A12 Dirty Dozen - Swiss Automatic 40mm

$ 749

$ 999

Your Build: A12 | 40mm - Medium/Large

Sizing Guide

Need Help Choosing a Case Size?

Here at Vaer our goal is to build watches that can be worn everyday, in all conditions. A critical aspect of longterm wear is comfort and fit. Having a watch that is either too big, or too small can quickly disqualify it from a place in your daily rotation. If you're new to watch case sizing, below is a general overview of the sizes of our 5 core case designs.

If you'd like to read our comprehensive guide to case sizing click here.

Watches are measured by case diameter. This measurement does not include the crown or lugs.

1) 36mm - Smaller Wrists
2) 38mm - Small/Medium Wrists
3) 39mm - Medium Wrists
4) 40mm - Medium Wrists
5) 42mm - Medium/Large Wrists

With that in mind, we've created this case sizing guide to help you choose the watch that is ideal for your particular wrist shape and style preference.

Notes: All Vaer watches are shown on the same 7 inch (177mm) diameter wrist. This is approximately the median wrist size of an adult man. Watches are shown in size from smallest to largest.

1) 36mm Field Case

Sizing Guide: Best for Smaller Wrists
Suggested For: 6.25”- 7.25” wrists
36mm models: S3, C3, A3, A7, A12

2) 38mm Dive Case

Sizing Guide: Best for Smaller Wrists
Suggested For: 6.5”- 7.5” wrists
38mm models: DS4, D4, DS5, R1 Oceanracer

3) 39mm Dive Case

Sizing Guide: Best for Medium Wrists
Suggested For: 6.5”- 7.75” wrists
39mm models: D5, G5, G7

4) 40mm Field Case

Sizing Guide: Best for Medium Wrists
Suggested For: 6.5”- 7.75” wrists
40mm models: S5, C5, A5, A12, R1 Rally & Tactical

5) 42mm Dive Case

Sizing Guide: Best for Medium/Large Wrists
Suggested For: 7”- 8.5” wrists
42mm models: D4, DS4, DS5, D5

A12 | 36mm - Small/Retro A12 | 40mm - Medium/Large

🔒 Free Waterproof Strap: FKM Ocean Strap - Black ($40 Value)

Choose Your Custom Strap: Single Pass Recon - Olive (+$0)

Strap Sizing Guide

Need help choosing your straps?

One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a watch is the opportunity for customize your straps. In addition to adding a unique personality to your timepiece, changing your straps is a great way to increase a watches value and functionality. Here at Vaer, every watch we sell comes with your choice to 2x quick change straps.

In addition to a comfortable Primary Strap made for in-water functionality, we allow you to choose from a wide range of Secondary Straps to suit a variety of functions and styles.

Because different straps have different manufacturing costs your choice of Secondary Strap will be reflected in the watch's final retail cost. All strap options can also be purchased individually if you're interesting in buying a third, or fourth strap.

Note: All Vaer watch straps are sized for 20mm lugs and are cross compatible between models. Vaer bracelets are custom fitted and are NOT cross compatible.

RUBBER STRAPS

Ocean Strap

Fits: 6” - 8.25” wrists.
Material: Silicone or FKM.
Summary: A comfortable, classic waterproof strap - great for slim wrists.

FKM Tropic Strap

Fits: 6” - 8.5” wrists.
Material: FKM Rubber.
Summary: A comfortable, heavy-duty waterproof strap made of dense FKM rubber.

FKM Waffle Strap

Fits: 6” - 8.5” wrists.
Material: FKM Rubber.
Summary: A comfortable, heavy-duty waterproof strap made of dense FKM rubber.

LEATHER STRAPS

Horween Leather Strap

Fits: 6.25” - 8.5” wrists.
Material: premium American leather.
Summary: A beautiful Made in USA leather strap, tanned by Horween in Chicago.

STEEL BRACELETS

3-Link Bracelet

Fits: 6.5” - 8.5” wrists.
Material: 316L Stainless Steel.
Summary: Our 3-link steel bracelet balances finish and cost, to deliver a great all-purpose waterproof option. Uses friction fit pins for bracelet resizing. Bracelet tapers to 18mm.

Jubilee Bracelet

Fits: 6.5” - 8.5” wrists.
Material: 316L Stainless Steel.
Summary: Our Jubilee steel bracelet has custom-fit end links, and is designed to fit a specific Vaer watch. While some bracelets may fit on other watch models this is not something we can guarantee. Bracelet tapers to 16mm.

NYLON STRAPS

Single Pass Nylon Strap

Fits: 5.5” - 9” wrists.
Material: Nylon.
Summary: A rugged all-purpose single-pass strap design adapted from military watches. This strap requires spring-bar installation, and is not a quick-release strap.

Nylon Strap

Fits: 6” - 8.75” wrists.
Material: Nylon.
Summary: A comfortable, all-purpose waterproof strap made of seatbelt weaved nylon.

Sold out 7x times - Order before it sells out!
Waterproof Warranty - Free Domestic Shipping

In stock

Free USA Shipping

With optional to 2-day shipping available.

Waterproof Warranty

Guaranteed 100% ocean-ready.

Two Straps Standard

Our 20mm straps are interchangeable

Description

A special edition homage to a military timekeeping icon. Combining the prestige of European luxury with the everyday utility at the heart of our brand. Our decision to pursue Swiss manufacturing for the A12 was motivated by our goal to create a respectful homage to the Swiss Made "Dirty Dozen" military watches of World War II. Functional, attractive and historically relevant, the Vaer Dirty Dozen represents not only a continued investment in timeless, durable design but also our deep respect for the history of horology.

Like it's 12 military forbearers, which wore the marking W.W.W. for Waterproof Wrist Watch, the A12 Dirty Dozen is perfectly suited for underwater activity. The caseback and crown use a threaded screw-down design that maintains an airtight seal, making the watch functionally waterproof. Importantly, unlike most ocean-rated watches, our Swiss Made Automatic is also incredibly slim and comfortable on the wrist, boasting a 36mm diamater.

To further enhance the value and "ocean-to-office" functionality of the watch, every A12 comes standard with two interchangeable straps. Our Vaer strap options include a range of both ocean-ready options designed for water based activities and our premium Horween leather straps which are tanned in Chicago and handmade in the USA from heavy native steer hides.

In addition to Made in USA leather straps, every Vaer A12 is hand-assembled and tested in Switzerland. We’re committed to Swiss Assembly for the A12 model, not only because it improves product quality, but because it adds a strong sense of place and personality to our brand.

Made in Switzerland
Durable 316L Stainless Steel Case
Ocean Ready 10 ATM - 100m or 328ft
Swiss Made Sellita SW260-1 Automatic Movement
Elabore Grade
Locking Screw-Down Crown w/ Vaer Engraving
Domed Sapphire Crystal w/ Internal AR
Sapphire Exhibition Caseback with AR
Two Interchangeable Straps

Case Diameter - 40mm
Lug Height - 48mm
Lug Width - 20mm
Crown - 3mmx6mm

Technical Details

CASE SPECIFICATIONS

- 10ATM (100m) water-resistance rating
- Locking screwdown crown
- 316L stainless steel
- Single domed sapphire w/ AR coating
- 20mm lug width
- 40mm case diameter
- 48mm lug-to-lug Distance
- 10.4mm Thickness

MOVEMENT & ASSEMBLY

- Automatic (Self-Winding)
- Swiss Sellita SW260-1 Automatic Movement
- 42 hour power reserve (28,800 bph)
- -5/+15 sec/day timing tolerance
- Made in Switzerland

DIAL & HANDS

- Vaer Lume Performance Rating = 8/10
- The dial features 15 layer Grade A BGW9
- The hour, minute, and second hand also has 15 layer Grade A BGW9

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

- 2-year guaranteed waterproof warranty
- Interchangeable straps (20mm)
- Straps compatible with all Vaer watches
- Steel Bracelet is custom fit

Sizing and Fit

This watch is sized at 40mm in diameter, and measures 48mm from lug to lug, giving it a medium-sized presence on the wrist, and complementing most men's wrists. The 40mm case is our most popular size, and we recommend it for anyone with wrists in the 6.5 inch to 8.5-inch range, or especially if you're someone who likes a bit more presence on their wrist (compared to our ultra-compact 36mm watches).

Built for extended outdoor use, this watch has been designed to be slim, lightweight, and as comfortable as possible, while still maintaining 10ATM water resistance. The watch case measures 10.4mm in height and has a case weight of 74 grams. The entire case is also rounded and ergonomic so it can be worn comfortably during activities like surfing or mountain biking.

This watch comes in a range of interchangeable strap options, and they are designed to fit wrists ranging from 6.4" to 8.5" in diameter - though we do have specialty straps available for those with wrists outside of this range.

A12 Dirty Dozen - Swiss Automatic 40mm

$ 749

$ 999

Blending the accuracy and prestige of a Swiss-made automatic movement with our industry-leading durability features, the A12 Dirty Dozen is a fitting tribute to the iconic WW2 field watches on which it is based.

Why we love it

In the world of horology, few watches capture the imagination, like the legendary "Dirty Dozen" field watches of World War II. These watches, built for British soldiers by twelve Swiss manufacturers, became emblematic of durability, functionality, and precision. In 2019, we first paid homage to these iconic tool watches with the release of our A12 Dirty Dozen, a “true to form” Swiss Made automatic. The A12 builds on the deep tradition of military tool watches, blending classic design elements with modern technology, offering enthusiasts an effortlessly cool water-resistant timekeeper that’s also a highly collectible investment piece.

Customers Also Love

"The perfect combination of style, durability and value."

- Huckberry

330

Feet of Water Resistance

This watch is perfect for swimming and surfing, and it's protected by our waterproof warranty.

7,000+

Five Star Reviews

Our success has been built on delivering exceptional value to our owners.

The Perfect Everyday Watch

What makes the A12 special? In our opinion, it's the perfect balance of competing ideas. Simultaneously traditional and modern, elegant and rugged, simple and complex - this watch is a humble, everyday wearer, with the specs and credentials to put most $2000 watches to shame.

1. Ocean-Ready

Life is unpredictable. The perfect everyday watch needs to provide peace of mind in all conditions. Whether you're heading out in the rain or taking a jump in the pool, this watch never needs to be left on the sidelines.

2. Scratch Resistant

Impact is inevitable. When it happens, you want to be sure your watch won't scratch. That's why we use premium sapphire crystal to protect our dials (the second hardest material after diamond).

3. Easy Customization

Every day is different. And the easiest way to switch up the look (and functionality) of your watch is to change straps. That's why every Vaer watch ships with 2x quick-change strap options.

Watches for Every Budget

Compare with similar watches

Many of our watches look similar, though have very different prices. This is due to movement type (the watch's power source), and assembly origin. Below you can find a chart comparing how different models stack up.

A12 Dirty Dozen - Swiss Automatic 40mm

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$ 999

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A5 Field Black - USA Auto 40mm

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C5 Field Black Solar - 40mm USA

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A12 Dirty Dozen - Swiss Automatic 40mm

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A5 Field Black - USA Auto 40mm

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C5 Field Black Solar - 40mm USA

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Water Resistance

100 meters (10ATM)

Sapphire Crystal

Dial (Domed) & Caseback

Dial (Domed)

2x Straps

Yes

Movement

Swiss Automatic

Japan Automatic

Japan Solar

Swiss Made Precision

Your daily wristwatch is an incredibly important and personal object, and we think you should have a choice of where it's put together. While our USA-assembled options are a great choice for overall durability and functionality, we offer a range of Swiss Made mechanical watches for those seeking the precision and beauty of heritage European horology.

Learn More

Confidence to Disconnect

Our mission at Vaer is to make products that will last and become more important and personally significant over time. While luxury and technology have a place in modern life, the products we love the most are durable everyday items that promote values of simplicity and independence.

Freedom in Customization

Every watch we've ever sold has come standard with two interchangeable 20mm Vaer straps. This cross-compatibility across our entire product line, gives owners increased functionality and value, with the option to easily change up their strap.