Side by side

Spinnaker Challenger AutomaticvsVaer C5 Recon Field Solar

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

Challenger Automatic
SpinnakerChallenger Automatic
MSRP $289
C5 Recon Field Solar
VaerC5 Recon Field Solar
MSRP $329

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Challenger Automatic42mm
C5 Recon Field Solar40mm
Power Reserve
Challenger Automatic40h
C5 Recon Field Solar40h
Water Resistance
Challenger Automatic200m
C5 Recon Field Solar100m
MSRP
Challenger Automatic$289
C5 Recon Field Solar$329

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Field
Diameter
42mm
40mm
Thickness
19mm
10.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
48mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Water Resistance
200m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
Blue
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
SII NH35A
Type
Automatic
Quartz

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$289
$329

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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.

Spinnaker Challenger Automatic

The Spinnaker Challenger Automatic is widely praised for its fun, playful design, solid build quality, and satisfying bezel action. Owners appreciate the comfortable 42mm DLC-coated case and the thoughtful integration of the Popeye theme, with the character serving as the hour and minute hands. Reviewers note the reliable Seiko NH35 movement and 300m water resistance. Some owners find the blue lume weaker than expected, and the ultra-domed sapphire crystal presents challenges for photography. The thick rubber strap is also cited as difficult to manage. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Spinnaker Challenger Automatic highly for its unique character integration and solid dive watch fundamentals at its price point.

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.

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