Side by side

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsVaer D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Vanguard Steel
Gruppo GammaVanguard Steel
MSRP $790
D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto
VaerD5 Pacific Anacapa Auto
MSRP $699

At a glance

14 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Vanguard Steel42mm
D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto39mm
Power Reserve
Vanguard Steel42h
D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto40h
Water Resistance
Vanguard Steel100m
D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto200m
MSRP
Vanguard Steel$790
D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto$699

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Diver
Diameter
42mm
39mm
Thickness
12.6mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
46mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Forged Carbon
Anacapa
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
Miyota 9015
Power Reserve
42h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$790
$699

Follow this matchup

Get a note when Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel vs Vaer D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto gets more votes, a community discussion, or a price drop. No account needed.

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel

The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is praised for its aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. However, some owners dislike the distorted sapphire crystal and the absence of minute markers, with one noting difficulty in replacing the crystal due to hand fitment. The watch features a Miyota 9039 movement with a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day, and is offered with two strap options. On balance, owners value the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive aged aesthetic and dial design, despite some reservations about the crystal.

From video reviewers

Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.

Vaer D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto

The Vaer D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto is widely praised for its 39mm case size and refined yet rugged case design, with owners noting it wears well and fits perfectly. Reviewers and owners alike highlight the colorful, multi-layer dial, with one specifically appreciating the matte green dial's accenting of other colors. The watch's American assembly is also a point of praise. One owner found the fit superior to a previous Seiko "Baby Hulk." A reviewer noted the bezel numerals lack lume, and the date wheel's three-orange-one-green pattern is described as peculiar. One owner also felt the minute markers seemed oddly placed. The Vaer D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto uses a Miyota 9015 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve and offers 200m water resistance. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Vaer D5 Pacific Anacapa Auto highly for its wearability and dial design at the price point.

Keep exploring

More watches worth a look

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price — microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

Adjacent matchups

People also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog — alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.