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The Adult Man VAER D4 DS4 D5 DS5 and G5 over dark ocean background
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VAER Dive Watches Review: Testing the DS4, D4, DS5, D5 & G5

Hold your breath—we’re going five watches deep in this review.

Karlton has been covering men's style and grooming topics for The Adult Man since 2020. He's also written for other popular men's publications such as The Modest Man and Effortless Gent. Karlton is an LA-born, New York-based lover of culture and optimism. Perpetual watch-wearer. Always holding a martini or a football, Karlton's favorite subjects in school were recess, PE and prom. Read full bio.


Published: Oct 5, 2024
14 min read

In today’s economically polarized watch market, extremes are common when it comes to the ubiquitous dive watch. Good-enough workhorses with some rattley clunkiness versus high prices and long waitlists. Textbook classics versus eccentric originals.

VAER’s dive watches seemingly fill a gap here—high-end materials and even American assembly? It sounds too good to be true, but maybe it isn’t. Read on to find out more.

Made to weather waves with class
The Adult Man Image/Icon Image source: VAER
VAER Dive Watches

Bottom line: Vaer divers are honest, spec-forward tool watches that range in price and functions. The cheapest, DS4, still has a sapphire crystal and 200 meters of water resistance. The D4 has a few upgrades, like a ceramic bezel. The DS5 is a budget automatic. The D5 and G5 GMT are high-value premiums, still under $800.

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Pros:
  • Even budget models feature high-quality materials and impressive specs
  • Clever design sensibilities that incorporate best practices from past icons while maintaining each watch’s individual identity
  • Quick-release straps allow you to easily change the look of your watch without a tool, making accommodating different dress codes fast and simple
  • American assembly for certain models—a rare offering in the market
Cons:
  • G5 only comes in one size
  • Metal bracelets aren’t as easy to attach and reattach as nylon and rubber ones

For as long as I’ve been collecting watches, divers have been my go-to.

This is despite the fact that I’ve been an auction professional for years. 

I have the opportunity to wear rare Patek dress watches and play with cool tourbillons every day. Perhaps the James Bond fan in me just loves the classic, honest design of a tool watch.

As such, I easily have more experience with dive watches than any other type of timepiece. I never miss the opportunity to review new divers against that experience.

Today, I’m reviewing a few models from VAER

I’ve heard good things, and have been wearing these five watches all around town for the past month. Here’s everything you need to know.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Diver from VAER

The Adult Man VAER Dive Watches Side by Side

One of the qualities I admire most about VAER is that they give you options. This provides a custom experience without compromising essential designs.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a VAER timepiece:

  • What size do you want? VAER offers five core sizes, and many of their models come in more than one.
  • What movement do you want? Similarly, different models (or similar-looking models) come with quartz or automatic calibers.
  • What’s your budget? The brand offers lower-cost options that punch above their price point, as well as higher-end options. Some premium features you might find in a higher-cost VAER watch may include American assembly, automatic movements, and added visual details.
  • And, of course, what style do you want? VAER dives come in many looks and colors.

My Hands-On Review

D4 and DS4

First Impression and Style

The Adult Man VAER D4 and DS4 Side by Side

I received the D4 in navy and the DS4 in black. The D4 is the more premium of the two, with a stronger domed sapphire, American assembly, and in my experience, an ever-so-slightly crisper and cleaner-moving ceramic bezel.

The DS4 has a flat sapphire and an aluminum bezel whereas the D4 is domed. It’s also less lumed than the D4, with 15 layers on the dial instead of 20.

The Adult Man DS4 Flat Crystal

The D4 Meridian Navy is more eye-catching, with its blue dial and gold accents. The DS4 Meridian Black is more understated and neutral, and captures the design’s vintage vibe.

The Adult Man Vaer D4 Domed Crystal

Other than that, the two watches, and my experience with them, are basically identical.

When I took the DS4 out of its box and placed it on my wrist, I immediately thought of two things.

First, I liked the size and proportions. I have a smaller wrist, but I think the 38-millimeter case would look good on any wrist. There’s a 42-millimeter version if you disagree.

DS4 meridian black

Second, and this was before I read the product description, I saw a lot of homaging when it comes to the visuals. The dial has elements of vintage Rolex and Omega. This makes it classic and respectful but still 100% its own design. 

That being the case, it’s easy to wear from a style perspective. I believe that you can wear a good-looking dive with anything. Truly anything. These days, even the most traditional people don’t bat an eye when you wear a quality diver in black-tie scenarios (don’t ever do it with white tie, though).

Case and Case Back

The Adult Man VAER D4 and DS4 Case and Casebacks

Not only is the 316L stainless steel case comfortably sized, but it doesn’t feel bulky. When I weighed it, it came in at just over 70 grams. That’s just enough substance without being unmanageable. A dive watch should feel like a dive, not a dress watch.

The solid case back features the brand name embossed over a wave design. This reminds me of the wave design on the seahorse case back of the quartz Seamaster from the ‘90s. I’m a fan.

The Adult Man Vaer DS4 on wrist 800

My favorite part of the case is its profile. The sides and lugs swerve, adding a fun elegance that balances the case’s inherent diver brawn. You can even see the swerve peak out via the lugs, even from a bird’s eye view.

You can thank the superb brushing on the sides, which complements the polished parts of the lugs.

Crystal and Dial

The Adult Man VAER D4 and DS4 Side by Side 800

Considering the D4 is only $399 and the DS4 $279, I’m impressed with VAER’s decision to use a sapphire crystal. Yes, I agree that at this price, you should have a scratch-resistant sapphire.

VAER DS4

I appreciate its understated, classic look, and the lightweight feel makes it comfortable to wear daily. It’s a well-priced watch that blends practicality with timeless style.

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However, that’s not a practice all brands abide by. I won’t name names.

The applications on the face are excellent, as is the sunray dial, which I think is clever attention to detail.

What I mean by this is that VAER based the dial design on Rolex and Doxa military divers from the ‘70s. You can see this on the different-shaped indices, sword hands, and coin-edged bezel. 

The Adult Man Vaer D4 Meridian Navy Up Close 800 v2

However, since there aren’t actually ‘70s Rolex watches with a sunray dial or gold accents, nor are there modern Rolexes that look vintage, the D4 and DS4 are unique offerings. I also think that the different-shaped indices provide a more peppered look to the surface, that’s legible and attractive.

Essentially, VAER combines best practices from past divers instead of just homaging one vintage model. This makes it the equivalent of a new, unique song that simply samples or interpolates a past hit rather than a full-on cover of an old classic.

The American-made D4 even comes with a certificate of assembly signed by the technician.

Movement

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These watches runs on the Epson VS22 caliber, a solar-powered quartz movement. This guy has been highly accurate and reliable. It gained no seconds in the month I’ve had it. 

Moreover, I’ve looked into reviews of the VS22, and I’ve seen reports of gaining two seconds in half a year. Not too shabby.

Bracelet

The Adult Man Vaer D4 on wrist 800

I’m not exaggerating when I say this. I’m obsessed with their easy strap change system. It’s actually magnificent. With absolutely no extra tools, I can switch out the straps in a second.

It’s also fun to do. You just have to compress the tab on the back of the strap near the lugs. I like the D4 on the rubber strap, personally. It’s rugged yet classy, which matches the vibe of the case.

As with any good tropic strap, it has thick keepers that ensure the slack behaves while also giving it a sporty look.

VAER D4

The domed sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel give it a more premium feel, and the dial’s blue and gold accents make it visually striking. With reliable solar-powered movement and a rugged yet classy design, it feels like a solid investment that balances both style and durability.

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DS5

First Impression and Style

The Adult Man Vaer DS5 on wrist 2 800

I couldn’t help but compare the DS5 to the DS4 since they have similar base designs: mixed indices, sword hands, and a swervey profile. 

However, despite receiving the bigger 42-millimeter version, the DS5 has an overall sleeker look, which I’ll discuss next.

Visually, I prefer the D4 because I like the vintage touches. If you prefer a more contemporary look, though, I recommend the DS5. Also, the cleaner design would arguably pair better with a suit and tie than the sportier D4 would.

Case and Case Back

The Adult Man VAER DS5 Laid Flat

The biggest difference between the D4’s and DS5’s case is the coin-edged bezel. The DS5 has a far less aggressive edging, providing a neat, less rugged silhouette.

Again, I think it makes it more modern and less sporty (though it’s a dive, so you can’t really make it not look sporty at all). It pairs more naturally with the clean, classy lugs.

I will say that the signed crown, which is, is a little stiff at first. Good thing it doesn’t have crown guards.

The Adult Man VAER DS5 Caseback

The back flaunts an exhibition case back, through which you can see the Seiko automatic movement. This workhorse caliber isn’t the most colorful, but I think any movement is fun to look at. Even more, the few jewels and gold screws you can see make it more attractive than most movements in its price range. Plus, VAER stamps its brand name on it.

Crystal and Dial

The Adult Man VAER DS5 Side Profile

VAER makes good use of the extra space on the DS5. The word “Automatic” is placed below the water resistance, and there’s an added date window at the six-hour marker.

I also like how the window has a “frame” rather than just being a cutout. This attention to detail makes the watch look more premium.

There’s enough negative space on the dial, maintaining the clean look. And from what I’ve seen in images, the 38-millimeter version of the DS5 isn’t crowded-looking either.

The Adult Man VAER DS5 Full Watch with Strap in Frame

Here’s a nitpicky detail. I noticed that under the same light, the 42-millimeter DS5 dial isn’t as high-shine as the 38-millimeter D4. The 42-millimeter is still gorgeous, however, the silky white light reflection contrasts more dramatically on the black dial of the D4. Perhaps it’s due to the concentrated space.

The DS5 has a flat sapphire crystal instead of domed. Again, it’s not as strong when it’s flat, but I’m confident it’ll survive most guys’ everyday wear. 

Movement

I’ve no complaints here. Supposedly, the NH35 is accurate within 20 to +40 seconds a day. My experience with it the past month is more like six to 12 seconds a day.

For a $349 automatic watch, this is more than reasonable.

Bracelet

The Adult Man Vaer DS5 on wrist 800

The DS5 came on a tropic strap just like the D4 did. However, this variation had a slimmer taper. The keepers also featured a more detailed, finished edging. It’s a sleeker strap, just as the DS5 is a sleeker watch.

It was packed with a simple but handsomely shiny nylon strap. I like them both equally, though the nylon strap starts off a bit stiff.

Both tropical straps were exceedingly soft, comfortable, and strong right out of the box.

VAER DS5

The DS5’s sleek, modern design makes it a versatile choice. Its clean look pairs well with formal wear, and I love how the smooth-edged bezel gives it a refined look in place of the typical sportiness of dive watches.

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D5

First Impression and Style

The Adult Man Vaer D5 on wrist 800

I’m not going to bury the lead here. The D5 is my absolute favorite watch from the pack. It’s distinct, eye-catching without being too loud, and looks undeniably high-end.

The blue dial and gold accents give the watch a regal look without compromising the sportiness we go to divers for. Out of all the dives here, I think the D5 best captures that Submariner-like refined yet rugged aesthetic.

It can be styled similarly to the D4 and DS5, that is, it can be worn in most dress codes. However, the D5 has a fancier air to it. It’s a good watch for someone who wants to impress without being gaudy.

Case and Case Back

The Adult Man VADER D5 Watch Face Close Up

The D5’s case looks almost exactly like the DS5, with two (in my opinion) improvements.

First, the case back doesn’t jut out as much, making it more comfortable.

Second, it has the same aggressive teeth on the coin-edged bezel that I loved on the D4 but missed on the DS5. This is truly a testament to the nuanced detail and balance VAER brings to design.

The DS5 has a cleaner silhouette and simpler coloring. Meanwhile, the D5 has a more striking, luxurious palette, so they balance it out with a sportier bezel.

The Adult Man VAER D5 Case Back

And, of course, the exhibition caseback allows you to admire the Seiko automatic movement. I think that the D5’s Miyota movement is nicer looking than the DS5’s. 

It’s not as visibly layered, but there’s more contrast, with pops of moving gold, a prominent red jewel, and a rotor with a sparkly edge. 

Crystal and Dial

The Adult Man VAER D5 next to DS5

The indices, hands, and date window are outlined in gold, which exquisitely matches all of the markings throughout the dial. This includes the “American Assembly” moniker right below the date window.

This stately dial is clear to see, thanks to the AR-coated double-domed sapphire.

I mentioned earlier that this watch achieves the same visual balance that the Submariner does. I believe this makes it an excellent low-cost alternative in that it has the same vibe, while also keeping a unique, individual identity.

Movement

The Adult Man VAER D5 Movement

This watch runs on a Miyota 9015, which has a higher beat rate than the NH35 in the DS5. This gives the D5’s second hand a slightly smoother sweep.

It’s also sharper, with an on-paper accuracy of minus five and plus 15 seconds a day. I’ve found this to be mostly true, having experienced no more than seven seconds a day tops.

Bracelet

Like the D4 and DS4, the D5 shipped with the tropical strap. It sits closer to the dial on the D5, and I noticed the quick-release function needing a little more dexterity. I found that the easiest way to attach and detach it to a watch is to place the case facedown on a flat surface and operate from there.

VAER D5

Technically the D5 has a 39mm case, but because of the ceramic bezel and double-domed sapphire crystal it wears like a 40 or 41mm piece. With US assembly, 200 meters of water resistance, and 15 layers of lume, the D5 is far more than just a stylish piece---it's a functional work horse, too.

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G5

First Impression and Style

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I don’t mean to sound cynical, but the first thing I thought when I opened the G5’s box was “another Pepsi watch. How’s this one going to impress me?”

Here are the qualities that immediately caught my eye.

The movement of the swerved lugs (which, at this point, we know all of the VAER divers have) looks natural with the dynamism of the Pepsi bezel.

The guardless crown is nostalgic, which is one of the charms of a Pepsi bezel.

And finally, the 39-millimeter case is comfortable.

All of these were enough for me not to write the G5 off. And, like many of the other VAER divers, it combines retro and modern elements, resulting in a familiar yet uncommon design.

Case and Case Back

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Everything I’ve said about the cases of the other watches applies here too. It’s well-polished, well-designed, and provides visual intrigue from every angle.

The 39-millimeter size, with a fairly tall 13.2-millimeter thickness, is quite diplomatic. It’s almost the exact same proportions as the GMT Master 1675. My only complaint is that I wish the G5 came in other sizes the way the other divers do.

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The sapphire exhibition case back displays the Miyota 9075, which looks similar to the 9015 in the D5.

The combination of a 200-meter waterproof case, a GMT, and an exhibition case back is powerful in that it’s rare in the market. 

For comparison, the Jack Mason Strat-o-Timer is at least $100 more expensive than the G5, while the Baltic Aquascaphe GMT has 100 meters of water resistance and a solid caseback.

Crystal and Dial

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I enjoy that the sapphire crystal is visibly domed. It adds to the retro charm.

Other than that, all of the positive qualities the other VAER divers boast are present here too. Even more, the G5 is one of the American-assembled models.

The bezel is bidirectional, vividly colored, and satisfyingly crisp.

Movement

The Adult Man VAER G5 Movement

The Miyota 9075 is like a 9015, but with a GMT. As such, it’s equally as accurate, at minus five to plus 15 seconds a day. Mine has stayed accurate within five or six seconds. Again, no complaints here.

Bracelet

The Adult Man VAER G5 With Jubilee Strap

The G5 was shipped to me on an impeccable leather bracelet. From its buttery surface to its sweet yet tobacco-like smell, I knew it was full-grain leather.

As nice as it is, though, I still prefer to rock it with the Jubilee. Out of all the divers here, the G5 is the most straightforward homage. Its source material is the Rolex GMT. I think matching it with its counterpart bracelet is appropriate.

However, if you want it to look less like a Rolex homage, feel free to put it on any bracelet you like. It completely transforms the watch, which is why the VAER quick-release function is so amazing.

VAER G5

The 39mm case is comfortable, and the mix of retro and modern design feels both familiar and fresh. With its robust build, GMT function, and sapphire exhibition case back, the G5 falls on the higher end of VAER's price range for good reason.

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My Thoughts Overall

What I Like

  • Each watch, no matter how simple, has a well-balanced and labored-over design.
  • VAER adds clever brand-specific spins to homages, achieving a familiar and classic yet still individual look.
  • Even the lower-priced models use premium materials, like sapphire crystals and fade-proof ceramic bezels.
  • All of the VAER divers are spec-forward, with 200 meters of water resistance and 15 to 20 layers of lume on the dial.
  • The quick-release straps allow you to easily change the look of your watch to accommodate different dress codes and outfits.
  • Each diver has a two-year waterproof guarantee, providing security and confidence with purchase.

What I Don’t Like

  • It took me a few tries before I learned to use the quick-change strap on the steel bracelets.
  • I wish the G5 came in more than one size.

Who are VAER Dive Watches for?

Overall, VAER divers are objectively good tool watches. If you like the designs and high-quality materials and functions, you’ll enjoy them.

However, I think two kinds of audiences would especially enjoy them.

The first is the nostalgic, the classic lovers, and the retro-inclined. Many VAER divers are inspired by the greats of the past without compromising modern functions and maintaining a relevant look.

The second are those who just want a good, honest tool watch. The fact that the base VAER diver design comes in so many sizes, movements, and colorways, allows you to see why some are more expensive than others.

Yet, even the cheap options, like the DS4, feature solid construction, a sapphire crystal, and a ceramic, well-lumed bezel.

The Verdict

The high-value D4 combines best practices from past divers and is powered by an accurate solar quartz movement. If you prefer a less robust-looking diver that’s also an automatic at a similar price point, go for the DS5.

Meanwhile, the D5 and the G5 are both arguably more luxurious looking.

My favorite is the D5, with its gold accents and nice-looking movement. The G5, however, is a charmingly retro homage to the Rolex GMT, but with modern creature comforts and an identity all its own—it’s a diver, after all.

If you like the base design of VAER divers, they’re a great collection to shop. They’re high-quality, classic but distinct, and offer a wide range of options, sizes, and movements that you can pick and choose from based on your budget.

VAER Dive Watches

If you like the base design of VAER divers, they’re a great collection to shop. They’re high-quality, classic but distinct, and offer a wide range of options, sizes, and movements that you can pick and choose from based on your budget.

Shop VAER Dive Watches

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