In this edition of The Analog Explorer, I had the chance to chat with Austen from VAER Watches live from the Vancouver Timepiece Show.
Our interview was during one of the busy times at the show, but Austen and I carved out a moment to talk. We covered what makes something truly timeless and how VAER’s design approach finds ways to balance that timelessness while speaking to someone’s personality and lifestyle. He shared what first pulled him into mechanical watches. In a world full of disposable tech, the idea that something could still be ticking a hundred years from now really stuck with him; a sentiment many of us in the #watchfam share. That idea of longevity, of building something that lasts or even outlasts a wearer, is a part of what got him hooked. As he put it, “Even in a hundred years, if you wanted to make a gear, you could still make that gear to power that watch.” That kind of staying power is rare in a constantly updating digital world. It is becoming more and more rare with every new upgrade cycle.
Origin Story
VAER was founded in 2016 by two friends, Reagan Cook & Ryan Torres, living in Venice Beach, California with a vision to create timeless, affordable, and reliably waterproof watches. From the start, they focused on American sourcing, beginning with locally made leather straps despite early quality challenges. Over nearly a decade, VAER has grown to offer “the most affordable USA-assembled watches” and a wide range of movement options, including quartz, solar quartz, and automatic.
“We're proud to sell the most affordable USA-assembled watches on the market, the ‘most American’ quartz watches on the market (measured by source origin value), and the widest array of USA-assembled movement options, providing customers the choice of USA-built quartz, solar quartz, and automatics.”
-VAER Watches
VAER’s ethos is equally grounded and intentional; make something from the start that is “ocean-ready.” Their lineup is built around that philosophy, meaning their watches are not just water resistant to hang-ten for the surf of California, but made to take a beating in and out of the water. They back this with their strong “water proof warranty,” making their pieces true go-anywhere, do-anything companions.
VAER’s design make them an easy watch to recommend for anyone, including perhaps that watch-muggle friend. They have a lineup that fits the vox populi of style without trying too hard or breaking the bank. Each model taps into iconic design cues while staying approachable, which makes it a brand that brings mechanical watchmaking, or hard-wearing quartz, within reach of just about any lifestyle.
If you’re curious about VAER, check them out at vaerwatches.com or on Instagram at @vaeradventure.
Big thanks to the Vancouver Timepiece Show for creator and media access for these conversations. Keep your eye on timepieceshow.com for updates on the upcoming Toronto Timepiece Show.
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