S5 Tradition - 40mm Quartz

Sale price$ 179
The perfect introduction to Vaer durability. A rugged, ocean-ready field watch with sapphire crystal. Sized at 40mm, a great fit for most wrists.
Your Build: S5 | 40mm - Medium/Large
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

🔒 Free Waterproof Strap: Silicone Ocean Strap - Black ($20 Value)
Choose Your Custom Strap: Nylon - 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.

 

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Waterproof Warranty - Free Domestic Shipping
Only 24 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

Inspired by 1950s Rolex Explorers, the S5 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 combo 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.

10000+

Five Star Reviews

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

The Perfect Everyday Watch

What's the best outdoor watch we could make for under $200? That was the guiding question for our S-series. Are there cheaper alternatives out there? Sure. Do those cheaper options feature sapphire crystal, a locking crown, and a guaranteed waterproof warranty? Definitely not.

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.

Drag

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.

S5 Tradition - 40mm Quartz
S5 Tradition - 40mm Quartz Sale priceFrom $ 179
C5 Design Navy Solar - 40mm USA
Best For

Daily Outdoor Use

Extended Off-Grid Use

Daily Outdoor Use

Power Source

Quartz Battery

Ambient Light

Ambient Light

Sapphire Crystal

Yes

Yes

Yes

Waterproof Warranty

Yes

Yes

Yes

Built to Last

Your daily wristwatch is an incredibly important and personal object. We're dedicated to the idea that watches should grow more valuable over time as they collect memories, and confront new challenges. This watch is powered by a battery that will keep accurate time for 3-5 years. After this period, the battery can be easily replaced either by a local watch shop or by our team of technicians in Los Angeles.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether it's our ocean-based roots in Venice Beach,our thousands of five-star customer reviews, or our unique position as the largest independent assembler of watches in the United States, there's a lot to talk about with Vaer. We firmly believe that the more you learn about our watches and company, the more likely you'll be interested in supporting our brand. If you have a more detailed question, feel free to visit our FAQ below.

Our team is available Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm PSTOur team usually replies in a few hours
Contact Our Team

Overall rating: 4.7110124 / 5 from 1353 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The S5 Tradition 40mm Quartz watch is praised for its classic design, comfortable and interchangeable straps, and great value. Customers appreciate its sleek look, reliable Japanese Quartz movement, and top-notch quality. The watch offers a perfect balance of durability and affordability, making it a standout choice in the Standard Issue collection.

Summary topics

  • Design: 7%
  • Straps: 10%
  • Lume: 5%
  • Value: 8%
  • Looks: 20%

Review topics: [].

Review highlights

  • "Great quality, great lume, nice details on the finish, for a very cheap price."Anonymous
  • "Its clean simple design looks great with any band, its comfortable, and feels high quality."Steven H.
  • "The oiled leather strap has a great vintage look and it’s high quality as well."Joseph M.

Reviews

Excellent Tactical Watch

"This watch is constantly on my wrist. Love the low profile (watch height)and the super easy to read face. Great lume, very accurate, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and the larger 42mm watch body. I installed the black Vaer stainless steel watch band that looks great and fits my wrist perfect."

George D. (5/5)

Exceptional value and a delight to wear!

"I am so incredibly impressed with the S5 field watch. For an entry level field watch, the finish and attention to detail is remarkable. The dial is beautiful to look at, the numbers and indices are crystal clear, and the lume is out of this world good. The case feels so solid and well built, I would expect this watch to cost at least three times as much as it does. I always can count on extra value from Vaer because of the extra strap they send, but I have never found a more comfortable rubber strap than the one that was included with this watch. Once I had it adjusted to my size it felt like I was barely wearing anything on my wrist. I also tried multiple of my own straps on, as you can see from the videos below, and I didn’t find a single one that didn’t look great on this watch. I am going to sound like a fanboy because of how positive this review is, but seriously for the price I can’t imagine a better value in a starter field watch than this one it not only made me super happy about owning an S5, but it made me want to look at their other field watches as well. I am already a Vaer fan and owner with two Vaer watches already, but this just solidified it for me what a great job the brand is doing. A++ experience so far."

Thomas M. (5/5)

I've been wearing this watch

"I've been wearing this watch since I got it about a month ago. Normally i wear an apple watch ultra in the past and I like that this Vaer is better looking, lighter weight, slimmer profile, and just the essentials (time + date). I swapped it out with a tan nylon strap which looks very handsome. So far I've been very impressed, and for the price this is an absolute steal. Highly recommend."

Ben S. (5/5)

First real watch

"This was my first “real watch” moving away from smart watches and I have nothing but good things to say about this watch. The fit is perfect, great lume for the late nights, and overall great watch for the price. Will definitely be upgrading one day to a solar, but I can’t recommend this watch enough"

Johnny P. (5/5)

My S5 is very comfortable

"My S5 is very comfortable to wear and goes great with everything from a suit and tie to board shorts. The straps were easy to change and take less than a minute so it's perfect to mix and match with whatever I'm wearing or wherever going. I love the minimalist design and simplicity of watch."

Sean Q. (3/5)

I absolutely love this watch.

"I absolutely love this watch. Very sturdy and well put together. This is my second Vaer. I also have the C4 tactical solar. Also a fine watch. I never worry about these watches. I swim work and do all my activities and they just keep on working. Very happy with the Vaer brand watches."

mark s. (5/5)

Great watch at a bargain price point.

"I was searching for a watch that could be an EDC watch but also double as a simple dress watch. I stumbled across the Vaer website and started browsing to see if anything caught my eye and the S5 stood out to me. You get a nice size watch at 42mm with an extra free band. I ordered the standard quick release 3 link band to make the watch more versatile and dressy. This is a great choice for anyone looking for a watch that be a work as well as after hours watch."

Demetrius C. (5/5)

The watch is great! I’ve

"The watch is great! I’ve always worn a digital watch and the Vaer timepiece is awesome. The customer service is great too - responding to my emails in a timely manner, professional, caring and polite. Thanks again!"

William P. (5/5)

2nd VAER watch I’ve owned,

"2nd VAER watch I’ve owned, and just as stellar as the first one."

Timothy C. (5/5)

Excellent watch. Incredibly readable in

"Excellent watch. Incredibly readable in all lighting conditions. I picked it up to replace my Garmin forerunner as my daily watch. I wanted something that was a set it and forget it and that’s what I received. Style point for being able to dress it up or down depending on the strap"

Ty R. (5/5)

Q&A