I'm very impressed with this one right out of the chute, too. I think I commented on your video about seeing one in the wild, and that's when I knew I had to experience one for myself. Like you mentioned in your video, it definitely has that wow factor, on what could be considered a boring or overly simple design. This dial/handset/crystal combo really pop!
It’s a beauty! I can see this one racking up some wear counts! The lume is definitely a bonus. I’ve had the lume giggles with this one…reminds me of the killer lume on SWC watches.
I purchased the C5 solar a few weeks ago and am impressed. It keeps great time, having gained only a couple of seconds in three weeks. It's a great combo of style and ruggedness. It's a little thicker than expected...I wonder if the automatic reviewed here is a little slimmer. The lumen is outstanding. The only very minor drawback for me is that I find the recessed white-on-black date window a little harder to read than most other watches. Vaer has been out of their (a bit overpriced IMHO) steel bracelets and are thus missing out on a point-of-sale opportunity, as fewer customers will likely purchase one after the fact. Overall it's a great USA-assembled timepiece with which I'm very pleased.
Automatic watches tend to have thicker cases than quartz counterparts, partly due to the rotor, but in this instance I believe the cases are identical. They probably did that intentionally for cost savings of having interchangeable cases/parts. Yes, the lume is GOOOOOOD! I've been happy with the strap options I've tried, so not really missing the bracelet. Not sure I'd like a black PVD bracelet. I can see how others would like to have one, or stainless steel, though!
@@WatchWitt I got a quick release black metal bracelet from Amazon (another brand) for ~$20. The black looks good. I wouldn't want a silver one with this black watch. Thanks for the good review.
Perfect. No, I didn't know which C5 you had, the black tactical or the standard SS. Thanks for the compliment...this was just the long form unboxing. Check out my full (shorter) review here: BEST American Field Watch - VAER A5 Tactical Field Review ua-cam.com/video/y2PyVhr4TCs/v-deo.html
Vaer is an amazing company. I ordered two straps and they delivered within three days here in Vancouver Canada. I own two of their watches and the quality is excellent. I love your latest acquisition… I wish they would add a small seconds dial to this exact watch and would be a killer. Blessings for the new year!
Absolutely great quality. I think some enthusiasts may think of them as borderline fashion brand, primarily because of their marketing. But they're not. Definitely the real deal watches! I like your idea of the small seconds variation!
Love the review and im hella interested. $599 is a bit steep when I can get a Seiko Field for around half the price. Would you guys say this is worth the extra money?
They're on sale sometimes, but I think there's always 10% new customer/first order. I like the higher beat rate movement and the fact that the owner's club is a little smaller than Seiko...won't run into as many of these in the wild! Plus, American Assembly just costs a little more. I'm putting together my review for this one right now...so more "glory shots" than this unboxing....
I feel like Vaer is somewhat overlooked in the enthusiast community. Solid watch I've got here, and your A12 looks awesome too...love these classic design syringe handsets, right?!
@@bingefreak1 Absolutely. They each have similar marketing stances, too. Seem to target more of the mass appeal GQ type audience with their advertising, which has done very well for each of them, but it comes off as "fashion brand" to enthusiasts. This is not a fashion brand!
Definitely quality built. Glad to see that this assembled in USA piece can shine a spotlight on American watchmaking. The parts may have other origins, but quality control rests in their hands.
Planning to pick up one of their solar pieces myself. Generally prefer mechanical watches though love a good get up and go solar piece. Recently I picked up a Bertucci A-2T solar and it was a tough choice between that and a Vaer.
Love Bertucci! I think you'll dig the hell out of Vaer too, when you snag one of their solars. This exact setup is available as the C5 Tactical Field Solar...same case/dial etc. $239 right now.
Quick question! This might sound dumb, but what’s the durability of the watch? After handing it to a younger family member, it suffered a 2 to 3 foot drop on carpet as well as an additional drop one stair step. Not sure if I’m freaking out too much but I did just get it three days ago.
From what you described, it sounds like it should be fine. Take notice if it's still keeping accurate time...not losing or gaining a lot each day. This Miyota movement has the Parashock system, which helps absorb some of the shock from such a drop.
It's quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Just love this dial. And the all black goes with my work attire/uniform...so that usually wins the wear game. I've hand timed mine over 23 days so far (mixed use: wearing, wound in watch box, on winder) and it's at +11.3 spd. Just a beautiful, well built watch!
All day long over a Timex. Most will have to think a little harder about it over a Hamilton. But I think the Vaer has more cool factor. This dial/handset/crystal combo is on fire 🔥!!! I was sleeping on the brand, but I saw ONE watch in the wild, for a fleeting moment, and I was impressed! They look sharp.
Beautiful, right?! That's the VanBanner LEA Field Diver. VBLE162 It's also the watch in the lume shot. There's a link to view that video in the lume section, or in the "more from Watch Witt" below...
Good point! But the simple answer is aesthetics. The balance/symmetry looks better with a more equal number of characters on each side of the 6 marker. They use USA and American interchangeably across their watches. For example, the solar version of this watch has the script centered at the bottom of the dial, so they used "USA Assembly" on that dial.
I was so impressed by my Vaer. Great watches
I'm very impressed with this one right out of the chute, too. I think I commented on your video about seeing one in the wild, and that's when I knew I had to experience one for myself. Like you mentioned in your video, it definitely has that wow factor, on what could be considered a boring or overly simple design. This dial/handset/crystal combo really pop!
Thank you Witt. Nice watch. "Ocean Ready" and great lumen illumination is a plus. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
It’s a beauty! I can see this one racking up some wear counts! The lume is definitely a bonus. I’ve had the lume giggles with this one…reminds me of the killer lume on SWC watches.
I purchased the C5 solar a few weeks ago and am impressed. It keeps great time, having gained only a couple of seconds in three weeks. It's a great combo of style and ruggedness. It's a little thicker than expected...I wonder if the automatic reviewed here is a little slimmer. The lumen is outstanding. The only very minor drawback for me is that I find the recessed white-on-black date window a little harder to read than most other watches. Vaer has been out of their (a bit overpriced IMHO) steel bracelets and are thus missing out on a point-of-sale opportunity, as fewer customers will likely purchase one after the fact. Overall it's a great USA-assembled timepiece with which I'm very pleased.
Automatic watches tend to have thicker cases than quartz counterparts, partly due to the rotor, but in this instance I believe the cases are identical. They probably did that intentionally for cost savings of having interchangeable cases/parts. Yes, the lume is GOOOOOOD! I've been happy with the strap options I've tried, so not really missing the bracelet. Not sure I'd like a black PVD bracelet. I can see how others would like to have one, or stainless steel, though!
@@WatchWitt I got a quick release black metal bracelet from Amazon (another brand) for ~$20. The black looks good. I wouldn't want a silver one with this black watch. Thanks for the good review.
Perfect. No, I didn't know which C5 you had, the black tactical or the standard SS. Thanks for the compliment...this was just the long form unboxing. Check out my full (shorter) review here: BEST American Field Watch - VAER A5 Tactical Field Review
ua-cam.com/video/y2PyVhr4TCs/v-deo.html
Vaer is an amazing company. I ordered two straps and they delivered within three days here in Vancouver Canada. I own two of their watches and the quality is excellent. I love your latest acquisition… I wish they would add a small seconds dial to this exact watch and would be a killer. Blessings for the new year!
Absolutely great quality. I think some enthusiasts may think of them as borderline fashion brand, primarily because of their marketing. But they're not. Definitely the real deal watches! I like your idea of the small seconds variation!
Love the review and im hella interested. $599 is a bit steep when I can get a Seiko Field for around half the price. Would you guys say this is worth the extra money?
They're on sale sometimes, but I think there's always 10% new customer/first order. I like the higher beat rate movement and the fact that the owner's club is a little smaller than Seiko...won't run into as many of these in the wild! Plus, American Assembly just costs a little more. I'm putting together my review for this one right now...so more "glory shots" than this unboxing....
I just picked up their 40mm A12 and it's a great watch!
I feel like Vaer is somewhat overlooked in the enthusiast community. Solid watch I've got here, and your A12 looks awesome too...love these classic design syringe handsets, right?!
@WatchWitt I think in time they will. Look at jack mason. They're starting to be looked upon pretty seriously.
@@bingefreak1 Absolutely. They each have similar marketing stances, too. Seem to target more of the mass appeal GQ type audience with their advertising, which has done very well for each of them, but it comes off as "fashion brand" to enthusiasts. This is not a fashion brand!
Love murdered watches, this Vaer is very nice. Thanks for the review, just subbed.
Blacked out? Stealth? Never heard murdered…like it! Man, this watch is the real deal! Glad to have you along for the ride!
@@WatchWitt Yup, blacked out. Murdered is just more slang with a likely origin to crows...a group of them is called a "murder".
Beautiful and tough field watch. Vaer definitely puts out quality pieces.
Definitely quality built. Glad to see that this assembled in USA piece can shine a spotlight on American watchmaking. The parts may have other origins, but quality control rests in their hands.
Planning to pick up one of their solar pieces myself. Generally prefer mechanical watches though love a good get up and go solar piece.
Recently I picked up a Bertucci A-2T solar and it was a tough choice between that and a Vaer.
Love Bertucci! I think you'll dig the hell out of Vaer too, when you snag one of their solars. This exact setup is available as the C5 Tactical Field Solar...same case/dial etc. $239 right now.
Looks like a great stealth field watch 👍🏽 great video 🙏🏽
It is! Can't wait to collect all the outdoor shots for the full review down the road! Thanks for watching!
getting this watch in the mail today, super stoked it will be my first automatic.
Oh, man...you're going to be spoiled! This is such a nice watch...quickly becoming one of my favorites...love wearing this Vaer.
Looks like I have a new favorite from them a high quality and functional one for sure Thanks for sharing as always my friend Be well 👍
I'm not usually attracted to PVD or DLC cases, but this one works SOOOO well. Quickly becoming a favorite in my collection!
@@WatchWitt My thoughts exactly Always appreciate and enjoy your content my friend Be well
Thanks for the compliment, Michael!
VAERy nice! Thinking of that Seiko as my next watch.
Haha...like what you did there! Yes, it's very nice. I'm impressed. That Seiko...I think the teal will sell out before the brown...
Good to see a highbeat 9015 powered affordable.
As NH35/36 burnout continues to play out (unfortunately) the Miyota 9000 series is really becoming a fan favorite...myself included.
Quick question! This might sound dumb, but what’s the durability of the watch? After handing it to a younger family member, it suffered a 2 to 3 foot drop on carpet as well as an additional drop one stair step. Not sure if I’m freaking out too much but I did just get it three days ago.
From what you described, it sounds like it should be fine. Take notice if it's still keeping accurate time...not losing or gaining a lot each day. This Miyota movement has the Parashock system, which helps absorb some of the shock from such a drop.
Got my watch yesterday and the quality is very impressive. It gained 5 seconds in 24 hours. Great watch!!!
It's quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Just love this dial. And the all black goes with my work attire/uniform...so that usually wins the wear game. I've hand timed mine over 23 days so far (mixed use: wearing, wound in watch box, on winder) and it's at +11.3 spd. Just a beautiful, well built watch!
Good job vaer id definitely pick this up over a hamilton or timex
All day long over a Timex. Most will have to think a little harder about it over a Hamilton. But I think the Vaer has more cool factor. This dial/handset/crystal combo is on fire 🔥!!! I was sleeping on the brand, but I saw ONE watch in the wild, for a fleeting moment, and I was impressed! They look sharp.
That's a Vaer-y nice watch...I'll see myself out
Haha! I sense a theme...maybe I should have used that in the title?!
The red dial watch in the background. Which is this?
Beautiful, right?! That's the VanBanner LEA Field Diver. VBLE162 It's also the watch in the lume shot. There's a link to view that video in the lume section, or in the "more from Watch Witt" below...
I wonder why they chose to call it "American Assembly" instead of "USA Assembly"? There's North America, Central America and South America.
Good point! But the simple answer is aesthetics. The balance/symmetry looks better with a more equal number of characters on each side of the 6 marker. They use USA and American interchangeably across their watches. For example, the solar version of this watch has the script centered at the bottom of the dial, so they used "USA Assembly" on that dial.