VAER has quickly made its mark by focusing on creating durable, functional, and stylish timepieces designed for real-world wear, often with a nod to classic watch designs and a commitment to American assembly. Their GMT line offers dual-timezone tracking essential for the modern traveller, and the VAER G2 Meridian Gilt Watch provides a particularly accessible entry point into this capable collection.
While its G5 sibling features an automatic movement, the G2 Meridian Gilt leans into the reliability and accuracy of a Swiss quartz calibre, drawing inspiration from iconic vintage GMT references to create a travel-friendly watch with timeless appeal.
The vintage inspiration for the G2 Meridian Gilt is clear, pulling design cues from both the classic 1950s GMT Master, famously worn by American Pan-Am pilots during the dawn of international travel, and the rugged 1970s Rolex Milsub. This blend results in a vintage-inspired aesthetic that feels both familiar and distinct.
The watch is housed in a robust 39mm brushed stainless steel case (316L), a versatile size that sits comfortably on most wrists, offering a modern yet classic look. The case measures a svelte 10.8mm thick with the single domed sapphire crystal (10.4mm without) and has a lug-to-lug distance of 46mm with a 20mm lug width.
It features a locking screwdown crown, essential for its impressive 15ATM (150m) water-resistance rating, making it perfect for both daily wear and more adventurous overseas escapades. VAER backs this with a 2-year guaranteed waterproof warranty.
A key visual and functional element is the red/navy aluminium bezel insert. Designed as a ‘day/night’ bezel, it pairs with the GMT hand for tracking a second time zone at a glance. The bezel is a 120-click bi-directional design, mounted on a directional stainless steel bezel, offering classic styling with robust functionality.
The dial features Vaer’s signature trapezoidal markers, treated with an exceptional amount of Grade A BGW9 Super-LumiNova (earning a Vaer Lume Performance Rating of 9/10) for outstanding nighttime visibility. The hour, minute, and second hands also benefit from this potent lume. A practical date window is located on the dial.
Powering the G2 Meridian Gilt is a reliable Swiss Ronda quartz GMT movement. For frequent travelers, quartz offers unbeatable accuracy and low maintenance, providing precise timekeeping across multiple time zones with minimal fuss.
This calibre features a 40-month battery life and a timing tolerance of -10/+20 seconds per month, positioning the G2 as a highly dependable and cost-effective alternative to automatic GMTs. The watch is assembled in America, adding another layer of unique character and supporting domestic craftsmanship.
It comes fitted with a dual-sided strap, featuring rugged CORDURA® on the exterior and soft leather lining for comfort. With 20mm interchangeable straps compatible with all Vaer watches, including an option for a custom-fit steel bracelet, versatility is assured. Offering this blend of vintage-inspired design, robust features, Swiss quartz accuracy, and American assembly at a price point of $359, the VAER G2 Meridian Gilt Watch is a compelling and accessible travel companion for the discerning gentleman.
