Invicta Pro Diver Model No. 38783 REVIEW
INVICTA
Men's Specialty Dive Watch (Pro Diver)
Ref No. 38783
Case: 51.5mm
Thickness: 15.9mm (15.875mm rounded up)
Lug Width: 31mm
Lug-To-Lug: 62mm
Crown: Screw-Down
Movement: TMI PC32 (Japanese Quartz)
Water Resist: 500 Meters (50 ATM)
Case: Stainless Steel
Bezel: Stainless Steel w/ Aluminum Trim
Strap: Silicone w/ Stainless Steel Bars
Complication: Date Window w/ Cyclops Magnifier
Vib: 32,768 Hz
Battery Type: SR626SW (377)
Crystal: Coated Mineral Glass ("Flame Fusion.")
Invicta is a brand that people seem to either love, or hate; there is seemingly no middle ground between the two extremes. I am one of those people that love Invicta, although I do have a few caveats to that opinion:
1. Invicta means "Invincible." The Invicta motto is "Invincible in Detail." --- Their watches live up to this motto except in one, crucial area: they use mineral glass for their watch crystals, which is then coated with a proprietary chemical process (they call it "Flame Fusion"); I wish they would dump that idea, and put actual sapphire into their watches. Then they would TRULY live up to their motto.
2. I wish that they would abandon all of the "collaborations" with brands like Disney, Marvel, and the various sports teams. I've really never seen a collab watch that matches the cool, clean, elegant lines of a serious watch. No matter how "cool" that Darth Vader watch looks, the classic lines of a traditional dive watch will rise to the top every time, in terms of long-lasting, aesthetic appeal. While there might be "collectible value" to such branded watches, it has been my experience that such items are disappointments when it comes to actual, realized, long-term value, because of the narrow area of appeal, and widespread availability. Invicta should just focus on making solid, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing watches.
These are my two, chief complaints about Invicta. Here are some of the more common complaints that I hear other people making about Invicta:
1. Their watches are gaudy / tacky looking.
My response: They have hundreds of watch styles, to fit all tastes and senses of fashion. Just choose a design that you like, and ignore the rest. Problem solved.
2. Their watches are too big and chunky.
My response: Again, they have a full range of watch sizes. Pick one of the smaller ones. Problem solved.
3. Their movements are junk.
My response: Invicta does not make their own, in-house movements. Thus, they must source them via a third party manufacturer. They typically choose inexpensive, yet reliable, "workhorse" movements, whether they be Chinese, Japanese, or Swiss in origin (most often, Japanese); i.e., the movements they typically use are "no frills," basic movements, but that doesn't mean they're junk. Is it possible to get a "lemon" occasionally? Yes, of course. But largely, Invicta uses movements that have good reputations, and a proven track record, e.g., NH35A, PC32, etc.
Review:
Having said all of this, here is my take on the Model 38783:
It's big, it's heavy, it's chunky, and I love it! My bigger-than-average wrist size (8 inches) allows me the freedom of wearing any size watch that I want to, including this monster of a dive watch! It feels good on my wrist, and it gives its wearer a sense of power, a sense of boldness. It's definitely an attention-getter! The fit and finish are top-notch.
The movement is the venerable TMI PC32, an established, no-frills, workhorse movement, a fine and shining example of precision, Japanese engineering. No complaints in this department. It is extremely accurate, and reliable.
It has a screw down crown, and is water resistant to 500 meters (50 atmospheres.) Suitable for any and all waterborne activities. Especially considering that most people (myself included) don't scuba dive, and usually swim in less than 30 feet of water. (I personally usually swim in 6-15 feet of water, because most of my swimming is done in pools, rather than the ocean.)
This is a great watch! Especially at the price point of $49.90 + tax and shipping. (I also bought the extended warranty for an extra 5 bucks. Total cost: $73.90.) If the size scares you, or doesn't wear well, Invicta has quite a few Pro Diver models in the 38-42mm range.
Cheers! 🍷
Invicta Pro Diver Model No. 38783 REVIEW
Yes
No
- Wearability; feels great on my wrist!
- Affordable; a solid watch at a reasonable price.
- Water resistance of 500 meters! Wow! 🤩
- The crystal should be sapphire.
- Not really a negative attribute, but I'd love to see an automatic (NH35A) version of this watch!
- The dial has ridges; when these ridges catch the light, it makes it a little harder to read. But it's not that big of a deal.
Call me Chris! Faithful Christian / Devoted & Loving Husband / Proud Father / Scholarly Librarian / Avid Antiquarian Book Collector / Registered Armiger / Certified D&D Nerd / Watch & Clock Collector.
Big watches are one thing, but a 31mm lug width and a L-L of 62 mm is" WTAF?" big. And I own some Invictas.
Big watches are one thing, but a 31mm lug width and a L-L of 62 mm is" WTAF?" big. And I own some Invictas.
I wondered about it, as well, but as soon as it arrived in the mail, and I put it on, I was hooked. Despite its fearsome measurements, it wears quite comfortably, at least in my opinion. 😀
Its the picture of overkill and underachievement at the same time. Far to big for the average guy and missing the best parts they should have put into it. Too much water resistance and a cheap quartz movement. At least they left off the usual Rolex Mercedes hands. All that matters is that you like it.
For me personally a watch that size would be like wearing a wall clock on my wrist, but I really like the overall design. I agree with you on their collaboration ranges, and I definitely would include the "Art" range in that ( I couldn't ever conceive of wearing a 50mm skull on my wrist! ) where Invicta get it 100% correct in my opinion is the pro diver range however, I did purchase one of their dressier watches a while ago which had an unnamed Chinese movement in it and it arrived not working.
Big watches are one thing, but a 31mm lug width and a L-L of 62 mm is" WTAF?" big. And I own some Invictas.
For me personally a watch that size would be like wearing a wall clock on my wrist, but I really like the overall design. I agree with you on their collaboration ranges, and I definitely would include the "Art" range in that ( I couldn't ever conceive of wearing a 50mm skull on my wrist! ) where Invicta get it 100% correct in my opinion is the pro diver range however, I did purchase one of their dressier watches a while ago which had an unnamed Chinese movement in it and it arrived not working.
Do you have a reference number for the dressy watch with the unnamed movement?
Do you have a reference number for the dressy watch with the unnamed movement?
https://www.invictastores.eu/nl/heren/horloges-onder-EUR100/invicta-specialty-23537-mechanisch-herenhorloge-42mm/
https://www.invictastores.eu/nl/heren/horloges-onder-EUR100/invicta-specialty-23537-mechanisch-herenhorloge-42mm/
I found it. It has a Chinese movement (Caliber JSD-006SY, 20-Jewel movement.) Most of the movements in skeleton watches are Chinese. While being made in China seems to carry a stigma of being cheap, and having low QC, I do know that the Seagull (ST-xx) movements are well-thought-of.
That being said, I stand corrected. I have never heard of this movement before, and arriving in non-working condition doesn't bode well. Did you get them to replace it? Or did you have it repaired? Just curious.
I found it. It has a Chinese movement (Caliber JSD-006SY, 20-Jewel movement.) Most of the movements in skeleton watches are Chinese. While being made in China seems to carry a stigma of being cheap, and having low QC, I do know that the Seagull (ST-xx) movements are well-thought-of.
That being said, I stand corrected. I have never heard of this movement before, and arriving in non-working condition doesn't bode well. Did you get them to replace it? Or did you have it repaired? Just curious.
I sent it back to Invicta EU asking for it to be repaired. They just gave me a refund. I guess that was the more cost effective option for them as the watch was shipped from the US
I sent it back to Invicta EU asking for it to be repaired. They just gave me a refund. I guess that was the more cost effective option for them as the watch was shipped from the US
I guess I need to buy one of those skeleton watches, with that particular movement in it, and see for myself what the deal is 😎 Then I can write a review on it! 🤣 I suspect, despite being a Chinese movement, with 20 jewels, it should be very adjustable / serviceable by a competent jeweler to run really smooth.
I guess I need to buy one of those skeleton watches, with that particular movement in it, and see for myself what the deal is 😎 Then I can write a review on it! 🤣 I suspect, despite being a Chinese movement, with 20 jewels, it should be very adjustable / serviceable by a competent jeweler to run really smooth.
I don't doubt it, but I guess for the business it was a cost too far.
As previously mentioned the Grand pro dive range is really rather good, the spear handset and Seiko auto movement are all great,...it's just that bloody mineral glass!!!
Here's just a few, there are loads of different colours/models
I have the second one (3044.) That is a FANTASTIC watch! 😍
Big watches are one thing, but a 31mm lug width and a L-L of 62 mm is" WTAF?" big. And I own some Invictas.
And a thickness of 19mm? That's the width of a strap!
Great review. Thanks for telling us how much you paid for the watch. I think that Invictas are fine watches when sold at that price point. The problem for many arises when Invicta prices are stupid high in one store and priced inexpensive online.
I have 2 Invicta watches and enjoy them both. Enjoy yours in good health.
And a thickness of 19mm? That's the width of a strap!
You know what? That sounded off to me, too, so I double-checked it. I measured correctly (10/16 of an inch) but made a math error on the conversion. Thickness should be 15.875mm, not 19. My bad. I will correct it in the post. 👍
Thank you for your review.
That's a unique diver, I love the design of it! Their divers are nothing to sneeze at - very solid watches with robust movements - and the prices are extremely affordable. It's way too big for my wrist though, I'm not a big guy, just 5' 10" (178cm) with barely a 7" wrist. I've found that the Grand Diver is the biggest I can wear.
I hear a lot of complaining about the crystal being mineral glass but their Flame-Fusion crystals are indeed harder - on par with Seiko's Hardlex - but certainly short of sapphire. Keep in mind though that adding sapphire would increase the price. Most of my watches are NOT sapphire and they're fine. I do take care of my watches, however, even my "beaters."
I agree about the silly collaborations Invicta does but apparently people buy that stuff. I'm not surprised, since tastes vary so much. Hey, capitalism. 💸
Thanks for posting this very interesting watch with a cool design and great WR! 👍
That's a unique diver, I love the design of it! Their divers are nothing to sneeze at - very solid watches with robust movements - and the prices are extremely affordable. It's way too big for my wrist though, I'm not a big guy, just 5' 10" (178cm) with barely a 7" wrist. I've found that the Grand Diver is the biggest I can wear.
I hear a lot of complaining about the crystal being mineral glass but their Flame-Fusion crystals are indeed harder - on par with Seiko's Hardlex - but certainly short of sapphire. Keep in mind though that adding sapphire would increase the price. Most of my watches are NOT sapphire and they're fine. I do take care of my watches, however, even my "beaters."
I agree about the silly collaborations Invicta does but apparently people buy that stuff. I'm not surprised, since tastes vary so much. Hey, capitalism. 💸
Thanks for posting this very interesting watch with a cool design and great WR! 👍
I feel the same way; I baby all of my watches, even the beaters, so not having sapphire is not a deal-breaker for me; however, if the base cost of this watch doubled (49.90 to 99.80) because of the inclusion of a sapphire crystal, I wouldn't bat an eye.
And I know there have been "special edition" Invictas that DID have sapphire crystals in them, along with Swiss movements. So they've got the means to do it.
My question (to Invicta) is: why not offer options? Let the user configure what they want? Do you want the Flame Fusion crystal, or the sapphire crystal? Etc.
I feel the same way; I baby all of my watches, even the beaters, so not having sapphire is not a deal-breaker for me; however, if the base cost of this watch doubled (49.90 to 99.80) because of the inclusion of a sapphire crystal, I wouldn't bat an eye.
And I know there have been "special edition" Invictas that DID have sapphire crystals in them, along with Swiss movements. So they've got the means to do it.
My question (to Invicta) is: why not offer options? Let the user configure what they want? Do you want the Flame Fusion crystal, or the sapphire crystal? Etc.
Well yeah, you have a point there. Agreed.
Very solid post brother. Invicta has as many pieces I totally like (and would wear) as they do gaudy ugly Iranian looking pieces that I wouldn't have in my home. But this is an unbiased and honest post. Slightly tempted to go buy one of these Aquaracer homages now.
Very solid post brother. Invicta has as many pieces I totally like (and would wear) as they do gaudy ugly Iranian looking pieces that I wouldn't have in my home. But this is an unbiased and honest post. Slightly tempted to go buy one of these Aquaracer homages now.
Looks like the price has changed recently (+10.00); I wonder if their pricing is affected by how many they sell?
https://invictastores.com/invicta-specialty-men-s-watch-51-5mm-black-steel-38783?srsltid=AfAwrE7vH9iUmPzUK5kSUYRney9y11TaguRuwKHU8spTAs59H92yXJkZYZU
If I had a bigger wrist I would have 3 or more Invictas in the collection. I got 2 simple 40mm divers. Overall I'm happy with them. That one is a nice one you got there.
Invicta do get a lot of grief and rightly so for some of their "extravagant" models but the pro and grand diver range is simply a great line of affordable, reliable, smart and proper diving watches I like them.