about the Breaking News segment, but people usually don’t pay attention to that kind of info in normal reviews, so I get why you did it. 👍 BTW, wondering if the bracelet is a true three link oyster or is it just a single link made to look like three separate links?
Eh, hoping to love this watch when it arrives, but this review just doesn't seem objective. Surely there are some negatives / constructive points you'd want to share?
Hey John, If you watch most of my reviews I have pros and cons of the watches. I genuinely believe they have nailed this one. Seriously I can't think of anything I would have done better except the comments I made about the lumed bezel. I also messaged vaer and said they may want to consider in future doing one with high polish. I have reviewed hundreds of watches on the channel as you can see, they have done a great job of this. I'm not affiliated with them, I had to send that watch back also, you got my genuine opinions there!
Very nice review. Looks like a very nice watch. Unfortunately not for me, don’t find it personally interesting. Looking forward to the next podcast. Rob
That's interesting, I didn't get any doxa vibes from this watch. I have seen a 300 in person and its huge so maybe that's why but I see what you mean about the lugs maybe?
Yep thats really interesting you made that comparison, I wonder if I can do a comparison between the two. I think side by side it will be more obvious. The doxa is much bigger, also the case is more geometric shape to it and no domed back.. The Doxa has a sapphire bezel from memory also. The Doxa has much more solid bracelet.
@@CasualWatchReviews Do not go for the solidness of the bracelet and the material of the bezel or some millimeters here and there, just click on the link and, at first glance, the look very much alike.
I have been staring at the two side by side 😂, in 2D I think the lugs look similar for sure and the case. I'm sure I'm not seeing what your seeing because I have handled both watches. In the pictures, there are similarities but in person honestly, they are very different.
@@CasualWatchReviews thanx to your channel I am wanting this watch, of course I'm going to go through a week's worth of telling myt I don't need it, then another 2 weeks of trying to convince myself why I need it, then about 2 weeks of going online , going to the order page, and then chickening out then finally ordering it,so in about 6 to 7 weeks I should have it .
Why would there be something wrong? ETA supply movements to many third parties. Breitling, IWC, Tag are some of the bigger names but smaller brands use them also.
@@michaelgrossmann6902 Hi, respectfully thats not really true. We have discussed this on the podcast a few times. ETA got in trouble with the swiss competition commission, they knee jerk reacted to it. Then sellita shipped 1 million units that year (2019). ETA then realized they were on the back foot and started to ship again. There is nothing nefarious about getting hold of ETA movements, In fact you can buy a movement yourself new from a very well respected retailer Esslinger or here perrinwatchparts.com/collections/eta-watch-movements
@@CasualWatchReviews the Swatch Group, in effect, still is prevented by COMCO from supplying movements to all firms in 2020, except small companies with 250 or fewer employees. Prevented until 2021... and even then Henemann might be lying. So, so far Selita knock offs and the likes have free ride. This said, that little CA Vaer company, which basically puts ETAs and Miatas in Chinese cases and floods the field with their aggressive commercials might be a small enough organisation capable of buying ETA calibers from the Swatch Gr quite legally.
We have a podcast where they discuss the whole process. I know both owners well. Thay are really pushing for more watch making to be in the US and have the watches assembled now by a watch factory in Chicago. I think its really important (for me anyway) to support these type of brands. You could email them and they will tell you exactly where everything is sources I’m sure.
Diving extensions are one of the most overrated features on a modern divewatch. The rolex sub-style 5mm extension on the other hand is the best thing short of a real ratcheting clasp.
I will do a follow up review of the production one I have. It may look like a simple design but the execution is fantastic. This was one of the best... if not the best... microbrands I reviewed last year.
Who is getting paid? Certainly not me, I have never taken a penny for a watch review... ever. I really like this watch and happy to give it a positive review.
I ordered my D7 Artic months ago. I"m so excited it's shipping soon. Thanks for the great review. I may have been introduced to Vaer on your Podcast! Cheers.
Yep they are a cool pair of guys, I was really impressed by this watch!
Brilliant review, and the first 3rd party review I have seen of it. Note that VAER calls out 40mm for the bezel. The size relationship between the case diameter and bezel diameter is a direct nod to vintage diver profiles of a bygone era.
I am a fan of VAER, and jumped on the arctic white D7 sans complication the day that ordering was opened.
Thanks for the bracelet review. This is VAER's first bracelet. I did opt in for a bracelet, as I expect it would be problematic to find one 3rd party.
Keep in touch with VAER, they are working on a 36mm manual dirty dozen inspired wristwatch as we speak, which they have not said much about yet. It will be awesome. One watch to rule them all.
I believe you are correct about the VAER branded rubber straps being mfg by Barton. Their nylon straps are tough as nails and very comfortable. Their horween leather straps are "the tits". Color me biased. ;-)
Thanks for commenting! Yep I always try and keep in touch with them, there passion for their brand is really cool!
I ordered a D5 early in Sept and I cant wait for that watch to arrive. Thank you so much for doing this review!
Thanks for watching. Yep I have been dying to get my hands on this watch ever since they announced it. Vaer came on our podcast a few months ago and I have been itching to see it ever since. You wont be dissapointed! Link to podcast in description of the video.
Witty. Good looking watch, reminders me of Oris. Breaking news from the future... Size does matter, just like your big microphone.... 😂. Great review.
Thanks for your valuable feedback, glad you enjoyed it!
That intro is awesome and I love the breaking news from the future 😂This is such an amazing video, easily one of the best I have seen in a long while. Sam, you put a huge smile on my face, thank you 😊👍
Hey Jeffrey, really glad you enjoyed it, tried to mix it up a bit this week!
I just got my D7 in the mail, it is stunning people 🤓🤓🤓
Divers watch suggestion: 2892A2 or SW300 automatic movement, titanium back with sapphire window, high polished stainless case instead of brushed finished, color choices of ceramic bezel insert, offer a sapphire bezel insert, polished applied hour marks. Crown located at 9o'clock instead of 3oclock so as to not interfere with the bend of your wrist. Lume on the bezel also.
Stick to less than $750 with a 5 year warranty. Offer a bronze model also.
What your describing is a completely different watch like an Undone watch. They already offer more options that 90% of the brands already. The watch looks and feels like an evolution of their existing brand. This watch represents who they are as a brand. Two guys working tirelessly to create the best dive watch they can. We interviewed them over on the podcast. Very interesting if you are interested to learn more about the design decisions they made.
That's got the perfect mix of modern and vintage styling for a divers watch! Very nice looking piece
I think so too!
Importing this into Belgium would cost about $675 total... Damn. I like the D7 more, same price.
Fun, informative, and enjoyable review! I've ordered an Atlantic D5 with metal bracelet and really looking forward to receiving it in mid-Dec. Well done Vaer, and congratulations.
Good choice! I was impressed as you can tell!
You have to love those twisted lugs on this Vaer Diver as well as that polished black dial. These watches look like they would be a treat for your wrist! Thanks for the review.
Yep I was sad to send this one back! They did a great job of it!
Ordered D7 Atlantic back in mid July.. time is getting closer to put that sweet timepiece on my wrist.. nice review by the way, like seeing the future
Hey John, I was really impressed with it honestly. I think Vaer answered so many questions frequently asked by watch collectors with this watch that I wanted to make sure I addressed them. Tried to do it in a lighthearted way 😂
Gorgeous watch. Love to see that they do American assembly on so many of their models too
Yep totally agree!
I was contemplating buying a Tudor BB58 until I saw the Vaer D7 Arctic. I ordered it a month or so ago with the new bracelet. Why pay three times more for something when the D7 has practically the same features. Some even exceeding that of the BB58. Nice review, cheers from Kansas.
Hey well I have owned the BB58 and its a hell of a watch. Vaer did a great job of this one!
@@CasualWatchReviews so I am not crazy then? 😁
hey Kurt, I sold the BB58 after a few months. A lot of people love it but it was not for me in then end.
I own two Vaer watches. Excellent. No dive watch yet. Every detail is great. Mine are American Assembled. Leather band made in US. Ryan, one of the owners, answered questions directly on email :-)
Very cool! yes great guys, we interviewed them over on the Podcast
My interest is piqued!
Wonderful, informative & quite entertaining review, man!
Thank you!
Oh thanks, appreciate you watching!
The D7 arrived two hrs ago still havent worn it the strap change system is horrible...cant get the stainlees strap to go or the cheap pleather strap...what to do now but send back for refund.
Is has a quick release in the metal? Im often taking it off and back on?
Thanks Sam. Nice review, and had a good chuckle over the newscast!
Being a microbrand diver, this one is pretty far out of my swim lane. Yet that could be my One Watch I think. One quibble, I don't think any watch with less than a movement finely decorated by hand needs a display case back. Give me something suitably nautical on this one. (BTW, did you mention the price?) Cheers.
Hey Tom, Maybe i didnt make it clear, I think the D5 is $500 and the D7 $750 ish
@@CasualWatchReviews It was probably me. I tend to wander around the house when watching TH-cam. How's that Citizen watch of yours BTW? Titanium, isn't it? Maybe a long term review?
@@truebluemiata oh yep I still have it! Yep I could do. I’m sat in a mountain of microbrands to review some really cool ones, but I can add it to the list for sure. My collection is getting big again so I have toyed with it selling it. But it does look cool!
I've been waiting for a review of this watch for a while now. I ordered a D5 Atlantic(the cheap version of the reviewed watch) while at the pub with a friend, and have been hoping I didn't make a big mistake. Based on your review, and the Vaer video I am much more confident of my drunken purchase.
In fairness I have been watching Vaer for a while now, and nearly bought their first automatic field watch. I also nearly fought the vicious chicken of Bristol, and personally wet myself at the Battle of Badon Hill.
Yep you wont be dissapointed!
They need to offer a watch using the ETA2892A2 or maybe an SW300 E'laborate movement. High polished stainless or a titanium diver would be awesome too. I would be interested then. I like the USA story tho.
Hey thanks for watching! This is probably the best value ETA powered watch I have reviewed. i’m not sure any of that would enhance the watch they have made, it would certainly make it more expensive I think.
Minute track design gives me Sinn 104 cues.
Negs for me :no drilled lugs, pins ( not screws?), bracelet design - mmm, oyster design is credited with strength, but another design (smaller links?; just not so bulky) could have elavated the watch to salivating position.
This was easily one of the best microbrands I reviewed last year. I was lucky to be sent one after the review, one of the production ones and I hardly take it off.
Wow. Smashed it. The white on black looks fab, and the minute track is as classy as..... Tough market. NTH, and the like, also smart. That said, if I needed another Diver, I may just go for this piece of Americana.
Hey Ray! they honestly did a great job of this one, very cool!
Preordered this watch earlier in the month. Looking forward to it's arrival.
Oh cool! I was sad to see this go back!
I'm very eager for mine to arrive. I think it was July when I pre-ordered.
Yes me to, what style did you go for?
@@CasualWatchReviews D5. It's been so long that I'm not sure of the dial colors, but I'm fairly certain I got the black and "patina" tan. :)
I've already got one on pre-order. Can't wait for it do come.
Yep I think the wait will be well worth it!
I like it. Stays true to their own simple design aesthetic which I’ve always liked. May have to put one on my Xmas list. Great and amusing review Sam. Not sure about the Breaking News segment, but people usually don’t pay attention to that kind of info in normal reviews, so I get why you did it. 👍 BTW, wondering if the bracelet is a true three link oyster or is it just a single link made to look like three separate links?
yep ist a single link, I dont know if I have ever seen one that splits into three?
Eh, hoping to love this watch when it arrives, but this review just doesn't seem objective. Surely there are some negatives / constructive points you'd want to share?
Hey John, If you watch most of my reviews I have pros and cons of the watches. I genuinely believe they have nailed this one. Seriously I can't think of anything I would have done better except the comments I made about the lumed bezel. I also messaged vaer and said they may want to consider in future doing one with high polish. I have reviewed hundreds of watches on the channel as you can see, they have done a great job of this. I'm not affiliated with them, I had to send that watch back also, you got my genuine opinions there!
Fantastic review man. I appreciated the updates from the newsreader as well.
Thanks!! Glad you liked it!
Looks well done, I will consider this one. Thanks for the review.
Yep check them out online!
Very nice review.
Looks like a very nice watch. Unfortunately not for me, don’t find it personally interesting.
Looking forward to the next podcast.
Rob
Hey Rob! yep sorry a bit delayed this week!
@@CasualWatchReviews No problem, I will be looking out for it.
Do you think this would be too big on a 6.25 in wrist
I think it will be ok, its fairly light and the case is comfortable
The case looks like Doxa 200.
... and the news guy looks like you 😉😄.
That's interesting, I didn't get any doxa vibes from this watch. I have seen a 300 in person and its huge so maybe that's why but I see what you mean about the lugs maybe?
@@CasualWatchReviews The rounded lugs, the bezel is identical, the size, the hands, the hour markers, ...
Yep thats really interesting you made that comparison, I wonder if I can do a comparison between the two. I think side by side it will be more obvious. The doxa is much bigger, also the case is more geometric shape to it and no domed back.. The Doxa has a sapphire bezel from memory also. The Doxa has much more solid bracelet.
@@CasualWatchReviews Do not go for the solidness of the bracelet and the material of the bezel or some millimeters here and there, just click on the link and, at first glance, the look very much alike.
I have been staring at the two side by side 😂, in 2D I think the lugs look similar for sure and the case. I'm sure I'm not seeing what your seeing because I have handled both watches. In the pictures, there are similarities but in person honestly, they are very different.
very nice watch i like it .... but importing it into uk would ad extra £100 too much ...... cheers
Yep that would be a lot to pay?
Nice watch, don't care for the narrow arms on a Diver I have to say.
They have a few different styles. I ended up going for the tropical dial and just love it!
Beautiful watch
Yep, one of the best microbrands I have ever reviewed
@@CasualWatchReviews thanx to your channel I am wanting this watch, of course I'm going to go through a week's worth of telling myt I don't need it, then another 2 weeks of trying to convince myself why I need it, then about 2 weeks of going online , going to the order page, and then chickening out then finally ordering it,so in about 6 to 7 weeks I should have it .
We have very similar buying processes 😂
Looks great. Cheers.
Thank you! Cheers!
Bracelet looks like a bit of a let down in the refinement department, but I guess I'll have to wait until I see it myself.
Yep see it yourself. Its vintage style I would say
Impressive watch from a boutique maker
Yep I certainly think so as well!
And how do they get the ETA in their watches???? Something is wrong here
Why would there be something wrong? ETA supply movements to many third parties. Breitling, IWC, Tag are some of the bigger names but smaller brands use them also.
@@CasualWatchReviews they STOPPED a year ago. No one outside the Swatch Group could have possibly used ETAs since then
@@michaelgrossmann6902 Hi, respectfully thats not really true. We have discussed this on the podcast a few times. ETA got in trouble with the swiss competition commission, they knee jerk reacted to it. Then sellita shipped 1 million units that year (2019). ETA then realized they were on the back foot and started to ship again. There is nothing nefarious about getting hold of ETA movements, In fact you can buy a movement yourself new from a very well respected retailer Esslinger or here perrinwatchparts.com/collections/eta-watch-movements
@@CasualWatchReviews the Swatch Group, in effect, still is prevented by COMCO from supplying movements to all firms in 2020, except small companies with 250 or fewer employees. Prevented until 2021... and even then Henemann might be lying. So, so far Selita knock offs and the likes have free ride. This said, that little CA Vaer company, which basically puts ETAs and Miatas in Chinese cases and floods the field with their aggressive commercials might be a small enough organisation capable of buying ETA calibers from the Swatch Gr quite legally.
We have a podcast where they discuss the whole process. I know both owners well. Thay are really pushing for more watch making to be in the US and have the watches assembled now by a watch factory in Chicago. I think its really important (for me anyway) to support these type of brands. You could email them and they will tell you exactly where everything is sources I’m sure.
Diving extensions are one of the most overrated features on a modern divewatch. The rolex sub-style 5mm extension on the other hand is the best thing short of a real ratcheting clasp.
I actually agree with you here based on my personal experience!
Looks very generic not sure anything different about it to make me spend my hard earned on it
I will do a follow up review of the production one I have. It may look like a simple design but the execution is fantastic. This was one of the best... if not the best... microbrands I reviewed last year.
wow. paid shill. respect lost.
Who is getting paid? Certainly not me, I have never taken a penny for a watch review... ever. I really like this watch and happy to give it a positive review.