I) Product Summary

The Vaer C5 USA Quartz is a battery-powered 10ATM tool watch, powered by either a Swiss or USA movement and assembled in the United States of America. Blending the sophistication and refinement of a formal dress watch with the outdoor specifications of a true tool watch, the C5 collection is designed as the ideal “everyday wearer”.

First launched in the spring of 2020 as a follow-up to our popular 40mm C5 automatic collection, the 36mm C3 is built on the same core platform as the C5 (quartz, 10ATM, USA-assembled) - yet with a rare and often sought after retro-sizing that is very difficult to find in the modern watch market. Like the C5 before it, we had three key goals in mind in designing the C3 series:

1) A Sub-$300 Price Point
2) 10ATM + Waterproof Warranty
3) Full USA Assembly and Testing

In our opinion, these three factors make the C3 collection a very distinctive option in the highly competitive sub-$1000 quartz watch category, and place it firmly in the middle of the market between mass produced Chinese made fashion watches (from Timex, Fossil, MVMT and Asia-based microbrands) and far more expensive "luxury" options (from the likes of Shinola, Junghans, Sinn, Hamilton, Tissot etc.).

The C3’s USA assembly make it a far more distinctive and personalized craft good than of its Asian mass-market competitors, yet it still represents a significant value over more expensive options which carry a luxury markup and typically lack functional outdoor features (such as locking screw down crown, or a waterproof warranty).

In simple terms, it has everything you’d want in an everyday quartz watch, and nothing you don’t. USA assembly gives it a strong sense of character and identity, but it also has the price-point and feature set you’d want for watch that you can wear for years (in the most extreme outdoor conditions).

II) Value Proposition

The C3 is powered by two key movements the USA Ameriquartz 6130 HT and the Swiss Ronda 715, both of which are unrivaled in terms of performance in their segment. While there are other watches with these movements in the same price-point as the C3, very few offer USA assembly, and none also offer such strong water resistance capabilities or guarantees.

In addition to it’s impressive water-resistance and top-performing movement the C3 boasts one of the best executed stainless steel cases available for under $1000 (customer & press comparisons consistently praise the C3's case execution). The 36mm case boasts attractive curvature and refined finishing details through-out including highlight chamfering on the lugs and bezel. Like all Vaer watches the C3 uses an AR-coated scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to protect the dial, and as an automatic, also boasts an AR-coated sapphire crystal exhibition case-back.

To further enhance the functionality and value of the watch, every C3 comes standard with two interchangeable 20mm straps. Our standard C3 strap is a comfortable and waterproof rubber quick-release tactical strap, and it’s complemented by a range of secondary strap options from our USA-Made Horween leather strap, our premium stainless steel bracelet, and several rugged and affordable nylon options.

III) Care and Handling

The Vaer C3 is a durable, dependable and highly accurate quartz watch designed to last for decades with proper care. We’ve written this guide to explain the basics of the watch, and how to maximize its longevity.

Installing Vaer Quick Release Straps
The Vaer C3 watch comes standard with a pre-installed release strap. As our most comfortable and adaptable strap, we believe it is a great introduction to our strap lineup. To remove the standard strap, pull in the small metal knob to disengage the springbar. To attach a quick-release strap, position the end of the bar into the notch on the watch lugs and pull in the metal knob on the other end. Align the loose end of the bar into the second notch, and release the tension of the spring to lock the strap into place. Make sure the strap piece with the buckle is attached to the top of the watch case.

Integrating Vaer Single Pass Straps
While this watch ships standard with our easiliy interchangeable quick release straps, it can also be worn with our nylon single pass straps (a design that is sometimes referred to as a NATO strap). Unlike a traditional watch strap, which is made of two pieces and attached to the watch with removable springbars, our nylon single pass straps are made of a single piece that can be removed or installed in seconds. All single pass straps are sold with a glass vial containing heavy duty 20mm springbars, and a stainless steel springbar tool.

Installing the Vaer Single Pass Strap
If you’ve opted to purchase an optional single pass strap with your watch, or already own a 20mm nylon strap, you will need to remove the standard quick release straps and in- stall springbars between the lugs of your watch. Once the bars are in place, simply feed the tail end of the single pass strap through each of the two springbars starting from the top of the watch. Depending on the size of your wrist you may have extra length of nylon extending beyond the last keeper loop. Simply fold back the tag end of the strap through the keeper. To secure the extra length, feed the strap back toward the buckle until it is tightly secured.

Using Your Watch in the Water
This watch is perfectly suited for underwater activity. The caseback and crown use a threaded screw-down design to maintain an airtight seal. We recommend rinsing the straps and watch case in freshwater after ocean use to remove any build-ups of salt. Though our leather is water resistant, we do not recommend submersion in water - switch to your included ocean-ready strap for this type of activity.

IMPORTANT! Do not expose your watch to water or steam if the crown is not secure. Our waterproof warranty does not cover flooding from misuse if the crown is unlocked.

Operating the Watch's Movement
In order to set the time on the watch, unscrew the crown counterclock-wise. Once the crown is disengaged from the threading, pull out until you feel a gentle click (Position 1).

Changing the Date
To access Position 2, pull the crown out to the first “click” to access date setting. If your watch has a date window, you can rotate the crown clockwise to change the date. If your watch does not have a date window, this setting can be ignored.

Setting the Time To access Position 3, pull the crown out to the second “click”. From this position you can rotate the crown clock- wise to change the time. Once the time and date are set, and the watch is properly wound, push the crown in, and screw it back into the locked position. IMPORTANT! Only advance the date when the time is after 2AM and before 10PM. Advancing the date wheel close to midnight can the damage the movement.

The gasket sealed crown ensures water resistance, and it must be screwed and sealed during water exposure to maintain warranty.