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Blending iconic 1970s aesthetics with best-in-class durability features, the R1 Racing has jumped to the front of the pack as one of our all-time bestselling watches.

Technical Details
CASE SPECIFICATIONS
- 10ATM (100m) water-resistance rating
- Locking screwdown crown
- 316L stainless steel
- Single domed sapphire w/ AR coating
- 20mm lug width
- 38mm case diameter
- 46mm lug-to-lug Distance
- 12.6mm case thickness
MOVEMENT & ASSEMBLY
- Quartz battery powered
- Seiko VK-63 Meca-Quartz
- 40-month battery life
- -10/+20 sec/month timing tolerance
- Assembled in the United States
DIAL & HANDS
- Vaer Lume Performance Rating = 5/10
- The dial features 25x layers W20 SuperLuminova
- The hour and minute hand also has W20 lume.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- 2-year guaranteed waterproof warranty
- Interchangeable straps (20mm)
- Straps compatible with all Vaer watches
- Steel Bracelet is custom fit
Shop the R1 Collection
Classic Field Watches
Classic Combat Divers
Our dive watches pay homage to the golden age of military diving, a time when precision and rugged dependability were paramount. Our designs draw from the classic dive watches of the 1960s and 70sβtimepieces that accompanied elite military units on underwater missions, blending durability with a sleek, functional style. Weβve retained the essential elements of these historic models, like high-contrast dials, robust bezels, and legible hour markers, while updating them with modern materials, such as scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Why Owners Love the R1 Chronograph?

1) Hybrid Movement
"Possibly the best thing of all that distinguishes it from the offering of other top micro brands is the choice of movement. The mechanical quartz movement on a chronograph is an incredibly nice feature! Itβs always the right time, itβs incredibly durable and is going to be super inexpensive to maintenance, and best of all when you look at it you can barely tell itβs not automatic."
Constantine K.| Verified Buyer

2) American Sourcing
"I have always been a "buy American" type of person, and I am so happy to finally be able to buy a watch that is mostly American made. It is amazing to me that you can buy an American assembled watch, that's rated to 100m, with a sapphire glass crystal for less than $300!"
Malcolm S.Β | Verified Buyer

3) Iconic Aesthetics
"I canβt say enough good things about this watch. Itβs my work watch and really is a joy to put on. The weight is perfect, bracelet feels nice and not too light and the face is incredible. The watch brings an overall feel of cool nostalgia and retro vibes. Paul Newman wouldβve sported this watch. Very happy with it as well as the incredible customer service."
Luke T.Β | Verified Buyer
On a Budget?

"If you're looking for a functional, durable, and historically informed chronograph for under $500, you're absolutely going to love the Vaer R1 chronograph."
- GQ Magazine
330+
Feet of Water Resistance
Our watches are perfect for swimming, surfing and diving.
9,200+
Five-Star Reviews
Our success has been built on delivering exceptional value to our owners.






Frequently Asked Questions
Watches can be complicated. We've tried our best to make your purchase decision as easy as possible by answering some of our most common inquiries below.
Can I swim in my Vaer watch?
Yes, absolutelyβyou can swim in your Vaer watch! In fact, every Vaer watch is backed by our industry-leading waterproof warranty. Whether youβre taking a dip in the pool, diving into the ocean, or simply caught in the rain, your Vaer watch is designed to handle water exposure with ease.
Our watches are built with durability and versatility in mind, featuring premium components like screw-down crowns and case backs and robust gaskets to ensure reliable performance in and out of the water.
Are Vaer watches Made in the USA?
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 marketβexceeding 60% USA content. This is an industry-leading achievement, reflecting our dedication to investing in American manufacturing and supply chains.
How long will it take to get my order?
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:
- FedEx Two-Day Shipping: Available for purchase at checkout for expedited delivery.
- Free Standard Shipping: This option ships via USPS ground, which typically takes 3-5 business days to arrive.
For international orders, delivery times will vary depending on your location and chosen shipping method.
Our fulfillment team processes orders promptly, so whether youβre in the United States or overseas, you can count on us to get your Vaer watch to you as efficiently as possible!
What if the watch doesn't fit my wrist?
At Vaer, we design our watches with versatility and comfort in mind, offering most models in multiple sizes to ensure a perfect fit for a wide range of wrists. To help you select the ideal size before purchasing, we encourage you to visit our Vaer Watch Sizing Guide for detailed references and guidance.
Most of our straps and bracelets are made to fit wrists ranging from 6.4 inches to 8.6 inches in circumference. If you receive your watch and donβt love the fit, you have options:
- Returns and Exchanges: Simply return the watch for a full refund or exchange it for a smaller or larger size.
- Swap out Your Straps: If the watch case size is perfect but the strap feels too tight or too loose, you can swap it out for a different style or size from our extensive collection.
Weβre committed to ensuring your Vaer watch not only looks great but also feels great on your wrist. If you need further assistance, our customer support team is here to help!
Do you ship overseas?
Yes, weβre happy to ship Vaer watches anywhere in the world! To date, weβve shipped to 83 countries, and our global customer base continues to grow. Whether youβre in Canada, South Korea, Japan, the UK, or beyond, weβre committed to getting your watch to you safely.
While we are proud to offer international shipping, please note the following:
- Delivery Times: We cannot guarantee specific delivery times for international orders, as they may vary depending on your location and local postal services.
- Tariffs and Fees: Local import tariffs, taxes, or fees are the responsibility of the purchaser. We strongly recommend researching these costs prior to purchase to ensure smooth and timely delivery.
If you have any concerns or questions about international shipping, our support team is always ready to assist.
What's covered under Vaer's warranty?
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:
- Damage from accidents, misuse, or improper handling.
- Normal wear and tear (e.g., scratches, aging of straps).
- Unauthorized repairs or modifications.
To make a warranty claim, youβll need proof of purchase and should contact Vaerβs customer service team. Full details and instructions for submitting a claim can be found on the Vaer support page.
Can I use 3rd party straps with my Vaer watch?
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.
Does Vaer have any stores?
No, Vaer does not currently operate any retail stores. However, you can use our Store Locator page to find authorized locations near you where Vaer watches may be available.
We are actively working to expand this list and make Vaer watches more accessible. For now, we remain focused on delivering exceptional service through our online store, ensuring that every customer gets the best possible experience when purchasing directly from us.
What does the name Vaer mean?
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 meaningfulβqualities 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 didnβt tie the brand to any specific nationality. Inspired by horologyβs 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":
- Norwegian: "Vær" means "weather."
- Danish: "Vær" means "to exist."
- Old English: "Wer" (pronounced Vaer) means "man".
- French: "Vert" (pronounced Vaer) means "green."
- German: "Wehr" (also pronounced Vaer) means "defender" or "protector."
- Latin: "Ver" is the root of "veritas," meaning "truth."
Ultimately, we chose the name Vaer because itβs a pleasant-sounding word with positive meanings across a variety of languages, perfectly aligning with our values of craftsmanship, resilience, and universal functionality.