I have a D5 Arctic, and it's one of my favorite watches. It has elements of a '60s Sub and a '60s Seamaster, without being a copy of either. It's such a solid watch!
I've got a D5 Atlantic, and love it. I enjoy that Vaer doesn't try too hard to find an "enthusiast" niche, and just makes watches than "average" people would actually buy/wear. I've been debating a S3 Calendar as a fun beater, and a way to try out more vintage sizing with relatively inexpensive watch.
VAER makes SOLID watches. I agree if you're looking for exciting original designs, VAER isn't the microbrand for you. I describe their designs as familiar without being direct homage copies. So not just vanilla but soft churned vanilla bean. They are solidly built with good finishing. I have three of them. Now I have to admit one of my draws when I first looked at VAER is that they are explicitly making an effort to build certain product lines within the USA, at least as much as possible. They are very honest about their manufacturing and why certain products are priced accordingly. So my first purchase from them was one of their USA field watches with an Ameriquartz movement. And quite honestly for less than $200, it's a solid quartz field watch. Next came a US Assembled D5 version of the watch you reviewed but without the faux patina (Arctic White). Which for under $500 is a great value, every day, nearly everywhere dive watch. Again the aesthetic looks are vanilla but it's handsome vanilla and works both casually and even slightly dressier. And it's solidly built. I think for ~$300 under the D7 price well worth it for mostly the same watch (solid Miyota movement). My most recent VAER I just received not too long ago and finally really got to put in some wear time is a Swiss Built, their new G7 Meridian GMT. Again it's a solid built watch, great looks just feels perfectly acceptable for the price paid (I did actually pre-order so I got it at slightly discounted rate). One minor gripe with the GMT is the bidirectional bezel, when turning counter clockwise feels great just like their diver, but when turning clockwise it's much stiffer and can run into random resistance points. My solution is to mostly fiddle with it counter clockwise as if it were a dive watch. If there is a common critique with VAER is that they do offer products that essentially compete internally with each other so it can be a bit cannabalistic browsing their website. But again as you mention also nice they offer you the consumer the option to choose. And their prices run the gamut of price ranges. But I feel they offer solid value at all their prices. Their watches do not blow you away but they don't disappoint neither. They are solid, honest watches. This is not a paid advertisement. Although if VAER is out there I'll gladly take 10 to 20 percent off my next exploratory purchase. And to everyone else Don't Start Watch Collecting.
I've got four Vaer watches, can't say enough about the brand. Pro veteran, pro environment, pro outdoors, pro good pricing, pro transparency, and the list goes on. When I've asked difficult questions in the past, one of the owners emailed me. When I had a small problem with one of their watches, they had sent a replacement watch before I could get my watch in the mailbox. Awesome! I have smaller wrists, and so I really appreciate their smaller C3, A12, etc. Love their dirty Dozen watch, but I also really like a couple of their sapphire domed quartz watches. They even do some artsy short films. They're pretty cool. I have no need at all for a dive watch, but I'm tempted to get one of their less expensive solar dive watches.
I have a Vaer D5 Pacific Tan Dive Watch and I think it is one of the BEST watches that I own. Mine has the Miyota movement and runs at +10sec/day which is just fine and easy to hack back to 0 seconds. The Watch components, styling,function and quality construction is fantastic; and I totally agree with Jordy : drilled lugs would make this time piece a serious contender for Best in class!
@@mikerotch6068 good for your & walmarts relations. Genius design and mass market design are incomparable by design of design. You know, design for luxury, design for masses, and design for design are completely different designs. Now you know. A person with taste MUST know.
I just recently received my G7 GMT from Vaer 2 weeks ago. For the price, it is the best GMT you can own. Sadly, the first G7 was limited and it was months late. Only 240 total of 3 styles were produced. Solid company, very informative on their watches and sourcing, which is rare nowadays. Good review.
I have one of the first run, numbered G7's. The execution of the case, dial and crystal is just stunning, and the accuracy is as well. I have run it and my GMT Master II side by side, and after 10 days they were about 20 seconds different, and with the ETA movement G7 15 seconds slow, and the Rolex 5 seconds fast. It's hard to ask for more in terms of accuracy: they do a superb job of regulating an already solid movement.
I've had the D5 tropic for a little overr a year now and really like it. This one has a red date every 4th day that gives it a bit of color. Dont know if the other models come with that but they might. The lume isn't the best on the tropic because of the roulette dial but is pretty unique, and the guys at Vaer do mention that in their product line up video. All in all is a pretty nice watch and haven't had any problems with it. Cheers!
I got one of their divers with the Miyota movement when they first came out. I really like it, and the price on preorder was only $439, so I like it even more now!
Thanks for nice review, always appreciated. Just to add - Addiesdive MY NH9 plus 2 other of their watch share same / very same watch case, (bezel as well) plus Saint Martin SN 036 G, although wider case seem very close in design too. Those occassions are not rare these days, as many of the watch parts are coming from China, which actually offers decent quality worksmanship as well as low price, nothing to brag about. At the end of the day every watch enthusiast has opportunity to find their own within their budget, as the menu of companies and boutique brands expands, offering a lot for not much, and that is great. Despite less attractive brand story, and all of the "Aliexpresness" the same watch case Addiesdive MY NH9 with NH35, saphire glass /ceram bezel insert given the price of 100-135 USD seems to me clear winner on the budget, yet must admit most yet not all of Vaer designs sharing this watchcase design offer more pleasing aesthetics regarding dial/bezel variants to the cheaper 3 AD alternatives. All the best to your channel.
I have a Vaer D5 Tropic, which I chose because of the unusual design of the dial. It's a really nice watch and the Miyota 9015 is a very good movement.
I’ve owned the C3 Tradition quartz for over a year now. What drew me to the brand was the American assembly and the use of an American quartz movement. I did have to return the watch for service - they happily replaced the movement and returned it in a timely manner. The next one I’ll buy is the Tropic Diver - I love the dial.
Have the D5 arctic and it runs like it has cosc accuracy they did some great regulating and looks nice but not as well decorated as the D7. The cons to me are the flying saucer case shape when seen only from the side. It wont slide under the cuff but then again its a pure tool watch. All and all Im very happy with it
I bought there d4 diver and like it alot but the seconds and minutes hand don't hit there markers. It takes the second hand minute and thirty seconds for minutes hand to hit marker. I've got to send back to be fixed it. I forgot bezel doesn't line up ethier
Ive had the C5 Field Black quartz for a while now and I've thrown everything but the kitchen sink at it. I'm in the Army so, being a little patriotic, I was drawn to the American assembly. I've taken this thing to a lot of military field exercises and it keeps going strong!
Hello Jory!, firstly thank you for bringing us such a nice piece. Second, I'd like to praise you like everybody should because all your effort, so thank you as well for recommend to us the other channels that you have created. I will have a look at then inmediatly! Saludos!!
Purchased the Meridian Navy a couple months ago. Quartz solar, and is very accurate. The only thing that is a ding, is the lume, and no dive extender, other then that, it's a great dive watch.
I bought the Vaer D5 Pacific on pre-order for...$349? I think? I absolutley love the watch! Looks pretty much like the one you just reviewed. It's one of the few watches I own that I actually do get comments on in the real world.
Thanks for the review. I have been looking at Vaer for a while and I wanted to see what it looks like on the wrist. Still photos are ok but this video was helpful. I think I'd go with the Swiss version when I pull the trigger.
I’d definitely recommend the D7 Swiss version. It bats above its price range overall for what your get in a Swiss watch, and the decoration of the movement is much better (if that matters go you at all). Also much quieter rotor than the 900 series Miyota movements.
Vaer is an interesting brand. They have some very nice pieces in the current catalogue. They also have a nice quartz split second flyback chrono that I could consider to buy.
Looks great. I like that it doesn't have a date. It doesn't really need drilled lugs as it has quick release spring bars but it would have looked better.👍
Ordered a field watch and liked it until I noticed a defect in the crystal. Not happy with the response I got from VAER customer support. Basicly told me they're busy and they can't see the defect in the crystal in the picture I sent them. And that's about as far as things went. 🙄
Nice video. My wife bought me that exact watch you have for Christmas and I love it. The case size is perfect for my wrist and I enjoy the simplicity. I never liked busy watches. That why I also own a Rolex Explorer.
I bought a D4 because I wanted a USA built model. I have almost 100 swiss made and the USA appealed to me. I LOVED how the watch looked but my bezel and crown felt crazy cheap. I had $30 watches from India that out classed it. I ended up returning it and I bought an Astor and Banks for my USA fix. At the D7 price there are about 50 options I would want before this one. If I could have one for free I would love to look at it every month in one of my watch cases
It's gorgeous, because of the details (bezel/crystal dome ftw), but it's also pretty uninspired overall in a price range that C.Ward and many others target for upscale divers that aren't yet luxury. Those are deep waters, and I don't think I'll throw a line in.
Oh, and for the drilled lugs, I would agree, however in their ecosystem all their supplied bands and bracelets have that easy hand squeeze thingy, which works great on a new watch, but years from now when I beat it up, it will probably live on Natos and such, then I'll agree with you even more 😂
I forgot to mention that mine came with a Tropic rubber quick release strap, and a beautiful Horwene leather; also quick release. I recently bought the quick release bracelet, and all three options are beautiful.
I think the problem most micro brands face when approaching the 1k price tag is that they lack 1 important thing. Name recognition. We aren't supposed to care about brands, but be honest, we all do. Great specs can't argue with that. However, most people who are not a part of the "watch community" will not spend 800.00 on a watch no one they know will have heard of. Nice looking watch though, aside from the faux patina, which I am not a huge fan of.
I don't mind spending that kind of money on micro brand. My issue is I don't need another diver in my collection. Give me a chronograph, a gmt, a flieger, a date just, or day date.
They offer this same exact watch without the faux-patina, just FYI. Cool thing with the brand, is that they tend to offer a couple variations of the same watch, to meet individual style preferences, while still keeping to their own, cohesive design language. I’ve had this exact watch since it came out, and I can definitely say, it bats above it’s price-point, giving other micro-brands a run for their money when you actually get it in hand.
Love MB Monday. Looks good but 800 with no bracelet.. nope. And needs more AR coating (but appreciate studio lighting is sometimes a bit harsh). For the money, get a Steinhart
Nice looking watch but not sure I see the value proposition here. I own a Halios Fairwind which has the same movement, an amazing bracelet and clasp and generally punches well above its weight in finishing and details yet it cost slightly less than this. You're also getting into Christopher Ward territory as well
I have the D7 Artic Swiss and it's my daily driver on a striped Nato strap. My only real complaint is that I don't like the steel quick change bracelet, it's got some sharp edges and the change pins poke out. I'd rather they do a higher quality oyster style bracelet with the spring clasp but otherwise I love the watch. It's like a nice combo of a 5513/Seamaster in terms of size and design and it's rugged enough to take on adventures.
I have the C5 quartz field watch which I purchased about 2 months ago. I love it. I was looking for a solid, 100 m, screw down crown, field watch with a sapphire crystal. Check, check, check. I wanted (want) something clean and simple. A good quality grab and go daily that is light and well made. Again, check, check, check. I'm not a quartz snob so I was explicitly looking for quartz. And I wanted to support a USA microbrand. Not being 'merica only kind of thing, I just wanted to support the American resurgence of watch making. Again, check. So, is it 'the most amazing watch mankind has ever made?!'. Nope. Is it a good solid, well made, simple (with date) watch that will wear well, and look good. Check. :) It's a great watch. It tells time. Just. Like. You. LOL (See what I did there?) Be well and Happy Passover. :) P.S. The lum is pretty good too. And yeah, drilled lugs would be nice.
I have the d4 and I was extremely disappointed with the lack of QC. The watch arrived with the hands separated from the movement, VAER replaced the watch, sadly the second watch has misalignment issues. I would not recommend the brand.
I can’t speak to a direct comparison myself… but having heard, and seen reviews referencing what the previous person said, I can say that the attention to detail of the D7 Swiss is pretty damn good. No complaints. The movement is much more nicely decorated with the Swiss style machining marks and heat-blued screws (if that matter to you), and everything is perfectly aligned. But you’re also getting a solid, industry standard Swiss movement, and all of esthetic value of that “Swiss Made” (again, if it matters to you). Well regulated to - mine has been keeping to just outside Chronometer specs at ~+7 second a day. For a couple hundred bucks on an already bot cheap watch… I’d recommend going for the Swiss.
Great review time teller! The Vaer watch is bland but solid. It could have also used a date complication. I would add that the $800 price is too high to compel serious interest from most diver watch enthusiasts.
Hi there 👋 I got the C5 Tradition Black USA Quartz watch with the 3-6-9 dial. I was looking for the most American but still affordable field watch as a reminder for my years in the US ….. I am originally from Germany 🙂 I would be interested in your opinion and thoughts on this timepiece. I do love it!
I own a Vaer S3 field watch, I paid around $120 for it when it was on sale. A lot of watch for the $. Very well made and finished. Looks great on a nato. I like Vaer, and Ryan (one of the founders) emailed me directly when I had some questions. Nice to support a small American watch company.
I got the original c5 white one in 2020, it's great if your a poor collage dude with out a lot of cash since you can switch the straps. They went up $100 since I got mine though so it's not the value it once was
Definitely NOT entry level at $700. Entry level would be around under $400. You are correct in saying the watch does hit the spot but the price will determine the market demand for sure!
Nice watch but more than I can afford. I like that it doesn't have a day/date complication. I wonder if they make one with a Miyota 9039 movement for us poor guys?
I see the 10 SPY claims on the ETA PreciDrive quartz watch movements and 5 SPD or so just seems ridiculous. If a watch can’t keep time, why wear it? (Obligatory mention of the Cartier tank watch that Andy Warhol wore but didn’t wind.)
Vaer has awful customer service. Got a C5 quartz and loved it until 6 months in when it stopped keeping time and end of life indicator was going off. Emailed Vaer about it since the battery life is supposed to be two years and I brought it new from them. After a long delay they told me to send it in. Got it back about a month later and within 2 weeks it wasn’t working properly again. After contacting them again twice I got no response. Very sad because I liked the watch but would definitely recommend staying away from vaer.
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I have a D5 Arctic, and it's one of my favorite watches. It has elements of a '60s Sub and a '60s Seamaster, without being a copy of either. It's such a solid watch!
I've got a D5 Atlantic, and love it.
I enjoy that Vaer doesn't try too hard to find an "enthusiast" niche, and just makes watches than "average" people would actually buy/wear. I've been debating a S3 Calendar as a fun beater, and a way to try out more vintage sizing with relatively inexpensive watch.
VAER makes SOLID watches. I agree if you're looking for exciting original designs, VAER isn't the microbrand for you. I describe their designs as familiar without being direct homage copies. So not just vanilla but soft churned vanilla bean. They are solidly built with good finishing. I have three of them.
Now I have to admit one of my draws when I first looked at VAER is that they are explicitly making an effort to build certain product lines within the USA, at least as much as possible. They are very honest about their manufacturing and why certain products are priced accordingly. So my first purchase from them was one of their USA field watches with an Ameriquartz movement. And quite honestly for less than $200, it's a solid quartz field watch. Next came a US Assembled D5 version of the watch you reviewed but without the faux patina (Arctic White). Which for under $500 is a great value, every day, nearly everywhere dive watch. Again the aesthetic looks are vanilla but it's handsome vanilla and works both casually and even slightly dressier. And it's solidly built. I think for ~$300 under the D7 price well worth it for mostly the same watch (solid Miyota movement). My most recent VAER I just received not too long ago and finally really got to put in some wear time is a Swiss Built, their new G7 Meridian GMT. Again it's a solid built watch, great looks just feels perfectly acceptable for the price paid (I did actually pre-order so I got it at slightly discounted rate). One minor gripe with the GMT is the bidirectional bezel, when turning counter clockwise feels great just like their diver, but when turning clockwise it's much stiffer and can run into random resistance points. My solution is to mostly fiddle with it counter clockwise as if it were a dive watch.
If there is a common critique with VAER is that they do offer products that essentially compete internally with each other so it can be a bit cannabalistic browsing their website. But again as you mention also nice they offer you the consumer the option to choose. And their prices run the gamut of price ranges. But I feel they offer solid value at all their prices. Their watches do not blow you away but they don't disappoint neither. They are solid, honest watches.
This is not a paid advertisement. Although if VAER is out there I'll gladly take 10 to 20 percent off my next exploratory purchase.
And to everyone else Don't Start Watch Collecting.
I've got four Vaer watches, can't say enough about the brand. Pro veteran, pro environment, pro outdoors, pro good pricing, pro transparency, and the list goes on. When I've asked difficult questions in the past, one of the owners emailed me. When I had a small problem with one of their watches, they had sent a replacement watch before I could get my watch in the mailbox. Awesome! I have smaller wrists, and so I really appreciate their smaller C3, A12, etc. Love their dirty Dozen watch, but I also really like a couple of their sapphire domed quartz watches. They even do some artsy short films. They're pretty cool. I have no need at all for a dive watch, but I'm tempted to get one of their less expensive solar dive watches.
I have a Vaer D5 Pacific Tan Dive Watch and I think it is one of the BEST watches that I own. Mine has the Miyota movement and runs at +10sec/day which is just fine and easy to hack back to 0 seconds. The Watch components, styling,function and quality construction is fantastic; and I totally agree with Jordy : drilled lugs would make this time piece a serious contender for Best in class!
Man, I'm genuinely impressed with this brand. Just like Alexander Wang in clothing, not a single miss. Each and every piece is that of art. Beautiful!
I had to look up Wangs clothes... they looks like walmart T shirts
@@mikerotch6068 good for your & walmarts relations. Genius design and mass market design are incomparable by design of design. You know, design for luxury, design for masses, and design for design are completely different designs. Now you know. A person with taste MUST know.
@@mikerotch6068 balenciaga looks like Walmart shirts too but people pay thousands for them
i got the solar version, solid made, hitting the marks, AMAZING rubber strap. no fuzz grab and go (anywhere).
I have their C5 basic field watch for like a year now. its as you said, everything you need and nothing you don't. Quality brand imo.
I agree. My C5 hasn't let me down. It's been fed a few hot suppers and still ticks away.
I just recently received my G7 GMT from Vaer 2 weeks ago. For the price, it is the best GMT you can own. Sadly, the first G7 was limited and it was months late. Only 240 total of 3 styles were produced. Solid company, very informative on their watches and sourcing, which is rare nowadays. Good review.
I have one of the first run, numbered G7's. The execution of the case, dial and crystal is just stunning, and the accuracy is as well. I have run it and my GMT Master II side by side, and after 10 days they were about 20 seconds different, and with the ETA movement G7 15 seconds slow, and the Rolex 5 seconds fast. It's hard to ask for more in terms of accuracy: they do a superb job of regulating an already solid movement.
I have the solar diver in blue. It has all the aesthetics of the Swiss version (except for the see-through caseback), at half the price. Works for me.
Me too, and it's my favorite watch. Love it!
Beautiful looking watch. Drilled lugs really would have been a solid move
I've had the D5 tropic for a little overr a year now and really like it. This one has a red date every 4th day that gives it a bit of color. Dont know if the other models come with that but they might. The lume isn't the best on the tropic because of the roulette dial but is pretty unique, and the guys at Vaer do mention that in their product line up video.
All in all is a pretty nice watch and haven't had any problems with it.
Cheers!
I got one of their divers with the Miyota movement when they first came out. I really like it, and the price on preorder was only $439, so I like it even more now!
I got the D4 solar version for my father (it's great) and now I really want the blue one so we can have matching watches!
Nice B roll on this one. Love the close up shots and showing the lame and such as you talk it over.
Thanks for nice review, always appreciated. Just to add - Addiesdive MY NH9 plus 2 other of their watch share same / very same watch case, (bezel as well) plus Saint Martin SN 036 G, although wider case seem very close in design too. Those occassions are not rare these days, as many of the watch parts are coming from China, which actually offers decent quality worksmanship as well as low price, nothing to brag about. At the end of the day every watch enthusiast has opportunity to find their own within their budget, as the menu of companies and boutique brands expands, offering a lot for not much, and that is great. Despite less attractive brand story, and all of the "Aliexpresness" the same watch case Addiesdive MY NH9 with NH35, saphire glass /ceram bezel insert given the price of 100-135 USD seems to me clear winner on the budget, yet must admit most yet not all of Vaer designs sharing this watchcase design offer more pleasing aesthetics regarding dial/bezel variants to the cheaper 3 AD alternatives. All the best to your channel.
I have a Vaer D5 Tropic, which I chose because of the unusual design of the dial. It's a really nice watch and the Miyota 9015 is a very good movement.
I love the nice crisp audible clicks in the bezel. This watch seems great.
I’ve owned the C3 Tradition quartz for over a year now. What drew me to the brand was the American assembly and the use of an American quartz movement. I did have to return the watch for service - they happily replaced the movement and returned it in a timely manner. The next one I’ll buy is the Tropic Diver - I love the dial.
The fact that it came from a country with a less than stellar horology history was a selling point?
Have the D5 arctic and it runs like it has cosc accuracy they did some great regulating and looks nice but not as well decorated as the D7. The cons to me are the flying saucer case shape when seen only from the side. It wont slide under the cuff but then again its a pure tool watch. All and all Im very happy with it
I bought there d4 diver and like it alot but the seconds and minutes hand don't hit there markers. It takes the second hand minute and thirty seconds for minutes hand to hit marker. I've got to send back to be fixed it. I forgot bezel doesn't line up ethier
Ive had the C5 Field Black quartz for a while now and I've thrown everything but the kitchen sink at it. I'm in the Army so, being a little patriotic, I was drawn to the American assembly. I've taken this thing to a lot of military field exercises and it keeps going strong!
Can’t believe you passed up the chance to say, “VAER-iations”
Saw a blue/gold colorway of a similar design, also looked great!
Hello Jory!, firstly thank you for bringing us such a nice piece. Second, I'd like to praise you like everybody should because all your effort, so thank you as well for recommend to us the other channels that you have created. I will have a look at then inmediatly!
Saludos!!
Purchased the Meridian Navy a couple months ago. Quartz solar, and is very accurate. The only thing that is a ding, is the lume, and no dive extender, other then that, it's a great dive watch.
Have the D5 and and D4 from Vaer. Solid, good looking watches that perform and stand up to everyday use, including in and out on the water.
I bought the Vaer D5 Pacific on pre-order for...$349? I think? I absolutley love the watch! Looks pretty much like the one you just reviewed. It's one of the few watches I own that I actually do get comments on in the real world.
I have a d7 in my small collection and it's the most solid tool watch I own
I actually got the American assembled one with the Miyota 9015. It’s a great watch! I love the quality.
Thanks for the review. I have been looking at Vaer for a while and I wanted to see what it looks like on the wrist. Still photos are ok but this video was helpful. I think I'd go with the Swiss version when I pull the trigger.
I’d definitely recommend the D7 Swiss version. It bats above its price range overall for what your get in a Swiss watch, and the decoration of the movement is much better (if that matters go you at all). Also much quieter rotor than the 900 series Miyota movements.
It takes guts to factor the cost of California Assembly into their watches. I wish them well. Over $300 there are lots of nice watches.
I want that Vaer, she's a beauty...* cue in closing music*
The 1960s Omega 165.024 Ministry of Defense says hello…
Thanks for the great video!
Vaer is an interesting brand. They have some very nice pieces in the current catalogue. They also have a nice quartz split second flyback chrono that I could consider to buy.
Looks great. I like that it doesn't have a date. It doesn't really need drilled lugs as it has quick release spring bars but it would have looked better.👍
Brought the D5 Artic couple years ago it's been in saltwater freshwater good lum I wear my other watches but find myself coming back to this one.
Microbrand Monday! 😎!
Ordered a field watch and liked it until I noticed a defect in the crystal. Not happy with the response I got from VAER customer support. Basicly told me they're busy and they can't see the defect in the crystal in the picture I sent them.
And that's about as far as things went. 🙄
Nice video.
My wife bought me that exact watch you have for Christmas and I love it. The case size is perfect for my wrist and I enjoy the simplicity.
I never liked busy watches. That why I also own a Rolex Explorer.
I have a C5. Near daily worn. Runs like a champ.
I bought a D4 because I wanted a USA built model. I have almost 100 swiss made and the USA appealed to me. I LOVED how the watch looked but my bezel and crown felt crazy cheap. I had $30 watches from India that out classed it. I ended up returning it and I bought an Astor and Banks for my USA fix. At the D7 price there are about 50 options I would want before this one. If I could have one for free I would love to look at it every month in one of my watch cases
Sadly I have to agree
It's gorgeous, because of the details (bezel/crystal dome ftw), but it's also pretty uninspired overall in a price range that C.Ward and many others target for upscale divers that aren't yet luxury. Those are deep waters, and I don't think I'll throw a line in.
I have two of their watches, a field and a diver, and I'm happy with both.
Looks pretty reminiscent of an Oris Aquis. It does look pretty impressive, I must say. Only half way through the video yet though….
Sponsored episode, love how he states that important fact at the very end.
I got the 42mm solar variant with aluminum bezel for $259 and am loving it as my pick it up and go watch
Oh, and for the drilled lugs, I would agree, however in their ecosystem all their supplied bands and bracelets have that easy hand squeeze thingy, which works great on a new watch, but years from now when I beat it up, it will probably live on Natos and such, then I'll agree with you even more 😂
Wise 904L SS is a great, beautiful, accessible, alternative. Fantastic watch.
I forgot to mention that mine came with a Tropic rubber quick release strap, and a beautiful Horwene leather; also quick release. I recently bought the quick release bracelet, and all three options are beautiful.
I think the problem most micro brands face when approaching the 1k price tag is that they lack 1 important thing. Name recognition. We aren't supposed to care about brands, but be honest, we all do. Great specs can't argue with that. However, most people who are not a part of the "watch community" will not spend 800.00 on a watch no one they know will have heard of. Nice looking watch though, aside from the faux patina, which I am not a huge fan of.
I don't mind spending that kind of money on micro brand. My issue is I don't need another diver in my collection. Give me a chronograph, a gmt, a flieger, a date just, or day date.
They offer this same exact watch without the faux-patina, just FYI. Cool thing with the brand, is that they tend to offer a couple variations of the same watch, to meet individual style preferences, while still keeping to their own, cohesive design language.
I’ve had this exact watch since it came out, and I can definitely say, it bats above it’s price-point, giving other micro-brands a run for their money when you actually get it in hand.
I find micro brands far more interesting than a big name with a two year wait list.
Own the C3 tradition, I love it
Now that's a thing of beauty right there.
Love MB Monday. Looks good but 800 with no bracelet.. nope. And needs more AR coating (but appreciate studio lighting is sometimes a bit harsh). For the money, get a Steinhart
I have the D5 Arctic White with the Miyota movement. Runs about +4 seconds a day, is beautifully made and is my choice in watches.
I have an S5 and very satisfied, great value for money.
Nice looking watch but not sure I see the value proposition here. I own a Halios Fairwind which has the same movement, an amazing bracelet and clasp and generally punches well above its weight in finishing and details yet it cost slightly less than this. You're also getting into Christopher Ward territory as well
I have the D7 Artic Swiss and it's my daily driver on a striped Nato strap. My only real complaint is that I don't like the steel quick change bracelet, it's got some sharp edges and the change pins poke out. I'd rather they do a higher quality oyster style bracelet with the spring clasp but otherwise I love the watch. It's like a nice combo of a 5513/Seamaster in terms of size and design and it's rugged enough to take on adventures.
I have the C5 quartz field watch which I purchased about 2 months ago. I love it. I was looking for a solid, 100 m, screw down crown, field watch with a sapphire crystal. Check, check, check. I wanted (want) something clean and simple. A good quality grab and go daily that is light and well made. Again, check, check, check. I'm not a quartz snob so I was explicitly looking for quartz. And I wanted to support a USA microbrand. Not being 'merica only kind of thing, I just wanted to support the American resurgence of watch making. Again, check. So, is it 'the most amazing watch mankind has ever made?!'. Nope. Is it a good solid, well made, simple (with date) watch that will wear well, and look good. Check. :) It's a great watch. It tells time. Just. Like. You. LOL (See what I did there?) Be well and Happy Passover. :)
P.S. The lum is pretty good too. And yeah, drilled lugs would be nice.
I have the d4 and I was extremely disappointed with the lack of QC. The watch arrived with the hands separated from the movement, VAER replaced the watch, sadly the second watch has misalignment issues. I would not recommend the brand.
Pretty nice looking watch. Hands are almost identical to ones in Certina ph200m and ph500m.
Yes, drilled lugs would be good. I agree sir.
Out of curiosity what's beating in the American made piece?
A comparison between the D5 and D7 Arctic Divers would have been nice. What does the additional $300 get me? Is it worth it?
I can’t speak to a direct comparison myself… but having heard, and seen reviews referencing what the previous person said, I can say that the attention to detail of the D7 Swiss is pretty damn good. No complaints.
The movement is much more nicely decorated with the Swiss style machining marks and heat-blued screws (if that matter to you), and everything is perfectly aligned. But you’re also getting a solid, industry standard Swiss movement, and all of esthetic value of that “Swiss Made” (again, if it matters to you). Well regulated to - mine has been keeping to just outside Chronometer specs at ~+7 second a day.
For a couple hundred bucks on an already bot cheap watch… I’d recommend going for the Swiss.
Great review time teller! The Vaer watch is bland but solid. It could have also used a date complication. I would add that the $800 price is too high to compel serious interest from most diver watch enthusiasts.
I have the 36mm field watch. I hope to buy a 38mm dive watch from Vaer when I can afford to.
Those random unmatched indice shapes drives my OCD crazy. Why are some round and some sticks etc???
Hi there 👋
I got the C5 Tradition Black USA Quartz watch with the 3-6-9 dial. I was looking for the most American but still affordable field watch as a reminder for my years in the US ….. I am originally from Germany 🙂 I would be interested in your opinion and thoughts on this timepiece. I do love it!
Just ordered my 3rd watch from Vaer.
Nice watch, nice review. There's so many faux patina lume out there now, these days it's just another lume color. No biggie either way.
Love Vaer I have 2 divers date and no date. 2 field watches one is the dirty dozen 36mm
Overall impressive. Great review.
I wonder how these compare to Steinhart. Also, is this an expensive Invicta 8926OB or a cheap Black Bay 58?
That is a beautiful watch!!
Between this and a Tissot Seastar 1000, anyone have any direct comparisons they could offer?
Could you do some reviews on Renquear Watches
What are drilled lugs, friend?
I own a Vaer S3 field watch, I paid around $120 for it when it was on sale. A lot of watch for the $. Very well made and finished. Looks great on a nato. I like Vaer, and Ryan (one of the founders) emailed me directly when I had some questions. Nice to support a small American watch company.
I have the A7 Navy Swiss made in Switzerland and it's worth every dollar I paid for it.
I have 3 watch’s and one Mug and I love them
Very vintage Omega, would liketo see one with white lume. Vaer tend toget great reviews
@@thecianinator Well I will check that out...
I bought a C3 tradition...it didn't work when i got it.
So that cured my watch obsession.
Avoid microbrands!
I got the original c5 white one in 2020, it's great if your a poor collage dude with out a lot of cash since you can switch the straps. They went up $100 since I got mine though so it's not the value it once was
It's a nice watch, maybe a little uninspiring but seems to be tough and reliable. A little like the old Volvo, boxy but safe.
Definitely NOT entry level at $700. Entry level would be around under $400. You are correct in saying the watch does hit the spot but the price will determine the market demand for sure!
T3 - "let me know what you think"
Me- sure thing, my consulting fee is $1K an hour
It seems that lack of drilled lugs bothers you so much😂😂😂
Honest question, why does everyone hate crown guards?
Its tall. Wise can do 200 meters for 12mm. Looks good though
Nice watch but more than I can afford. I like that it doesn't have a day/date complication. I wonder if they make one with a Miyota 9039 movement for us poor guys?
My 18 year old nephew who works in Burger King can afford it...so why can't you?
@@thecianinator Doesn't matter, he lives on his own and supports himself. He works two jobs and drives a new Honda too.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 I'm sure that your nephew doesn't have a mortgage, car payments and a child in college does he?
@@thecianinator Thanks.
@@tortugabob He has rent, a car payment, college tuition and a dog.
They are sharp and the sword handset is legible
I see the 10 SPY claims on the ETA PreciDrive quartz watch movements and 5 SPD or so just seems ridiculous. If a watch can’t keep time, why wear it? (Obligatory mention of the Cartier tank watch that Andy Warhol wore but didn’t wind.)
Excellent
Really good looking but i agree it needs to be a couple hundy less $$ :(
I'm selling my hardly worn Vaer D5 Tropic on Chrono24
You know who makes a real nice 38mm maual wind feild watch ⌚ Weiss in black and white
Sparing partner of LE LE LEGATO...diver... Right jor...? 😁😎👍🏽👍🏽🇮🇩🇮🇩✊🏽✊🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I'm not keen on drilled lugs. There, I said it.
Wierdo!
if I'm spending 800 where is my braclet
TTKMUAN gang
🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
It's pretty
Vaer has awful customer service. Got a C5 quartz and loved it until 6 months in when it stopped keeping time and end of life indicator was going off. Emailed Vaer about it since the battery life is supposed to be two years and I brought it new from them. After a long delay they told me to send it in. Got it back about a month later and within 2 weeks it wasn’t working properly again. After contacting them again twice I got no response. Very sad because I liked the watch but would definitely recommend staying away from vaer.