Full Review: Vaer A5 Field Auto (USA)

Welcome back to Chrono Pursuit, where I evaluate every watch with a transparent 100‑point scoring system across four main categories: Design, Construction, Movement, and Other Factors. The idea is simple—separate the “okay” watches from the best of the best. Today’s subject is the Vaer A5 Field Auto, a USA‑assembled mechanical field watch that can also double as a water-capable everyday watch, built around the thin and reliable Miyota 9015.

The A5 retains the essential visual DNA of the “classic” mid-century field watches—bold Arabic numerals, 24‑hour inner scale for tracking military time, and easy-to-read railroad minutes in the outer bezel—while incorporating modern materials like sapphire crystal, upgraded gaskets, and a locking screw‑down crown. In wrist terms, this is a sweet‑spot package: 40 mm in diameter, just 48 mm lug‑to‑lug, around 10.4 mm thick, and a very flexible 20 mm lug width that is perfect for experimenting with different strap options. If you’ve looked at a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto or mid‑tier microbrand options but wanted genuine swim safety without exceeding the mid‑$600s, the Vaer A5 is squarely in that conversation.

Because field watches live or die by usability, I approached the A5 as a daily beater: gym, desk, walks in the park, short swims and general travel. The relatively thin case and curved lugs help it disappear under sleeves, while the matte dial and strong lume keep it legible in the moments that matter— twilight walks, dim restaurants, or checking the time mid‑flight. Vaer is clearly not trying to reinvent the field watch as the design language has been cemented for decades now, but they have put an excellent twist on the overall package by assembling this watch in the U.S. and also making other subtle design tweaks, such as the red seconds hand to add a pop of color to an otherwise utilitarian design.  As we move through the 100-point rubric spanning from design, construction, movement and other factors, keep in mind that the A5’s appeal isn’t a single headline spec—it’s the way the pieces fit together to form a cohesive, durable tool.

To start, the Vaer A5 Field Auto earned a very strong 87/100 points, representing standout value in the sub‑$700 automatic field segment. I’ll also discuss how the Vaer A5 stands up to other competitors in this price range, including the vaunted Hamilton Khaki Field Auto, which I have summarized in a helpful table available at the end of this review.

With that introduction out of the way, let’s turn to the full review of this beautiful field watch.

Overall Score – 85/100

Design – 21.5/25 pts

Case (size, shape, finishing, ergonomics) – 4.5 pts 

Turning first to the design of the case, the A5’s case demonstrates the kind of restraint that makes a daily‑wear tool watch succeed. At 40 mm in diameter and about 10.4 mm thick, the watch wears compact on the wrist while still offering a full, legible dial experience. Importantly, the 48 mm lug‑to‑lug is kept in check, so it avoids the awkward overhang on your wrist that plagues many modern pieces. For my approximately 7-inch circumference wrist, the A5 wears beautifully while still maintaining a robust wrist presence.

The finishing of the case is primarily unidirectional brushing on the case flanks and top surfaces, which should hopefully mask daily wear gracefully.

The signed crown is one of my favorite parts of this watch for a surprising reason. It is gently over-sized, but not grossly oversized. A field watch should be easy to operate, with bare hands or thick gloves, and an appropriately-sized crown is the most important factor when considering how well this typically under-appreciated feature operates. I also appreciate that this is a threaded crown which provides additional assurance that the water-tight gasket is engaged and ready for adventure.

If you are comparing this to other dive watches or thicker chronographs, the immediate impression is how easy the A5 is to forget you’re wearing—which is exactly the point of a field watch meant to be there when you need it and invisible when you don’t.

Dial (indices, hands, legibility) – 4.5 pts

As a field watch, legibility is the A5’s calling card. The matte black dial eliminates stray reflections, letting the crisp white text do all the work. Large Arabic numerals form the primary track, with a tight 24‑hour inner ring that aids quick mental math when you’re converting schedules or flights across time zones. The handset follows classic military cues—slender sword hours and minutes paired with a thin red seconds arrow hand—so you can catch the time at a glance without missing a beat.

Bright lume is applied to both numerals and hands in generous plots, delivering a sustained, even glow that remains readable hours after lights‑out; more importantly, the contrast of dark‑on‑light during the day is excellent from shallow angles where many domed crystals would otherwise wash out. The date at 3 o’clock aligns neatly with the minute track and does not amputate any numerals or text awkwardly, which keeps the dial balanced. There are many watches that have truncated the dial’s text or removed a numeral entirely to make room for the date window, but on the Vaer the date window is cleanly inserted into open space on the dial without compromising the most important aspect of a field watch: legibility.

Straps (construction, comfort, hardware) – 4.0 pts

The FKM is a standout at this price: it’s soft without being floppy, sheds lint, and resists the sticky feel that cheaper silicone develops in heat and sweat. When paired with the A5’s 100 m rating and screw‑down crown, it turns the watch into a credible swim companion. I also really like that the second “keeper” has an indent that fits nicely into a larger cut-out at the end of the strap, always ensuring that the keeper is aligned with the end of the strap.

The quick‑release spring bars make swaps tool‑free and easy to do, and the universal 20 mm lug width means your drawer of aftermarket straps instantly fits—suede for fall, canvas for travel, Tropic for the beach. If you believe strap variety is the cheapest way to ‘own more watches,’ the A5 is unusually accommodating.

The watch also comes equipped with a separate stainless steel band in a separate box, which can be quickly swapped with the same quick-release system. Overall the stainless steel strap is good for this price point, but to me the sportiness of this watch pairs best with the black rubber FKM strap, making this a true tool watch.

Bezel/Crystal (scale, integration) – 4.0 pts

A fixed, polished‑edged bezel frames a single‑domed sapphire crystal with internal anti‑reflective coating. The choice of a single dome is smart: you get a subtle vintage profile without the heavy distortion that double domes can introduce at extreme angles, preserving legibility when the watch is half‑hidden under a jacket cuff or backpack strap. The slim sapphire crystal also ensure the watch remains relatively thin and the watch is able to easily glide under a shirt cuff.

The bezel itself is proportioned to let the dial be the main focus—there’s no busy tachymeter scale to clutter the presentation, which keeps the A5 anchored in the field genre rather than wandering into pilot‑watch territory.

Originality – 4.5 pts

Originality in field watches is less about inventing new shapes and more about synthesizing credible, user‑first decisions — and that’s where the A5 shines. Plenty of brands channel dirty dozen or Vietnam‑era aesthetics, but many stop at the mood board, delivering push‑pull crowns and token water resistance; Vaer’s decision to make the A5 genuinely ocean‑capable with a screw‑down crown and robust sealing firmly places this watch in the field watch category. What you end up with is a watch that respects tradition yet feels purpose‑built for a modern, outdoors‑adjacent lifestyle—hiking, surfing, city commuting—rather than a cosplay of surplus‑store heritage.

I also particularly like that this specific version of the A5 was fully assembled in the USA. This adds a layer of quality oversight that appeals to buyers who value provenance without paying Swiss premiums. When I opened the packaging I was surprised to see a small slip of paper certifying the U.S. technician who assembled the watch with their signature – it reminded me of the famed AMG engines produced by Mercedes which have historically been signed by the master technician who was responsible for assembling the entire engine. It’s a really nice touch, and again contributes to the “originality” that Vaer infused into this watch.

Construction – 21.5/25 pts

Overall Quality (case, dial, tolerances) – 4.5 pts

Quality at this price is determined by the accumulation of small wins, and the A5 accumulates them. Case transitions are clean under magnification and the brushing is consistent and follows the geometry rather than smearing across edges. I also really like the subtly different polishing styles that are employed here – there is vertical brushing on the sides of the case, circular brushing on the bezel, and very fine polished beveling on the case and bezel. From a practical standpoint this is great as the vast majority of the watch is lightly brushed, meaning that the inevitable small hairline scratches are likely to stay hidden.

The dial print is crisp with no feathering on the minute hashes, and the lumen plots are even in both height and spread—no puddling around the numerals or thin patches at the tips of the hands. Lastly, crown action is the tell: threads catch immediately and disengage cleanly, the gasket doesn’t drag, and there’s no crown‑tube play—confidence‑inspiring signs that the watch was built for repeated wet/dry cycles.

Materials (steel, crystal, lume) – 4.0 pts

316L stainless steel remains the pragmatic choice for tool watches thanks to its corrosion resistance and ease of refinish, and Vaer uses it intelligently—heavy where it needs to be, light where comfort benefits. The sapphire crystal is an upgrade from mineral or hardened glass you still see at this tier; paired with internal AR, it keeps the dial readable in high sun and under harsh indoor lighting. Luminous paint coverage (thanks to 25 layers of W20 SuperLuminova) extends to the numerals and both hands; after a full charge, the glow is even and fades gradually rather than patchily, which suggests careful application.

Resistances (water, crown, shock) – 4.0 pts

The A5’s 10 ATM rating paired with a screw‑down crown is perfect for a field watch – just enough secure water resistance for a go-anywhere do-anything field watch, but not packing as much water resistance as some true “diver” watches. Many field watches are effectively splash‑proof—fine for dishes and rain but not something you’d trust for open‑water swims or board sessions. Here, the combination of sealing and crown security invites you to treat it like a light‑duty diver: laps in the pool, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or simply jumping in the ocean on vacation without swapping to a beater.

I also particularly like the screw-down crown as it provides an extra layer of security when near the water. The easiest comparison is the classic Hamilton Field Khaki, which has a robust push-pull crown. While Hamilton insists that its gasket system is up to the task, in my opinion it is better to have a screw-down crown for added peace of mind.

Ancillaries (crown, caseback, lugs) – 4.0 pts

Ancillary components are where cost‑cutting can hide, and the A5 clears that hurdle. The crown knurling is grippy without being sharp, and the stem feels secure—no lateral wiggle that would hint at loose tolerances. The crown is also slightly “oversized”, which is perfect for a true field watch that needs to be easily manipulated in all sorts of scenarios.

Lugs are standard, non‑drilled for a clean silhouette; while drilled lugs speed up swaps (and might be more appropriate from a true “field watch” perspective), the quick‑release bars on all Vaer straps make the trade‑off largely moot.

Strap Hardware (buckles, keepers) – 5.0 pts

Good buckles and keepers don’t make headlines, but they make ownership better. Vaer’s signed buckles are solid with a clean, even brush and a tang that aligns properly with the hole geometry—no burrs or sharp stamping edges to snag your shirt. The rubber keepers on the FKM strap resist bending out of shape, and are robust enough to ensure the strap’s tail will not escape. On hot days, the FKM strap is extremely comfortable and provides enough breathability, but the strap does not feel thin or flimsy in the least bit.

Movement – 20.5/25 pts

Origin of Movement – 4.0 pts 

The Miyota 9015 is a known quantity for enthusiasts and watchmakers alike. Beating at 28,800 vph with 24 jewels and hacking/hand‑winding, it offers a modern wearing experience—smooth seconds sweep, snappy setting, and ready parts availability. Crucially, it is thin compared to many alternatives at this price, which lets the A5 achieve its streamlined profile of just over 10mm in height. Service pathways are straightforward; independent watchmakers are familiar with the calibre, and components are widely distributed, which keeps long‑term costs contained. In the context of a tool watch intended for years of use, the Miyota 9015 is a pragmatic choice that privileges wearability and maintainability over romantic finishing.

Complications – 3.5 pts

Time and date is the honest configuration for a field watch, and here it’s executed with restraint. The date aperture is sized to read cleanly without disrupting the numeral ring, and the quickset action is positive—important if you rotate among watches and need to catch up the calendar. This is another point of comparison with the Hamilton Khaki as some people believe that the larger aperture and placement “clutter” up the dial. On the A5 Field I can attest that the date window is minimal and I honestly forget sometimes it is even there!

There’s an argument for a no‑date variant to achieve perfect symmetry, but for many owners the convenience of a date outweighs that purity, especially when traveling. By avoiding additional complications, Vaer reduces points of failure and preserves dial real estate for legibility, which is the entire point of the field watch genre. If you crave more functions, Vaer’s broader lineup offer ways to change the experience without compromising the A5’s clean mission profile, such as one of their chronographs.

Accuracy – 4.0 pts

Factory tolerances for the 9015 commonly fall around −5/+15 seconds per day, and regulation can easily tighten that window if you have access to a watchmaker or a timegrapher. On‑wrist, calibres like the 9015 tend to average well across positions, so you may find real‑world performance tighter than spec. The hacking function makes synchronization with a phone or reference clock easy, and the smooth, light winding action (and easy-to-operate crown) encourages topping up if the reserve runs low. For a field watch, the key is predictable, stable accuracy rather than a lab‑grade number; the 9015 delivers that predictability, and Vaer’s assembly choices don’t get in the way.

Power Reserve – 4.0 pts

At roughly 42 hours, the power reserve is standard for a caliber in this class. Practically, that means if you take the watch off Friday evening it may stop sometime on Sunday, which is manageable for most owners given the easy winding and quickset date. Longer reserves are nice, but they typically require thicker barrels or reduced beat rates—both of which would compromise the A5’s wearability or seconds‑hand smoothness. The upside of this configuration is a case that remains trim and balanced on smaller wrists while still delivering a satisfying sweep. If weekend‑proofing is essential, a simple watch winder or a rotation habit—wearing it for a few minutes while making coffee—will keep it topped up with minimal fuss.

Finishing/Design – 5.0 pts

Underneath the see-through crystal caseback, the 9015’s finishing toes the line between industrial and luxurious finishing techniques. Vaer also chose to include a custom-etched rotor to complement the 9015’s semi-decorated movement. The uni-direction rotor fairly quiet in this watch, whereas other watches with this calibre can sometimes sound like a jet engine spooling up. If you want perfectly applied Geneva stripes, beveled bridges or other decorative movement parts, this isn’t the canvas; if you want a thin, serviceable engine that disappears until you need it, then the A5 is the right choice.

Other Factors – 21.5/25 pts

Price (Value) – 5 pts

Value should be measured against the problems a watch solves, not just a spec sheet. I also believe that price is a relative concept, and value can be best understood by comparing a watch to its closest peers. In the A5’s price band, you’ll find many field‑style watches with less water resistance, weaker mineral crystals, or thicker profiles due to cheaper movements; the Vaer counters with USA assembly, a sapphire crystal, a thin Miyota 9015, and a genuine 100m water resistance rating with a screw‑down crown. That combination is rare under $600, in fact, I only think there are a handful of companies that come even close to Vaer (and none of them are assembled in the U.S.).  Obviously the Hamilton Khaki Field (priced at $850), Seiko 5 Sports Midfield ($300 retail) and the recently released Formex Field ($870), each of which are fantastic but are missing key characteristics that the Vaer has expertly packaged together for less than $600.

Quality Control – 4.5 pts

QC is where microbrands can struggle as volumes grow, but Vaer’s obvious commitment to quality is evident from the moment that you receive the packaged watch to the first time you change the included strap options. For example,  factors such as the alignment of dial print to rehaut, centered handsets, and even lume demonstrate a consistent quality commitment. The brushing on the side of the case and the circular brushing on the bezel are evenly applied and distributed, and the polished edges of the case are uniform as well.  

There is also no dust or other debris on the dial or on the movement, which goes to show that “assembled in the USA” can indicate a well-constructed product that has been carefully produced far from the Swiss brands that we are so used to hearing exclusively about.

Certifications – 3.0 pts

There are no third‑party chronometry certificates attached to the A5, which is expected at this price point, and makes sense since Miyota movements are generally not sent for third-party testing. Field watches historically prioritize dependability and clarity over chronometer bragging rights, and the premium for COSC or equivalent testing was better spent here on waterproofing and other design factors. What the A5 offers instead is practical verification: consistent assembly, stable timekeeping behavior from the 9015, and a user base that wears these in real‑world conditions rather than glass cases. For the mission, that trade makes sense.

Warranty – 4.0 pts

Vaer’s warranty coverage aligns with the category, which covers a two year period from the date of purchase. But the real comfort comes from parts and service accessibility. The Miyota 9015 is one of the most ubiquitous modern calibres, which means watchmakers won’t hesitate to service or regulate it, and turnaround times are typically reasonable. Strap hardware and crystals are straightforward to replace if damaged, and the brand’s domestic assembly footprint would likely simplify logistics compared with sending a watch overseas (which can sometimes take months, trust me).

However, I will say that, with respect to the “USA Assembly” version of the A5 Field, I would have really liked to see a longer warranty period. An extended warranty to three, four or even five years would demonstrate to prospective purchasers that, not only is this watch assembled and regulated in the U.S., but that Vaer also stands behind this product.

Presentation – 5.0 pts

The unboxing experience is intentionally utilitarian—closer to expedition kit than boutique jewelry. You get what you need to start wearing the watch immediately: straps that suit both water and everyday use, solid hardware, and documentation that prioritizes function over flourish. This all comes packaged in thin boxes, one box containing the watch on a rubber strap and the other box containing the spare stainless steel bracelet. The warranty card and assembly certification are cleverly stored on the inside of the top cover, keeping the entire presentation clean and focused on the watch unboxing experience.

Some buyers will always prefer lacquered wood and satin pillows, but in a tool watch the budget is better spent on gaskets and crystals than on boxes destined for a closet shelf.

Conclusion

The Vaer A5 Field Auto succeeds by making all the right decisions when it comes to creating the “perfect” field watch: thin and comfortable case profile, sufficient water resistance for everyday adventures, a clean aesthetic and easy-to-read dial (but with enough information, including the minute track, 24 hour inner-track and date window, robust and easily-manipulated crown, and a scratch-proof sapphire crystal. None of those features on their own is particularly impressive, but what is impressive is Vaer’s ability to combine all of these factors, and at a very reasonable price point.

The A5 Field is a piece you can surf with in the morning, wear to the office in the afternoon, and take to dinner at night without swapping watches or worrying about babying it. If your shortlist includes the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto or microbrand competitors powered by thicker movements and push‑pull crowns, the A5’s wearing comfort and waterproofing give it a tangible edge. Nothing about it screams for attention, which is precisely why it earns a spot in the field watch hall of fame and in your rotation: when you need it, it just works—and when you don’t, it disappears. For buyers cross-shopping, don’t miss the comparison table at the end of this post for a side-by-side of core specs with the Hamilton Khaki Field, which might help you decide on one watch over the other.

Comparison Table – Vaer A5 Field Auto vs. Hamilton Khaki Field Auto

Attribute	Vaer A5 Field Auto 40mm	Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 38mm
Case size	40 mm	38 mm
Lug-to-lug	48 mm	≈46 mm
Thickness	≈10.4 mm	11.5 mm
Lug width	20 mm	20 mm
Movement	Miyota 9015 (auto)	Hamilton H‑10 (auto)
Beat rate / Reserve	28,800 bph / ~42 h	21,600 bph / ~80 h
Water resistance	100 m (10 ATM)	100 m (10 bar)
Crown	Screw‑down	Push‑pull
Crystal	Sapphire (single‑domed, internal AR)	Sapphire
Lume	Super‑LumiNova (numerals + hands)	Super‑LumiNova
Case material	316L stainless steel	316L stainless steel
Assembly / Notes	USA assembly	Swiss