Very good review and interesting analysis of Vaer's marketing. I bought the C5 solar a couple of weeks ago and am very pleased. I have a few minor critiques. The watch is a little thicker than it appears on video. Also, maybe because of my aged eyes, the recessed white-on-black date window is less clearly visible than other watches I own. Finally, Vaer's bracelets for this watch are completely out-of-stock, and they estimate 2 months until available, so they're missing a point-of-sale opportunity. The bracelets are also a bit too pricey IMHO. Regardless, the watch itself is great, and I'm really enjoying it so far.
Yeah, love what this brand is doing. Underrated and/or overlooked, in my opinion, by enthusiasts. They seem to be selling quite well, though, and a few of us "know!" I'd like to check out a bracelet offering too.
this is my first watch from them and I wear it daily, love everything about it. Hoping to get their new tactical chronograph in the future and the Korean field watch.
Thanks! There are definitely some American watchmakers that are building their own automatic movements, but it's going to take baby steps like these before we see that model in the budget category, I believe. All good things.
Gotta say: these watches *GLOW* like no other! Why do people make military, pilot, or field watches, without nighttime luminosity, and think they did something useful? I don’t get it. Time happens at night too…
Absolutely! Apparently this was the first watch they used C3 green in too. The others must be BGW9? But 25 layers of C3 definitely does the job. I love the day lume when you happen to cruise through a dark room or similar. Bright!
The obvious competitor for this is the SWC Bunker. I like the look of this one personally since it has a more traditional field-watch dial layout (plus I like display casebacks), but the Bunker is titanium, has X1 grade lume, a Swiss movement and all for a hundred bucks less
Good points. Hard fact, it's just going to cost more for USA assembly and quality control. So it comes down to which watch appeals to you more. I've handled both watches and can rave about each. The SWC offers much better specs for the money, but this Vaer is no slouch either. I'm drawn to the A5 dial more, like you. Fun fact, the SWC is assembled by an American in Switzerland! Here's my review of the Bunker, if you haven't seen it: th-cam.com/video/MJMQBV0hO3k/w-d-xo.html
You'll love it, then. I'm not particularly attracted to black cases, but this one really appealed to me. And it hasn't let me down...it's been my most worn (outside of other review pieces!) since I received it. Just a classic look and great legibility. I love this handset!
Exactly. Usually not my first choice. But if you look at the silver colored SS case in the same watch, it just doesn't look as "put together." The PVD is magic for the aesthetics!
I did too. There's nothing wrong with their marketing, especially if they're selling watches. But I think watch enthusiasts would/should be very impressed with this brand. Definitely a serious watch and NOT a fashion brand. It shows around every corner of this watch.
I haven't seen the C5 in person, so I couldn't comment to that. But, they're basically identical except for the movement. C5 is Solar quartz, and A5 is Miyota automatic (mechanical) movement. They should both wear/look the same.
Think i found a great $130 half American field watch. My $400 Nite watch keeps killing batteries every year. All my cheap and expensive Casio’s still run sure
One of the upsides to mechanical watches is that you don't have to replace batteries! Though, eventually servicing the movement can counter that convenience.
Very good review and interesting analysis of Vaer's marketing. I bought the C5 solar a couple of weeks ago and am very pleased. I have a few minor critiques. The watch is a little thicker than it appears on video. Also, maybe because of my aged eyes, the recessed white-on-black date window is less clearly visible than other watches I own. Finally, Vaer's bracelets for this watch are completely out-of-stock, and they estimate 2 months until available, so they're missing a point-of-sale opportunity. The bracelets are also a bit too pricey IMHO. Regardless, the watch itself is great, and I'm really enjoying it so far.
Yeah, love what this brand is doing. Underrated and/or overlooked, in my opinion, by enthusiasts. They seem to be selling quite well, though, and a few of us "know!" I'd like to check out a bracelet offering too.
this is my first watch from them and I wear it daily, love everything about it. Hoping to get their new tactical chronograph in the future and the Korean field watch.
Sooo good, right?! Both of the other watches you mentioned look great too!
Thank you Witt. Love this watch and the video from Vaer showing technicians installing parts was cool. Have a great week everyone.
Thanks! There are definitely some American watchmakers that are building their own automatic movements, but it's going to take baby steps like these before we see that model in the budget category, I believe. All good things.
Got the C3 and it's fantastic
This A5 is easily one of my favorite watches! So versatile and classic looks...
Gotta say: these watches *GLOW* like no other! Why do people make military, pilot, or field watches, without nighttime luminosity, and think they did something useful? I don’t get it. Time happens at night too…
Absolutely! Apparently this was the first watch they used C3 green in too. The others must be BGW9? But 25 layers of C3 definitely does the job. I love the day lume when you happen to cruise through a dark room or similar. Bright!
Awesome review Witt. This is such an outstanding field watch. Great choices too.
Thanks! Yes, I hope VAER will continue to get praise from watch enthusiasts for this build, and others. Top notch.
@@WatchWitt👍🙌
The obvious competitor for this is the SWC Bunker. I like the look of this one personally since it has a more traditional field-watch dial layout (plus I like display casebacks), but the Bunker is titanium, has X1 grade lume, a Swiss movement and all for a hundred bucks less
Good points. Hard fact, it's just going to cost more for USA assembly and quality control. So it comes down to which watch appeals to you more. I've handled both watches and can rave about each. The SWC offers much better specs for the money, but this Vaer is no slouch either. I'm drawn to the A5 dial more, like you. Fun fact, the SWC is assembled by an American in Switzerland! Here's my review of the Bunker, if you haven't seen it: th-cam.com/video/MJMQBV0hO3k/w-d-xo.html
Good review . I was looking at these and really like the pvd.
You'll love it, then. I'm not particularly attracted to black cases, but this one really appealed to me. And it hasn't let me down...it's been my most worn (outside of other review pieces!) since I received it. Just a classic look and great legibility. I love this handset!
The solar quartz version of this watch is on my buy-soon list.
I'll bet it's just as awesome! Gotta love Solar power.
The black pvd case goes great with this one. Cool watch!
Exactly. Usually not my first choice. But if you look at the silver colored SS case in the same watch, it just doesn't look as "put together." The PVD is magic for the aesthetics!
great review, thank you! which is the difference between this a5, c5 and s5? a comparison video would be great)
Thanks! The C5 is their same watch except solar powered, and the S5 is the same except battery powered quartz.
S5 is NOT assembled in the U.S. as well making it a cheaper choice.
Wow that has so much going for it. Funny I always thought they bordered a fashion brand.
I did too. There's nothing wrong with their marketing, especially if they're selling watches. But I think watch enthusiasts would/should be very impressed with this brand. Definitely a serious watch and NOT a fashion brand. It shows around every corner of this watch.
I have a feeling I cannot afford this hobby...saving up to get this one for sure. Great channel?
SOOOOO many watches!
Which one is better this one or the c5 ?
I haven't seen the C5 in person, so I couldn't comment to that. But, they're basically identical except for the movement. C5 is Solar quartz, and A5 is Miyota automatic (mechanical) movement. They should both wear/look the same.
Think i found a great $130 half American field watch. My $400 Nite watch keeps killing batteries every year. All my cheap and expensive Casio’s still run sure
One of the upsides to mechanical watches is that you don't have to replace batteries! Though, eventually servicing the movement can counter that convenience.
What's your wrist size?
8 inches. So this watch can appear a little smaller on me than the average wrist.
@@WatchWitt Yep, exactly.
Very nice!
Flat out classic…love this watch!
Uh oh, another watch you've just put on my radar 😅
I feel strongly about this one...glad it conveyed!