Free USA ShippingWith optional to 2-day shipping available.
Waterproof WarrantyGuaranteed 100% ocean-ready.
Two Straps StandardOur 20mm straps are interchangeable
SUMMARY: This is the solar-powered version of our top-selling C5 Tactical Field. Solar provides the best of both worlds - perpetual timekeeping with incredible accuracy. Six hours of sunlight will provide six months of power reserve, and the watch can run off any light source (even candlelight). The C5 Tactical is a military-inspired 10ATM watch, that stands out in the Vaer line-up thanks to its "blacked-out" aesthetic and extremely impressive lume paint performance. As a C5 model, this watch is part of our all-time bestselling collection, distinguished by its ocean-ready functionality, low-profile case design, ultra-accurate quartz movement, and full USA assembly.
WHO IS THIS WATCH FOR? We recommend the C5 for those seeking a dependable tool watch that can also be dressed up for more formal occasions. The perpetual timekeeping function of a solar-powered quartz watch makes it the perfect fit for an everyday wearer, and the 40mm case sizing is large enough to command presence on most men's wrists while still maintaining our commitment to ergonomic, and timeless proportions.
INSPIRATION: In designing the C5 Tactical our goal was to pay homage to military history while also further establishing a distinct and modern Vaer aesthetic. This watch's dial design is inspired by the A-11 field watch worn by American servicemen in World War II - and features prominent Arabic numerals for the hours, as well as subtle 24-hour, and 60-minute markings on the inner and outer dial. The C5 Tactical Solar is further distinguished as one of the first Vaer field watches powered by ambient light - a premium feature that optimizes its use in remote settings and helps deliver on the promise of near-perpetual timekeeping.
Why we love it
"The perfect combo of style, durability and value."
- Huckberry
This watch is perfect for swimming and surfing, and it's protected by our waterproof warranty.
Our success has been built on delivering exceptional value to our owners.
Leaving on a trip with only one watch? This would be it. Durable and elegant, accurate and affordable, the C5 has everything you need, and nothing you don't. Best of all, it's a great conversation starter - thanks to its unique characteristic of full US assembly and a solar powered movement.
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
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.
Extended Off-Grid Use
Collectors & Enthusiasts
Daily Outdoor Use
Ambient Light
Self-Winding Movement (Automatic)
Quartz Battery
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
-10/+20 sec/month
-5/+15 sec/day
-10/+20 sec/month
USA
USA
Hong Kong
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.
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.
Whether it's our ocean-based roots in Venice Beach,our thousands of five-star customer reviews, or our unique position as the largest independent assembler of watches in the United States, there's a lot to talk about with Vaer. We firmly believe that the more you learn about our watches and company, the more likely you'll be interested in supporting our brand. If you have a more detailed question, feel free to visit our FAQ below.
You can absolutely swim, surf, snorkel, scuba do anything else in-water with your Vaer watch. If you didn't know it already - ALL Vaer watches include a waterproof warranty. Which is our way of saying, if you can flood it, we'll replace it (as long as your crown is sealed and your within your 2 year warranty).
Many Vaer watches are proudly assembled in the USA. While no modern wristwatch can claim to be 100% Made in the USA, we are deeply committed to supporting American craftsmanship and maximizing domestic sourcing wherever possible.
Our USA-assembled watches, especially those featuring Ameriquartz movements and paired with leather straps, stand out with some of the highest U.S. source origin on the market—exceeding 60% USA content. This is an industry-leading achievement, reflecting our dedication to investing in American manufacturing and supply chains.
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We work hard to ensure that you receive your Vaer watch as quickly as possible. All orders are fulfilled directly from our own fulfillment center in Kansas City, Missouri, giving us full control over the process and ensuring fast, reliable service.
For USA-based orders, we offer the following shipping options:
For international orders, delivery times will vary depending on your location and chosen shipping method.
Our fulfillment team processes orders promptly, so whether you’re in the United States or overseas, you can count on us to get your Vaer watch to you as efficiently as possible!
At Vaer, we design our watches with versatility and comfort in mind, offering most models in multiple sizes to ensure a perfect fit for a wide range of wrists. To help you select the ideal size before purchasing, we encourage you to visit our Vaer Watch Sizing Guide for detailed references and guidance.
Most of our straps and bracelets are made to fit wrists ranging from 6.4 inches to 8.6 inches in circumference. If you receive your watch and don’t love the fit, you have options:
We’re committed to ensuring your Vaer watch not only looks great but also feels great on your wrist. If you need further assistance, our customer support team is here to help!
Yes, we’re happy to ship Vaer watches anywhere in the world! To date, we’ve shipped to 83 countries, and our global customer base continues to grow. Whether you’re in Canada, South Korea, Japan, the UK, or beyond, we’re committed to getting your watch to you safely.
While we are proud to offer international shipping, please note the following:
If you have any concerns or questions about international shipping, our support team is always ready to assist.
Vaer offers a 2-year limited warranty on all watches, covering any defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. If a watch experiences issues due to these defects, Vaer will repair or replace it at no cost to you.
The warranty does not cover:
To make a warranty claim, you’ll need proof of purchase and should contact Vaer’s customer service team. Full details and instructions for submitting a claim can be found on the Vaer support page.
Yes, you can! All Vaer watches feature interchangeable 20mm straps, making them fully compatible with any other 20mm straps on the market. This means you can easily customize your Vaer watch with third-party straps to suit your style or needs.
Alternatively, you can use your Vaer straps with any other 20mm watches, which is the most common lug-width size in the watch industry.
Please note, however, that our metal bracelets are custom-fit to each specific watch case due to the precision form-fit of the end-links (where the bracelet meets the case). These are not interchangeable with other watch models or third-party bracelets.
No, Vaer does not currently operate any retail stores. However, you can use our Store Locator page to find authorized locations near you where Vaer watches may be available.
We are actively working to expand this list and make Vaer watches more accessible. For now, we remain focused on delivering exceptional service through our online store, ensuring that every customer gets the best possible experience when purchasing directly from us.
We came up with the name "Vaer" in the summer of 2016, about six months after starting the company. The name is our invention, created to be unique, easily identifiable, and meaningful—qualities that were critical for securing a trademark and building a recognizable brand.
While Vaer is deeply rooted in American identity, we also wanted a name with universal appeal that didn’t tie the brand to any specific nationality. Inspired by horology’s strong European heritage and our personal interest in 20th-century European modernist design, we drew inspiration from a variety of languages across the region.
Here are a few of the linguistic roots and associations for "Vaer":
Ultimately, we chose the name Vaer because it’s a pleasant-sounding word with positive meanings across a variety of languages, perfectly aligning with our values of craftsmanship, resilience, and universal functionality.
Overall rating: 4.686501 / 5 from 2252 reviews.
The C5 Tactical Field Solar watch is praised for its perfect size, high-quality design, and outstanding lume performance. Customers appreciate its value, comfort, and versatility, making it suitable for both everyday use and formal occasions.
Review topics: [].
"Long time watch collector, I did not have a field watch in my collection. Decided to pull the trigger on this model. Liked the idea of supporting an American watch company. I’m very impressed with quality, fit, and finish of this watch. It will be a regular in my rotation and get used for the purpose it was built. Amazing watch for the price. Will definitely be purchasing from Vaer again."
"I wanted a solar watch, and am happy I grabbed this over something like an Eco Drive. The watch itself is great and I love the navy blue rubber strap it came with. I opted for the bracelet instead of another strap and do regret that a bit. The bracelet isn’t as robust as some of my other watches. It does look good, just feels a little flimsier."
"Such a cool watch. This is my second Vaer watch, and much like my first it disnt disappoint. I love that this one is a bit more modern than the other C5s. It has just enough of a minimalist vibe, with the smaller and leaner numerals, and the baton hands are a nice change from the syrine hands on most of Vaer’s watches (those are grear too). All in all a really sleek, clean, cool looking field watch. Love it!"
"This is my first Vaer watch and I am impressed. The quality is better than I expected at this price, the size is perfect for me and I love that I can get two looks with the two interchangeable bands. This will not be my last Vaer."
"I’ve owned the Vaer C5 Recon Field Solar for a couple of months now, and it’s become my favorite watch to wear. It’s lightweight, rugged, super comfortable, and perfect for everyday use. The solar movement is great since I never have to worry about battery changes, and the build quality feels excellent for the price. I especially love it on the FKM Ocean Strap — it’s incredibly comfortable and feels great on the wrist all day. The lume is also excellent and honestly outperforms some of my other watches, including my Seikos and Citizens. There are a couple things that could be improved though. I’m not sure if it’s the anti-reflective coating, but sometimes the dial can look a little blue in certain lighting — I wish it looked a bit more deep black. The date window can also be a little hard to read at certain angles. The Single Pass Recon Olive NATO strap could be a little softer too, but I’m sure it’ll break in and get better over time. Overall, it’s still an awesome everyday field watch and easily one of my favorites. I’ve recommended this watch to everyone I’ve talked to about watches. Looking forward to getting my hands on a Vaer D4 Meridian Navy Matte Solar — it looks great, and I’m sure it will have the same level of build quality."
"This is a truly awesome watch, and now that I own it I completely understand why it’s Vaer’s top seller. I own a C5 Korean Field Solar and a C5 Field Black Solar, and they’re also fantastic timepieces, but there is something just different about this one. On top of it being precise and rugged, the blacked out aesthetic just looks great, and makes all of the other details on the watch pop. The lume on this watch is super bright and green, and it looks super cool against the all black. Super happy with this purxhase."
"This is my first Vaer watch, and I'm very impressed. Fit and finish, size, style, design, lume . . . everything is great. I love it and I wear it often. I've heard that Vaer is working on more watches with the bezel -less diver case on the G2 Apocalypse GMT. PLEASE make a 39mm 3 hand automatic , 150m+ version with BGW9. If you make it, I will absolutely buy it. I think that case design is genius, and I'm shocked that no one has thought of that before. The twisted lugs of that GMT look so good. As a veteran, I'd love to see a USMC version, but I'm buying whatever version of that you guys make. Cheers."
"So happy with my purchase. I love the look and feel of this watch. I have received compliments on this watch and for most part people are surprised when I mention the quality build features; sapphire crystal, screw down crown and Epson solar power. . . all assembled in the USA. As a Veteran, I love it! I'm excited to add more Vaer watches to my collection and tell other people about this awesome American watch company."
"Wonderful. Wears like a dream. Very light and comfortable. I’m enjoying the different looks when I switch out the straps."
"I got this watch to wear at Marine Corps Officer training and it performed great. Worn it almost everyday and it held up to all the abuse. The watch came out with only some scratches on the case but the crystal is clean and no chips or dings on the case. It's next test is follow on training, and it's been ticking away despite more knocks and hits."
Shop the 2026 Lookbook
Our 2026 Lookbook highlights a few favorites from the current lineup, styled alongside the kinds of clothing and environments that naturally fit the brand. The overall aesthetic leans toward American classics—denim, canvas work jackets, knit sweaters, boots, and the occasional vintage piece from the 1970s and 80s.
Shop Lookbook
Free USA Shipping
Enjoy fast and free shipping on all watch orders, packed and fulfilled by our team in Kansas City, Missouri.
Styling Appointments
Chat with one of our team members for one-on-one shopping advice. Available in-store and online.
Built for the Water
Every Vaer watch is a rugged outdoor tool -currently worn and trusted in 79 countries, and every ocean on earth.
