Invicta Pro Diver Review (Love/Hate)

This is the first watch I purchased as my reintroduction to watches after wearing an Apple Watch for work at the time. I picked up this model: the classic black dial/bezel with steel bracelet on Amazon for sale for $74.79.  This watch is (in my opinion) one of the best starter automatic watches for under $80. I am by no means a fan of Invicta as a brand, in terms of the classic complaints, giant watches, gaudy, or homage, but the latter doesn't bother me as much as the others. 

Once I got it, I wore it almost everyday. After a little while I was tired of the high polish center links and found a video of how to  remove the polish by scuffing using the back of a kitchen sponge. This was my first "watch mod" if you would (lol). This watch reintroduced me into the world of watches which started my deep dive into better, but still budget friendly watches. I loved this style and without this watch I wouldn't have dove this deep into the hobby.

In terms of the watch itself, the movement is definitely the star of the show. This watch has a NH35 movement which I'm sure many of you are familiar with. I liked that this watch has a solid and reliable Seiko movement and was probably my favorite element of this watch. Moving on to design, there's not much to say, I liked the design, then learned it was because its almost a 1:1 of a Rolex Sub, so it is a homage. The dial is fine, a sub look alike with the Invicta logo which I don't have an opinion on either way. On the other hand, I really don't like how within the indices, the lume makes this always show up greenish, in my opinion it is ugly. The crystal is just mineral crystal, which is perfect for this budget minded watch. The bracelet is nothing to be excited about and feels very cheap, hollow end links, pressed clasp, however it does have 4 points of micro adjust.

Today, as my collection has both grown and improved, I still have my original Invicta Pro Diver, not because of any sentimental value, but it is now reserved as my beater, and is now on a Nato. I just wore this watch on excursions on a Cruise to the Caribbean and it was perfect for the job. This watch has served as my introduction to watches and now other elements with nato straps. 

Overall I have a love hate relationship with this watch. I truly enjoy this watch for me in terms of what this has done for me and what I currently use it for. On the other hand, I don't like that it is a straight up Sub homage, pushing clone territory, or the other elements such as the bracelet, but corners had to be cut in order to meet the attractive price tag.

Would I recommend this watch? I think that it is more complicated. For someone who is looking for a watch on a tight budget, I think it is a pretty decent option, however there are definitely comparable or better out there. For someone who enjoys watches as a hobby, the answer is an easy no. This watch kickstarted my collection, which has watches I would recommend over this any day.

Stay tuned for more reviews coming!!!