Introduction
Vaer is a relatively new player in the watch market, but they have already made a name for themselves by producing high-quality and affordable mechanical watches. The Vaer D5 Meridian is one of their offerings, and it is a timepiece that is both stylish and functional. There really aren’t enough Vaer watch reviews out there, which is a shame because the team at Vaer doesn’t miss. This review will take a quick look at the features and design of the D5 Meridian to see if it’s worth adding to your collection.
The Dial
The D5 Meridian is an elegant watch that features a deep blue dial that exudes class. The white hands and hour markers contrast nicely with the gold accents that surround them. The markers are applied rather than printed, which highlights the craftsmanship of the piece. The dial is minimalist, with the only writing being Vaer’s logo, the depth rating, and “USA Assembly”. This simplicity is a plus as it keeps the focus on the beauty of the watch.
The Specs
The D5 Meridian is a no-nonsense watch. The dimensions of the D5 Meridian make it a great fit for most wrist sizes, its slim profile makes it comfortable to wear, and it has a reliable movement.
Dimensions
- Case width: 39mm
- Lug to lug: 48mm
- Thickness: 11.6mm (13.7mm with crystal)
Crystal
Details: Double Domed Sapphire with internal AR coating
The D5 Meridian features a domed sapphire crystal, which adds to the watch’s aesthetic appeal. The crystal is scratch-resistant and has an anti-reflective coating that makes it easy to read the time even in bright sunlight. The crystal is slightly raised from the bezel, which provides a bit of impact protection.
Movement
- Movement type: Miyota 9039
- Power reserve: 40 hours
The D5 Meridian is powered by a Miyota 9039 movement, which is a reliable and accurate workhorse. The movement has a power reserve of 40 hours, which is more than enough for daily wear. The Miyota 9039 is a joy to look at, with its skeletonized rotor and decorated movement plates. That’s great, because you can watch this movement work through the D5’s see through case back.
The movement has a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour and is rated at -5 to +15 seconds per day, which is more than adequate for a watch in this price range. I’ve found that the D5 outperforms its accuracy rating, but I have experienced some magnetization that occasionally requires correction.
Lume
Details: 15 Layer X1 C1 Super-LumiNova Hands & Numerals
The D5 isn’t a “lume monster” by any means, but what it’s got will certainly get the job done.
One minor complaint on the watch is how long the lume lasts. The photo above was taken soon after entering a dark room, but after a few minutes you may find yourself squinting to read the time.
The Case
The D5 sports a stainless steel case with lugs that taper slightly to provide a nice fit on the wrist. The sides of the case are brushed horizontally while the top of the lugs are polished. The brushed portion of the lugs matches nicely to the stainless steel bracelet, but the polished portion creates some incongruency that’s noticeable if you pay really close attention.
The D5 has a screw-down crown with sharp groves. These grooves make for easy turning but aren’t so sharp that you’ll find the crown digging into your wrist.
The Bezel
The D5 Meridian features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 120-click mechanism that is precise and satisfying to use. The bezel has a coin edge that makes it easy to grip, even when you’re in the water. The bezel insert is made of ceramic, which is durable and scratch-resistant.
One slight complaint on the bezel is on the lume. The insert has a lumed pip at the 12 o’clock position but is otherwise without lume. If you’re a serious diver and will be using the bezel in the dark, you’ll have to do some counting to see how much time you have left.
The bezel has a very slight play when turned slowly but locks in place once aligned correctly.
The Bracelet
The D5 Meridian comes standard with a black rubber strap and your choice of a custom second bracelet. The standard selection for the second strap is a stainless steel bracelet that tapers from 20mm down to about 16mm at the clasp.
The bracelet has solid end links and screwed pins that make it easy to remove and adjust and has micro-adjustments that allow for a perfect fit. The standard bracelet is nothing to write home about, but it’s comfortable to wear and gets the job done nicely.
Other bracelet / strap options include a steel jubilee bracelet, Horween leather, and quick release canvas.
Conclusion
Is this Vear a good watch? Yes! The Vaer D5 Meridian is a superb watch that offers both style and functionality. Its elegant design, slim profile, and precise finishing make it a great value for the price. The Miyota 9039 movement is reliable and accurate, and the sapphire crystal adds to the watch’s durability. The D5 Meridian is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality mechanical watch that won’t break the bank. Overall, Vaer has done an excellent job with the D5 Meridian, and it is a watch that is definitely worth considering.
