R1 Tactical Chronograph - 40mm USA

$ 364

$ 429

Your Build: R1 | Tactical 40mm

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

R1 | Tactical 40mm R1 | Rally Cream 40mm

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

Choose Your Custom Strap: Quick Release - Waffle Strap Green (+$30)

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.

Limited Release - 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

Inspired by the design, spirit, and durability of the iconic racing watches of the 1960s and 1970s, our R1 Tactical is an all-purpose meca-quartz timekeeper blending the aesthetics and functionality of a modern chronograph, with the durability, water resistance, and everyday practicality synonymous with our brand.

Utilizing the same 40mm case diameter of our popular C5 and A5 Field watches, the R1 Tactical serves as a unique blend of these function first timekeepers while adding the unmistakable flair, color, and stopwatch functionality of a racing-inspired chronograph.

At its core, the R1 is an accessible yet sophisticated timepiece. The watch combines the functionality demanded by sports enthusiasts—such as tachymeter scales for measuring speed—with a stylishness, and on-wrist comfort that will appeal to those looking for an all-purpose everyday wearer. The R1 Tactical dial, characterized by its vintage TV sub-dials and heavy lume application delivers both readability and aesthetic appeal.

Uniquely positioned as the only chronograph on the market that's both assembled in the USA and designed for everyday ocean use, the R1 Tactical is a great choice for those looking for a watch they can take anywhere and everywhere, that carries a compelling story of independent American craftsmanship.

Technical Details

CASE SPECIFICATIONS

- 10ATM (100m) water-resistance rating
- Locking screwdown crown
- 316L stainless steel
- Single dome sapphire with AR coating
- 20mm lug width
- 40mm case diameter
- 48mm lug-to-lug Distance
- 11.8 mm case thickness (no crystal)

MOVEMENT & ASSEMBLY

- Quartz battery powered
- VK63 Japan MecaQuartz Chronograph
- 40-month battery life
- -10/+20 sec/month timing tolerance
- Assembled in the United States

DIAL & HANDS

- Vaer Lume Performance Rating = 9/10
- The dial features 25x layers of C3 SuperLuminova
- The hour and minute hand feature A Grade 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 as comfortable as possible, while still maintaining 10ATM water resistance. The watch case measures 11.8mm in height (13mm with crystal) and has a case weight of 64 grams. The entire case is also rounded and ergonomic so it can be worn comfortably during activities like surfing or diving.

This watch comes in a range of interchangeable strap options, and they are designed to fit wrists ranging from 6.5" to 8.5" in diameter - though we do have specialty straps available for those with wrists outside of this range.

R1 Tactical Chronograph - 40mm USA

$ 364

$ 429

The R1 Tactical is our vision for the ultimate outdoor chronograph - uncompromising in every category, from low-light performance and in-water operations to fit, finish, and accuracy.

Why we love it

Introduced in 2024 as the perfect synthesis of our two bestselling watches, the C5 Tactical and R1 Chrono, the 40mm R1 Tactical offers the outdoor durability of a military tool watch with the added stopwatch function of a chronograph and an integrated tachymeter. This watch also has the most complex lume display of any Vaer model, with powerful Swiss Superluminova integrated throughout the dial and hands.

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

Utilizing the same 40mm case diameter of our popular C5 and A5 Field watches, the R1 Tactical serves as a unique blend of these function first timekeepers while adding the unmistakable flair, color, and stopwatch functionality of a racing-inspired chronograph.

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.

R1 Tactical Chronograph - 40mm USA

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$ 399

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A5 Tactical Field - 40mm USA Auto

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C5 Tactical Field Solar - 40mm USA

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R1 Tactical Chronograph - 40mm USA

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A5 Tactical Field - 40mm USA Auto

From $ 509

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C5 Tactical Field Solar - 40mm USA

From $ 288

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Water Resistance

100 meters (10ATM)

Sapphire Crystal

Dial (Domed)

Dial (Domed) & Caseback

Dial (Domed)

2x Straps

Yes

Movement

Meca Quartz (Hybrid)

Japan Automatic

Japan Solar Quartz

Pride in USA Craftsmanship

We've always invested in USA sourcing, and today, we're proud to be the largest independent watch assembler in the United States. We're committed to American production not only because it improves product quality, but also because it adds a strong sense of identity to our brand.

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.