Get Out On The Green With The New Vaer G2 Fairway GMT
Confession time: I hardly ever play golf anymore. With my busy schedule, tennis has completely taken over. But when a dedicated golf watch landed on my desk, it was a great reminder that I should play more. The Vaer G2 Fairway GMT is a clever golf watch with a bezel that lets you keep track of your score during a round without needing a scorecard or your phone. On top of that, the watch still maintains the GMT functionality, making it a fun travel golf watch.
Just writing about the Vaer G2 Fairway GMT makes me want to grab my clubs from the storage space and take an afternoon off to play. It reminded me that I miss driving to the golf course and playing 9 or 18 holes. But it’s never too late to start again, and the new Vaer G2 Fairway GMT is a great reminder of that.
The story of the Vaer G2 Fairway GMT
First, let’s go over the central idea behind the new Vaer G2 Fairway GMT. The watch is inspired by the design of the brand’s G2 GMT and combines it with the G5 Meridian Green GMT’s green color. But instead of equipping the bidirectional steel bezel with a 24-hour scale, Vaer gave it a -5 to +18 scale that allows you to keep track of your score while playing. For this bezel, the 24 clicks remain the same; only the scale has changed.
Thankfully, the 24-hour scale on the rehaut maintains the watch’s GMT functionality. As a result, you get a multifunctional tool watch for golf fans. The watch gets fun golf design cues without being too obvious. The dial’s green color and texture refer to tee boxes and fairways. On top of that, the watch gets a tee-and-ball seconds hand. Lastly, the case back features a worldtimer case back with iconic golf locations.
The details of the Vaer G2 Fairway GMT
Let’s talk specs. The Vaer G2 Fairway GMT has a 39mm case with a 10.8mm profile, a 46mm lug-to-lug, and a 150m depth rating. On the case’s right side, you will find a screw-down crown. Additionally, the watch features a 24-click bidirectional bezel with the special golf scoring system in black and orange. All the scores on and over par are displayed in black, while the scores under par are orange. Consequently, you will definitely know when you are playing well or not.
Inside the case lies a vibrant green dial with applied indexes filled with white lume. It features a framed date window at 6 o’clock, and the rehaut includes an orange marker at 12 o’clock with the word “score.” Hovering over the dial are an arrow-shaped hour hand, sword-style minute hand, and the special golf-inspired orange seconds hand. All three are treated with Super-LumiNova that glows blue so you can check the time in the dark. The 24-hour scale on the rehaut also features lume, making it possible to read the second time zone in darker conditions as well.
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Completing the watch is a 20/16mm Oyster-style bracelet with screw-fastened links and a folding push-button clasp. The quality is decent at best, and the clasp is one of those classic but cheap ones you will find on older Seiko models.
We know that Vaer uses the NodeX clasp for some of its watches. That is not just a nice step up in quality, but it also features a more practical toolless micro-adjustment system, which would be nice to see here. In addition to the bracelet, buyers get a black FKM strap that instantly changes the watch’s look. Vaer also offers a range of straps for the watch, including the green NATO strap shown in the pictures. When playing golf, I would probably wear it on that strap because it is lighter and therefore less noticeable during the swing.
Wearing the Vaer G2 Fairway GMT
The G2 Fairway GMT sits nicely on the wrist. The size and proportions are perfect for me, making it a joy to wear. What I found less impressive was the watch’s overall quality. The bracelet is a bit jangly, and the folded clasp definitely feels dated. Turning the bezel is easy, but it feels a bit choppy. Thankfully, the scoring system is easy to use, as you only need to turn the bezel after every hole you play. In an increasingly digital world, it’s a nice, fun way to keep track of your overall score.
That’s also what Vaer was after with this watch — no distractions from phones or Apple Watches while playing. This is also a nice, regular watch to wear on normal days or while traveling. I preferred wearing the watch on a strap, actually, because the bracelet feels and sounds rattly.
On top of that, I prefer the look of the green NATO-style strap. Both on a single-pass strap and the bracelet, the watch is US$449. Another option would be to order the watch with the premium three-row bracelet for an extra US$90. I would consider this because I feel it is worth it. But Vaer also offers several leather, rubber, and fabric straps for a premium if you prefer a different look.
Final thoughts
Unfortunately, the Vaer G2 Fairway GMT is currently sold out, but a new production run is coming soon, so you’ll still be able to get your hands on one. I very much appreciate Vaer’s efforts to create a golf watch that helps you avoid using any electronic device. I understand that today’s technological world is all about convenience, and those devices offer you that so you can focus on your game. But there is romance in keeping things less driven by digital technology. That’s the premise of the luxury/mechanical watch industry, so why not choose this Vaer G2 Fairway GMT?
I like the thought of keeping things simple on the golf course. A simple turn of the bezel after playing a hole is exactly that, so I definitely appreciate the concept of the Vaer G2 Fairway GMT. Considering that the first batch sold out quickly, others have as well. It says something about these fun new releases from Vaer. I hope the brand keeps coming up with surprising takes on classic styles. For now, I need to fetch my clubs from the storage space and start playing again. Hopefully, I can still play a round before this watch has to go back to Vaer…
