Tyler Frederick
Easy on the eyes… and wallet
Over the years, my collecting tastes have varied, and thanks to my five years in the industry as a watch writer/content creator, I’ve had the opportunity to handle everything from budget-friendly to high-end Swiss or German watches. As the years go on, I’ve noticed my collecting and buying habits have greatly slowed due to both the economy and locking in on my favourite style of watch: dive watches, to be specific. I mainly stay in the lane of budget-friendly options, and while exploring the vast world of microbrands, I stumbled across VAER, which led me to my previous review of their R1 USA Racing Chronograph. A few weeks ago, I reached out and asked if it would be possible to check out a watch I’ve had my eye on for quite some time, the DS2 Meridian Black – Quartz, and they happily sent one over!
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Key Features of the Vaer DS2 Meridian Black Quartz
Perfect one watch
I think all of us who collect watches often talk to ourselves about the “ideal” collection, which usually includes a diver, chronograph, digital, and multiple watches that extend across different categories to scratch certain itches. But in reality, you only need one watch; I just spoke complete blasphemy in an article, and I’m not taking it back. A lot of our purchases are justified by the thought of the “perfect collection,” or an over-justification in general, as it goes with many collecting passions. I would know, but I think—and I know I sound crazy—the VAER DS2 is
probably the perfect “one watch” scenario. I know, I know, but hear me out.
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Case dimensions
The DS2, on paper, is such a great watch from a proportions and overall sizing perspective: 39mm diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, 10.4mm thick, and a lug width of 20mm. It’s perfect from every angle, and having it on the wrist confirms my theory. I can’t say it enough; this is one of the most comfortable watches I’ve had the experience to wear on both the jubilee and the FKM Ocean strap.
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Aesthetics
The aesthetics, too, are gorgeous: the matte black aluminum bezel, black dial, applied indices, sword hands, and the matching date at 6. Everything about this watch is proportionate, and I’m not sure if you can tell, but I’m stoked on this. There are multiple times a day when I catch myself staring at my wrist like an idiot, just thinking, “This is so, so cool.” I can’t help it. It’s as if VAER sat me down and said, “Tell us what you look for in a watch,” and they made it exact. Great water resistance, great lume as well; VAER basically threw everything I looked for into one package.`
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 46mm Lug to Lug 10.4mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Case Back & Crown 150m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Matte Black Dial Applied Indexes Sword Handset Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Miyota GM 12 Quartz/Battery 40-Month Battery Life -10/+20 Seconds Per Month Tolerance |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Jubilee-styleBracelet |
VAER DS2 Meridian Black Quartz
Movement
This next part I know I’m going to lose some people, but again, just give me a minute. The DS2 is powered by the Miyota GM12 quartz movement, and I know many aren’t fans of quartz, but I don’t look at this from a negative perspective at all; I’m actually a fan of quartz movements for their simplicity and ease of use—just throw it on and go.
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I know many aren’t fans and have their reasons, one being the visible ticking of the seconds hand. However, whenever I see a watch with specs like this and a quartz movement, I immediately think it’s a tool watch meant for everyday use—work, play, outdoors, whatever you throw at it. It feels rugged and robust, and while it is a quartz-powered watch, there’s still a luxurious heft, especially with the Jubilee bracelet, and you’d find the same with their premium steel bracelet.
Quibbles
I think this is the first time I’ve ever said this, but I found absolutely nothing. For me, it’s a perfect GADA (go anywhere, do anything) watch, and while some will be picky about it being a quartz watch, I find it adds to the laid-back wearing experience. With its specs paired with its aesthetics, the DS2 Meridian is, in my opinion, an all-around perfect watch; especially at this price point.
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Final Thoughts
I’m confident in saying that if you tried this watch on, you’d find it difficult not to pick one up for yourself. VAER is a brand that has consistently put out some great products over the last several years, and the DS2 Meridian Black is one of my favorites that I’ve had the opportunity to experience. It’s a lot of watch for the price, and if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly dive watch that both looks and feels great, with every second of the wearing experience being charming and a lot of fun, do yourself a favor and check out this watch. I’ve started recommending VAER to those getting into watches due to their bang-for-your-buck offerings and the fact that they look so damn good.
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Pricing & Availability
The retail price for the 39mm DS2 Meridian Black – Quartz starts at $199, which will get you the watch on a NATO strap. The current configuration I have on the jubilee retails for $319. For more information or to get one on your wrist, check out VAER.
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About the author
Born into a family obsessed with motorsport, Tyler Frederick became enamoured with speed and beautiful cars at a young age. His love of Formula 1–and all things mechanical–eventually lead him to horology. You can follow him on Instagram.
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