Trailblazing Utility: The Worn & Wound x VAER x Topo Designs Solar Hiker

Here at The Coolector, we’re perpetually tracking the sweet spot where serious tool watch capability meets genuine, usable style. And frankly, few releases nail that convergence as completely as the new Worn & Wound x VAER x Topo Designs Solar Hiker.

This is a rare, triple-brand collaboration that brings together three distinct perspectives—horological expertise, rugged outdoor design, and curatorial vision—to create the ultimate adventure companion.

The idea was to forge a watch that feels instantly familiar but is engineered for the rigours of the trail. The result is a field watch concept built into a dive watch’s highly robust chassis.

VAER, the watchmaker, led the design and manufacturing, ensuring it’s built tough and accessibly priced. Topo Designs, the trendsetter in colourful, functional outdoor gear, handled the versatile straps and the highly useful packaging. Finally, Worn & Wound brought the whole concept into sharp focus, shaping the vision and connecting the dots.

The goal from the jump was balance: a tough tool that doesn’t overwhelm the wrist. The watch is built around a compact, capable 38mm design, featuring a robust 200m water-resistant dive case that effortlessly exceeds the demands of any river or summit.

Powering the whole operation is a movement that finally eliminates battery anxiety on the trail—a solar-powered calibre, a first for a Worn & Wound limited edition.

The dial is where the classic field watch template truly shines. It features large numerals printed with a generous 15 layers of C3 lume, giving them a brilliant glow and a satisfying, three-dimensional texture in daylight.

The oversized sword hands, filled equally generously with lume, ensure quick, intuitive time reading whether you’re breaking camp at dawn or catching the last sliver of sun. This commitment to extreme legibility is matched by the dual-index bezel.

Made of durable steel and ceramic, the outer scale allows for the quick tracking of a second time zone, while the inner scale acts as a 60-minute counter. Look closely, and you’ll spot small circular markers at the quarter hours that serve as subtle solar cues—perfect for planning your hike or finding shade before solar noon.

Adding to the tremendous value, the watch comes with multiple strap options, including two custom, colourful hook-and-loop straps from Topo Designs—pure fun and versatility—and a classic black rubber strap from VAER.

Even the packaging is upgraded: Topo Designs created a custom EDC case from durable ripstop nylon that doubles as functional gear, ready to securely organize tools or essentials.

This entire package of watch, multiple straps, and the custom case retails for a highly accessible $349. The watch is available in two striking versions: the classic Green and Steel model (with a dark sunburst dial) and a stealthy All Black DLC-coated version.