A great watch for smaller wrists! Vaer C3 Tradition American Watch - Reviewvaerc3tradition

[@bani_niba]

It's great that 36mm watches are making a come-back. These traditional sizes make a lot more sense than the modern larger sizes.

[@pas0003]

Yep! Love smaller watches!

[@Xanduur]

I prefer a 38mm size, but I agree 40mm and larger is a no go for me.

[@andrewbarton2]

Small watch = small target (for scratches etc). Stupid big, oversized watches are one of the dumbest ideas of the modern era!

[@daniellogansa8101]

@@andrewbarton2yup, even 36mm seems borderline too big for me and I have a 7” wrist

[@andrewbarton2]

@@daniellogansa8101 Back in the days when men wore hats, 36mm was a 'big one'.

[@edteach3r]

I have owned and worn this Vaer for more than a year and love it. I bought it to scratch the Rolex Explorer itch, which it has done remarkably successfully. I too have a 7.5” wrist and it is so wearable. It is a true tool watch and I cannot recommend it enough.

[@andrewbarton2]

I bought this exact model. The 36mm case, black dial and retro-style amber indices SCREAM ' vintage Everest/Explorer/Railmaster' all with screw-down crown, 100m water resistance, quartz & sapphire crystal. I waited my whole adult life for this watch!

[@chadbailey7038]

I have a 7,5” wrist also. Just received my S3 Vaer and I am over the moon! Such high quality for money. And I am loving the look of a 36mm. It’s become my new favorite form factor. Great review 🙌🏾

[@joeymorris4589]

I have this exact watch. I’m really becoming a fan of 36-38mm watches. 42mm feels huge now. I wear mine on a B&R Barenia whiskey leather strap. That strap tapers down to 16mm, and tapers rapidly. So it solves that wide looking strap issue.

[@willsherman3527]

I'll have to check that out. The strap that is :-)

[@markdenney3903]

I hope she enjoys it. Very nice looking watch. It is good to see something coming back to the US.

[@willardhooton920]

Think they went with the 20mm lug width because it’s homaging the 1016. Great review - I’m ordering one (Explorer style tool watches are my current weakness!)

[@hootonhoot]

Edit: After checking website, I see they were using 36mm/20mm case before their 3,6,9, dial (I think)

[@johnseeger9083]

After a year owning the C3, I am absolutely convinced Vaer’s quality is outstanding. I also own a D5 diver and that is equally brilliant.

[@campshay19]

you could definitely go exploring with this watch

[@123ClassicRock]

lol

[@stusims6567]

Made in the USA!!! Glad to see this! I love my country, despite all that is going on, and this makes me happy to see it happening! Great review as always!!!

[@bobbywatchaddict523]

Thank you for your excellent, sensible, down-to-earth watch review channel. As a Rolex, Omega, Grand Seiko, and Tudor owner; I still find myself gravitating towards the sanity of buying and proudly wearing an affordable, dependable, tough Quartz watch. This VAER may be the one. It passes several of my pet-peeve requirements: a screw-down crown, a metal bracelet option, a black dial, and no external anti-reflective coating on the crystal (SINN 556…I’m talking at you).

[@leebelyeu8692]

Great review and great watch. Vaer has been on my radar for a little while and great to see them producing a quality product in the US. For those that don't like the smaller size or the lug proportions I believe this also comes in a 40mm.

[@Richard-wz9uh]

Great review as always. Thank you. Vaer now has an updated model with a solar quartz movement. I love solar quartz watches, so this one is quite attractive for me. God bless!

[@eatmelily]

I have two VAER watches, my first was the C5 40MM version of this, and USA assembled. Ordered it with the Horween strap, which as you said is a Beauty. It really is a Great Grab and go watch. To get a Screw down crown, Sapphire crystal, 2 straps standard, 100 meter WR, and a two year warranty, is a steal in today's time. My second VAER is the D5 Arctic automatic. I ended up putting the Horween on it, and it's perfect. I got a Tropic strap as one of the straps with the D5, and it looks great with the Black dial of C5. I may have to get the C3 also, and give my 1956 Hamilton a rest...... Nice Review......

[@tjfish9683]

My experience exactly

[@Tundraalex]

I just got the solar option for this watch! Love that it’s assembled in the USA too.

[@cecilyau4440]

That is a great-looking watch! I’ve been searching for a good 36mm tool watch with a 20mm lug width, so this is spot on! I’m surprised you didn’t bring up the strong 36mm Rolex Explorer design cues (definitely not a bad thing). And if all of these Tradition quartz watches hit the minute marks as well as your (your wife’s) watch, that’s a bonus. Thanks for bringing up this watch. Take care, man.

[@JohnSmith-qx8ll]

it would be awesome if the numerals and indices were white like the explorer.

[@markbyrum4743]

Nice looking watch. At a glance it reminds me of my old Explorer 1016. Good vid. Keep at it!

[@anamisidro8453]

Very similar to my SMITHS. Nice watch. I’m considering buying one of the divers they offer. Thanks for the video.

[@MyAlan999]

Nice option Dave , picked up my 36mm Smiths Everest a few months back and it just wears perfects on my skinny 16cm wrist

[@bobfeller604]

I have this watch and I'm happy with it so far.

[@AzPauly]

Nice video, thanks.. as far as value vs cost as some of the responders here have criticized.. I guess it depends.. I work in a hospital and the gloves I put on and take off seemingly 1000's of times a day actually pop the crown out of my watches (I'm an analogue guy) so it's my Seiko diver automatic or Casio Duro. I LOVE the prospect of something a bit smaller with the Necessary (for me) design elements.. so for me I think there is value for price.. not into the monster G-shocks etc. love the classics, plus living in the Phoenix area, getting something that has a local component is pretty cool..C3 or possibly the C5 could be next..

[@nesutoneko]

Funny, the number one complaint I hear with the Citizen BM8180-03E is that it has 18mm lug width (the complainers want 20mm) - and that watch is basically the same width & depth as this Vaer. Nice review, thanks!

[@jerryglasses2229]

Love this watch and would buy one but already have 5 field watches. Love 20mm lugs on a 36mm watch. Gives the watch more presence. I have a 36 and definitely a difference between 20 an 18 mm.

[@billcore6295]

Great watch. Straight forward, no frills. Solid work watch

[@cakraparindra4659]

I've subscribed to your channel from ... I think a year ago. Man the quality of your contents keeps improving. KUDOS 👍🏼

[@bensieber6960]

You didn't mention that VAER does this watch in a larger variant as well, the C5 at 39mm. I have 2 C5s, a Tradition and a Heritage Dark and love them both. For the dollar they provide exceptional specs with one of the nicest field and general purpose watch cases I've ever worn. I second your criticism of the male end link on their steel bracelet, although I'll note that mine fits my C5s like a glove with no engagement issues. Oh, and VAER just released a new D4 Solar Diver lineup! 39mm case, 200 meter rated, Epson (Seiko) Solar movement, etc. for less than $300 USD. Finally, the C3 would greatly benefit from a nicely tapered leather strap to really come together.

[@mjv40]

I’m going to grab a VAER watch for my next piece. Have my eyes on the A7 Tradition

[@Gumby56]

I have a Vaer Navy Swiss made in Switzerland and love it.

[@christianaviles2199]

I'm a big fan of what VAER is doing. Besides making truly great watches that they are attempting to do as much assembly and manufacturing in the US is great.

[@stevenwymor1398]

I guarantee you that’s a Barton Elite Silicone strap that is made to Vaer’s specs and with their branding on the buckle. I own a Vaer C3 as well as a bunch of Barton’s straps and they are identical except for the addition of buckle branding and Barton provides an additional length for sizing, but otherwise I cannot discern a difference. I think Barton also supplies them with their two piece nylon that is the second strap option.

[@lonzo61]

I have hated the big watch trend since I first noticed it. When I wear a modern watch on my thin wrists, it looks like a grabbed a desk clock, affixed a strap to it, and slapped it on my arm. I hate the monster watches! Now that smaller watches are coming back, I don't have to purchase vintage watches to wear. In fact, I just ordered a Vaer field watch yesterday and look forward to receiving it. The case is a 36mm. This will be the first new watch I have bought in thirty years.

[@TheTimelyFocus]

Great review! You provided a well rounded review of such a well rounded watch. Vaer just sent me the 40mm A5 for review and I have really been enjoying it these past couple of days. Really enjoyed your review!

[@zillsburyy1]

you should do a video explaining hz/beat rates & magnetic gauss ratings.

[@mightymurph550]

I was eyeballing the orange dialed one. Its nice.

[@willsherman3527]

I've got two of them, and a more expensive dirty dozen from them also. Great watches! Fabulous customer service also! They also have a 40mm. My questions on email were answered by the owner. Awesome! Go Vaer! The extra 50$ also gives you a domed sapphire instead of flat.

[@Shunya0101]

Got a dirty dozen on Monday of this week. It stops at about 12 hours of timekeeping when I wind it 20-22 times by the instructions. Have you had that issue? Should it be wound more? First time manual owner.

[@willsherman3527]

@@Shunya0101 I found that I thought I was winding it completely, but I was only turning it 1/2 way. Depends on how you wind - not something we are used to these days. If it's a bigger problem, I'm sure they'll help.

[@Shunya0101]

@@willsherman3527 That was the issue - I was under winding it. After watching a few videos of proper watch winding, I realized I was being way too gentle. I find this is one of the downfalls of online purchases - not having a person to call or show you how to use what you buy. If it weren’t for the other KZbin videos, I was going to send it back. Thanks for your reply.

[@w5glsgary919]

Bought mine over a year ago for outdoor water sports. It's held up very well.

[@jake-ishere3362]

THIS IS THE BEST AMERICAN QUARTZ WATCH!! I’ll be going to to work for FTS/ AMERIQUARTZ HERE IN FOUNTAIN HILLS ARIZONA ..... THERE IS ALSO MECHANICAL MOVEMENTS THAT ARE GOING TO BE MANUFACTURED BY FTS HERE IN THE NEAR FUTURE ... I’m TRYING TO GET HIRED FOR MORE THAN $15/ as my skill set MUST WARRANT more than an assembler position in the clean room

[@barreltech8949]

Just ordered this, so excited. I opted for this version over the miyota one is because I already have a field watch with that movement

[@davidrussell8166]

Have purchased this watch (36mm Quartz) based on your comments. Vaer now offers a 40mm solar powered diver's watch. Maybe you can convince them to offer it in the 36mm version with the date feature (add the day feature as well?). Great price point.

[@samsan3095]

For a quartz watch, they could do much better than $209+shipping. For reference, a similar spec movement like Ronda 713 is put into sub $100 dollar watches.

[@jerryglasses2229]

209 is reasonable for this watch. Nice bracelet and sapphire. Timex sells their junk at 150

[@samsan3095]

@@jerryglasses2229 The problem is that it doesn't come with a bracelet at $209. If it was $109 for the watch and $159 with bracelet, it would be a much more reasonable price to ask.

[@VaerWatches]

Rob, I'm not sure if you gave enough consideration to the full spec sheet of this watch before making an assessment on value. Let me first address your point regarding the 713 Ronda... the 713 is a great high-torque, and widely trusted quartz movement, and while it COULD be used in a sub-$100 watch, I don't believe it's that common as the Swiss Made (not Swiss parts) 713 is around $12 per movement in large quantities (closer to $15 in smaller batches). If a brand IS retailing a Swiss Made 713 for under $100, I can almost guarantee their cases, dials, lume, hands, gaskets, case tubes, stems, glass, assembly costs, and resistance capabilities are all inferior to our $209 priced quartz models. For reference, we used to use a 713/763 Swiss Ronda, and our new Ameriquartz movements actually cost more. If you're looking for the best possible quartz watch on the market, for the lowest possible cost, I'd recommend checking out our S3/S5 Standard Issue line, which retails at $159. It's got the same core durability specs as the watch in this video (waterproof warranty, locking crown, sapphire glass) but it isn't assembled in America & doesn't have a USA movement. If you know of a quartz that you think is a better value, please let us know as we're very committed to offering the best value in this category.

[@jerryglasses2229]

@@VaerWatches keep up the good work. I think you guys are doing a great job. Better than that other "American" brand, Shinola.

[@watchesandcaps2566]

@@samsan3095 dude, what the hell are you talking about? This watch is tremendous value for the price. What $150 watch has specs anywhere near this? If you can't afford it that's one thing, but acting like this watch is overprices is laughable.

[@pannan80]

I ordered one,it took over a week for them to get it in the mail and now it's been moving around Chicago for three weeks....still haven't left the Us.

[@JohnSmith-qx8ll]

Really wish Vaer would make this with white numerals and indices instead of the aged lume color. It would give it more of a Sinn 556 / 856 meets Rolex Explorer vibe. I already own their field watch with a similar color, as well as a vintage looking diver. Would buy one of these in a heartbeat if it was white on a black face.

[@mdunawaym]

I have their D5 Pacific diver, and I love it! It's an automatic, and I think they make the C3 in automatic too.

[@mjv40]

Very similar in dimensions to the Seiko 5 SNK models except in the more traditional case layout with the 3 o’ clock crown and the bezel extending out to the widest part of the case unlike the SNK’s. A very good option.

[@waynejohnson3214]

Just ordered the auto version of this, with a Jubilee bracelet. I feel that this is the watch that Tudor should have made when they released their Heritage Ranger.

[@Rakerong]

I like the look of this watch a lot, and even with a 20mm lug width, it still looks really good on a 7 1/2" wrist in your video. The horween leather strap looks terrific on it, and probably would be the best option for this watch.

[@caktaylor]

I bought the C3 after watching your video, so I guess you earned the free watch. I have to agree with your assessment; the otherwise great watch is really let down by the bracelet that feel and wears like something I could pick up from AliExpress for less than $20. I think Vaer really need to step up their game on the bracelet, even if it means charging a bit more for a "premium bracelet" over the current one (which they could call a "standard bracelet.") The watch itself is great. I was interested to see how a 36mm watch would wear on my 7-inch wrist, and I like it. The large dial and wide lugs give it presence, and the bracelet (even though it is not very good) does add a bit of weight to it.

[@caktaylor]

The 2021 Rolex Explorer is 36mm with a 20mm lug width, so there is some precedent.

[@internettroll7497]

What do you think about deep blue watches?

[@CaptainWillyandTheWonderMonkey]

Very good review! I just got my C3 in and it also has a pinhole in the lume, not a deal breaker for me but Vaer should really pay attention to little things like that. I bought mine with the SS bracelet and it is a little disappointing, the fit on one of the end piece has a gap and the sharp link end touches on one side where it meets the watch case but not the other (which would scratch). I would skip the bracelet and stick with the tropic or a leather strap, which looks better anyway.

[@marcelovasconcellos6067]

As a non American I think the USA and American assembled markings on the watch are quite interesting. If the extra to get it is not a thing, I think it does add value to the watch. Pretty cool watch and great review as usual! Btw, wearing a 36mm wide, 43mm lug to lug, 17mm, quartz, badly lumed, acrylic (I believe), Swatch Irony on my 7.5in wrist. I've been wearing it since 1994 and only maintenance has been battery changes. So I have no issue as to size, quartz movement or style. Glad to see an apparently fine quartz watch on your channel.

[@toddjohnson5506]

I have the automatic version. It is great.

[@balooga5689]

I have the white dial and I love it

[@tjfish9683]

As usual, nice review. I have 2 Vaer watches and like them both. I have one of their older 40 mm "American assembled" field watch which remains my favorite "grab and go" watch-- mainly on the silicon strap or a nato, though it works on a variety of straps and can be dressed up or down. I also got one of their 39 mm Divers and love it. I got the bracelet and the Horween strap with the diver and I agree with your observations about the bracelet. Its just ok and disappoints compared to all other aspects of the watches with which I am otherwise delighted. But I do think the bracelet works better with the larger watch than with the 36 mm. The lined leather strip is outstanding.

[@Tara-xp6ki]

Vertex every time

[@PeterAGruther]

Great video bud. Enjoyed it.

[@contentconsumer487]

Bought immediately upon completing video!

[@willsherman3527]

They now have an automatic version of this now with super lume and also with a Miyota 9035.

[@denisdaly1708]

Lovely dial. Also in 40mm.

[@rckarrh]

Take a look at bertucci, they've introduced American quartz watch.

[@rocfella]

uuu looks great on black rubber

[@kenhoward3512]

I bought a Vaer C5 field watch - Swiss movement, American assembly - a few months ago. The lume is very bright initially, but loses its brightness *very* quickly. My older, $120 Seiko (SNZG) automatic, compared side-to-side after exposure to bright light, is truly night-and-day better, staying usefully-bright throughout the nighttime hours. I'm left to wonder if the lume of American-made Vaer watch dials are of better quality than mine?

[@bgjr2304]

Damn... I almost like this better than the Tudor Ranger! 😮

[@mystic48209]

As long as it has an automatic or hand wound mivement , I will buy a Vaer watch.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Dang that's a good looking watch. Great review as always Dave 👍

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

Great review bud! Nice looking piece for sure!

[@steveprcela4858]

Let me know when we (USA) builds a mechanical movement.

[@jaysterling26]

Their website mentions alot of assembly. There is a symbol with, ' USA quartz movement ' and that's jt ( what the rules of origin on this? - NAFTA's are complex). I'd need more proof before purchase. Nice size; don't like the hands though. Is it more than P.R.?

[@TheRiteHand]

I disagree with the point of criticism: the 20mm makes the watch. The proportion is very nice.

[@cappy2282]

Ya that watch is sweet 👌. I definitely like the American made. National pride 👍

[@bensieber657]

VAER makes a C5 in 39mm that is otherwise identical. Super great watch at a great value.

[@piquetuk]

A bit too close to my Smiths Everest but I really like it, though the Vaer I really want is $900 for some reason.

[@commontime1085]

Great review. Have my eye on this watch and your take on it is really helpful. One thing I’d like to know is how well the seconds hand hit the minute marker track? Is the minute hand dead on all 60 minute marks? Or is ahead in some / behind on others ? In your video sometimes it looks dead on, amd other times it looks to miss the mark. Maybe the camera angle is playing tricks. Your opinion on this would be valuable. Thanks.

[@JusttheWatch]

It's better than most quartz watches, hitting the mark most of the time, but there's a few that it misses. Vaer actually addresses this in the booklet they give with the watch. According to them it's essentially impossible to hand assemble a quartz watch that has the second hand perfectly hitting every marker, so even on luxury quartz watches from brands like Omega you'll see some misses, but on some really cheap brands like Casio, which uses machine assembly, you'll get perfectly aligned second hands.

[@briankelley987]

@@JusttheWatch Yes, if you are looking at something like the Casio Edifice line, I think they have great alignment (mine does, at least). The Japanese quartz seems to be the only place that really gets the alignment right. Both American and Swiss manufacturers seem to be a bit nonplussed with quartz second hand alignment.

[@potgieterl]

I think it's meant to be someone's first watch, or for people with more elegant wrists than average.

[@quiterioalbertobaezbenitez5739]

A very atractive option for the versatile watch lovers. Personally I would be glad if they modify this dial in the future and add the arabic numbers like the good field watch is. Thank you Dave! Saludos!!!

[@Stanjara]

They have it. Korean field. www.vaerwatches.com/collections/c3-36mm-usa-quartz/products/c3-korean-field-usa-quartz-36mm

[@ozziebrito4527]

Great review Dave. Too small for me. But maybe for the wife like you did may work

[@wesley7753]

You should really do a review on the iconic Casio calculator watch (I cant remember the model number)

[@augustusczar7375]

Ask them for the navy designed c3

[@rimas.kalpokas]

Submerging the watch with the leather strap?.. :)

[@ccooper8785]

If ever a watch needed to be fitted with the VH31 movement it is this one.😖

[@flutterstone1281]

I ran into the steel bracelet issue on another Vaer watch and the black steel bracelet they sell, so apparently this is an issue for them. It’s a shame. I’m a steel bracelet guy so it is a deal breaker for me.

[@woonfaseng8737]

very appealing design , this vaer watch, i just prefer it being AUTO

[@thewatchfemme4051]

This review made me take off the watch I was wearing and put on my 36mm Alpha Explorer. 😂

[@MrPresident1878]

Great watch for what it is, but the movement just seems a tad basic and it doesn’t exactly hit all of the markers. Can’t wait to see a USA made mechanical movement in one of these.

[@nealriordan6802]

If it had the day and the date I'd have one

[@brianmsahin]

It's a nice watch, would be too small for my 7.9" wrist, I've a 37mm Orient and it looks a bit small. For the smaller size wrist it looks good. American Assembly is not the same as Made in the USA though. There's no standard necessary for that. But let's be honest, $209 is a huge premium for a watch with a cheap quartz movement just because it's assembled in the USA. It's patriotic and supports a few people but it's not good value. It's a $75 watch. You'd get better value with a quartz Timex.

[@JusttheWatch]

I think the Sapphire crystal and screw down crown is something that you would have a hard time finding from Timex in anything under $150, which incidentally the price Vaer sells a version of this watch that is assembled overseas. So they put a $50 premium on American Assembly and an American movement.

[@brianmsahin]

@@JusttheWatch True, but still a low beat quartz movement for $200+ ? Far too much. You could get a fully automatic with 200m resistance and sapphire crystal, screw down crown, good lume, for $75 on AE. If this watch had a high beat quartz or NH38 no date movement, then the price is ok. Just my opinion of course but adding everything up doesn't come to $209 or anywhere close. Generally though not all, microbrands are overpricing their watches and seemingly people don't mind which is fine, I suppose.

[@halfpastblog]

1. Great vid. 2. A watch that good looking I'd consider a quartz. 3. You stole my line "My wife hates all my watches." 😂 😂

[@JusttheWatch]

Our wives have such bad taste in watches, amiright??

[@halfpastblog]

@@JusttheWatch Must be! 😂

[@MrShinobi797]

Just the watch...that the Mrs. confiscated 😅 Good content Dave!-👌🏽

[@BWo-bb1yw]

The thing I hate is the trick, I have to know, or want to know at least.

[@tentimetex]

A fantastic watch...if only they did an automatic version!

[@RedwoodAggie]

I would love to see an automatic version of this watch too. They make automatic field watches, but I like this Explorer 1016 style dial more.

[@piotrszmidel]

Upcoming Borealis is more tempting

[@JimFeeley]

How loud is the movement on the second hand? I've had some watches, cheaper models, that produce audible (and distracting) clicks from the second hand. Is this movement silent, super quiet, or audible if you're say, sitting at you desk with a silent computer (ie- no masking music or fan noise)? Other than that, your review answered all my questions. Thanks!

[@atlacatl7501]

I just picked up the watch and the second hand is barely audible. You really have to put it up to your ear to hear it. Unlike Timex, that you can hear it across the room.

[@woonfaseng8737]

the trend towards classic men size are indeed coming back by rolex explorer introducing their new explorer only in 36mm. however the trend of women watch upsizing is still on going (since rolex is market leader and trend setter and they removed ladies 26mm completely) . but please remember, the huge watch trend was actually caused by popularity and generalized wear of TOOL watch which was suppose to be bigger at 40 to 46mm mostly (ignore those super huge ones more for attracting attention) .... hence when the hype is over, then most watch should go back to more realistic Men sizes of 34 to 39mm for most men, and probably abit smaller at 31 to 33 mm for smaller men / boys/ unisex as per pre 1940s.

[@QuackLoud]

2nd strap is no longer free.

[@jazzman5598]

Of course it’s worth $50.00. Remember the Golden Rule. I do not want to live in China or Viet Nam, etc. I do not want to live some other country. USA is expensive…..& yes Sir, it is worth it. Fine vid Dave. GBU

[@explained4242]

Great watch!!! Just needs a date option.

[@thehorologychannel]

Wide lugs on a small case make it's look very toolish

[@paulhoffman8329]

Dave begins by naming three brands. Then says half of the aren’t American anymore. Triggers flashbacks to my calculus class.

[@JusttheWatch]

Guess I could have thrown Fossil in there...

[@porkfat5521]

I like it

[@duncanidaho2130]

I own a Timex Waterbury much like this watch. On a NATO strap it gets some.