C3 Tactical Field Solar - 36mm USA

$ 381

$ 449

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Your Build: C3 | 36mm - Small/Retro

Sizing Guide

Need Help Choosing a Case Size?

Here at Vaer our goal is to build watches that can be worn everyday, in all conditions. A critical aspect of longterm wear is comfort and fit. Having a watch that is either too big, or too small can quickly disqualify it from a place in your daily rotation. If you're new to watch case sizing, below is a general overview of the sizes of our 5 core case designs.

If you'd like to read our comprehensive guide to case sizing click here.

Watches are measured by case diameter. This measurement does not include the crown or lugs.

1) 36mm - Smaller Wrists
2) 38mm - Small/Medium Wrists
3) 39mm - Medium Wrists
4) 40mm - Medium Wrists
5) 42mm - Medium/Large Wrists

With that in mind, we've created this case sizing guide to help you choose the watch that is ideal for your particular wrist shape and style preference.

Notes: All Vaer watches are shown on the same 7 inch (177mm) diameter wrist. This is approximately the median wrist size of an adult man. Watches are shown in size from smallest to largest.

1) 36mm Field Case

Sizing Guide: Best for Smaller Wrists
Suggested For: 6.25”- 7.25” wrists
36mm models: S3, C3, A3, A7, A12

2) 38mm Dive Case

Sizing Guide: Best for Smaller Wrists
Suggested For: 6.5”- 7.5” wrists
38mm models: DS4, D4, DS5, R1 Oceanracer

3) 39mm Dive Case

Sizing Guide: Best for Medium Wrists
Suggested For: 6.5”- 7.75” wrists
39mm models: D5, G5, G7

4) 40mm Field Case

Sizing Guide: Best for Medium Wrists
Suggested For: 6.5”- 7.75” wrists
40mm models: S5, C5, A5, A12, R1 Rally & Tactical

5) 42mm Dive Case

Sizing Guide: Best for Medium/Large Wrists
Suggested For: 7”- 8.5” wrists
42mm models: D4, DS4, DS5, D5

C3 | 36mm - Small/Retro C5 | 40mm - Medium/Large

🔒 Free Waterproof Strap: FKM Tropic Strap - Black ($40 Value)

Choose Your Custom Strap: Lined Horween Leather - Black (+$120)

Strap Sizing Guide

Need help choosing your straps?

One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a watch is the opportunity for customize your straps. In addition to adding a unique personality to your timepiece, changing your straps is a great way to increase a watches value and functionality. Here at Vaer, every watch we sell comes with your choice to 2x quick change straps.

In addition to a comfortable Primary Strap made for in-water functionality, we allow you to choose from a wide range of Secondary Straps to suit a variety of functions and styles.

Because different straps have different manufacturing costs your choice of Secondary Strap will be reflected in the watch's final retail cost. All strap options can also be purchased individually if you're interesting in buying a third, or fourth strap.

Note: All Vaer watch straps are sized for 20mm lugs and are cross compatible between models. Vaer bracelets are custom fitted and are NOT cross compatible.

RUBBER STRAPS

Ocean Strap

Fits: 6” - 8.25” wrists.
Material: Silicone or FKM.
Summary: A comfortable, classic waterproof strap - great for slim wrists.

FKM Tropic Strap

Fits: 6” - 8.5” wrists.
Material: FKM Rubber.
Summary: A comfortable, heavy-duty waterproof strap made of dense FKM rubber.

FKM Waffle Strap

Fits: 6” - 8.5” wrists.
Material: FKM Rubber.
Summary: A comfortable, heavy-duty waterproof strap made of dense FKM rubber.

LEATHER STRAPS

Horween Leather Strap

Fits: 6.25” - 8.5” wrists.
Material: premium American leather.
Summary: A beautiful Made in USA leather strap, tanned by Horween in Chicago.

STEEL BRACELETS

3-Link Bracelet

Fits: 6.5” - 8.5” wrists.
Material: 316L Stainless Steel.
Summary: Our 3-link steel bracelet balances finish and cost, to deliver a great all-purpose waterproof option. Uses friction fit pins for bracelet resizing. Bracelet tapers to 18mm.

Jubilee Bracelet

Fits: 6.5” - 8.5” wrists.
Material: 316L Stainless Steel.
Summary: Our Jubilee steel bracelet has custom-fit end links, and is designed to fit a specific Vaer watch. While some bracelets may fit on other watch models this is not something we can guarantee. Bracelet tapers to 16mm.

NYLON STRAPS

Single Pass Nylon Strap

Fits: 5.5” - 9” wrists.
Material: Nylon.
Summary: A rugged all-purpose single-pass strap design adapted from military watches. This strap requires spring-bar installation, and is not a quick-release strap.

Nylon Strap

Fits: 6” - 8.75” wrists.
Material: Nylon.
Summary: A comfortable, all-purpose waterproof strap made of seatbelt weaved nylon.

Limited Release - Order before it sells out!
Waterproof Warranty - Free Domestic Shipping

Free USA Shipping

With optional to 2-day shipping available.

Waterproof Warranty

Guaranteed 100% ocean-ready.

Two Straps Standard

Our 20mm straps are interchangeable

Description

SUMMARY: This is the 36mm version of our C5 Tactical Field - 40mm Solar. Solar provides 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). The C3 Tactical is a military-inspired 10ATM watch, that stands out in the Vaer line-up thanks to its "blacked-out" aesthetic and extremely impressive lume paint performance. As a C3 model, this watch is distinguished by its ocean-ready functionality, low-profile case design, ultra-accurate 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 perpetual timekeeping function of a solar-powered quartz watch 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 designing the C3 Tactical our goal was to pay homage to military history while also further establishing a distinct and modern Vaer aesthetic. This watch's dial design is inspired by the A-11 field watch worn by American servicemen in World War II - and features prominent Arabic numerals for the hours, as well as subtle 24-hour, and 60-minute markings on the inner and outer dial. The C3 Tactical Solar is further distinguished as a Vaer field watch powered by ambient light - a premium feature that optimizes its use in remote settings and helps deliver on the promise of near-perpetual timekeeping.

Technical Details

CASE SPECIFICATIONS
- 10ATM (100m) water-resistance rating
- Locking screwdown crown
- 316L stainless steel
- Single domed sapphire w/ AR coating
- 20mm lug width
- Matte black PVD coating
- 36mm case diameter
- 43mm lug-to-lug Distance
- 9.5mm Thickness (11mm with crytal)

MOVEMENT & ASSEMBLY
- Solar powered
- Japan Made Seiko VS-22 movement
- 6-month reserve (from 6 hours of light)
- -10/+20 sec/month timing tolerance
- Assembled in the United States

DIAL & HANDS
- Vaer Lume Performance Rating = 9/10
- The dial features 25x layers C3 SuperLuminova
- The hour, minute, and second hand also has C3 lume.
- Black matte dial (green tinted numerals)

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- 2-year guaranteed waterproof warranty
- Interchangeable straps (20mm)
- Straps compatible with all Vaer watches
- Steel Bracelet is custom fit

Sizing and Fit

This watch is sized at 36mm in diameter, and measures 43mm from lug to lug, giving it a medium-sized presence on the wrist, and complementing most men's wrists. The 40mm case is our most popular size, and we recommend it for anyone with wrists in the 6.5 inch to 8.5-inch range, or especially if you're someone who likes a bit more presence on their wrist (compared to our ultra-compact 36mm watches).

Built for extended outdoor use, this watch has been designed to be slim, lightweight, and as comfortable as possible, while still maintaining 10ATM water resistance. The watch case measures 9.4mm in height and has a case weight of 63 grams. The entire case is also rounded and ergonomic so it can be worn comfortably during activities like surfing or mountain biking.

This watch comes in a range of interchangeable strap options, and they are designed to fit wrists ranging from 6.4" to 8.5" in diameter - though we do have specialty straps available for those with wrists outside of this range.

With its “always re-charging” solar movement, full American assembly and best-in-class durability, the C3 Tactical is the perfect compact military watch.

Why we love it

Since its initial release in 2022, our C5 Tactical has become our most popular model and emerged as one of the most popular USA-assembled watches in the industry. The C3 version is the smaller, retro-sized 36mm option for folks with smaller wrists. Blending the military dial arrangement of American WW2-era field watches with a modern “blacked-out” aesthetic, the C3 Tactical makes a strong statement on US craftsmanship and outdoor durability while maintaining a sleek and understated on-wrist presence.

Customers Also Love

"The perfect combination of style, durability and value."

- Huckberry

330

Feet of Water Resistance

This watch is perfect for swimming and surfing, and it's protected by our waterproof warranty.

7,000+

Five Star Reviews

Our success has been built on delivering exceptional value to our owners.

The Perfect Everyday Watch

Leaving on a trip with only one watch? This would be it. Durable and elegant, accurate and affordable, the C5 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 and a solar powered movement.

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

Compare with similar watches

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.

C3 Tactical Field Solar - 36mm USA

From $ 279

$ 329

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A5 Tactical Field - 40mm USA Auto

From $ 509

$ 599

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S3 Tactical Field - 36mm Quartz

$ 169

$ 199

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C3 Tactical Field Solar - 36mm USA

From $ 279

$ 329

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A5 Tactical Field - 40mm USA Auto

From $ 509

$ 599

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S3 Tactical Field - 36mm Quartz

$ 169

$ 199

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Water Resistance

100 meters (10ATM)

Sapphire Crystal

Dial (Domed)

Dial (Domed) & Caseback

Dial (Flat)

2x Straps

Yes

Movement

Japan Solar Quartz

Japan Automatic

Japan Quartz

Pride in USA Craftsmanship

We've always invested in USA sourcing, and today, we're proud to be the largest independent watch assembler in the United States. We're committed to American production not only because it improves product quality, but also because it adds a strong sense of identity to our brand.

Learn More

Confidence to Disconnect

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.

Freedom in Customization

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.