Arguably, time itself is a matter of form and function, but when it comes to reading time during outdoor ventures, the form of a proper field watch is the way to go. For more specialized use, there are tactical and dive builds, but we still lump them in with the general term “field watches.”
To withstand years of use, whether for work or recreation, a watch needs a rugged case, bold numbers you can read in the dark, and an overall aesthetic you’ll be happy to have on your wrist every day. For us, several Vaer watches check all those boxes and then some.
Below, introduce you to a few of our favorite, outdoor-ready watches from Vaer. We’ve reviewed several of them and been impressed by their durable build and feature-heavy takes on traditional styles. And then there’s the value which we always appreciate. You’ll find that several watches come with the option for quartz or automatic movements, as well as different colors and band styles.
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Vaer’s founders, Ryan Torres and Reagan Cook, pored over different design elements of wristwatches before starting the company in 2015. Ten years later, the watches are largely assembled in Los Angeles, where craftsmen hand-place each component.
As you look through the watches selected below, you’ll notice subtle differences in the shape of the case, placement of the crown, or fabric used for the band. These choices help define the overall aesthetic of the watch, while the materials tell another story. In particular, the brand’s field watches draw from U.S. military history, from the choice of metals and glass that can withstand heavy use to the typeface and size of the numerals.
For the holidays, Vaer has a sale on several of its most popular styles with savings up to 25% off.
C5 Tactical Field Solar 40mm: $349
This solar-powered version of Vaer’s top-selling C5 Tactical Field Solar is no stranger to this website. It lives on the wrist of one editor who praises its value for combining “high-end features like solar charging, 10-atmosphere water resistance, excellent lume, two straps, sapphire crystal, and an accurate quartz movement. USA assembly and a lovely strap add to this nice watch that can dress up — or down — to match many occasions.”
The C5 Tactical is a military-inspired 10ATM watch featuring a “blacked-out” aesthetic, contrasted by its bright and long-lasting lume paint. Just 6 hours of sunlight will provide a 6-month power reserve, and it can also recharge from other sources of light.
As a Vaer C5 model, this 40mm case watch stands out for its ocean-readiness (100m depth rating), low-profile case design, and its accurate (and affordable) quartz movement. It draws inspiration from the A-11 field watch worn by the American military during World War II, with large numerals for the hours and more subtle 24-hour and 60-minute hatch markings on the inner and outer dial.
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C4 Tactical Field 41.5mm: $479
The C4 Tactical Field Watch is a new addition to the Vaer lineup, with a larger and more waterproof build than the C5. It represents a more aggressive and field-ready design, boasting 200 m of water resistance, a 41.5mm diameter, the brand’s brightest lume, and a unidirectional rotating bezel to enhance its utility. Like all its solar models, the C4 can deliver 6 months of reserve from just 6 hours of light, and charge from any light source (even candlelight).
We see the C4 Tactical as a fit for anyone who wants a bold and rugged wristwatch and has a wrist sized for it. It honors the military watch tradition with matte surfaces to kill reflections, oversized hands, and bold numerals cribbed from U.S. Air Force stencils. It uses a reliable (and more affordable) quartz movement
“It’s an American-assembled tool watch through and through, but still looks good enough to wear every day,” one editor summarized. You can read more about the Vaer C4 Tactical in our full review.
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G5 Pacific Steel GMT 39mm & G5 Pacific Polar 39mm Automatic: $935
The G5 Pacific Steel GMT is Vaer’s most premium, American-assembled automatic watch, inspired by the 1950s 20ATM. As a G-series model, this watch is part of the brand’s dual-timezone series, known for its ocean-ready function and self-winding movement.
Vaer makes a G5 with a quartz movement, but a more premium touch is the automatic setup for those seeking the timeless traditions of mechanical movements. For that, it uses the well-regarded Miyota 9075 movement, which includes a True GMT date function. It supports a -5/+15 second per day timing tolerance and holds a 42-hour power reserve.
One seeming nitpick among watch aficionados is the brightness and longevity of its glowing markers. Vaer painted the lume on thick for the G5 line, rating 9/10 on its own scale. That comes from 15 layers of Old Radium Super-LumiNova on the dial and Old Radium lume on all of the hands.
With its 39mm case diameter, Vaer hopes to hit the mark between ergonomics and proud visibility on the wrist. It also has a 20mm lug width and an 11.83mm depth without the crystal.
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G2 Pacific Steel GMT 39mm: $399
The G2 Pacific is a value-minded take on the G5 Meridian GMT automatic, with the same vintage looks and Vaer’s trapezoidal markers and ultra-bright BGW9 Super-LumiNova markings. It has a 39mm brushed stainless steel case, a stainless steel GMT bezel, and a sapphire crystal. The big difference is the Swiss Ronda quartz GMT movement, which cuts down the cost and occasional maintenance.
This is a great watch for travelers who appreciate precision timekeeping across time zones, quality build, and attention to detail. Vaer likes the 39mm case size as a balance of ergonomics and prominence on most wrists. All told, we think it’s a reliable watch, with a modern style and Vaer’s attention to detail. Already versatile, it can change up its looks when paired with different bands.
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DS2 Meridian Black, Navy, or Green 42mm: $259
Based on military dive watches of the 1970s, the DS2 Meridian 15ATM dive watch is an ocean-ready tool with a reliable, no-fuss Japanese Quartz movement and classic style for less than $300. It is made with 316L stainless steel and has a locking screw-down crown. The lightweight (70.6 g) case is slim for being water-resistant to 150 m, and it has rounded edges for a practical yet comfortable fit while surfing and diving.
The DS2 Meridian is available in several colors, which stand out on a classic steel band or contrast well against a khaki cloth band. (Vaer currently includes a free silicone dive band with orders.) The 42mm case is Vaer’s largest dive watch option and is recommended for someone with 7- to 9-inch wrists who likes a modern, prominent fit. There are 39mm case styles available as well.
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D4 Meridian Black 39mm: $399
The D4 Meridian Solar dive watch boasts 20ATM water resistance with a high-lume display on its bezel and face, which sits behind a tough sapphire crystal glass. The coin-edge bezel grip and twisted lyre lugs were inspired by 1970s military watches from Rolex and Doxa. The case is a riff on the military issue Omega Seamaster.
This D4 Meridian Solar stands out in particular as one of Vaer’s first field watches able to charge by ambient light. That helps power the quartz movement, even at extreme depths, for near-perpetual timekeeping. Vaer delivers all this in a dive watch priced under $500. It’s available in 39mm and 42mm sizes, and it makes a great gift for someone who works or plays in the water and appreciates the modern features behind its classic looks.
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This post is sponsored by Vaer watches. You can find more field, tactical, and dive watches on its website.
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