Vaer · C5 Field
C5 Field Black USA Solar
The Vaer C5 Field Black USA Solar is a 40mm military-inspired field watch powered by a solar-charged Epson VS42 quartz movement that delivers up to six months of reserve from a six-hour charge. Assembled in the United States from imported parts, it combines a matte black PVD-coated 316L stainless steel case with domed sapphire crystal and 10ATM water resistance at a sub-$350 price.
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Water res.
Thick
Lug-to-lug
Overview
| Brand | Vaer |
| Collection | C5 Field |
| Category | Field |
| Price guide | Entry-level · Under $600 |
Full specification
Specs
Case & dial
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 48 mm |
| Thickness | 12.2 mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| Crystal | sapphire |
| Case material | 316L stainless steel, PVD black coated |
| Bezel | fixed |
| Case back | solid |
Movement & furniture
| Type | Solar-quartz |
| Caliber | Epson VS42 → |
| Functions | Date |
| Power reserve | 8760 h |
| Lume | SuperLumiNova X1 W207 |
| Strap / bracelet | silicone (FKM rubber) Ocean strap, black |
Bottom line
A dependable, no-fuss solar field watch that earns its sub-$350 price through honest build quality, genuinely strong lume, and a solar system that removes battery anxiety entirely — best for practical, low-maintenance daily wear in demanding environments.
Highlights
- Solar quartz (Epson VS42)
- 40mm / 48mm L2L
- 100m + domed sapphire
- 20-layer X1 W207 SuperLumiNova
- USA assembled
Who it's for
Buyers in the $300–$350 range seeking a rugged, low-maintenance field watch for everyday wear and occasional outdoor use. The 48mm lug-to-lug suits medium-to-large wrists (Vaer recommends 6.5–7.75 inches), and the understated all-black aesthetic transitions between trail and casual office contexts. The solar movement particularly appeals to travellers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to eliminate battery replacement entirely.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you want an automatic movement, a rotating bezel, or need a titanium case for reduced weight.
Before you buy
- Confirm solar vs. standard quartz variant at checkout — both exist for the C5 Field Black line
- PVD black coating can wear at high-contact edges with sustained hard daily use
- Date window is noted as cramped and hard to read quickly in multiple independent reviews
- Historically sells out repeatedly — verify current stock before delaying purchase
FAQ
Is the C5 Field Black USA Solar automatic or quartz?
The C5 Field Black USA Solar is solar-powered. Light charges an internal cell that drives a quartz movement, so there is no routine battery change and nothing to wind. It keeps time to within seconds a month as long as it sees light now and then, and a full charge typically runs for months in the dark.
What movement does the C5 Field Black USA Solar use?
The C5 Field Black USA Solar is powered by the Epson VS42 from Epson, a solar-quartz caliber with 2 jewels and a 8760-hour power reserve.
Does the C5 Field Black USA Solar have a date?
Yes — the C5 Field Black USA Solar has a date display on the dial. The date advances automatically as the movement runs, so the current day of the month is always visible at a glance, and you can set it from the crown after the watch has been left to stop.
How water resistant is the C5 Field Black USA Solar?
The C5 Field Black USA Solar is rated to 100 m. That covers swimming, snorkelling and showering without worry, though it is not intended for scuba diving. Whatever the rating, avoid operating the crown or pushers underwater, and have the gaskets checked periodically to keep it reliable.
How big does the C5 Field Black USA Solar wear?
At 40 mm across with a 48 mm lug-to-lug and 12.2 mm thick, the C5 Field Black USA Solar wears as a modern medium-to-large watch. Lug-to-lug is the measurement that really decides fit, since it sets how far the case spans the wrist — 48 mm suits most wrists, and smaller wrists especially should check that figure.
Does 'USA assembled' mean components are manufactured in the United States?
No — Vaer sources the case, crystal, and Epson VS42 movement from Japan and other overseas suppliers; 'USA assembled' means the watch is regulated, quality-checked, and built to spec at Vaer's US facility, not that all parts are domestically produced.
Can the watch charge through a window or under indoor lighting?
Yes — the Epson VS42 solar cell accepts virtually any light source, including fluorescent, LED, incandescent, and even candlelight; direct outdoor sunlight provides the fastest charge, with six hours yielding roughly six months of reserve in total darkness.
Is the black finish a PVD coating, and how durable is it?
Yes, the matte black is a PVD (physical vapour deposition) coating over 316L stainless steel. PVD is substantially harder than paint and resists everyday scratching well, but high-contact edges can show wear over years of hard use — a standard trade-off for any PVD-coated watch at this price point.
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