C3 Korean Field Solar - 36mm USA

Sale price$ 439
A modern reference to the watches worn by American soldiers during the Korean War. Sized at 36mm, a great fit for smaller wrists.
Your Build: C3 Korean | 36mm-Small/Retro
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: Lined Horween Leather - Black (+$120)
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.

 

Sold out 4x times - Order before it sells out!
Waterproof Warranty - Free Domestic Shipping
In stock
Free USA Shipping

With optional to 2-day shipping available.

Waterproof Warranty

Guaranteed 100% ocean-ready.

Two Straps Standard

Our 20mm straps are interchangeable

This solar-powered timekeeper is a fitting tribute to the field watches worn by Allied soldiers during the Korean War in the 1950s. It balances vintage looks with extreme outdoor functionality.

Why we love it

Unlike the service watches of WW2, which have a range of modern interpretations and homages, the timepieces of the Korean War have largely been forgotten. In 2021, we launched the Korean Field to help remedy this imbalance and serve as a reminder of the service and sacrifice of the allied forces in this conflict. In terms of sizing, the retro 36mm C3 version is the most authentic to the original service watches of the 1950s, while the 40mm C5 is more in line with modern tastes.

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

Leaving on a trip with only one watch? This would be it. Durable and elegant, accurate and affordable, the C5 has everything you need, and nothing you don't. Best of all, it's a great conversation starter - thanks to its unique characteristic of full US assembly.

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.

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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.

Best For

Extended Off-Grid Use

Extended Off-Grid Use

Daily Outdoor Use

Power Source

Ambient Light

Ambient Light

Quartz Battery

Sapphire Crystal

Yes

Yes

Yes

Waterproof Warranty

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pride in USA Craftsmanship

We've always invested in USA sourcing, and today, we're proud to be the largest independent watch assembler in the United States. We're committed to American production not only because it improves product quality, but also because it adds a strong sense of identity to our brand.

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: 4.6568985 / 5 from 819 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The C3 Korean Field Solar watch is praised for its classic and elegant design, offering perpetual timekeeping with solar power. Customers appreciate its excellent fit, high-quality band, and great value. The watch's lume, dial, and overall quality are also highlighted, making it a versatile choice for both casual and formal occasions.

Summary topics

  • Appearance (22%): Customers keep praising the great look of the watch, with many mentioning that it looks amazing and classic.
  • Strap Quality (10%): Customers expressed appreciation for the high quality and versatility of the straps, with some finding them comfortable and versatile.
  • Fit (7%): It was highlighted by customers that the fit of the product is excellent and perfect for most people.
  • Band Quality (7%): It was reported by customers that the band on this product is great and highly recommended for those looking for a modern field watch.
  • Value for Money (6%): It was observed by customers that the product offers great value, with many describing it as excellent, fantastic, and unbeatable.

Review topics: [].

Review highlights

  • "Love the timeless design, quality materials, and build quality."David H.
  • "Perfect size, love the green dial, the band is comfy, I just really love this watch!"Marc M.
  • "The straps (black silicone and tan Horween) are comfy, fit the watch perfectly, and look great."Brett C.

Reviews

Great watch, with a few

"Great watch, with a few caveats. The bracelet is nice, and the clasp with the safety is a good extra. I appreciate the use of screw links (and that a tool was included). The caveat (I guess there’s only one) is the size. Just be aware that it wears small. The steel bracelet and short L2L make it wear smaller than what you might expect. That said, I don’t consider that to be a detractor, just something to be aware of. Dial color is nice, lume is decent, and shipping was fast!"

Daniel M. (4/5)

Great size, very classy watch.

"Great size, very classy watch. Paired with the horween leather strap it looks stunning. The Blue silicone and FKM straps also look suprisingly great and are great for sweaty chores. SUPER accurate and I love the convenience of a tough, everyday watch that is solar - I can just wear it and enjoy, I only have to touch the crown for Daylight Savings Time changes and when traveling!"

Joe M. (5/5)

There are several things that

"There are several things that drew me to this watch. I wanted a watch that was waterproof with a screw in stem, I wanted a solar quartz, and I wanted something different from what I already have. This watch hits all of those check boxes. It's a great watch for daily wear and for jumping in the ocean near my home."

Robert M. (5/5)

For my wife

"I bought the C3 for my wife since I really like the two C5 watches I bought for me. I wear one going out with the metal strap and the other with the silicone strap when working on my property. I discovered how much I like a field watch. She is liking her field watch very much."

Joe D. (5/5)

Great looking field watch

"Heard about VAER on the VDH podcast. Have worn inexpensive Timex's all my life; which have worked fine. I was looking at various brands of Field Watches. I bought the Navy Solar because it is a "simple" but very nice looking Field Watch. I love it. I find myself looking at during the day just to admire it. Brings a smile to my face."

Gary C. (5/5)

I am very happy with

"I am very happy with my watch. I am planning on purchasing another watch within the year from Vaer. I’m definitely purchasing the tan NATO strap for this watch, I believe it makes the watch look even better!"

JOHN J. (5/5)

Just recieved

"This watch seems great I just got it. I will say that with a smaller wrist the tabs on the squeeze pins protrude enough to feel dig into you if you wear it tight generally. They are also not rounded like the photo they are square which makes them an smidge more uncomfortable. It’s not overly heavy but it sturdy. The lume is great even after short burst of light. It adjusted down nicely into my very small wrist so I was pleased. Looks clean on the wrist. Came with everything you need to adjust it as well as the promised additional strap. Prompt shipping and nicely packaged. I’d buy again and recommend."

H. (4/5)

"I was excited to support a company manufacturing in the US. Unfortunately, the watch is very inconsistent with staying on time, often off by over an hour. I know it is a solar powered watch, so I bought a solar charger on amazon. Despite being charged with 8 hours of intense focused light twice, the watch still randomly fails to keep time. When I reached out to the team to return it, they failed to return my email. I emailed them again, but it has been 9 days, so I am not very hopeful. I am leaving this here as a cautionary tale to warn off other potential future victims. Maybe try a more established brand that has real humans you are able to contact :/"

Manuel (1/5)

Bracelet problem for smaller wrists.

"I ordered the 36mm and paid extra $100 for the Jubilee bracelet. The bracelet does not have enough adjustability to fit my 6. 25" wrist correctly. I can get the bracelet to fit my wrist however, due to the lack of adjustability or additional links to be taken out, I cannot get the clasp to line up in the center. I suggest people with smaller wrists to not get the bracelet especially if they are OCD like me about getting the right fit."

EK (2/5)

Just a few weeks into

"Just a few weeks into owning the C3 Navy Solar, and no complaints. The watch is built well for the price and is far better looking in person than in photos. I thought I would never wear the khaki band, but it’s now my go to. It has a metallic sheen that makes it pop with the watch. The blue silicone band is also very good looking on account of being a dark navy, much darker than what most companies will sell as ‘’navy”. The watch face is spectacular in the sunlight. A beautiful blue that reflects its color well without making it hard to read. Time keeping is accurate. Screw down crown solid. Also appreciate that Vaer uses a 20mm band for a 36mm watch. I have a 6. 3” wrist and the smaller case with the 20mm band is a great combo. I’ll reach back out if any issues arise."

Daniel L. (5/5)

Q&A