Invicta Hydromax Review
I have a real treat for all of you Invicta fans out there – a review of the Hydromax, Model 16964, a simply MASSIVE homage watch. Let’s dig in.
Caliber: (Swiss) Ronda 515.24H (-10/+20/d)
Case size: 52mm, stainless steel
Thickness: 29.5mm
Lug-to-lug: 65mm
Lug width: 24mm
Bracelet: 24mm with milled clasp and dive suit quick adjuster, stainless steel
Crystal: Flame-Fusion (coated mineral), 4mm thick from bezel to top, so what, 6mm? 8mm total? Don't know, but it's pro-level thick.
Overall Weight: 370g (323g with 5 links removed, 7” wrist)
Water Resistance: 1000m (3300 ft)
Accoutrements: Date, GMT, Rotating uni-directional bezel, Screw-down crown, RapidRatchBuckle (the dive suit adj.)
I purchased this Hydromax because I thought it looked interesting and the price was excellent. In fact, I bought two of them, the one in this review came from Walmart.com, with a sale price of $83.94 to the door. The other one, Model 37128 with a blue dial and silver bezel:
...was from Invictastores.com and cost $83.09 to the door. At this writing, it’s still at that price ($69 + shipping).
This is an homage watch of the Rolex Deep Sea Challenge watch that accompanied James Cameron to the depths of the Mariana Trench (36,201 ft./11034m). The Rolex was strapped to an arm of the submersible and survived. It’s an interesting story and a testament to Rolex quality. Here's what the Rolex looks like:
The Invicta is MASSIVE, like the size of a small cat. Well, not really but it seems like it on the wrist. To wear this well, you have to be a BIG PERSON with at least an 8” wrist, in my estimation – a big watch for big bones. You can see how it compares to a 147g, 43mm Invicta Pro Diver. Look at how the crystal extends above the bezel. THAT is some thick glass. ($60 to replace it!):
The finishes are excellent under a 12x lens. Check out the print and hour markers:
Gas relief valve:
Etching on the buckle:
Milled clasp with more etching:
More general images:
Pressure tests done to other watches show that the case back will collapse under extreme pressure, usually stopping the works before the crystal shatters. I've never seen this watch tested but it does seem to have a stout back to go with the 4mm thick Flame-Fusion crystal. I have yet to unscrew and examine it. The movement is a Ronda quartz and I would imagine that there's plenty of room within the case to handle some collapse of the case back under pressure prior to stopping the works. The accuracy is not an issue.
And the lume shot. This was done with my Pixel 3 using Night Sight, so it exaggerated the brightness. In real life, one won't see the numbers lit up like this. There's no 12 lume but you can see the pip at 12:
In summary, I love the watch more as a conversation piece than a serious dive watch or something I'd wear often. I'm sure under water the weight is a non-issue but I imagine divers would prefer something less obtrusive. It would be a fun watch to wear on occasion only, because it's just...so...darn...big for the average person. I'm astounded at the quality of this piece given the low cost.
Star Rating Explanation:
Quality: 5, it really looks great, even the details. Bezel moves easily and everything lines up. Extremely stout.
Dial: 4, again, excellent finishes + GMT feature is cool. Hands line up. I don't expect the lume to be very good over time.
Movement: 4, Swiss quartz accuracy, perfect for this application. If it had some super-quartz movement, I'd give 5 stars.
Wearability: 1, ridiculous for the average person!
Design: 5, it looks the part, pays tribute to the Rolex and has an excellent, easy-to-use dive suit adjustment.
Do I recommend?
I recommend the watch because of the price and it would be a fun conversation piece in a collection - few have seen or held one I would imagine. Or if you're a big person and can handle a watch this size.
Invicta Hydromax Review
Yes
No
- Excellent finishes
- Most likely extremely water resistant
- Strong bracelet with dive suit adjustment
- GMT feature is a welcome addition
- Excellent conversation piece for a collection
- Inexpensive
- Massive size and weight
- Gravity on the watch will pull your wrist meat around
~Father ~Christian ~Husband ~Gearhead ~Fisherman ~Ailurophile ~Woodworker ~Gun Collector ~Photographer ~Watch Collector ~Caribbean Traveler & Beachgoer ~IT Professional: MS-ISM, BA-COMM, SOC
I feel like a 1000m watch for less than $100 begs the question, why are we even bragging about WR anymore? While I give Rolex credit for sending their gigantic watch to the actual boom of the ocean, I still want to point and laugh. Like what are they even doing anymore? It’s not even that I can get a watch that can do the same for less, it’s that I can get it for $80!
The voice in my head:
Outwardly, me:
I feel like a 1000m watch for less than $100 begs the question, why are we even bragging about WR anymore? While I give Rolex credit for sending their gigantic watch to the actual boom of the ocean, I still want to point and laugh. Like what are they even doing anymore? It’s not even that I can get a watch that can do the same for less, it’s that I can get it for $80!
To be fair, the Rolex is rated for 39,370 feet, versus 3,300 feet for the Invicta. But yeah, at this point, what's the point, right?
The Russian guy with his wife on YouTube doing the watch pressure tests have shown that watches generally perform better than their rating, often WAY better, to the point of saying, "NO WAY!" Even a "lowly" Invicta Pro Diver is rated to 660 ft. - like most other dive watches - and who's going to go there but the most extreme, qualified professionals. The average diver won't exceed probably 100 ft!
So yeah, what's the point? Maybe to just show the quality of the build? At $80, it's a cheap novelty addition to a collection.
They make a far smaller around 39mm gmt with that same movement also. That thing is a dinner plate with hands.....wow At the very least its a conversation piece.
Thanks for sharing! I think it looks pretty great except for the baffling logo and the terrible second-hand.
I live in South Texas where every dude has a gaudy G-Shock, Diesel, or Invicta. This would be a tasteful, understated, and enthusiast-only piece around here!
Tbh, I don’t know what we idiots are paying for anymore. The Swiss are incredible salesmen!
The Rolex nobody asked for or wanted
Thanks for sharing! I think it looks pretty great except for the baffling logo and the terrible second-hand.
I live in South Texas where every dude has a gaudy G-Shock, Diesel, or Invicta. This would be a tasteful, understated, and enthusiast-only piece around here!
Tbh, I don’t know what we idiots are paying for anymore. The Swiss are incredible salesmen!
Everything's bigger in Texas! Love that state! Might even retire there on the coast.
As I took the pictures for the review, I tried to figure out what that logo was all about and I couldn't figure it out. It's a skull with some sort of winged hat...very odd. Not my style either.
The Rolex nobody asked for or wanted
My guess is that Rolex wanted to prove that their engineering department still had the rugged chops it had back when they were considered less of a luxury brand and more of a tough watch brand that could go anywhere and take a punch. This stunt with James Cameron probably helped sales of their Sea Dweller line. I'd love to have the insider info on why and how they were able to go so deep.
Maybe a few beers (or more) into an Invicta Cruise, I might consider such a fine timepiece.
I bought one a few weeks ago because the price was right and the thing is so absurdly huge. Sometimes you just have to go for the fun factor.
All these water depths are silly anyway because we are all desk divers 😂😂😂 But if your watch can go as far as atlantis well then why not.
I am honestly really thankful for this review. Most reviewers out there review popular watches to bring in the ad revenue, but you took the initiative to write a review for a watch that most people won't want due to the size! And not only that, but your review is excellent!
I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a watch this big, but to someone much much larger than me, I could see it as a viable option. The only big letdown for me is the mineral crystal. Extruding it that much just makes it prone to shattering!
Thank you again for the write-up!
I am honestly really thankful for this review. Most reviewers out there review popular watches to bring in the ad revenue, but you took the initiative to write a review for a watch that most people won't want due to the size! And not only that, but your review is excellent!
I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a watch this big, but to someone much much larger than me, I could see it as a viable option. The only big letdown for me is the mineral crystal. Extruding it that much just makes it prone to shattering!
Thank you again for the write-up!
Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it.
I can definitely see this watch on the wrist of a bodybuilder or otherwise large person, and it would look very appropriate.
As far as the crystal, I assume it's some sort of silicon dioxide formula - meaning they added something to toughen it up, like a borosilicate glass - with an additional scratch-resistant coating on top. At 4mm thick...that seems pretty tough to me and when you see it and feel it, any thoughts of it shattering fades. But then again, I'm not a chemist or materials engineer.
Thanks again for your thoughtful reply. 🍻
Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it.
I can definitely see this watch on the wrist of a bodybuilder or otherwise large person, and it would look very appropriate.
As far as the crystal, I assume it's some sort of silicon dioxide formula - meaning they added something to toughen it up, like a borosilicate glass - with an additional scratch-resistant coating on top. At 4mm thick...that seems pretty tough to me and when you see it and feel it, any thoughts of it shattering fades. But then again, I'm not a chemist or materials engineer.
Thanks again for your thoughtful reply. 🍻
For sure! I think I am just scarred from the time I chipped a mineral bezel insert on a Seiko.
No more mineral crystal for me after that! (except for the Casio duro I guess)
Oh, me like.....hahahaI have 2 of those giants........but it's not the biggest watch i got! Keep it up i like the foto's. Did you know there are automatic Hydro's aswell!
But for those prices it wish i lived in the States aswell.
Oh, me like.....hahahaI have 2 of those giants........but it's not the biggest watch i got! Keep it up i like the foto's. Did you know there are automatic Hydro's aswell!
But for those prices it wish i lived in the States aswell.
@Linni_1 You know it's interesting you say that about the automatic Hydromax, because it got me thinking about the differences I found the other day when I was looking at both of mine, and the rose gold one in the review has a very stout, domed case back and the blue one has has a plain flat case back. Both are quartz. But look at the differences:
Not only that, the crystals are different as well, the rose gold one is much thicker:
Both are rated to 1000m.
???
Indeed.....I checked mine Hydro's......both the same.
Crystals are the same!
Srcewdown backplate...also the same.
Just a fraction of al the Invicta's hahaha
But i can ask a m8 of mine, he sold Invicta's for a living a few years ago here in the Netherlands. Perhaps he knows why there is a differense.
I see him next Saturday, ....For gaming...............
.......................we still love to shoot the hell out of Call Of Duty.....kids in there 50's
But we lose big time of his son, even though we play for years now.
@Linni_1 You know it's interesting you say that about the automatic Hydromax, because it got me thinking about the differences I found the other day when I was looking at both of mine, and the rose gold one in the review has a very stout, domed case back and the blue one has has a plain flat case back. Both are quartz. But look at the differences:
Not only that, the crystals are different as well, the rose gold one is much thicker:
Both are rated to 1000m.
???
Oke i'm awake after a looooong night of Call of Duty
And i asked my buddy about the difference. And he told me that the Hydromax was originaly with the domed case back and the raised crystals! After a while they (Invicta) came with the idea of flatten the case back en lower the crystal.......but people did not seem to like that and they changed it back. So or you have a early one with domed case back, or it is from after the "flat"periode! hahahahahaha
In short. You have one that people like, and one they don't like. Kidding!
Oke i'm awake after a looooong night of Call of Duty
And i asked my buddy about the difference. And he told me that the Hydromax was originaly with the domed case back and the raised crystals! After a while they (Invicta) came with the idea of flatten the case back en lower the crystal.......but people did not seem to like that and they changed it back. So or you have a early one with domed case back, or it is from after the "flat"periode! hahahahahaha
In short. You have one that people like, and one they don't like. Kidding!
Too funny! Now I can tell the story and have an example of each! Thanks for checking with your friend! 🍻
I just want to show you what's inside this MASSIVE watch...and remember i have 2 myself!
Don't laugh...........
I think we're going down a little bit in prestige.
I just want to show you what's inside this MASSIVE watch...and remember i have 2 myself!
Don't laugh...........
I think we're going down a little bit in prestige.
Looks like the Swiss Ronda....I see a fairly substantial o-ring too, that's good. That cavity is massive!
It's actually good that it's such a small movement. Pressure from the case back typically squishes the movement and if it's a thicker mechanical movement, the case back would come into play earlier as it compressed. This thin movement would minimize the effect of case back collapse.
I almost feel like sending that Russian couple on YouTube one of these to test in their pressure chamber.
Hello Eric,
According to your post the thickness of the crystal for Invicta Hydromax watch is 4 mm. Is it true? I thought its thicker than 4 mm.
Hello Eric,
According to your post the thickness of the crystal for Invicta Hydromax watch is 4 mm. Is it true? I thought its thicker than 4 mm.
You are correct. I just measured and from the bezel to the top is 4mm, indicating an overall thickness greater than that. I can't tell where the bottom of the crystal starts. Some models have the crystal that extends high; others don't. Examples are in this thread.
How thick do you think it is? Replacement crystals don't indicate.
I think the total thickness is at least 8 mm. But that's just my feeling.
I previously tried to contact Invicta technical support, but they answered me that they did not know the exact thickness, which is very strange since you already indicated above, they sell spare parts, including crystals.
By the way, I forgot to thank you for the excellent review of not ordinary watches.
Outstanding! Great to see a review of a different watch (if I see another Tudor review I'm going to eat my arm). Maybe the best value watch by the gram?
Outstanding! Great to see a review of a different watch (if I see another Tudor review I'm going to eat my arm). Maybe the best value watch by the gram?
Yes, by the gram ONLY, lol. It's a beast, but a fun watch if you can wear it. I'd put it up against that Russian couple's pressure chamber on YouTube, no problem. That'd be fun to see. And thanks for your kind comment. 🍻
Sorry been a busy Monday!!! Love it!!! Pure class. I love the two tone. Is it gold?
Sorry been a busy Monday!!! Love it!!! Pure class. I love the two tone. Is it gold?
It is not, but I wish it was!
Good morning! I love this review! I stumbled across the review this morning while trying to determine if the band had screws or pins for adjustment. Pins it turned out to be. Regardless, I have the precise rose gold bezel model with the super phat glass that you have! I CANNOT explain why, but I LOVE this watch! It is SO unabashedly THICK but the finish is just sublime! I love the twisty at the base of the second hand as well. (there is probs a proper name for that but I have no idea what it might be, lol) It's quite silly. But I smile every time I put this thing on my wrist. And I'm a smile chasing fella!!! Anyway, I also love the comments and the comparisons and learning about how Invicta went back on forth on the crystal thickness and depth. I'm so glad I got the PHATTY! Finally, your review, with pictures, was VERY thorough! Thanks so much for your generosity of time AND for just sharing an honest perspective on a watch that is so fun to own but many people might dismiss as over the top. I'm not gonna go around town bragging about how cool it is. I'm not gonna put it in my will for my grandkids or anything. But, dang, this watch is just wicked FUN!! Thanks again and take care!