The History of VAER
VAER was founded in Venice, California in 2016 by Ryan Torres and Reagan Cook. Their aim was to create affordable watches that are perfect as everyday go-to timepieces due to their durability. Admittedly, the founders knew they were signing up for an uphill battle. 2016 was the height of fast fashion, a world dominated by lightning-speed trends driven by digital connectivity. Nevertheless, the idea was born and a growing sense of possibility pervaded. They knew there was still a place for well-made analog watches, and there always will be. We could not agree more!
So, in an attempt to create a legacy of lasting quality and design, VAER was born.
Before VAER watches became available to the public, Ryan Torres and Reagan Cook tested the first prototypes with real life situations: these watches experienced free diving, surfing, drop tests, boiling water submersions, even a high altitude exposure in the Himalayas. The takeaway was that the crown was the weakest link, and measures were taken to fortify the impermeability of the timepieces. As a result, VAER watches have locking screw-down crowns —a feature we usually see on high-end and luxury dive watches.
An Independent Brand Committed to Quality
The growth of VAER watches was not rushed, and they slowly gained the trust and support from watch enthusiasts and outdoorsmen. Their growth was supported by customer loyalty, and it played a critical part in avoiding the influence of external funding. We really like the fact that VAER’s sustainable-growth business model prioritizes product value over profit margins.
Where Are VAER Watches Made?
After their first year in business, VAER moved their watch assembly operation to the United States. While it caused some logistical challenges —since a US watch manufacturing network was non-existent —VAER still took the risk. The hard work paid off: in the spring of 2018, the first batch of American assembled watches were successfully released, providing customers with the most (by far) affordable USA-assembled watches on the market.
VAER Watch Movements
VAER is using a variety of movements for their different models. The most affordable pieces will have high quality quartz movements, while solar-powered watches are also available. There are several models with automatic movement, they are usually Miyota movements (most frequently used calibers are the Miyota 9039, and Miyota 9015). Both of these movements are 3-hand movements providing a 40-hour power reserve, the difference between them is whether the date functionality is available or not. Miyota is a very trusted and reliable Japanese automatic movement owned by the Citizen Group.
Takeaway: Are VAER Watches Good?
VAER makes great watches in our opinion. The timepieces are durable and they go through rigorous testing to make sure they’re long-lasting. VAER uses reliable movements for all quartz, solar-powered, and automatic variations. Last but certainly not least, while still a new brand, they already had a significant impact on American watchmaking, and we wholeheartedly support their efforts!
Buyer’s Guide: VAER Watches
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Vaer D5 Meridian Navy
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Case Width: 39 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Around $600
The VAER D5 Meridian Navy is a serious dive watch with a touch of elegance: the warm-toned secondary colors on the dial make this timepiece a perfect choice as an everyday go-to watch as it is easy to dress up or down. Its reliable Miyota 9039 automatic movement provides a 40-hours power reserve. The combination of the sword style for the hour hand and the pencil style of the minute hand is an unusual solution, but they work really well together. The overall angles and ruggedness is counterbalanced with the lollipop second hand to provide the elegance that makes this watch a well-rounded timepiece.
Read our in-depth VAER D5 Meridian Navy review.
Vaer C3 Atlas Black
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: Ronda 715
- Case Width: 36 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Price: Around $300
The Vaer C3 Atlas Black is a smaller watch – 36 mm case width – and that is exactly why we think it could a great everyday go-to watch. It’s a great fit for smaller wrist sizes and will be a comfortable wear for anyone. Simple, and elegant dial design, the Vaer C3 Atlas can be easily dressed up or down.
VAER R1 Racing Chronograph
Specs:
- Movement: Mechanical-Quartz
- Caliber: VK63
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Price: Around $500
The VAER R1 Racing Chronograph is inspired by the design of the chronographs from the ‘60s. The retro-style cushion case paired with the syringe hour and minute hands create a dynamic yet elegant look. What’s interesting about the R1 is that it doesn’t have a tachymeter that we usually see on the bezel of the racing watches. We can get behind this choice as the look of the watch still feels complete, and visually strong red accent colors bring our attention to the subdials.
Vaer A3 Tradition
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 36 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Price: Around $500
Vaer watches are assembled in the USA, and the Vaer A3 blends class-leading durability with a combination of a rugged look and classic elements to display an evergreen field watch design. The 36 mm case width is on the smaller side (like the classic field watches), therefore it’s a great fit for smaller wrists as well.
Vaer A5 Design Navy
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Price: Around $450
The Vaer A5 Design Navy is quickly becoming a favorite. The navy blue dial combined with the red accent color is an exciting look, and it makes the watch dynamic. The syringe hour and minute hands bring a touch of elegance to the overall look, making this watch versatile, as it can be dressed up as well. Vaer watches go through rigorous testing and they are assembled in the USA.
VAER A5 Atlas Olive
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 9015
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Case Width: 36 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Price: Around $650
The Vaer A5 Atlas Olive is a field watch with a beautifully elegant design. The cool olive green dial color plays really well with the stainless steel bezel and case, providing a rugged yet still classy look. The 36 mm case width is a perfect size for smaller wrists as well, and this watch can function as a real GADA (Go Anywhere Do Anything) timepiece, as it is so easy to dress up or down the Vaer A5 Atlas. A great choice!
Vaer D4 Meridian
Specs:
- Movement: Solar Powered Quartz
- Caliber: Epson VS-22 Solar
- Case Width: 38 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
- Price: Around $350
The VAER D4 Meridian is a robust-looking dive watch. The cool tone colors of the watch represent the robustness of the timepiece. It went through rigorous testing, comes with a solar-powered movement and is ready for action. The overall width of the case is 38 mm, a comfortable wear for most wrist sizes.