I LOVE this watch. I chose the D5 Pacific White version for a few different reasons. First of all, I like the longer minute markers and the absence of the date window makes the dial more symmetrical and visually stunning. I’m not a huge fan of the fauxtina and the high contrast between the pure white indices and the black dial makes the watch very easy to read in different lighting conditions. I’m also a local to the area in Southern California where VAER is located and I was very interested in the American Assembly aspect of D5.

THE CASE is 100% beautifully brush-finished, with the only high polish being on the underside of the bezel, which produces an interesting reflection where the bracelet mates to the case. On most watches, the underside of the bezel wouldn’t show at all but on the D5 the bezel overhangs the case by about a millimeter, making its coin-edge easy to grab and turn. The 120-click unidirectional bezel has a smooth, but solid action and almost zero back-play. The Arabics and indices on the black high-gloss ceramic bezel insert is also fully-lumed and the indices line up perfectly with the dial. Kudos for that! The bezel is also angled to seamlessly match the angle of the domed sapphire glass helping the watch to easily slide under your sleeve. The unguarded 7mm diameter screw-down crown is located at 3 O’clock, and signed with the VAER logo. It’s large enough to easily grab and manipulate, but not too big as to detract from the sleek vintage profile of the watch. In my opinion, the crown is the perfect size for this case. The sapphire-windowed exhibition display case back is ******* on and engraved with Designed in Los Angeles, American Assembly, 20ATM water resistant, sapphire glass, and the serial number, 02/100.

THE CRYSTAL is a surprisingly tall double-domed sapphire which seamlessly mates with the bezel. Being a double dome it has very little distortion and the watch is easily readable from any angle, at least above water. (Note: I have not had it in the water yet). There is also a generous coating of anti-reflective coating on the inside of the crystal. Without a doubt this glass is one of the most attractive pieces I’ve seen in this price range. Kudos again.

THE MOVEMENT is the 24-jeweled Miyota 9039 dateless version of the 9015. It’s a relatively newer movement and is thinner than the Seiko NH35A with a shorter hand stack, suitable for dials without very tall applied indices. The unidirectional rotor has a very heavy feel when you spin it. The rotor is moderately decorated with some glitter near the edge and signed with the VAER logo. The movement operates at 4 hertz, 28,800 beats per hour or 8 beats per second, giving the second hand a smooth sweep. It has a health 40 hour power reserve and mine is operating at about -4 seconds/day average on my wrist and in the winder.

THE STRAP is a basic rubber tropic with a signed VAER buckle. It’s quite supple and comfortable. I ordered mine with the bracelet.

THE BRACELET is 316L stainless steel oyster. The finish is brushed throughout and the links are solid, including the end links. The bracelet has quick release levers at both ends of the pin which was very useful since I found the bracelet a bit difficult to install. The fit is very snug and there is no gap anywhere between the end links and the case. The clasp is a friction fit with security flap which is signed “VAER.” The clasp has a rather ordinary feel about it, not cheesy, but not the best either. It has four micro-adjustment positions so obtaining a perfect fit is easy. But this is one area they might consider improvement. A proper milled clasp with a diver extension would be well worth another $30.00 or $40.00 in my humble opinion. This is a nice watch and it deserves a nice bracelet. That said, the bracelet is still my choice for every-day wear.

THE LUME is adequate. The large indices and Arabics on the bezel glow like a torch initially, but they just don’t seem to last as long as some of my other divers. This is only a small ****** and I only mention it as possible room for improvement. The lume is still better than most, but it doesn’t glow like a Seiko. On the other hand, it isn’t misaligned like many Seikos either.

All in all, this is GREAT watch and I find myself reaching for it more often than my other divers. I think VAER’s first venture into the dive watch category has been a solid effort. I would definitely recommend the D5 Pacific. It punches way above its weight in the $500.00 range.

I just received my Vaer Atlantic D5, with bracelet. I must say that I was already thrilled with the specifications of this piece. After receiving it, frankly, I still felt amazed at its quality, beauty and all around cool stuff. It feels awesome on my wrist. I bought it to celebrate a few personal touchstones. Your brand is a great idea.

Before writing this review on your watch, which I adore, I knew there was some Omega in the DNA. Ok, a lot. But I had no idea how grounded it was in the 60s Omega 300 Seamasters. You all should be mighty proud of yourselves with this incredible nod to those pieces, though most will not know why your Vaer diver is so 60s sweet. A slightly different coin edge bezel than the originals, and a non-recessed crown that is more reminiscent of a pilot's crown (both didn't/don't have crown guards, though the 60s is a bit recessed), and the lovely lightly domed sapphire crystal...all makes this not a copy. But certainly a loving and well done look to the past. Will not use the word 'homage' as an homage is more replica-ish, and this strikes out on its own territory; and homages usually don't pick a sophisticated not highly known model from 55 years hence. I would say this is just a super affectionate slice of a style and moment in dive watch history that thankfully SOMEone decided to do. And do it beautifully constructed and reverence, you guys did. The bright lume, not just on the dial but ceramic bezel, are some nods to what vintage lovers want, nevertheless, in our new timepieces. What almost shocks is how big and flat this piece beautifully looks on the wrist, while somehow being a very vintage 39mm. Everything is done superbly, delightfully the sword hands and arrow seconds as well. If you can go for the Swiss version as I did, do so. A watch this fine deserves to say Swiss on the dial. But with other engines too, it will be a real deal as well, as was the outrageously cost conscious Swiss version on my wrist. I went for the tropic diver, to go back to the 60s as best I could, and I feel like it's 1966 all over again. Truly appreciate what you guys did. It was worth waiting for despite the covid-delays. Lastly, the design and production quality not only exceeds almost all microbrands I've ever purchased, but the same for major Swiss-made brands as well.