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Lilienthal Berlin Octachrono – Black OlivevsVaer C5 Recon Field Solar

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

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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.

Lilienthal Berlin Octachrono – Black Olive

Owners widely praise Lilienthal Berlin for its award-winning minimalist design and value, particularly when purchased at a discount, with one owner noting the Meteorite IV model looks as good as a much more expensive watch. Some owners appreciate the blue and orange sunburst dial and good finishing, while others find the dial and hands machine-stamped without polished edges and the leather quality basic. Owners report sharp case edges causing skin irritation and difficult-to-remove strap pins, with one finding it unwearable due to discomfort, though another enjoyed the clean design and good lume. The brand's minimalist aesthetic is praised, but some models lack lume, and some owners have experienced significant shipping delays and unresponsive customer support, with some describing the company as potentially fraudulent. Overall, owners rate Lilienthal Berlin highly for its Bauhaus-inspired design and perceived value, though concerns about quality and customer service are noted.

Vaer C5 Recon Field Solar

Owners widely praise the Vaer C5 Recon Field Solar for its robust build, bright C3 SuperLuminova lume, and solar charging capabilities, with one owner preferring its greater water resistance. Some owners report issues with hand alignment and second hand accuracy, though Vaer's customer service is noted for responsiveness with exchanges or refunds. One owner mentioned spring bar holes being close to the edge, a point of QC discussion. On balance, owners appreciate the Vaer C5 Recon Field Solar for its solar charging and robust build, despite occasional reports of minor alignment issues.

From video reviewers

The solar-powered quartz movement is a significant convenience. The bracelet quality is criticized for not matching the case finishing. Reviewers disagree on the watch's water resistance compared to competitors.

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Octachrono – Black Olive40mm
C5 Recon Field Solar40mm
Power Reserve
Octachrono – Black Olive
C5 Recon Field Solar
Water Resistance
Octachrono – Black Olive50m
C5 Recon Field Solar100m
MSRP
Octachrono – Black Olive$319
C5 Recon Field Solar$329

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Field
Thickness
0mm
10.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
0mm
48mm
Lug Width
0mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
50m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
Black

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
Miyota JS25

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$319
$329
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