I've owned a pro diver for 10 years, paid around $75 USD, passed it on to my son after purchasing a Seiko SKS009J and it's still running just fine. I'm glad I found this channel, watch snobs do live in their own little bubble.
Hi DARIO ... welcome aboard! I really rate the Invicta Pro Diver . In mechanical aspects it's more similar to a Rolex Submariner than a lot of people might realise. I work on both so I know. Still love the Rolex but for different reasons not of all of which are to do with mechanics. Thanks for the feedback. Richard
Finally! An honest and informed opinion of this watch. I'm getting tired of hearing watch snobs slate it. Best value diver out there IMO. Thanks Richard. Subbed!
Hi Rob! Thanks so much for the feedback .... it's a great watch and with a Seiko heart it has some serious pedigree! I report simply what is clear to see and evidenced by the tests applied! Thanks again. Richard
The pro diver was my first automatic watch. I bought it about 5 years ago (give or take). It still accurate to this day. Over the years of learning I have more than one nice automatic in my collection, but l still go back to this for my everyday watch. Honestly, I don't give a rip about what people think of Invicta.
I know that a lot of folks just getting in to automatic/mechanical watches like this line from Invicta. And it is a good base to mod from. But to hear such a high review from a watchmaker lends much more credence to what Invicta has done here.
But what? You didn't finish your sentence...guess ignorance is a perk of being a watch snob. It's an entry level watch, and needs to be credited and evaluated as such. What did you expect?
yes credence for its price bracket. guys we are talking about a sub 100 us dollar watch here. never mind the fact invicta has terrible rep for quality control. it is what it is, love it or hate it.
This very easily is the best watch review on an Invicta pro diver I have ever seen. I really appreciate your attention to detail going over every aspect of the watch in an extremely fair manner. I own this watch in the blue dial version and love it very much, I have owned it for several years and is still ticking away in a very accurate manner. Great review, sir!
I love that you reviewed this watch as a piece of horology and not, "Oh crap, it's another Invicta." These watches have a place, and they're well made and work well. Normal people stuff. :) Thanks for your attention to detail and precision.
I am new to invicta and was initially discouraged from buying one by negative comments seen on various reviews. However i bought the Invicta Speed way a Rolex Daytona Homage and you know what ? i was very very impressed! Now i speak as i find , i own 4 Invictas now and i love them all they are well made and presented and bloody good value. I totally agree with your assessment. Thank You.
Hi Darren .... so pleased you are enjoying your watches and found this review useful. Your experience certainly seems to corroborate it's findings! Thanks for the feedback. Richard
Speedway is highly underrated, seldom discussed quartz watch. It’s a great size, it’s tough, and it’s attractive. Pro Diver and Speedway are the best of Invicta in my smaller wristed opinion!
@@willardhooton920 Hi Willard i also have the Invicta #17194 Reserve COSC Speedway Swiss Made ETA 251.264 Chrono SS Watch. This i ETA 251.264 is a thermo compensated quartz movement that is guaranteed o run at plus or minus 10 secs per year, i have had mine for 13 months and it as gained 1 second. It's the engine that counts in a watch imho.
I went to watch repair school two Years,five Days A week,served on the board of the regional N.A.W.C.C. for several years,then bought sold and Repaired watches for several more,and I have never encountered A watch with A better cost/quality Ratio than Invicta! it is the most availiable best quality watch for the price! There are some that come close but are very difficult to obtain safely!many bloggers closer geographicly to the Asian market extoll Pagani and such but their availability in my market is Nill! February/27/2022
Richard, from one Brit to another, bravo! I have been a subscriber for a while, and I always come back to you for the technical details. The thoroughness and structure of your technical reviews is outstanding. I don't want to put down some of the other horological channels, many of which have their place, but you are my first port of call, above TGV and JOMW. I think the first review of yours was the Vostok Komandirske a year ago, and I bought that watch. Well, you've pushed my over the edge again into buying my second Invicta! Many thanks and keep up the great work!
After owning Rolex, Breitling etc, i just ordered a pro diver 42mm partially because of this review. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with watch lovers around the world!!!
I just received mine in the mail yesterday, I’m impressed. It’s got some weight to it. The NH35 is a proving caliber, may not be the prettiest but it’s reliable. For 75 bucks you can’t go wrong.
Hey Greekpapi! Thanks for the feedback ... A lot of guys are corroborating my findings here. I saw a lot of stuff was being said about this watch so I wanted to check it out for myself and as someone who repairs a lot of watches felt I might have something to meaningful contribute. Enjoy your watches and thanks again for the feedback! Richard
Watched a bunch of these Pro Diver reviews. Bought one. Now I'm watching more of them to assure myself that I didn't throw $60 away. This is by far and away the most technical and relevant review I've seen. You speak like a man who has to earn his money. Just like me. I have no choice but to subscribe. I've got to see all of your reviews. Thank you for sharing this with us. It was fantastic. Very well done sir. Most excellent.
THE most professional review about the Invicta Pro Diver, Richard. Congrats for your awsome work. Actually I have quite old Omega, Longines & other collectibles from my parents & Grandparents as well as more recently produced brand name ones. I DO believe Invicta, as well as Seiko, Bulova & Tissot, produce some of the best values available around the planet, some of them not as appreciated as they should. Never the less, most of the above mentioned ones are my daily use timepieces as an E.R. Doctor, as well as Medical Examiner and Military MD, and believe me, my watches really have to be built like tanks to survive many of the tasks I have to perform as an MD, but as well as an Action Shooter/Instructor. Don't need to mention I immediately subbed!!. Thank you kindly & God Bless!!
All my Invicta Pro Divers still work fine, ten years of cell tower, commercial tree, heavy towing / recovery, OTR Trucking, and presently Oil Field Industrial Electrical Construction, ... Only one complaint being the crystals become virtually impossible to see through at a glance after some years of service (more in some work than others). At present I have one 89260B that is about to be retired for crystal clarity reasons only, an 0420 which I am loath to wear at work because I just really - really love it, ... The rest are Steinhart and Seiko. Really quite impressed with your review, subscribed, look forward to more s'il te plait. Salut!
This was my gateway watch into my watch addiction! Still one of my favourite watches i own for the price! Epic value for money! Thanks for the honesty, ego is not your amigo people
Hey Josh! Thank you for this positive feedback and as addictions go Watch Collecting is a pretty good one to have so your Invicta has steered you down a wholesome route. Thanks again. Richard
I love invicta watches and i have bought this watch on the strength of this review and love it and wear it with pride.A big thank you for telling me what i always knew about the quality of invicta watches.
You Sir deserve a lot more subscribers than you have, you are the real deal, most guys are just watch reviewers, none of them is a watchmaker has you, and they tend to be scrubbing their own opinion to us the watch fans, not really showing us the true facts, keep up the fantastic work and wowing us with this great content 😎👍
Hey Alex! Thank you for this feedback .... I try just to look at what is in front of me from a technical and usage point of view and then report what I see. Nice to know that approach seems to work! Thanks again, Richard
Great review! I have recently purchased an Invicta Pro Diver 8926, which is my first foray into non-quartz, mechanical timepieces. I did a good amount of research and the value/cost ratio of the Invicta diver models is excellent. For as low as $50 US (look for those Amazon Prime sales!), you can buy a watch with a reliable Seiko movement, solid build quality and a good feature set. Your review is spot on what I have seen with my own timepiece, and it makes me feel even better about my purchase choice to see someone in the field actually take a honest, non-biased and very technical approach to reviewing the Pro Diver. I have since sub'ed and looking forward to more videos. Well done sir!
Hi David! So pleased you found this review useful and you are enjoying your 8926 Invicta. You did well with your research and got a great watch with a great movement. Thank you so much for your kind feedback and welcome to the channel! Richard
A little feedback on the stability and accuracy of this movement: My Pro Diver has been thoroughly 'broken in', as I have been wearing it on & off for the last year. It has been running uninterrupted now for over a month. I give it a wind daily, whether I wear it or not. Shortly after purchasing this Invicta, I found that the watch was gaining a little over a minute in a 24 hour period. Not terrible for a watch that cost me less than $80. After wearing it for a month or two, it seemed to settle in to about a 50 second gain/24 hrs. This was confirmed with a basic beat counter. Out of curiosity I decided to see if I could improve its accuracy, so I opened it up and made a tiny adjustment to the regulating lever. Closed it up and continued to wear it. Two weeks ago I decided to check its accuracy with the NIST atomic time. After 2 weeks, it has gained only 6 seconds. Personally I think that's amazing. It gained only 6 seconds - not in a day, but in two weeks! Admittedly when not wearing the watch, I place it face down. In my opinion this is automatic movement is fantastic at this price. We'll see how it holds up over years of use....
What a great review from someone who knows! I’ve just ordered the same but in steel and gold £57 going by your review looks like steal. I used to own a real submariner the problem I found everyone thought it was fake lol.just subbed.
I purchased this gold tone watch many years ago and it still works like a charm. The main exception is that my watch has the non-hackable Myota movement. Whenever I wear the watch, someone will offer a sincere compliment.
Hi J Johnson! Thanks for this feedback and good to hear that your experience helps to corroborate my findings. Sorry for the delay in response. Richard
I have owned Invictas for several years (in addition to 12 Seiko divers and other watches) and have had no quality issues with them. Several of them have the NH35A movement in them and it is a really good movement. It is the unbranded 4r35 Seiko uses in many of its automatic watches. Watch snobs love to hate on Invicta because they don't like the big, gaudy looking watches with inflated MSRPs Invicta is famous for. What they don't realize is that many of the quartz watches have Swiss Ronda movements in them. I have an Invicta Reserve 6883 with a Sellita SW200 movement in it. Extremely well-built, beautiful watch that is now discontinued. I am glad to see someone give a review based on facts and observations and not rumors and innuendo.
Hi Mark! I agree ... I don't see much point in expressing highly charged dislike for something based on it's looks. Looks is a taste thing after all and what one guy likes another might not. Some guys like the big Invicta watches. All power to them I say! What I was trying to do with this review was be objective and come to it, as a watchmaker, from a mainly technical perspective and I am very pleased that a collector of some experience like yourself thinks I was successful in that aim. Enjoy your watches and thanks for your detailed and nicely expressed comment. Richard
Richard Perrett Watchmaker It is a shame you are on the other side of the pond. I have a pocket watch my dad left me that was wound too tight and I need a good watchmaker to fix it. They’re hard to find over here.
@@MarkM58 I love working on pocket watches .... especially ones with sentimental value for people! Be discerning who you let touch it and let's keep it on the back burner ... who knows ... there may be a good video in it! :)
This is how all honest watch reviews should be done. A technical, practical and of visual aesthetics-this was a great review. This watch while it is a homage to the Rolex sub is a great value for money. It looks identical to my Sub from the early 1990s. Every man should own (preferably automatic) a divers watch. No matter who makes it or how much it costs. And speaking of homage, any watch that looks and copies the oyster case and or band technically is an homage to Rolex. Which gives this Invicta Pro Diver lots of company.
Markus Smith 1) Every time you open up a watch case to change a battery, you’ve compromised it’s water resistance. The fewer times you open the case, the less vulnerable it becomes to water and dust. 2) An automatic divers watch is a must have. The fact that you’re not relying on a battery that you have to change every 2 to 4 years. You’re also off the (cell) grid with a self-winding movement powered by hand winding or movement from your arm. With the auto movement it’s always ready to be used. Wind it and wear it. The bonus is the divers bezel since it serves multi-purposes. You can time how long it took you to burn the bacon, use it to mark a second time zone & to find North when you’re lost. Everything a quartz divers watch can do, but without the hassle of changing the battery.
Markus Smith Apparently you’ve never had batteries leak inside a watch? I’ve never had a quartz last as long as an automatic. What ever makes you happy 👍🏻.
Great Review and I concur. I purchased mine after the owner of the Invicta flew to PR in his private jet from Miami after hurricane Maria desolated the Island. He brought emergency supplies to an orphanage that was asking for help on CNN. Just had to get one of these. The one I got was the Titanium version of this watch, still heavier than my Breitling Aerospace Gen I which is super light. I have worn the Invicta almost 24/7 for the past 3 years and it keeps great time gaining about a minute per week which I reset once a month. Thanks again for the review.
Really appreciate your review of my favorite budget homage to the Rolex Submariner. I can't afford a Rolex but I feel proud wearing this watch. I have had people mistake mine for a Rolex and I always point out that it's not. Bravo for telling all the Invincta bashers that this a great watch. Cheers!
What a great watch and not just for the money. Refreshing to have a review from someone who knows their stuff Thank goodness. I have owned a RolexSub and one of these, always took the Invite on holiday, swimming ,pool . Has never missed a beat
Hi ccw1961! Thank you so much for this feedback ... it's particularly great to hear from someone who has experience of wearing this homage and the Rolex to which the Homage is paid. Very glad to hear that you corroborate my findings. Nice one! Thanks again. Richard
I actually bought one because of your video. Let’s say, you gave me confidence to get one, just knowing it has a decent movement, helped me to make a decision.
Well done Richard. I have bought several Invicta watches, and sold a couple too. I really like them. I applaud your unbiased view, of an often maligned marque. No snobbery from The Major. Top bloke 👍
I did the very same thing here in the USA as a laugh on Father's Day. I bought the SST/black dial Pro-Diver and once I adjusted the bracelet and started wearing it, I fell in love with it. I get compliments on it and am surprised. I bought mine for $84 including sales tax and it's been the best buy on a watch I've ever made. My wife even says it looks very expensive when I showed her. When I told I spent only $84 for it, she was shocked. She it looks just like a Rolex to her.
Richard, whilst I really enjoy your restoration videos, you should (also) do more of this type of review. There are plenty of watch reviewers on YT but you have an excess type and unique perspective. Best wishes.
Great review Richard. Thanks a lot. There are many who review watches, but only a few who are watchmakers themselves. I have been considering buying this watch for quite some time - Love the seconds hand, and with a tough Seiko movement!
Hi Clavin ... it's such a good watch for under $100 and I am so pleased you like the way I conducted the review. Sorry it took a while to respond. Thanks again. Richard
A great review of this Invicta. I have looked at Invicta's before and generally the reviews have not been good on them. This review has made me look at the brand again and the price at £75 for a mechanical watch with a Seiko movement is impressive. Thanks very much for posting this video and I have subscribed to your channel.
Hi Ednam ... So pleased you found it useful! I tried to be objective as possible. As a bit of a Rolex fan I almost don't like my own findings! It's a good watch there's no doubt about it. You may also be interested in an article I wrote on the full budget spectrum submariner market ... www.richardperrett.com/watch-reviews/the-the-best-mens-watch/ ... thanks again, glad you liked it!
i've onwed both a rolex and the invicta pro diver. and i love my pro diver. i get compliments all the time from people who think its a rolex, as it looks more like a rolex than an actual rolex. and it keeps time just as well if not better than a rolex
Richard, thank you for doing an honest review of a watch that I have had a great deal of respect for since adding it to my collection some time ago. I have always been impressed with both it's timekeeping and durability and could not understand why so many watch forums and supposed watch enthusiasts castigate it. I like honest reviews with an insight into the mechanics of timepieces. Just subscribed to your channel after watching this. Thanks again. Scott
I just got the 8926OB. It's very very nice. Not a snob but I never thought I'd get an Invicta. I love it and the price is insanely low. The lume is nonexistent but other than that it is amazing. The brand name on the side of the case is hardly noticeable, if that's what you're concerned with. The aluminum bezel has a really nice finish, too. It is beautiful, much better in person than on video.
I just subscribed,want to see more,I’m an Invicta collector of many years with the reserve line and hav different size pro divers including the Swiss Made 9937 ,thanks great review!
Thank you for your very honest review. I just recently purchased 2 Invicta watches. I bought 2 with the intention of figuring out which one I liked as far as bezel color is concerned. After seeing your review, I think I made the right choice in Invicta...now I have to see which bezel I like. I just subscribed to your channel because of this review,
I have owned a Rolex GMT Master II steel and gold for over 20 years from new and love it , worn it every single day and night , showered, swim, dived never really taken it off , but all that use has taken its toll on the watch , so much so I have sent it to Rolex for a complete rebuild and refurb. In the meantime I needed a watch to use while waiting for mine to return and bought the Invicta prodiver steel and blue dial and bezel. What a superb watch I too checked it out on a timegrapher and it actually was better than my Rolex ☹️ I started to love everything about the watch the feel the looks and the quality of a £70 watch . The look of this watch is so good a well known Rolex AD while discussing my GMT II thought initially I was wearing a submariner steel and white gold, I put him right and took it off to show him , he too was impressed . I love it so much I bought a second one which is the steel and gold with black dial and bezel ( homage to my GMTII ) These will now become my "daily drivers" when my best friend comes back from Rolex looking like new and will have a more relaxed life with the Invictas taking the strain of day to day life. I might just have to buy another , the blue and red all steel "Pepsi Cola" but don't tell the wife 🤫
Best review of a watch on all of TH-cam. Good video! Thank you! I too just bought a Pro Diver as more of a joke which was quite a surprise as I am Rolex man and Seiko Prospex man, but in the end the joke is on me! I love this watch! And with the yellow rotor and see-through caseback, it's Invitca 1 and Rolex 0. :-)
I had one in silver. Superb watch! Used it for about 4 years... In that time it needed early service (probably it was in a warehouse a long time before I bought it but nevermind that... It worked perfect and never got major problem.with it!)
I got 3 models 3044, 22850 and 8930OB of Invicta. It's really affordable and good quality and which I've used and tested already in swimming and diving.
Hey! Nice One Rui Hong! That is part of the beauty of this watch. It is pretty affordable so folks can often buy several models to suit different situations. I only have two ... but I find myself looking at 'The Smurf' (9094OB)! Thanks for sharing! Richard
Good for you! You did an honest and detailed review from a watchmakers point of view. You put the thing right onto the time-grapher right out of the box and showed the world that its full of snobs and nay-sayers that are just ready to hate quality to value ratio. I'm subscribing in hopes that you find more watches like this one to prove the haters wrong.
Hi John ... Thank you so much for the encouragement. Don't know whether you seen it yet but I just released a review of the Vostok Komandirskie .... th-cam.com/video/Upacq0C6OdU/w-d-xo.html Thanks again. Richard
Been wearing my Prodiver for about 8 years now and still works fine. Gold plating is holding up well. Mine did not have the Seiko movement but still works well
Thank you so much for a professional’s take on the Invicta Pro Diver. I took a circuitous route to my blue PD with the scalloped bezel. The first watch I bought with allowance money I’d saved when I was @12 (1971) was a Timex manual wind “dive” watch. Manual wind, plastic blue bezel and blue face. It was a “woman’s watch” which was somewhat appalling to a 12 year old boy, but I loved that watch. And it probably set my preference for a diver style wrist watch that is still with me today. Of course shortly thereafter quartz watches were all rage and “accuracy” was king. I eventually got tired of batteries dying and picked up a solar G-shock, but it is rather large and far too casual for a wear anywhere watch. And eventually, even it’s power cell will fail and the watch will be useless. That brought me back to automatic mechanical watches, and while looking for affordable models to try out I discovered the PD. I took a chance got the 9094 model about 6 weeks ago. I’ve worn it daily since then and am enjoying it. I did find it keeps better time if I leave it crown up overnight rather than face up. Thanks for helping me learn about mechanical watches in general and this watch in particular! Blessings, Russell
Thank you for what you do on this channel my friend. I really enjoy your reviews and the way you pace the videos. I have 4 Invicta pro divers in various colors and movements and love them all. Cheers!
Its great to have a pro watchmaker tell that its no illusion, Invicta is a beauty, great quality automatic and cannot be beaten for value. I have that exact same model and everyone tells me it must have cost $5000. I wear it with my smoking jacket at gala black tie events dinners and feel really good having it on my wrist. It will last me 10 yrs+ if I look after it.
Hi Red Coat! From an engineering perspective the watch is capable of going on for decades so long as it gets the a service every now and then. I am servicing a 'made in 1965' Seiko Seahorse today (6601 movement) and it is sweet (video on this coming out in a couple of weeks) so your NH35A would go for decades if you wanted it to. The economics suggest that this is unlikely though; the purchase price of a new watch is significantly less than a basic service cost so most guys will simply replace these watches with new ones when the movement starts to indicate it could do with some attention. I figure most owners will get about five to ten years for £75 of stylish ( as you mention!), resilient and accurate (enough) timekeeping ... that's pretty good I reckon. Thanks for the positive feedback! Richard
A great review and I agree wholeheartedly. I wear a blue and gold Invicta Grand Diver (#3049) every day as my daily (because I don't want to wear my Submariner every day). It also uses the Seiko NH35A movement. The only differences between the Pro Diver and Grand Diver are the size (the Grand is 47mm while the pro is 40mm) and the depth rating (the Grand is 300m while the Pro is 200m). I've worn it every day for over six years now with no maintenance ever needed. The quality is great and so is the durability.
A brilliant review, thank you. And as a scientist, engineer (and also ex-military!), I'm a bit nit picky. I usually wear a tried and trusted Rolex Oyster Perp. Datejust, but I also have 3 Invicta Pro divers.... And I'm hooked on them! Fantastic value for money, and your excellent review confirms what I thought all along. And yes, I'm one of those who quite likes the Invicta logo engraved on the side of the case, and I also think the yellow rotor arm looks distinctive. Why? Because these things shout 'Invicta - not Rolex'. And what's wrong with a decent, very well priced homage to an iconic design, that is clearly NOT a copy or fake? Hats off to Invicta, I think they're great!
I really like your video, the detailed of your review and explanation is just excellent. I'm getting 1 of this watch and it is otw to my country now. Can't wait to use. Again, great job Buddy. Cheers
Great review of this watch. I own the Invicta 1953 green and black bezel and love this watch to death. As for the pro diver, if they did away with the engraving on the side, added a sapphire crystal and a ceramic bezel, I'd pay three times the selling price and would still be worth more than that easily. I hope Invicta continues in this direction. To all Invicta haters..........😜.
You got a new subscriber for your honest review. I am so sick of these watch snobs and knuckleheads saying this watch sucks. Just because they don’t like the style of the other Invictus. Well neither do I I don’t like those huge 55 and 60 mm things. But what does a review of one of those walkers have to do with reviewing the pro diver. Why would you say the pro driver sucks because you don’t like other Invicta watches. To me that’s just a person that cannot review a watch without being bias.
Hey Richard ... thank you so much for your feedback. Sure the big Invictas are not everyone's cup of tea (me included) but if other folks like them that's fine by me! I do not have a monopoly on wisdom or taste ... but I do repair a lot of watches so I do feel qualified to have an opinion. So please you picked up where I am coming from. Thanks again. Richard
great review. a unique take using the timegrapher. quick comments, the intro could be shorter. I own a prodiver and it's a great value watch. My only gripes: 1)hour markers are too small- reminiscent of the nipple dial Rolex 2) Lume is poor. Doesn't last long at all 3)The color of the lume too yellow For 200USD, the tisell marine diver is really really good.
Hey Timothy! Good observations ... I just took a took at the Tissell and you are spot on it has got the hour markers just right! It really does look very 'Submariner 2019', in fact I like the look of the watch a lot and the Miyota 9015 is a cracking movement. You can buy 3 Invictas for one Tissell though so I guess the Value for Money argument I make here is still pretty compelling. Thanks for the feedback ... much appreciated. Richard
Wow! great video, thank you for doing it. It's great hearing an expert's honest point of view. I'm a retired automotive transmission designer and I really appreciated you explaining some of the internal workings, it was very interesting to me. On a side note, I own the very same model and I love it! Best regards and thank you again.
Very nicely done review based on evidence rather than emotion. I have owned both the Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB and the more costly SW200 based model 9937OB for several years and both of them have impressed me in daily wear. I think I paid about $60 for my NH35 version and it has been virtually indestructible serving as a beater watch yet it still remains accurate within + or - 6 seconds/day over the last decade and has yet to be more than minimally serviced. Though Invicta is frequently skewered for their vast collection of horological abominations, it's hard to beat the value proposition of their Pro Diver series.
@@richardperrettwatchmaker Not a problem! I haven't cracked the back as mine has been within 3-5secs since it was purchased. The NH35a is such a great movement in that low cost homage. The only watches I've really cared to regulate in my personal collection are Vostoks. Both came in running +20secs but the beats were fine.
I wear mens watches because 1: They are easier to read 2: Men's watches greatly out perform in selection and style, beating womens watches hands down. That being said, I find a solid, accurate and honest unbiased review very helpful. I own several mechanical watches and recently purchased an Invicta. Thanks for the video. ❤❤
I have Invicta's with ETA's, Val. 7750, Silleta SW 200 and 500's, Miyota's, Seiko's and Rhonda r150 automatic movements. Love them all and purchased them on Evine or gently worn on e -bay for all under 200 American Dollars. Great Video and thanks for sharing your expertise.
Thank you for this honest review, which is rare in the watch world. We know that the Pro Diver is ridiculed, even though it has an established Seiko Mvmt. I own 2 and have purchased several more which I give away as gifts to start friends with a mechanical. At 40m, a cool option also for a babe. It's also a great travel watch which one does not have to be that careful with. I prefer the all steel and use one with a rubber strap. Yes, I do have the Big Boys (Rolex, Omega, Breitling, etc) and of course the standard SKX models. Bravo to Invicta on their Pro Diver. Just subed. JP (LA, Cal)
Replaced the dial, hands, bezel insert, and band, as well as removing the cyclops. Now it's an Invicta fifty five fathoms with a Milanese band. My absolute favourite diver.
I just traded a watch I didn’t really wear for one of these invicta pro divers and I didn’t know much about them other than they are considered a homage watch to the Rolex submariner. I was very surprised at the quality and think the watch is gorgeous mine is the same as you tested so thanks for the non biased review I just subbed to your channel!
Thank you for confirming that the Invicta Pro Diver is truly a good value for the money. It doesn't matter that this design is an homage with a mass produced (but quality) NH35A caliber. I'm just glad that this is affordable and that Invicta is heading towards better trends beyond the gaudiness of its 1990's and early 2000's identity crisis. I hope the brand regains the prestige it once had before the Quartz Crisis. When that happens, I will miss the inexpensive price range we are enjoying today.
I didn't know they were that old. Usually watch geeks give some measure of respect to the brands that weathered the Quartz crisis and came out the other side. Not Invicta, though. They get no love.
The best honest review of this Invicta, appreciate the scientific indepth non biased facts as presented, thank you and best to you and all fron manhattan, nyc / 4/20/2019 !
I have two producers . The one in this video and a stainless steel model with a different bezel, both are are amazingly accurate timekeepers the gold one has faded at all , I have had them both for about seven years now and I love them the stainless steel one I wear everyday so much so that my omega sea master hasn’t seen daylight for a four year. People need to remember Invicta are a Swiss brand now owned by an American company and are made to the acsacked same standards as when they were made in Swaziland. Great review and great video thank you for your honest opinion 👍
Great review! I have invicta prodiver 8926OB and it is absolutely incredible! Now i want to get another one: invicta 29178- as a size of my seiko 5 sea urchin
Came across this and subscribed. I wanted a diver with day/date, and decided to try the Omega Seamaster inspired Invicta Signature Line 7042 with a modest, for Invicta, 40mm case. USD 86.50 online from the US. NH36A SII running at -2 seconds a day straight out of the box. Maybe some would criticise the lack of a sapphire crystal, solid end links and milled clasp, but at the price point... WOW! Even the lume on the 7042 is very impressive as there is lots of it and it lasts all night! Easy to buy a Seiko diver with an inferior movement (7S26) at more money. Also considered the Orient Mako/Ray line but at least twice the price of the Invicta.
Wonderful. Not so snobby as other talk about watches. And he is a real watchmaker. Im really fascinated. Ill buy more Invicta watches. My Pro Diver Bronze is great!
Hi Hans! So pleased you like my channel and happy that you experience with your bronze Pro Diver corroborates my findings in this video. Thanks for taking the trouble to share this. Richard
I have owned an identical watch for about 6 years. It operates and looks as good as it did when I bought it. I love wearing it and I receive positive comments on it all the time. The only thing I wish were better, is the night illumination. But I also know that it’s not at the price point of a, “Wise” which has amazing illumination, so it’s not that big of a deal. I really enjoy this watch! I would recommend the Invict Pro Diver everyday.
I have owned a stainless steel Invicta for four years ad have found it to be a good running, nice looking and reliable watch. I do not use it for diving, but just as an everyday timepiece.
Great video review I love my invicta, don’t have this gold one but a couple of the same watch in different colors and I always said that they are the best watch for the money but now it’s good to hear it from watchmaker to confirm my opinion.
Hi Lotsatrains! So please you enjoyed this review and found it helpful. That it is a great watch for the money there can be little doubt now I think .... thanks for your positive feedback and welcome to the channel. Richard
Fantastic video. It's nice to see an expert review instead of a snob. If you ignore some of the gaudy, hideous watches Invicta makes among the thousands to choose from and their crazy "anchor" pricing, you simply can't buy a better watch for the money. I'm a new subscriber. Cheers!
Thanks for a really honest review of Invicta. There is no earthly way I could ever afford a Submariner but I have always admired them. Now I can get one of these and at least I will be getting a really nice watch, that is worth the limited funds that I would be able to generate. Thanks again Richard.
I own a few ProDivers, Grand Divers with mop dials. Some with Swiss automatic movements and Seiko automatic movements. Even a reserve copy with a Diamond bezels and saphare Crystals. I find them to be an outstanding watch that looks great. Waterproof issue are normally user error. If you screw down the crown. It's waterproof. There is not a better watch for the price considering available features and build quality
thank you for making this video. Unbiased and from a man with professional knowledge. Very informative and gives me extra faith in my Invicta Pro Diver. This watch gets lots of unwarranted hate. Personally i think this is one of the best bang for buck. I do want to get a swiss movement pro diver later on/// much later since i just got the seiko movement recently~ oh~ subscribed~ lol
Hey! Thank you for this feedback sir! The seiko movt is very nice and after you have had it a while you may find the desire for the Swiss engine fades a little. Enjoy the watch and thank you for this feedback. Richard
![เป็นไปได้ไหม - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_6lZ6b3_7Vo/mqdefault.jpg)
I've owned a pro diver for 10 years, paid around $75 USD, passed it on to my son after purchasing a Seiko SKS009J and it's still running just fine. I'm glad I found this channel, watch snobs do live in their own little bubble.
Hi DARIO ... welcome aboard! I really rate the Invicta Pro Diver . In mechanical aspects it's more similar to a Rolex Submariner than a lot of people might realise. I work on both so I know. Still love the Rolex but for different reasons not of all of which are to do with mechanics. Thanks for the feedback. Richard
Finally! An honest and informed opinion of this watch. I'm getting tired of hearing watch snobs slate it. Best value diver out there IMO. Thanks Richard. Subbed!
Hi Rob! Thanks so much for the feedback .... it's a great watch and with a Seiko heart it has some serious pedigree! I report simply what is clear to see and evidenced by the tests applied! Thanks again. Richard
No sweat. It's the only way. Evidence based practice is the only way to carry out a robust review/test. Thanks for replying. I'll be watching :)
The pro diver was my first automatic watch. I bought it about 5 years ago (give or take). It still accurate to this day. Over the years of learning I have more than one nice automatic in my collection, but l still go back to this for my everyday watch. Honestly, I don't give a rip about what people think of Invicta.
its the movement not the watch that makes it a good value.
@@motaz1975: Absolutely! You are 100% correct.
As a scientist i applaud your methodology in examining and rating the watch without bias. Thank you and you have a new subscriber.
Hey Gunslinger! So please you liked it and found it useful. Thanks for the feedback. Richard
I know that a lot of folks just getting in to automatic/mechanical watches like this line from Invicta. And it is a good base to mod from. But to hear such a high review from a watchmaker lends much more credence to what Invicta has done here.
But what? You didn't finish your sentence...guess ignorance is a perk of being a watch snob. It's an entry level watch, and needs to be credited and evaluated as such. What did you expect?
@@gabzsy4924 I guess I am confused by your response. This could indeed be considered an entry level watch that punches above it's weight.
yes credence for its price bracket. guys we are talking about a sub 100 us dollar watch here. never mind the fact invicta has terrible rep for quality control. it is what it is, love it or hate it.
What invicta did or its outsourced second and third party manufactures??
Up to u I don't got any smoke
This very easily is the best watch review on an Invicta pro diver I have ever seen. I really appreciate your attention to detail going over every aspect of the watch in an extremely fair manner. I own this watch in the blue dial version and love it very much, I have owned it for several years and is still ticking away in a very accurate manner. Great review, sir!
I love that you reviewed this watch as a piece of horology and not, "Oh crap, it's another Invicta." These watches have a place, and they're well made and work well. Normal people stuff. :) Thanks for your attention to detail and precision.
Don't forget that they're worthless!
well said my friend 👏
I am new to invicta and was initially discouraged from buying one by negative comments seen on various reviews. However i bought the Invicta Speed way a Rolex Daytona Homage and you know what ? i was very very impressed! Now i speak as i find , i own 4 Invictas now and i love them all they are well made and presented and bloody good value. I totally agree with your assessment. Thank You.
Hi Darren .... so pleased you are enjoying your watches and found this review useful. Your experience certainly seems to corroborate it's findings! Thanks for the feedback. Richard
Speedway is highly underrated, seldom discussed quartz watch. It’s a great size, it’s tough, and it’s attractive.
Pro Diver and Speedway are the best of Invicta in my smaller wristed opinion!
@@willardhooton920 The Speedway was my first Invicta bought a used example cant fault it love it.
@@willardhooton920 Hi Willard i also have the Invicta #17194 Reserve COSC
Speedway Swiss Made ETA 251.264
Chrono SS Watch. This i ETA 251.264 is a thermo compensated quartz movement that is guaranteed o run at plus or minus 10 secs per year, i have had mine for 13 months and it as gained 1 second. It's the engine that counts in a watch imho.
I went to watch repair school two Years,five Days A week,served on the board of the regional N.A.W.C.C. for several years,then bought sold and Repaired watches for several more,and I have never encountered A watch with A better cost/quality Ratio than Invicta! it is the most availiable best quality watch for the price! There are some that come close but are very difficult to obtain safely!many bloggers closer geographicly to the Asian market extoll Pagani and such but their availability in my market is Nill! February/27/2022
Richard, from one Brit to another, bravo! I have been a subscriber for a while, and I always come back to you for the technical details. The thoroughness and structure of your technical reviews is outstanding. I don't want to put down some of the other horological channels, many of which have their place, but you are my first port of call, above TGV and JOMW. I think the first review of yours was the Vostok Komandirske a year ago, and I bought that watch. Well, you've pushed my over the edge again into buying my second Invicta! Many thanks and keep up the great work!
After owning Rolex, Breitling etc, i just ordered a pro diver 42mm partially because of this review. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with watch lovers around the world!!!
I just received mine in the mail yesterday, I’m impressed. It’s got some weight to it. The NH35 is a proving caliber, may not be the prettiest but it’s reliable. For 75 bucks you can’t go wrong.
Most thorough watch review i’ve ever seen!
Hi there Flyfishingcrazy! So pleased you liked it and found it helpful. Richard
Great review and nice channel!!! I own many invictas and none have ever let me down. Screw the haters.....
Hey Greekpapi! Thanks for the feedback ... A lot of guys are corroborating my findings here. I saw a lot of stuff was being said about this watch so I wanted to check it out for myself and as someone who repairs a lot of watches felt I might have something to meaningful contribute. Enjoy your watches and thanks again for the feedback! Richard
Watched a bunch of these Pro Diver reviews. Bought one. Now I'm watching more of them to assure myself that I didn't throw $60 away.
This is by far and away the most technical and relevant review I've seen. You speak like a man who has to earn his money. Just like me. I have no choice but to subscribe. I've got to see all of your reviews.
Thank you for sharing this with us. It was fantastic. Very well done sir. Most excellent.
THE most professional review about the Invicta Pro Diver, Richard. Congrats for your awsome work.
Actually I have quite old Omega, Longines & other collectibles from my parents & Grandparents as well as more recently produced brand name ones. I DO believe Invicta, as well as Seiko, Bulova & Tissot, produce some of the best values available around the planet, some of them not as appreciated as they should. Never the less, most of the above mentioned ones are my daily use timepieces as an E.R. Doctor, as well as Medical Examiner and Military MD, and believe me, my watches really have to be built like tanks to survive many of the tasks I have to perform as an MD, but as well as an Action Shooter/Instructor. Don't need to mention I immediately subbed!!. Thank you kindly & God Bless!!
Nice to hear of your occupational success. Congratulations on your good fortune, will-power and hard-work.
All my Invicta Pro Divers still work fine, ten years of cell tower, commercial tree, heavy towing / recovery, OTR Trucking, and presently Oil Field Industrial Electrical Construction, ... Only one complaint being the crystals become virtually impossible to see through at a glance after some years of service (more in some work than others). At present I have one 89260B that is about to be retired for crystal clarity reasons only, an 0420 which I am loath to wear at work because I just really - really love it, ... The rest are Steinhart and Seiko. Really quite impressed with your review, subscribed, look forward to more s'il te plait. Salut!
This was my gateway watch into my watch addiction! Still one of my favourite watches i own for the price! Epic value for money! Thanks for the honesty, ego is not your amigo people
Hey Josh! Thank you for this positive feedback and as addictions go Watch Collecting is a pretty good one to have so your Invicta has steered you down a wholesome route. Thanks again. Richard
@@richardperrettwatchmaker that it is my friend! Credit where it is due!
I love invicta watches and i have bought this watch on the strength of this review and love it and wear it with pride.A big thank you for telling me what i always knew about the quality of invicta watches.
I did exactly the same 👍🇬🇧
Cryotag remove
I bought one too. Super-accurate straight out of the box.
You Sir deserve a lot more subscribers than you have, you are the real deal, most guys are just watch reviewers, none of them is a watchmaker has you, and they tend to be scrubbing their own opinion to us the watch fans, not really showing us the true facts, keep up the fantastic work and wowing us with this great content 😎👍
Best honest review of an Invicta watch ive seen. Great job for being honest and unbiased
Hey Alex! Thank you for this feedback .... I try just to look at what is in front of me from a technical and usage point of view and then report what I see. Nice to know that approach seems to work! Thanks again, Richard
Invicta Pro Diver is a great watch for it's value. Looks amazing!
Hi Commando Master, I agree and am very pleased to hear you concur! Thank you for the feedback. Richard
Great review! I have recently purchased an Invicta Pro Diver 8926, which is my first foray into non-quartz, mechanical timepieces. I did a good amount of research and the value/cost ratio of the Invicta diver models is excellent. For as low as $50 US (look for those Amazon Prime sales!), you can buy a watch with a reliable Seiko movement, solid build quality and a good feature set. Your review is spot on what I have seen with my own timepiece, and it makes me feel even better about my purchase choice to see someone in the field actually take a honest, non-biased and very technical approach to reviewing the Pro Diver. I have since sub'ed and looking forward to more videos. Well done sir!
Hi David! So pleased you found this review useful and you are enjoying your 8926 Invicta. You did well with your research and got a great watch with a great movement. Thank you so much for your kind feedback and welcome to the channel! Richard
A little feedback on the stability and accuracy of this movement: My Pro Diver has been thoroughly 'broken in', as I have been wearing it on & off for the last year. It has been running uninterrupted now for over a month. I give it a wind daily, whether I wear it or not.
Shortly after purchasing this Invicta, I found that the watch was gaining a little over a minute in a 24 hour period. Not terrible for a watch that cost me less than $80. After wearing it for a month or two, it seemed to settle in to about a 50 second gain/24 hrs. This was confirmed with a basic beat counter. Out of curiosity I decided to see if I could improve its accuracy, so I opened it up and made a tiny adjustment to the regulating lever. Closed it up and continued to wear it.
Two weeks ago I decided to check its accuracy with the NIST atomic time. After 2 weeks, it has gained only 6 seconds. Personally I think that's amazing. It gained only 6 seconds - not in a day, but in two weeks! Admittedly when not wearing the watch, I place it face down.
In my opinion this is automatic movement is fantastic at this price. We'll see how it holds up over years of use....
I have many Invicta’s and love them all!
Hi Rat Burl! I only have two but wear the stainless steel one a lot .... got my eye on 'The Invicta Smurf' atm. Thanks for sharing! Richard
What a great review from someone who knows! I’ve just ordered the same but in steel and gold £57 going by your review looks like steal. I used to own a real submariner the problem I found everyone thought it was fake lol.just subbed.
I purchased this gold tone watch many years ago and it still works like a charm. The main exception is that my watch has the non-hackable Myota movement. Whenever I wear the watch, someone will offer a sincere compliment.
Hi J Johnson! Thanks for this feedback and good to hear that your experience helps to corroborate my findings. Sorry for the delay in response. Richard
I have owned Invictas for several years (in addition to 12 Seiko divers and other watches) and have had no quality issues with them. Several of them have the NH35A movement in them and it is a really good movement. It is the unbranded 4r35 Seiko uses in many of its automatic watches. Watch snobs love to hate on Invicta because they don't like the big, gaudy looking watches with inflated MSRPs Invicta is famous for. What they don't realize is that many of the quartz watches have Swiss Ronda movements in them. I have an Invicta Reserve 6883 with a Sellita SW200 movement in it. Extremely well-built, beautiful watch that is now discontinued. I am glad to see someone give a review based on facts and observations and not rumors and innuendo.
Hi Mark! I agree ... I don't see much point in expressing highly charged dislike for something based on it's looks. Looks is a taste thing after all and what one guy likes another might not. Some guys like the big Invicta watches. All power to them I say! What I was trying to do with this review was be objective and come to it, as a watchmaker, from a mainly technical perspective and I am very pleased that a collector of some experience like yourself thinks I was successful in that aim. Enjoy your watches and thanks for your detailed and nicely expressed comment. Richard
Richard Perrett Watchmaker It is a shame you are on the other side of the pond. I have a pocket watch my dad left me that was wound too tight and I need a good watchmaker to fix it. They’re hard to find over here.
@@MarkM58 I love working on pocket watches .... especially ones with sentimental value for people! Be discerning who you let touch it and let's keep it on the back burner ... who knows ... there may be a good video in it! :)
Mark Mangus l
This is how all honest watch reviews should be done. A technical, practical and of visual aesthetics-this was a great review. This watch while it is a homage to the Rolex sub is a great value for money. It looks identical to my Sub from the early 1990s. Every man should own (preferably automatic) a divers watch. No matter who makes it or how much it costs. And speaking of homage, any watch that looks and copies the oyster case and or band technically is an homage to Rolex. Which gives this Invicta Pro Diver lots of company.
Hello Hello Hello! Thank you sir for this positive feedback .... I love Rolex and I love Invicta! It's all good I figure .... Thanks again. Richard.
Markus Smith 1) Every time you open up a watch case to change a battery, you’ve compromised it’s water resistance. The fewer times you open the case, the less vulnerable it becomes to water and dust. 2) An automatic divers watch is a must have. The fact that you’re not relying on a battery that you have to change every 2 to 4 years. You’re also off the (cell) grid with a self-winding movement powered by hand winding or movement from your arm. With the auto movement it’s always ready to be used. Wind it and wear it. The bonus is the divers bezel since it serves multi-purposes. You can time how long it took you to burn the bacon, use it to mark a second time zone & to find North when you’re lost.
Everything a quartz divers watch can do, but without the hassle of changing the battery.
Markus Smith Apparently you’ve never had batteries leak inside a watch? I’ve never had a quartz last as long as an automatic. What ever makes you happy 👍🏻.
This is the most professional review of this watch I´ve seen. Thanks!!!
Great Review and I concur. I purchased mine after the owner of the Invicta flew to PR in his private jet from Miami after hurricane Maria desolated the Island. He brought emergency supplies to an orphanage that was asking for help on CNN. Just had to get one of these. The one I got was the Titanium version of this watch, still heavier than my Breitling Aerospace Gen I which is super light. I have worn the Invicta almost 24/7 for the past 3 years and it keeps great time gaining about a minute per week which I reset once a month. Thanks again for the review.
Really appreciate your review of my favorite budget homage to the Rolex Submariner. I can't afford a Rolex but I feel proud wearing this watch. I have had people mistake mine for a Rolex and I always point out that it's not. Bravo for telling all the Invincta bashers that this a great watch. Cheers!
What a great watch and not just for the money. Refreshing to have a review from someone who knows their stuff Thank goodness. I have owned a RolexSub and one of these, always took the Invite on holiday, swimming ,pool . Has never missed a beat
Hi ccw1961! Thank you so much for this feedback ... it's particularly great to hear from someone who has experience of wearing this homage and the Rolex to which the Homage is paid. Very glad to hear that you corroborate my findings. Nice one! Thanks again. Richard
I actually bought one because of your video. Let’s say, you gave me confidence to get one, just knowing it has a decent movement, helped me to make a decision.
Well done Richard. I have bought several Invicta watches, and sold a couple too. I really like them. I applaud your unbiased view, of an often maligned marque. No snobbery from The Major. Top bloke 👍
Awesome video. I thought the same when I bought one for a laugh last year. Was blown away with it for £70! Subbed!
Thanks for the feedback! It's a great watch and I am so pleased you are enjoying yours and found this review helpful. Thanks again. Richard
I did the very same thing here in the USA as a laugh on Father's Day. I bought the SST/black dial Pro-Diver and once I adjusted the bracelet and started wearing it, I fell in love with it. I get compliments on it and am surprised. I bought mine for $84 including sales tax and it's been the best buy on a watch I've ever made.
My wife even says it looks very expensive when I showed her. When I told I spent only $84 for it, she was shocked. She it looks just like a Rolex to her.
Richard, whilst I really enjoy your restoration videos, you should (also) do more of this type of review. There are plenty of watch reviewers on YT but you have an excess type and unique perspective. Best wishes.
Great review Richard. Thanks a lot. There are many who review watches, but only a few who are watchmakers themselves. I have been considering buying this watch for quite some time - Love the seconds hand, and with a tough Seiko movement!
Hi Clavin ... it's such a good watch for under $100 and I am so pleased you like the way I conducted the review. Sorry it took a while to respond. Thanks again. Richard
A great review of this Invicta. I have looked at Invicta's before and generally the reviews have not been good on them. This review has made me look at the brand again and the price at £75 for a mechanical watch with a Seiko movement is impressive. Thanks very much for posting this video and I have subscribed to your channel.
Hi Ednam ... So pleased you found it useful! I tried to be objective as possible. As a bit of a Rolex fan I almost don't like my own findings! It's a good watch there's no doubt about it. You may also be interested in an article I wrote on the full budget spectrum submariner market ... www.richardperrett.com/watch-reviews/the-the-best-mens-watch/ ... thanks again, glad you liked it!
where can i get it for 75 euros?
i've onwed both a rolex and the invicta pro diver. and i love my pro diver. i get compliments all the time from people who think its a rolex, as it looks more like a rolex than an actual rolex. and it keeps time just as well if not better than a rolex
Richard, thank you for doing an honest review of a watch that I have had a great deal of respect for since adding it to my collection some time ago. I have always been impressed with both it's timekeeping and durability and could not understand why so many watch forums and supposed watch enthusiasts castigate it. I like honest reviews with an insight into the mechanics of timepieces. Just subscribed to your channel after watching this. Thanks again. Scott
Hi Scott, so pleased you enjoyed it and sorry it took me a while to respond. Thanks for the feedback and subscription. Much appreciated. Richard
I just got the 8926OB. It's very very nice. Not a snob but I never thought I'd get an Invicta. I love it and the price is insanely low. The lume is nonexistent but other than that it is amazing. The brand name on the side of the case is hardly noticeable, if that's what you're concerned with. The aluminum bezel has a really nice finish, too. It is beautiful, much better in person than on video.
Agree with other comments - this review is refreshing & given by someone who really does know what they are talking about. Well done sir 👏👏
Best accessible Invicta review with accuracy testing - well done.
Also more videos like this , this channel should be huge
Haha! Thanks Karl ... I agree, it should be massive! And will supporters like you who knows ... it might be before too long :). Richard
I just subscribed,want to see more,I’m an Invicta collector of many years with the reserve line and hav different size pro divers including the Swiss Made 9937 ,thanks great review!
Agreed...FINALLY!!! A fair expert review of the Invicta Pro Diver.
Haha! Glad you liked it Christian! Richard
Thank you for your very honest review. I just recently purchased 2 Invicta watches. I bought 2 with the intention of figuring out which one I liked as far as bezel color is concerned. After seeing your review, I think I made the right choice in Invicta...now I have to see which bezel I like. I just subscribed to your channel because of this review,
I have owned a Rolex GMT Master II steel and gold for over 20 years from new and love it , worn it every single day and night , showered, swim, dived never really taken it off , but all that use has taken its toll on the watch , so much so I have sent it to Rolex for a complete rebuild and refurb. In the meantime I needed a watch to use while waiting for mine to return and bought the Invicta prodiver steel and blue dial and bezel. What a superb watch I too checked it out on a timegrapher and it actually was better than my Rolex ☹️ I started to love everything about the watch the feel the looks and the quality of a £70 watch . The look of this watch is so good a well known Rolex AD while discussing my GMT II thought initially I was wearing a submariner steel and white gold, I put him right and took it off to show him , he too was impressed . I love it so much I bought a second one which is the steel and gold with black dial and bezel ( homage to my GMTII ) These will now become my "daily drivers" when my best friend comes back from Rolex looking like new and will have a more relaxed life with the Invictas taking the strain of day to day life. I might just have to buy another , the blue and red all steel "Pepsi Cola" but don't tell the wife 🤫
The best watch review ever. Thanks & bravo!
What an honest review of a wonderful watch. I just clicked the subscribe button.
Muhammad! Hi and thank you so much for your kind feedback. Welcome to the channel! Richard
Best review of a watch on all of TH-cam. Good video! Thank you! I too just bought a Pro Diver as more of a joke which was quite a surprise as I am Rolex man and Seiko Prospex man, but in the end the joke is on me! I love this watch!
And with the yellow rotor and see-through caseback, it's Invitca 1 and Rolex 0. :-)
I had one in silver. Superb watch! Used it for about 4 years... In that time it needed early service (probably it was in a warehouse a long time before I bought it but nevermind that... It worked perfect and never got major problem.with it!)
I got 3 models 3044, 22850 and 8930OB of Invicta. It's really affordable and good quality and which I've used and tested already in swimming and diving.
Hey! Nice One Rui Hong! That is part of the beauty of this watch. It is pretty affordable so folks can often buy several models to suit different situations. I only have two ... but I find myself looking at 'The Smurf' (9094OB)! Thanks for sharing! Richard
Good for you! You did an honest and detailed review from a watchmakers point of view. You put the thing right onto the time-grapher right out of the box and showed the world that its full of snobs and nay-sayers that are just ready to hate quality to value ratio. I'm subscribing in hopes that you find more watches like this one to prove the haters wrong.
Hi John ... Thank you so much for the encouragement. Don't know whether you seen it yet but I just released a review of the Vostok Komandirskie .... th-cam.com/video/Upacq0C6OdU/w-d-xo.html Thanks again. Richard
Been wearing my Prodiver for about 8 years now and still works fine. Gold plating is holding up well. Mine did not have the Seiko movement but still works well
Cheers John ... really good to hear that your experience corroborates my view in this video. Thanks for the feedback. Richard
Thank you so much for a professional’s take on the Invicta Pro Diver. I took a circuitous route to my blue PD with the scalloped bezel.
The first watch I bought with allowance money I’d saved when I was @12 (1971) was a Timex manual wind “dive” watch. Manual wind, plastic blue bezel and blue face. It was a “woman’s watch” which was somewhat appalling to a 12 year old boy, but I loved that watch. And it probably set my preference for a diver style wrist watch that is still with me today.
Of course shortly thereafter quartz watches were all rage and “accuracy” was king. I eventually got tired of batteries dying and picked up a solar G-shock, but it is rather large and far too casual for a wear anywhere watch. And eventually, even it’s power cell will fail and the watch will be useless.
That brought me back to automatic mechanical watches, and while looking for affordable models to try out I discovered the PD. I took a chance got the 9094 model about 6 weeks ago. I’ve worn it daily since then and am enjoying it. I did find it keeps better time if I leave it crown up overnight rather than face up.
Thanks for helping me learn about mechanical watches in general and this watch in particular!
Blessings,
Russell
Thank you for what you do on this channel my friend. I really enjoy your reviews and the way you pace the videos. I have 4 Invicta pro divers in various colors and movements and love them all. Cheers!
Thanks Wes ... very pleased to hear you considerable experience with these watches bears out my findings here. Thanks for the feedback. richard
Its great to have a pro watchmaker tell that its no illusion, Invicta is a beauty, great quality automatic and cannot be beaten for value. I have that exact same model and everyone tells me it must have cost $5000. I wear it with my smoking jacket at gala black tie events dinners and feel really good having it on my wrist. It will last me 10 yrs+ if I look after it.
Hi Red Coat! From an engineering perspective the watch is capable of going on for decades so long as it gets the a service every now and then. I am servicing a 'made in 1965' Seiko Seahorse today (6601 movement) and it is sweet (video on this coming out in a couple of weeks) so your NH35A would go for decades if you wanted it to. The economics suggest that this is unlikely though; the purchase price of a new watch is significantly less than a basic service cost so most guys will simply replace these watches with new ones when the movement starts to indicate it could do with some attention. I figure most owners will get about five to ten years for £75 of stylish ( as you mention!), resilient and accurate (enough) timekeeping ... that's pretty good I reckon. Thanks for the positive feedback! Richard
Very realistic review. Loved your presentation and scoring criteria. Yes, the scores as well! Thanks for making the video.
A great review and I agree wholeheartedly. I wear a blue and gold Invicta Grand Diver (#3049) every day as my daily (because I don't want to wear my Submariner every day). It also uses the Seiko NH35A movement. The only differences between the Pro Diver and Grand Diver are the size (the Grand is 47mm while the pro is 40mm) and the depth rating (the Grand is 300m while the Pro is 200m). I've worn it every day for over six years now with no maintenance ever needed. The quality is great and so is the durability.
A brilliant review, thank you. And as a scientist, engineer (and also ex-military!), I'm a bit nit picky. I usually wear a tried and trusted Rolex Oyster Perp. Datejust, but I also have 3 Invicta Pro divers.... And I'm hooked on them! Fantastic value for money, and your excellent review confirms what I thought all along. And yes, I'm one of those who quite likes the Invicta logo engraved on the side of the case, and I also think the yellow rotor arm looks distinctive. Why? Because these things shout 'Invicta - not Rolex'. And what's wrong with a decent, very well priced homage to an iconic design, that is clearly NOT a copy or fake? Hats off to Invicta, I think they're great!
I really like your video, the detailed of your review and explanation is just excellent. I'm getting 1 of this watch and it is otw to my country now. Can't wait to use. Again, great job Buddy. Cheers
Hi mahendra mohan ... so pleased that you found this video helpful. Enjoy your watch. Richard
Great review of this watch. I own the Invicta 1953 green and black bezel and love this watch to death. As for the pro diver, if they did away with the engraving on the side, added a sapphire crystal and a ceramic bezel, I'd pay three times the selling price and would still be worth more than that easily. I hope Invicta continues in this direction. To all Invicta haters..........😜.
U need a triple aaaa fake
After careful analysis i finally got 8926 OB watch last year and working fantastic. Thanks Richard for your realistic review
You got a new subscriber for your honest review. I am so sick of these watch snobs and knuckleheads saying this watch sucks. Just because they don’t like the style of the other Invictus. Well neither do I I don’t like those huge 55 and 60 mm things. But what does a review of one of those walkers have to do with reviewing the pro diver. Why would you say the pro driver sucks because you don’t like other Invicta watches. To me that’s just a person that cannot review a watch without being bias.
Hey Richard ... thank you so much for your feedback. Sure the big Invictas are not everyone's cup of tea (me included) but if other folks like them that's fine by me! I do not have a monopoly on wisdom or taste ... but I do repair a lot of watches so I do feel qualified to have an opinion. So please you picked up where I am coming from. Thanks again. Richard
great review. a unique take using the timegrapher. quick comments, the intro could be shorter. I own a prodiver and it's a great value watch. My only gripes:
1)hour markers are too small- reminiscent of the nipple dial Rolex
2) Lume is poor. Doesn't last long at all
3)The color of the lume too yellow
For 200USD, the tisell marine diver is really really good.
Hey Timothy! Good observations ... I just took a took at the Tissell and you are spot on it has got the hour markers just right! It really does look very 'Submariner 2019', in fact I like the look of the watch a lot and the Miyota 9015 is a cracking movement. You can buy 3 Invictas for one Tissell though so I guess the Value for Money argument I make here is still pretty compelling. Thanks for the feedback ... much appreciated. Richard
Wow! great video, thank you for doing it. It's great hearing an expert's honest point of view. I'm a retired automotive transmission designer and I really appreciated you explaining some of the internal workings, it was very interesting to me. On a side note, I own the very same model and I love it! Best regards and thank you again.
Very nicely done review based on evidence rather than emotion. I have owned both the Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB and the more costly SW200 based model 9937OB for several years and both of them have impressed me in daily wear. I think I paid about $60 for my NH35 version and it has been virtually indestructible serving as a beater watch yet it still remains accurate within + or - 6 seconds/day over the last decade and has yet to be more than minimally serviced. Though Invicta is frequently skewered for their vast collection of horological abominations, it's hard to beat the value proposition of their Pro Diver series.
Well done. Thank you! I’ve been contemplating purchase of this watch at the price point. A welcome addition. New sub.
Welcome aboard JT G! G-SHOCK watches are a safe bet that are fun so I think its a good way to go. Richard
Wonderful review. I've had this watch in stainless for 1 1/2 years and have no complaints. Still reads great on my timegrapher.
Hi Korium! Thank you so much for this feedback .... good to know you corroborate my findings! Richard
@@richardperrettwatchmaker Not a problem! I haven't cracked the back as mine has been within 3-5secs since it was purchased. The NH35a is such a great movement in that low cost homage. The only watches I've really cared to regulate in my personal collection are Vostoks. Both came in running +20secs but the beats were fine.
Great review!! I've owned tons of amazing expensive watches (and wish I still had them all) but this Pro Diver just answers my bell!
I wear mens watches because 1: They are easier to read 2: Men's watches greatly out perform in selection and style, beating womens watches hands down. That being said, I find a solid, accurate and honest unbiased review very helpful. I own several mechanical watches and recently purchased an Invicta. Thanks for the video. ❤❤
Thank you for an objective review on this timepiece
Bought one 6 months ago and love it. Great time keeper
Subscribed!
This is what an honest review should feel like👍❤️
I have Invicta's with ETA's, Val. 7750, Silleta SW 200 and 500's, Miyota's, Seiko's and Rhonda r150 automatic movements. Love them all and purchased them on Evine or gently worn on e -bay for all under 200 American Dollars. Great Video and thanks for sharing your expertise.
Thank you for this honest review, which is rare in the watch world. We know that the Pro Diver is ridiculed, even though it has an established Seiko Mvmt. I own 2 and have purchased several more which I give away as gifts to start friends with a mechanical. At 40m, a cool option also for a babe. It's also a great travel watch which one does not have to be that careful with. I prefer the all steel and use one with a rubber strap. Yes, I do have the Big Boys (Rolex, Omega, Breitling, etc) and of course the standard SKX models. Bravo to Invicta on their Pro Diver. Just subed. JP (LA, Cal)
Thanks greatreview!
Replaced the dial, hands, bezel insert, and band, as well as removing the cyclops. Now it's an Invicta fifty five fathoms with a Milanese band. My absolute favourite diver.
I just traded a watch I didn’t really wear for one of these invicta pro divers and I didn’t know much about them other than they are considered a homage watch to the Rolex submariner. I was very surprised at the quality and think the watch is gorgeous mine is the same as you tested so thanks for the non biased review I just subbed to your channel!
Hi Brian ... sorry for the delay in responding I have been 'on the move' in a major way! You did a good trade here sir ... it's a great watch! Richard
Amazing professional presentation. Best review I ever seen.
Thank you for confirming that the Invicta Pro Diver is truly a good value for the money. It doesn't matter that this design is an homage with a mass produced (but quality) NH35A caliber. I'm just glad that this is affordable and that Invicta is heading towards better trends beyond the gaudiness of its 1990's and early 2000's identity crisis. I hope the brand regains the prestige it once had before the Quartz Crisis. When that happens, I will miss the inexpensive price range we are enjoying today.
I didn't know they were that old. Usually watch geeks give some measure of respect to the brands that weathered the Quartz crisis and came out the other side. Not Invicta, though. They get no love.
The best honest review of this Invicta, appreciate the scientific indepth non biased facts as presented, thank you and best to you and all fron manhattan, nyc / 4/20/2019 !
I have two producers .
The one in this video and a stainless steel model with a different bezel, both are are amazingly accurate timekeepers the gold one has faded at all , I have had them both for about seven years now and I love them the stainless steel one I wear everyday so much so that my omega sea master hasn’t seen daylight for a four year. People need to remember Invicta are a Swiss brand now owned by an American company and are made to the acsacked same standards as when they were made in Swaziland.
Great review and great video thank you for your honest opinion 👍
Thanks for this excellent review, I'm now going to purchase one.
Hi PIP HUD .... good move. You will not regret it. Enjoy the watch. Richard
It is now 2022 and I totally agree with this review. Pro diver is a wonderful deal, great looking watch and quality components. I love mine.
Great review! I have invicta prodiver 8926OB and it is absolutely incredible! Now i want to get another one: invicta 29178- as a size of my seiko 5 sea urchin
Came across this and subscribed. I wanted a diver with day/date, and decided to try the Omega Seamaster inspired Invicta Signature Line 7042 with a modest, for Invicta, 40mm case. USD 86.50 online from the US. NH36A SII running at -2 seconds a day straight out of the box. Maybe some would criticise the lack of a sapphire crystal, solid end links and milled clasp, but at the price point... WOW! Even the lume on the 7042 is very impressive as there is lots of it and it lasts all night! Easy to buy a Seiko diver with an inferior movement (7S26) at more money. Also considered the Orient Mako/Ray line but at least twice the price of the Invicta.
Great review. I had one these years ago and I never had a problem with it. It took one Hell of a beating.
Wonderful. Not so snobby as other talk about watches. And he is a real watchmaker. Im really fascinated. Ill buy more Invicta watches. My Pro Diver Bronze is great!
Hi Hans! So pleased you like my channel and happy that you experience with your bronze Pro Diver corroborates my findings in this video. Thanks for taking the trouble to share this. Richard
I have owned an identical watch for about 6 years. It operates and looks as good as it did when I bought it. I love wearing it and I receive positive comments on it all the time. The only thing I wish were better, is the night illumination. But I also know that it’s not at the price point of a, “Wise” which has amazing illumination, so it’s not that big of a deal. I really enjoy this watch! I would recommend the Invict Pro Diver everyday.
I have owned a stainless steel Invicta for four years ad have found it to be a good running, nice looking and reliable watch. I do not use it for diving, but just as an everyday timepiece.
Great video review I love my invicta, don’t have this gold one but a couple of the same watch in different colors and I always said that they are the best watch for the money but now it’s good to hear it from watchmaker to confirm my opinion.
Hi Lotsatrains! So please you enjoyed this review and found it helpful. That it is a great watch for the money there can be little doubt now I think .... thanks for your positive feedback and welcome to the channel. Richard
Superb review.
The value of the Pro Diver far exceeds its price.
Very Very impressed at this informative review. Thank you much.
Hi Dustin ... so pleased you liked it and it was helpful! Thanks so much for the feedback.
Fantastic video. It's nice to see an expert review instead of a snob. If you ignore some of the gaudy, hideous watches Invicta makes among the thousands to choose from and their crazy "anchor" pricing, you simply can't buy a better watch for the money. I'm a new subscriber. Cheers!
Thanks for a really honest review of Invicta. There is no earthly way I could ever afford a Submariner but I have always admired them. Now I can get one of these and at least I will be getting a really nice watch, that is worth the limited funds that I would be able to generate. Thanks again Richard.
I own a few ProDivers, Grand Divers with mop dials. Some with Swiss automatic movements and Seiko automatic movements. Even a reserve copy with a Diamond bezels and saphare Crystals. I find them to be an outstanding watch that looks great. Waterproof issue are normally user error. If you screw down the crown. It's waterproof. There is not a better watch for the price considering available features and build quality
Love your reviews, subscribed
Thanks Mike! Welcome aboard! Richard
thank you for making this video. Unbiased and from a man with professional knowledge. Very informative and gives me extra faith in my Invicta Pro Diver. This watch gets lots of unwarranted hate. Personally i think this is one of the best bang for buck. I do want to get a swiss movement pro diver later on/// much later since i just got the seiko movement recently~
oh~ subscribed~ lol
Hey! Thank you for this feedback sir! The seiko movt is very nice and after you have had it a while you may find the desire for the Swiss engine fades a little. Enjoy the watch and thank you for this feedback. Richard
The Invicta Pro Diver is a beautiful and good watch at a very low price. The Invicta Seiko movement is good.