Free USA ShippingWith optional to 2-day shipping available.
Waterproof WarrantyGuaranteed 100% ocean-ready.
Two Straps StandardOur 20mm straps are interchangeable
SUMMARY The S5 Tactical Field 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 an S5 model, this watch is part of our affordable Standard Issue collection, distinguished by its ocean-ready functionality, low-profile case design, ultra-accurate quartz movement, and entry-level price point.
WHO IS THIS WATCH FOR? We recommend the S5 for those seeking a dependable tool watch that can also be dressed up for more formal occasions. The "set-it-and-forget-it" nature of quartz makes it the perfect fit for an everyday wearer, and the 36mm case sizing is great option for those with smaller wrists, or who prefer a more vintage on-wrist presence reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s.
INSPIRATION The S5 Tactical is the more affordable version of the C5 Tactical. Our goal with that watch 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 S5 Tactical is further distinguished as one of the first Vaer models to use a black PVD case finish and the first to use green-tinted C3 lume paint - the feature that helps it achieve such an incredible night-time glow.
This watch includes interchangeable Quick Release Black Silicone Strap and Quick Release Khaki Nylon Strap
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.
What's the best outdoor watch we could make for under $200? That was the guiding question for our S-series. Are there cheaper alternatives out there? Sure. Do those cheaper options feature sapphire crystal, a locking crown, and a guaranteed waterproof warranty? Definitely not.
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.
Daily Outdoor Use
Extended Off-Grid Use
Collectors & Enthusiasts
Quartz Battery
Ambient Light
Self-Winding Movement (Automatic)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
-10/+20 sec/month
-10/+20 sec/month
-5/+15 sec/day
Hong Kong
USA
USA
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: 4.7137656 / 5 from 1373 reviews.
The S5 Tactical Field watch offers a military-inspired design with a blacked-out aesthetic and impressive lume paint performance. It features an ultra-accurate quartz movement, interchangeable straps, and a comfortable fit for smaller wrists. Customers praise its clean design, excellent quality, and great value for money.
Review topics: [].
"This is one of my most inexpensive watches, yet it is one of my favorites! It’s very difficult to find a field watch with a screw down crown, sapphire crystal, and sized appropriately for a larger wrist. I’m blown away how comfortable it wears with the rubber strap. I absolutely love this watch, I wear it everyday as a maintenance specialist. You won’t find more thoughtful engineering at this price point!"
"My VAER review is nothing but positive. It fits so nicely on my wrist. It’s flat and not at all bulky. And the rubber(?) strap is soft and is of the highest quality. Why is no one talking about the comfort of this strap? Anyway, it’s a quartz movement. Not the solar but battery powered. Of course it’s accurate. It’s numbers are easy to see at night and compare to others I’ve had. After a few hours it does become dim but readable. I am a welder in construction work. The heat is as hard on me as the work but my watch looks new. The sapphire crystal is a wonderful part of the makings of this watch as is the screw down crown. In the shower or 10 hours of heavy perspiration no moisture affects the case. Perfect size, perfect ‘no worry’ watch."
"This watch is constantly on my wrist. Love the low profile (watch height)and the super easy to read face. Great lume, very accurate, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and the larger 42mm watch body. I installed the black Vaer stainless steel watch band that looks great and fits my wrist perfect."
"Very happy with the watch. Looks great, very thin and light, high quality. My only gripe is with the tan strap that it comes on. It’s very stiff and not comfortable. It also comes with a black rubber strap that is good. I put it on a nato strap and it’s been my daily since I got it."
"The case and watch are great for the price . I’d consider having the crown gears polished a little as they’re a little sharp. The silicone strap is great! My complaint with the bracelet is that the securement fold clasp keeps coming in undone and flops around with just one days wear. Maybe make a single fold clasp or modify the screens clasp to stay down."
"I love the simplicity of a field watch. Vaer does not disappoint. It is well built, feels sturdy and the sapphire glass is a great feature at this price point. I decided to put a steel bracelet on it and it looks awesome."
"Didn't think I would love a Field watch as much as I love this one just an easy wear and goes with so much and so many activities. Put mine on the rubber strap and just find myself choosing it several time a week from my collection. 4th watch from Vaer and a great value too."
"I throughly enjoy wearing this watch and the different band selections available. I have gotten many compliments when wearing this watch!"
"Simple, elegant, and with all the features to make it durable including: Screw-down crown Stainless-steel construction Screw-in back Scratch resistant sapphire crystal Dependable Japanese quartz movement And it even comes with multiple bands that fit my gorilla-sized eight-inch wrists"
"I own a wide variety of watches, ranging from Casio all the way to Rolex. I first came across VAER on social media, and something about their designs immediately caught my attention. I decided to pull the trigger, and I'm so glad I did. There is something timeless and understated about this watch. I can't point to a single feature that makes it special- it's the entire package. The design is clean and classic, the build quality is excellent, the finishing is impressive, and the accuracy has been outstanding. It simply feels like a watch that was built to be worn every day without compromise. To me, it's very close to the perfect tool watch. If I could change just one thing, I would love to see this model offered in a 42mm version with a solar movement. That combination would make it the ultimate everyday tool watch for my personal taste. VAER has genuinely exceeded my expectations, and it has earned a permanent place in my collection."
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.
