C3 Tradition Field - 36mm USA Solar

$ 254

$ 299

Your Build: C3 Tradition | 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 Tradition | 36mm-Small/Retro C5 Korean | 40mm-Medium/Large

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

Choose Your Custom Strap: Single Pass - Khaki (+$0)

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

In stock

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 solar-powered version of our popular S3 Tradition field watch. Why have we transitioned to solar? In our opinion, solar movements provide 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). In terms of aesthetics, the Tradition design has been in the Vaer lineup since 2020, and became a bestseller thanks to its iconic 3, 6, 9 dial arrangement that harkens back to the early Rolex Explorer watches of the 1950s and 60s. As a C3 model, this watch is part of our all-time bestselling collection, distinguished by its ocean-ready functionality, low-profile case design, ultra-accurate solar 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 a great option for those with smaller wrists, or who prefer a more vintage on-wrist presence reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s.

INSPIRATION: The C3 Tradition model draws inspiration from the iconic 1950s Rolex Explorers, embodying a timeless design with modern durability. Its 3, 6, 9 dial arrangement pays homage to vintage watches like the Rolex ref. 5500 and 1016 Explorers. Featuring a flat sapphire crystal, and 10ATM water resistance rating, combined with a screw-down crown, and solar power, the C3 Tradition is an ideal daily wearer for both urban and outdoor environments.

Technical Details

CASE SPECIFICATIONS
- 10ATM (100m) water-resistance rating
- Locking screwdown crown
- 316L stainless steel
- Single domed sapphire w/ AR coating
- 20mm lug width
- 36mm case diameter
- 43mm lug-to-lug Distance
- 9.4mm Thickness

MOVEMENT & ASSEMBLY
- Solar powered
- Japan Made Epson VS-22 movement
- -10/+20 sec/month timing tolerance
- Assembled in the United States

DIAL & HANDS
- Vaer Lume Performance Rating = 6/10
- The dial features 15x layers Old Radium lume
- The hour, minute, and second hand also has Old Radium lume

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.

C3 Tradition Field - 36mm USA Solar

$ 254

$ 299

Inspired by 1950s Rolex Explorers, the C3 Tradition carries the design language and proportions of a vintage classic, with the durability features that make it the perfect daily-wearer.

Why we love it

Introduced in 2020, the Tradition's 3, 6, 9 dial arrangement, sapphire crystal, 10ATM rating, and screwdown crown pay homage to early mountaineering watches like the ref. 5500 and 1016 Explorers. With these vintage classics running in the $ 10k- $ 30k range, the Tradition delivers an appealing option for watch history lovers who want something functional enough to enjoy in extreme outdoor environments.

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 C3 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.

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 Tradition Field - 36mm USA Solar

From $ 254

$ 299

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S3 Tradition - 36mm Quartz

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$ 179

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A12 Dirty Dozen - Swiss Automatic 36mm

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$ 999

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C3 Tradition Field - 36mm USA Solar

From $ 254

$ 299

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S3 Tradition - 36mm Quartz

From $ 152

$ 179

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A12 Dirty Dozen - Swiss Automatic 36mm

From $ 849

$ 999

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Water Resistance

100 meters (10ATM)

Sapphire Crystal

Dial (Domed)

Dial (Flat)

Dial (Domed) & Caseback

2x Straps

Yes

Movement

Japan Solar Quartz

Japan Quartz

Swiss Automatic

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.