Newness News: USA Assembled VAER Oceanracer II Chronograph

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VAER R1 Oceanracer V2 – $549 – $669*

*NOTE: Price depends on what strap or bracelet you choose. Each watch comes with a “free” rubber strap. Base price of $549 includes an additional olive single pass recon style strap or a khaki quick release fabric strap. 3-link stainless steel bracelet version costs $639. There are also various leather strap options too.

Ooh. Those are something. Here’s the schedule for when they go on sale:

August 25th, 9:00 AM PT/Noon ET: Early Bird Access Begins
August 25th, Noon PT/3pm ET: Official Public Launch

42mm case. Sapphire crystal.
Shape of the sub dials compliments the rectangular pushers.
Price as shown on stainless bracelet = $639

Named the “Ocean Racer” due to the motorsport inspired design, chronograph, and 100m of water resistance, the movement is Seiko’s popular VK63 meca-quartz. So you get the accuracy (and cost savings) of a quartz, but also the feel of a mechanical chronograph at the pushers. Other details worth pointing out inclu..

HEY WAIT A MINUTE.

Left: $639 on Steel bracelet | Right: $7,800

Well then.

Look, people hate copy-cats. But well executed, reasonably priced homages? This could absolutely fit that bill. Rectangular pushers + complimentary shaped sub dials are nice tweaks. And the cream dial/orange accents version is clearly its own beast. That one even uses a speedometer needle inspired shape for the seconds hand. Also, having both models assembled in the US is a huge plus for plenty.

But anyone who really loves wristwatches would have to be a bit slow to not pick up on the speedy inspiration.

We’ll update when the prices go live.

That’s all.

Carry on.

TO THE MOON.