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 new solar-powered version of our popular Design Navy field watch, which was first introduced into the Vaer lineup in 2019. Why have we transitioned to solar? In our opinion, solar movements provide 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). In terms of aesthetics, the C3 Design Navy stands out in the Vaer line-up thanks to its excellent balance between Bauhaus minimalism, and rugged outdoor functionality. As a C3 model, this watch is part of our all-time bestselling collection, distinguished by its ocean-ready functionality, low-profile case design, ultra-accurate solar quartz movement, and full USA assembly.
WHO IS THIS WATCH FOR? We recommend the C3 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: In building the C3 Design Navy our goal was to reference the very best modern European design watches, while also further establishing a distinct and modern Vaer aesthetic. This watch's dark navy dial design and green-tinted Arabic numerals deliver a splash of color to the C-series lineup - including at night, thanks to a heaping portion of top-grade lume paint. The C3 Design Navy 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 C3 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.
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
Extended Off-Grid Use
Ambient Light
Ambient Light
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
-10/+20 sec/month
-10/+20 sec/month
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 fit a wide range of wrists. To help you select the right size before purchasing, check out our Watch Sizing Guide for detailed references and guidance.
Most of our straps and bracelets are designed to fit wrists ranging from approximately 6 to 8.6 inches in circumference.
If you receive your watch and don’t love the size or fit, you’re welcome to return or exchange it within our 30-day return window, as long as the watch remains in new, unused condition.
Feel free to carefully try the watch on to make sure the size and fit are right for you. We recommend keeping the protective plastic in place while trying it on. If your watch comes on a metal bracelet, please do not size or adjust the bracelet until you’re sure you want to keep it, as adjusted bracelets cannot be returned.
If the case size feels right but you’d prefer a different strap or bracelet, you can also swap it for another option from our collection.
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.
Yes! Our Venice Beach Showroom is open daily from 11:00am to 6:00pm at 1733 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Unit B, Los Angeles, CA 90291. Stop by to explore the full collection, compare models, and try on sizes and straps with personalized guidance from our team. Appointments are encouraged, and walk-ins are always welcome.
You can also use our Store Locator page to find other authorized retailers near you.
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: 4.660264 / 5 from 833 reviews.
The C3 Design Navy Solar watch offers a perfect blend of Bauhaus minimalism and rugged outdoor functionality. Its solar-powered movement ensures perpetual timekeeping with incredible accuracy, while the clean dial and excellent lume provide readability in any light. The watch is praised for its exceptional quality, stylish design, and great value, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
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"The Vaer C3 Korean Field Solar in 36mm is absolute perfection for daily wear. The 36mm proportion sits effortlessly on smaller wrists, and the solar movement gives complete peace of mind. It's built like a true tool watch—rugged, reliable, and legible. The design strikes a perfect balance between classic field heritage and modern practical utility. Huge respect to Ryan, Reagan, and the Vaer team for building high-quality, functional"
"This is my first watch purchase that wasn’t a Casio or G-Shock lol. I wanted something small and light, practical, and not overly expensive. I like the USA assembly aspect. The watch is everything I was expecting it to be. It’s been quite accurate as far as I can tell so far. I know quartz isn’t the end all be all but it’s accurate enough and should get quite a long life out of it. The lume is decent. Noticeable and Bright after coming in from outside or using a flashlight doesn’t last too long, holds a pretty dim charge overnight, not the easiest to see but not the worst. I went with the 36mm because I’m skinny and the older military watches like these were on the smaller side. Fits well, although on their straps I’m on the 2nd to last notch. If you have under 6” wrists be aware"
"Great watch, with a few caveats. The bracelet is nice, and the clasp with the safety is a good extra. I appreciate the use of screw links (and that a tool was included). The caveat (I guess there’s only one) is the size. Just be aware that it wears small. The steel bracelet and short L2L make it wear smaller than what you might expect. That said, I don’t consider that to be a detractor, just something to be aware of. Dial color is nice, lume is decent, and shipping was fast!"
"I’m happy with the timepiece itself but ordered the basic strap with the intention of upgrading to the jubilee bracelet if I liked it. But it’s been out of stock for months and after I contacted them, they said they have no intention of restocking it. Part of their advertising brags about the quick release bands, but half of them are out of stock and it’s been a giant pain to find anything online that resembles it. Bait and switch."
"My second Vaer watch. Decided to upgrade to the solar from a regular battery style. The 36mm classic look is incredible. Something to be said about folks who wear traditional watches versus all the techy smart watches nowadays. A watch like this tells a story. Love it."
"Great size, very classy watch. Paired with the horween leather strap it looks stunning. The Blue silicone and FKM straps also look suprisingly great and are great for sweaty chores. SUPER accurate and I love the convenience of a tough, everyday watch that is solar - I can just wear it and enjoy, I only have to touch the crown for Daylight Savings Time changes and when traveling!"
"There are several things that drew me to this watch. I wanted a watch that was waterproof with a screw in stem, I wanted a solar quartz, and I wanted something different from what I already have. This watch hits all of those check boxes. It's a great watch for daily wear and for jumping in the ocean near my home."
"Fantastic watch! Been on my wrist everyday since it arrived. Thanks, team Vaer!"
"I bought the C3 for my wife since I really like the two C5 watches I bought for me. I wear one going out with the metal strap and the other with the silicone strap when working on my property. I discovered how much I like a field watch. She is liking her field watch very much."
"Heard about VAER on the VDH podcast. Have worn inexpensive Timex's all my life; which have worked fine. I was looking at various brands of Field Watches. I bought the Navy Solar because it is a "simple" but very nice looking Field Watch. I love it. I find myself looking at during the day just to admire it. Brings a smile to my face."
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.
