Side by side

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsVaer Tactical Field

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

Vanguard Steel
Gruppo GammaVanguard Steel
MSRP $790
Tactical Field
VaerTactical Field
MSRP $199

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Vanguard Steel42mm
Tactical Field36mm
Power Reserve
Vanguard Steel42h
Tactical Field40h
Water Resistance
Vanguard Steel100m
Tactical Field100m
MSRP
Vanguard Steel$790
Tactical Field$199

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Field
Diameter
42mm
36mm
Thickness
12.6mm
8.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
43mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Forged Carbon
36mm
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
Miyota 2035
Type
Automatic
Quartz
Power Reserve
42h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$790
$199

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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 Tactical Field

Owners widely praise the Vaer Tactical Field's exceptionally bright and long-lasting C3 SuperLuminova, supple straps that break in well, and thin case that avoids snagging. The watch is described as a reliable beater for outdoor activities and a welcome change from smartwatches, with some commenters calling it a "thing of beauty" and "good looking." However, some owners report issues with the second hand occasionally missing indicators due to hand assembly, and one owner experienced a misaligned watch face. A power reserve indicator is also missed by some. Overall, owners rate the Vaer Tactical Field highly for its excellent lume and wearability at the price point.

From video reviewers

The 36mm case size is a great fit for smaller wrists. The watch's 200m water resistance is a standard for this type. The quartz movement is a compromise for the watch's overall design and feel.

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