R1 USA Racing Chronograph - Panda 38mm

$ 483

$ 569

Your Build: R1 | 38mm - Small/Medium

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

R1 | 38mm - Small/Medium R1 | 42mm - Large

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

Choose Your Custom Strap: Lined Horween Leather - Tan (+$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

Only 11 units left

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

For our first new product release of 2024, we're excited to introduce a colorful reverse Panda dial for the R1 Chronograph watch.

Drawing on the vibrant 70's color pallet that made the original R1 an immediate standout, this new arrangement further refines the dial execution and readability of the Seiko VK-63 tricompax arrangement.

This new design is available in both 38mm and 42mm case versions and features all the best-in-class durability specs of our existing R1 collection (while offering a significant upgrade in lume performance).

Whether you're new to Vaer chronographs, or an existing R1 owner looking to add a new colorway to your collection, the R1 Panda checks all the boxes when it comes to a durable, affordable, USA-assembled design.

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

Sizing and Fit

This watch is sized at 38mm in diameter, and measures 46mm from lug to lug, giving it a large sized presence on the wrist, and complementing most men's wrists under 7 inches. The 38mm case is our smaller sized chronograph option, and we recommend it for anyone with wrists in the 6.4 inch to 8.5-inch range, or especially if you're someone who likes a more compact vintage fit (compared to our larger 42mm R1 case options).

Built for extended outdoor use, this watch has been designed to be as comfortable as possible, while still maintaining 10ATM water resistance. The watch case measures 12.6mm in height (14.4mm with crystal) and has a case weight of 70.6 grams. The entire case is also rounded and ergonomic so it can be worn comfortably during activities like surfing or diving.

This watch comes in a range of interchangeable strap options, and they are designed to fit wrists ranging from 6.5" to 8.5" in diameter - though we do have specialty straps available for those with wrists outside of this range.

R1 USA Racing Chronograph - Panda 38mm

$ 483

$ 569

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.

Why we love it

Introduced in 2022 as a fitting homage to our favorite vintage racing chronographs, the R1 Racing was the first-ever Vaer chrono design. An immediate bestseller, it's sold out over 6 times, and has been hard to keep in stock. In addition to its eye-catching color-way and pillow-shaped case, features like a screw-down crown, 10ATM water resistance, boxed sapphire crystal, and USA assembly make it damn near unbeatable, both in the water, and on the track.

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

Inspired by the design, spirit, and durability of the iconic racing watches of the 1960s and 1970s, our new R1 Racing Chronograph is an all-purpose mecaquartz timekeeper blending the aesthetics and functionality of a modern chrono with the durability, water resistance, and everyday practicality synonymous with our brand.

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.

R1 USA Racing Chronograph - Panda 38mm

From $ 381

$ 449

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R1 USA Racing Chronograph - Cream 38mm

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R1 USA Racing Chronograph - Black 38mm

From $ 339

$ 399

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R1 USA Racing Chronograph - Panda 38mm

From $ 381

$ 449

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R1 USA Racing Chronograph - Cream 38mm

From $ 381

$ 449

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R1 USA Racing Chronograph - Black 38mm

From $ 339

$ 399

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Water Resistance

100 meters (10ATM)

Sapphire Crystal

Dial (Domed)

2x Straps

Yes

Movement

Meca Quartz (Hybrid)

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.