A5 Field

Entry-level Under $600

The Vaer A5 Field is a 40mm USA-assembled automatic field watch inspired by the WWII A-11 military service watch, pairing a Miyota 9015 movement with sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, and 100m water resistance for under $600. Bold Arabic numerals, a 24-hour inner scale, and Old Radium Super-LumiNova give it unambiguous legibility day and night.

Compare with another

40mm

Case

100m

Water res.

10.4mm

Thick

48mm

Lug-to-lug

Overview

Brand	Vaer
Collection	A5 Field
Category	Field
Released	2019
Price guide	Entry-level · Under $600

Full specification

Specs

Case & dial

Diameter	40 mm
Lug-to-lug	48 mm
Thickness	10.4 mm
Lug width	20 mm
Water resistance	100 m
Crystal	sapphire, single-domed, AR-coated
Case material	316L stainless steel
Bezel	fixed, polished edge
Case back	exhibition

Movement & furniture

Type	Automatic
Caliber	Miyota 9015 →
Functions	Date
Power reserve	42 h
Jewels	24
Lume	Super-LumiNova (Old Radium)
Strap / bracelet	FKM rubber strap (included); steel bracelet optional

On the wrist

Strap the A5 Field on and the first impression is how little fuss it makes of its 40mm footprint: the 48mm lug-to-lug figure sits well on wrists in the 6.5–8" range, and the matte-brushed case with lightly polished chamfers on the lugs manages to feel substantial without being shouty. The black dial is properly dark — a canvas that makes the clean white sans-serif Arabic numerals snap into focus immediately, and the red seconds hand adds just enough personality to stop the whole thing from looking stern. The inner 24-hour track is rendered small enough to stay out of the way but readable when you actually need it.

Up close, the finishing is better than you'd expect at this price: the brushed flanks transition neatly into the polished bevel, and the exhibition caseback reveals the Miyota 9015 doing its work under a sapphire window etched with "American Assembly." The screw-down crown is slightly oversize — intentionally so, easy to grip with cold hands or gloves — and it gives the watch a satisfying, purposeful feel that a push-pull crown simply doesn't. Old Radium lume charges quickly and throws off a warm, luminous glow that fills the crystal interior on a dark bedside table. Anyone who wears this daily for a few weeks will find it genuinely hard to reach for anything else.

Bottom line

A specification-packed field watch that outguns its price bracket — screwdown crown, sapphire, 100m WR, and USA assembly all under $600 — making it the most compelling buy for buyers who want genuine daily durability without a luxury price.

Highlights

Miyota 9015, USA assembled
Exhibition caseback, sapphire both sides
100m WR + screw-down crown
Old Radium Super-LumiNova
A-11-inspired field design

Who it's for

Buyers who want a versatile, no-nonsense automatic field watch sized for everyday use: the 40mm case and 48mm lug-to-lug fit average to slightly large wrists equally well. The strap-swap ecosystem (rubber, nylon, leather, steel bracelet all available) makes it at home at a desk or on a trail, and the 100m water resistance means it never needs to come off for the gym or beach.

Who should skip it

Skip it if a clean no-date dial is non-negotiable, if you want a genuinely slim dress-field profile under 10mm, or if you need a case larger than 40mm.

Before you buy

Three variants exist — Black ($599), White ($599), Tactical/PVD ($659) — confirm dial and finish before ordering
Official case thickness is 10.4mm; some hands-on reviewers measure closer to 11mm
Steel bracelet is an optional add-on; default ship includes rubber FKM strap only
Lume character differs by variant: Old Radium (warm glow) on Black/White vs. C3 (bright green) on Tactical

FAQ

Is the A5 Field automatic or quartz?

It runs a automatic movement.

What movement does the A5 Field use?

The Miyota 9015 (Miyota).

Does the A5 Field have a date?

Yes.

How water resistant is the A5 Field?

It is rated to 100 m.

How big does the A5 Field wear?

40 mm wide with a 48 mm lug-to-lug.

How does the A5 Field compare to the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto?

The A5 undercuts the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto by roughly $250, matches it on sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance, and adds a screw-down crown; the Hamilton counters with stronger brand heritage, a wider model range, and a cleaner date-free option on some references.

What does 'USA assembled' actually mean?

Vaer's California workshop handles final casing, regulation, timing, and waterproof pressure-testing; the Miyota 9015 movement and components are sourced from Japan. It is not a Swiss-made or fully domestically manufactured piece.

Is a no-date version of the A5 Field available?

No — all current A5 Field variants include the date window at 3 o'clock. Buyers who prefer a cleaner dial should note this before purchasing.