Vaer has a few new models out, and one of them is an automatic version of the C4 Tactical, but this one is dubbed the Vaer A4 Tactical Field Auto, and yes, it is mostly just a movement swap for this very popular model. Specs are pretty much the same in every way except this one now has a Miyota 9015 movement instead of a solar movement. Early this year, in January actually, I reviewed the C4, with a bead-blasted case; this one is the all-DLC version. Pricing starts at $869.
When I reviewed the C4 back in January, I was very impressed with the watch, as I have always been fond of these case shapes, whether it be from Seiko, or Doxa, or many others with a cushion-style case, and I love the crown at 4 o’clock, especially ones that are slightly recessed like this one is on the Vaer A4 Tactical Field Auto. The solar movement made it generally affordable, and because it’s a “tactical” watch, it came in blasted or black DLC steel, with a black dial. The same is true for this A4.
I also try not to be a watch snob, and have no issue with solar or quartz movements, but at least on the example I had, the C4’s second hand did not hit all the markers, something that does irk me, so with the automatic version, this obviously won’t be an issue, and truth be told, I go back and forth on what I actually prefer. I have both quartz, solar, and autos at all times in the watch collection, and I probably lean automatic, and I know there are a lot of watch enthusiasts who do the same.
And so, for those that loved the look of the Vaer C4 and didn’t purchase because it was solar only, now there is an automatic version. As far as looks, it is the same watch, though now it says automatic on the dial and has a date. That’s both a pro and a con. For those that loved the look, well, it’s pretty much unchanged. For those that already have the solar, and were excited there was now an auto version, well, it’s unchanged. On your wrist, it will be pretty much the same watch, and depending on how you look at things, this is either good or bad.
Don’t get me wrong, I love an all-black watch such as this Vaer A4 Tactical Field Auto, with a black dial, black case, and bezel. And there’s still the bead-blasted version as well, but I was hoping to see something specific or special for the automatic version. Maybe a new dial color, a grey, white maybe, maybe even a nice dark blue? Or a change of hands maybe? I am just spitballing here, but I am most likely in the minority, and it seems Vaer intended to just try and grab customers who prefer automatic movements over solar.
From a business standpoint, that’s not a bad idea at all, and this A4 offers everything the solar version did, and not only is this an attractive watch, but it does check a lot of boxes for me. It is the best of both worlds, a diver and field watch. Large applied 3D lume numbers, large but not imposing hour and minute hands, 24-hour time, and a bezel that can be used for both 12-hour time as well as elapsed time for up to 20 minutes.
And like the C4, the Vaer A4 Tactical Field Auto has a 120-click unidirectional bezel. This one is a big deal for me. I just prefer a unidirectional bezel. I know on a lot of field watches some prefer a bidirectional bezel, but I am unidirectional all the way. This one has a great grip and has satisfying clicks as well. The crown is easy to grip as well, and even though it sits into the case a bit, not hard to grab or screw back down with my medium- to large-sized hands.
The dial isn’t what I would call cluttered, but it does pack a lot into an analog 3-hand watch. Matte black, a nicely framed date at 3 o’clock, something I know people complain about being left off on some field watches, including the original Vaer Tactical Field, which lacked a date, 24-hour time, and, of course, those 3D lume numerals. Besides those numerals are rectangular lume blocks as well, which look like tritium tubes, and if you notice the minute/second track, you’ll see there are double hash marks in between the regular hash marks; these are sub-second or sub-minute tracks. Since this watch was developed with the military in mind, it is full of functionality, while still being very readable and not what I would call overly busy. Above the dial is the sapphire crystal with that gorgeous beveled edge, and the bezel insert is DLC steel, not aluminum.
The 12.8mm thick case is a combo of rounded and beveled edges, and it’s done really well. I love the silhouette of this cushion case. As I said in my previous review of the C4, it is inspired by a lot of cushion-style cases, and this one really is at the top of the heap in my opinion. It’s just a great-looking case, and I love that it’s on a watch, whether this Vaer A4 Tactical Field Auto or the solar version, which are both under $1000.
The case back is unchanged as well, blasted steel with the NATO Alphabet engraved into it, but I really was hoping for an all-black DLC case back. Nothing wrong with what they have done here, but I just like when an all-black watch is black all around, including the case back.
On this wrist, this Vaer A4 Tactical Field Auto is just fantastic. For my 7 1/2 inch (19.05cm) wrist, the 41.5mm by 48mm is just perfect, especially with this retro-inspired cushion case. Yes, for some, it may be large as the trend is towards smaller watches, but I feel if this watch went much smaller, it would really compromise the dial, but who knows, maybe Vaer will release a 39.5mm at some point.
The straps are the waffle FKM rubber and the single-pass Recon nylon strap, and both are fine. I say that as I think I was more enamored with the waffle FKM in January, and I don’t know, with this all-DLC version, I don’t know, it’s just not doing it for me. This is very subjective; the straps are quality and the norm of what you expect from Vaer. I think I would just like to see maybe a fitted strap, or something more sleek than this waffle strap. At this time, there is still no bracelet available for C4/A4 models.
And of course, the lume is absolutely still bonkers. Vaer lists these models as having the strongest lume in their lineup, and for good reason. It’s bright as can be, and should still be glowing after you wake up after 6-8 hours, or more importantly, if you are out in the field at night, you should have no problem telling the time, though it’s so bright, others might be able to see you as well.
This was a pretty smart move on Vaer’s part. Take a hugely popular watch (I think the C4 solar sold out multiple times in the last 8 months), so why not go ahead and make an automatic version as well? Yes, it’s the same watch beyond the movement and the date, but the Vaer A4 Tactical Field Auto is just that, an automatic version of a best-selling model. Yes, there is a hefty price increase (over $300) compared to the solar model. We have all read about the Miyota price hikes and shortages, but it may be a hard pill for some to swallow; it is still under $1000, and for those that need an automatic and loved the C4, there’s now the A4, and at least in my opinion, it is a great mix of diver and field watch, which some may consider the perfect watch.
I've been an avid watch lover since the age of 7. Watches are not only my hobby but a passion. My favorite style used to be dive watches, but field or non bezel watches have been growing on me. When I'm not reviewing watches I am either cooking or with family and friends.
