Am I the only one?
My previous daily wear of ten years was a Hamilton Khaki Pilot. For thirteen years (and many more to come hopefully), I wear a Shinola Runwell for dress. Both have large, very clean dials, super easy to read in an instant. I found the Vaer brand by scouring the web. I wanted everything I liked about my Hamilton and Shinola rolled up into one with a solar power movement--all that in a similar price bracket. Acquiring a new timepiece online with only lackluster youtube videos for scrutiny made me a little anxious. I get it; the C4 is part tribute, part twenty-first century California original. My first impression upon opening the box and lifting the cards was that the watch seemed smaller than expected. Interestingly the dial looks more grey than black (which isn't a bad thing in my opinion). I happen to wish Vaer had offered at least one other dial color option. At nearly 42mm the C4's overall diameter has impact, however the presense a rotating bezel (which I doubt I will use much) shrinks the dial size and its visual impact correspondingly. My Shinola and Hamilton utilize the bulk of the width of the case for maximum readability (at the cost of a rotating bezel). The diminished dial diameter will be something I have to get used to. The C4's dial seems a bit busy in my opinion, coupled with its bezel. Small cavea, the bezel on my C4 "grabs" at 6 o'clock curiously The dial face appears set particularly deep inside the case, which to my eyes creates "shadowing" at the edges, depending on how sunlight hits the lens. I wonder also how Vaer chose to shape the glass, because I notice a "halo" effect (see photo attachment), also depending on the light angle. Unfortunately also the glass on my C4 is a schmoutz magnet. My Hamilton's glass had some discernible convexity to it, which helped in that regard. So had there been a lighter dial color option, I think I would have gone with that instead. I think a lighter dial color contrast would have lessened my adjustment curve. That said, the C4's facial treatment, numbers, font, hand shape and proportions are tasteful and practical. I am pleased to have had the option of switching to a NATO strap. The included black rubber strap felt chincy to me, so I doubt that it will see any use. While I realize the original Benrus that inspired the C4 had strap pins very similar to the latter, I must say that I prefer a solid, single steel case and bar design, like that of my Hamilton Khaki. You never have to worry about either pin failing at either needle sized attachment points, if you should incur any significant torquing on the wrist strap. I have had this happen on another timepiece with the removable pin design. I like the C4's (mostly) recessed crown. My Hamilton's crown was fully recessed, and this is a feature I cherish. The bead blasted, matte silvery finish on my C4 is tasteful as well. Time will tell (pun intended) how it holds up over the years. I find the glass very reflective by contrast, somewhat annoyingly so, which is strange, considering the C4's tactical, operator-informed design- DNA. Lume performance: fluctuations, depending on exposure, to my lack of surprise. I have always been disappointed by other brands/models, so given Vaer's boasts about the C4's "nightlight," I hope that my piece will carry its glow potential for many years to come. This is my first solar powered movement, the top and most novel criteria (for me) that made me give Vaer a try. I hope the C4 will be my trusted daily wear for the next ten years at least.
