9 Reasons The Invicta Pro Diver Is STILL The Best Automatic Watch Under $100 in 2022
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Today I revisit a watch I purchased many years ago and forgot I had. To my shock and surprise, the price of this watch has hardly changed, despite the many great and respected entry level options from other brands that have most often doubled in price in the same time period. This means that today, in 2022, the Invicta Pro Diver is now the best automatic watch under $100. In this video I share 9 reasons this Invicta is still the best option for an automatic dive watch in this price range, and why it's such a compelling entry-level choice for newcomers to the watch collecting hobby and those looking for an affordable watch on a tight budget.
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Excellent analysis and a nice to see a fresh, positive look at the Pro Diver. Not my cup of tea but I know many people that enjoy and collect them.
Not your cup of tea but still open minded and respectful, now that is pure class.
Thank you Chris,
Best regards,
TGV
We need more people like Chris in our hobby 👍
Collect? It's a watch for water sports that you can use without concern. Best value you can find!
@@theurbangentry may I suggest you try a San Martin?
Please do not buy invicta watches, please. Unless you plan on wearing them forever, even then they are HUGE watches, pepsi cans on the wrist. They have no respect and sell out on info commercials acting like they are saving people money when in reality they are ripping people off. Not hating these are all facts.
Did I step into the right channel? Invicta diver coverage? Seriously, thanks for looking out for the more budget minded watch enthusiasts as well.
Haha thank you John, glad to hear that. Anything that get people into this hobby will ALWAYS be included.
Best regards,
TGV
"Recession, it does a hobby good!" - Jimmy Carter, 1978
Thank you TGV I’ve spent all day desrcbing eBay for an affordable Hamilton Kahlki in good condition as I’ve had a stroke & can’t work at present bht my love of watches is a constant itch ! So all I needed to do was go to Amazon ! & look for one of these !! Affordable at last , thank you from the UK 🇬🇧. Love the channel friends just don’t get it, I’m amsk thanks to you hunting for my flighty, wonderful looking forward to
more Danny H , London uk
While TGV does Cover luxury watches as well, affordable watches have always been a part of his roaster. 🙂
Thought I was dreaming when this popped into my UA-cam suggested videos. I sold mine, hated the band, and took a decent loss. Glad to see you are not following the herd though.
I own this watch along with over 30 others including Rolex, Tag, Omega, and Seiko. The Invicta Pro Diver will always find some wrist time, especially when I'm seeing friends or family and I don't want show off. It's a really simple good looking watch that I don't have to worry about.
My favorite Invicta review ever. I've been a fan of these watches for years and I own several. They're fun and rugged tool watches that have never let me down. I work in IT and I spend a lot of time at my desk, but often I'm under a desk or behind a server rack. Lots of opportunities to bang my watch around. The look good, feel comfortable, and they're tough enough to withstand an accidental smack into a wall. I always laugh at the vitriol spewed toward these watches, because I'm one of thousands (maybe millions) of people who know just how good they are. Thanks for another great video.
This is just one of several reasons why I enjoy your channel so much! There isn’t a watch brand, watch topic, or price segment of the watch industry that you are unwilling to cover. I thoroughly enjoy the more expensive and luxury watches but in reality, these are beyond my reach financially. A heartfelt thank you to you for covering so many watches on the affordable end of the spectrum. I have purchased 4 different Casio watches and a Marathon watch as a direct result of your videos about them and couldn’t be happier with them. Your reviews and critiques are always on point and they really do matter! I have a very modest watch collection but you have have influenced well over half of my purchases. Thank you for everything you do!
I owe my horological journey to the Pro Diver. It's a great introduction to the hobby. Invicta have been making this model since the 90's and is still their best seller. I believe the public have spoken to it's value and durability. Great vid.
Yes same here it will always have a soft spot in my heart
I paid $56 for my "Bluesy" Pro Diver Automatic at the end of 2021. That is an insane value for the price, especially with an NH35 movement.
For the price, I had to try one, and after I ditched the bracelet for a NATO setup, it’s become my “beater” watch. Even after I obtained my personal “grail” watch, the Pro Diver remains in my everyday rotation. Ideal for travel, both because of its ruggedness, water resistance, and ability to dress up and down, and because its price doesn’t make me fear damaging or losing it. Also, its design and proportions make it wear unusually well for me left-handed on the right wrist, which is my preference.
Agreed! I am a mechanic & have beat the hell out of my my pro diver for years & it remains accurate & still looks great.
Shout out to the fellow right wrister in the room.
I got one of these as a gift for my father-in-law. He always says he’s into watches, but he had never owned a mechanical watch (as he’s a little bit beyond frugal). He was shocked that I could afford an automatic watch as a gift. Needless to say, he fell in love with it.
Clearly not a fake. Its Invicta branded on the dial, case, and the bracelet. My Invicta is my everyday and events watch. Looks great and keeps great time, at +7 second/day. (Amazon $64). Why pay more for an automatic?
I bought my pro-diver a number of years ago as I wanted a very affordable beach holiday mechanical watch. Years later it's been on a number of holidays, been in the sea and a swimming pool and never missed a beat. I personally like the added bits that distinguish it from the Sub. So it was a good choice for me, and whilst my dive watch collection has grown, it will always be high up on my choice for holidays etc. As always fantastic video sir 👍
I love that idea of a "beach holiday" beater kinda watch. Well put my friend. As always, thank you for the support and comment.
O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
Exactly what I bought mine as - but has turned into the around the house beater. Don't have to care if I scrape the side of the engine bay or if it gets covered in dirt. Mine did come with an almost comically loose bezel tho so I'm guessing that is hit or miss
Exactly. I use mine when traveling for work to other countries. It's a reliable beater tool watch that I absolutely love. If I were to get robbed or it's confiscated for some reason or another, I will simply replace it at a reasonable cost. Couldn't say the same thing if I took my Sub and it was stolen. I wouldn't be able to replace it for a very long while. So for me, these invicta watches serve their purpose well and I enjoy them while traveling. I have yet to receive a negative comment on my pro diver or pro diver titanium.
Yep, as a holiday watch it ticks all the boxes!
I have had my Invicta Pro Diver for 15 plus years and frequently get compliments when Im wearing it. Although I own several watches, this is my goto watch. I actually own 3 of the Pro Divers and just ordered another one with the Pepsi dial. The NH35A movement is excellent and I have never had any problems with any of my Pro Divers, they are durable, consistent runners.
Do i have to service them often, because i am in india and here there is no Invicta centres and generally hard to find private mechanical services
Too many people are quick to judge a product without giving it due consideration. And I admit, I found myself influenced by this mentality and totally overlooked what brands such as Invicta have to offer. TGV's approach to watches is so refreshing and is honestly what the online watch community needs more of.
Interesting second look! Agree that Seiko have priced themselves out of the entry level. But I think Casio does a better job with the Edifice, quartz not withstanding. Some great chronographs and divers in that line-up.
Edifice is a different kind of look and I wouldn't consider them a banger. You can wear Invicta all the time from fancy restaurants to building your tool shed.
My Pro Diver had been with me through winery cellar crush in two wineries over the past two harvests. It's an awesome watch and I use the bezel to time pump overs and inoculations to start fermentations. Fantastic piece and absolutely bomb proof. It is a solid machine and one that I wear very often. Great job Invicta and thank you for calling some great attention to this piece!
My 1st watch was an Invicta. It is what brought me into the hobby. At one point i owned 9 of them because I never had a negative experience with them. I actually dropped my diver chronograph at the time from a two story escalator and the thing didn't even have a scratch on it. I was amazed. They're good watches. I hate that people like to give them such a hard time, but they have always looked out for the newbies to the hobby regarding price and creativity. I love their collaborations with marvel and star wars because that's what it means to inspire the younger generation to get into the hobby. I don't wanna see a luxury brand charge six figures for a super hero themed watch( yeah I'm looking at you AP) that a kid can never afford, I much rather have Invicta, citizen or other brand do that. They're great value for the money that you pay, always have been.
I started out with a quartz Pro Diver. I enjoyed it, while I had it, and it encouraged me to move up the watch ladder.
I've had my Pro Diver for nearly 2 years and never misses a beat. It ended up being the watch I wear the most.
The two-tone blue and gold variation of this watch was my first automatic timepiece five years ago. It started my admiration for watches, and now, while I own some much nicer pieces, such as a Speedmaster Professional and a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto, this Invicta still has a place in my heart. Thank you for the wonderful in-depth coverage TGV. I greatly appreciate it.
I’ve not jumped quiet that far. But I still love my Pro Divers, even with the additions of a Phoibos Wavemaster and Bulova Lunar Pilot to my collection
I bought my Invicta Pro Diver over two years ago. I have battered it and abused it almost every day since and it hasn't missed a beat. Still completely waterproof too. Awesome value for money, oh and I like the engraving on the case. I nearly forgot to add; another informative and entertaining video.
I did a re-buy on the Invicta Pro Diver and I've got to say: WOW. Feels great on the wrist. Accuracy is much better than the specs would suggest with the Seiko NH35A movement. Power reserve was slightly over advertised (I think I hit almost 50 hours). It's great - only thing I wish they'd change is the 'Invicta' branding on the side of the watch - I think it's fine having Invicta on the dial but not on the side of the watch. Cheers TGV!
Then get the 1953 model that doesn’t have it.
I hate that I can no longer "blanket hate" on Invicta after watching this presentation. Thanks again for being a voice of reason in a hobby that tends to snob coddle!
Just put mine back on today! 6 years and still kicking! My first automatic and I will never let it go!
Do i have to service them often, because i am in india and here there is no Invicta centres and generally hard to find private mechanical services
50% failure rate within 6 months, buy from good deal that takes returns. Usually tell right out the box of issues. For the price, I buy on black friday and enjoy for a year or two and get money out of it.
Excellent advice, thank you Chris,
Best regards,
TGV
I received my Pro Diver for Father's Day this year. On top of it being the best quality automatic watch for under $100 available (really not a lot of room for debate on that point), it's a pretty good looking timepiece that sits at a pleasing 40mm diameter, a welcome change from the rampant soup plates and belt buckles pervasive in the industry (and indeed in Invicta's own catalogue). And it certainly has attracted attention, at least from the "watch guys" with whom I come into contact at work.
I'm a vehicle mechanic who loves all things mechanical. I was handed down a Oris Chronograph which had alot of sentimental value by my father. But I could not wear this at work for obvious reasons. So a cheap Invicta pro diver was my daily work beater, the strap didn't hold up to well and was soon switched out for a nato strap but that invicta has held up for 5 years under the bonnets and wheel arches of cars in all weather conditions. It certainly dosnt look new but it still holds time perfectly.
I've always had watches as a kid mainly Timex and casio digital's but when I started to properly collect affordable watches during pandemic as a hobby, the Prodiver was my first automatic and dive watch in my collection , I now have over a hundred watches of all types , but like u said the Invicta was defo my gateway drug ....... they owe me so much money , damn hobby , 🤣🤣
One more thing the Prodiver is also the only watch in my whole collection I had to adjust the movement on as it was running to fast, I guess the more the produce the more QC issues
Hello, my name is George. I am a ...........watch whore. I have about fifty watches. But, I NEED more!! 😆😆😆😆😆😆
It is not the best :) I have a lot of experience with Chinese watches that have the same movement, but also have sapphire, ceramic, solid endlinks, mild clasps, crazy good lume and cost even less and are actually built well.. But in terms of how beautiful the watch is, this Invicta is truly stunning looking watch (the scalp bezel version even more so). It was my first shinny, fancy looking watch.. Love it. Looking to buy one once again.
At last someone with some sense! I love my pro diver although I have more expensive watches. You just cannot beat it for the price. Great objective analysis TGV. I would love to see more like them in the affordable spectrum. Stay healthy and keep up the good work. Greetings from Greece…
Thank you my friend, much more to come you will be glad to know.
Best regards,
TGV
I bought this watch in May 2022 after looking at reviews on it, and have been waring it ever since, fantastic watch, and excellent time keeping. Both of my Breitlings have been put away as they both are in need of a service which will be somewhere around £12 to £1400 which I can't afford at the moment, but £80 for this timepiece is well worth it.
Can anyone tell me why I'm seeing yellow on the movement with the nh35 a stamped on it on these reviews and the one I received is stamped NH35a but it's not yellow it's stainless color whats up w that can anyone tell me please
I have two Pro Diver models and several other offerings from Invicta. While most well known manufacturers are moving away from the entry-level segment of the market Invicta seem to be the only one interested in keeping the door open to newcomers to the pursuit. It's good to hear someone attempt to present an even handed look at the brand's merits, strengths and weaknesses. I'd like to see some reintroductions from their back catalog and rich history/intellectual property.
I have an Orient Ray II and I bought it as an everyday “beater” automatic but soon fell in love with it. I wish I would’ve went with the Invicta Pro diver as the beater. My orient is BEAT and the prices on them keep rising
So the Rolex Submariner and Omega Sea Master are five times better than the Invicta, but since these watches are between 30 and 300 times more expensive than the Invicta, the Invicta remains the better deal....
I've only recently started my journey into watch collecting and the Invicta Pro Diver is my first automatic mechanical piece. I watched many reviews (including your own), did my research, ignored the hate and bought one! I love it, changed the bracelet out for a steel mesh strap and for the price I couldn't be more pleased. As you say TGV, wear what makes you happy!
Anyone else think they clicked on the wrong channel?😁
I have the titanium version of the pro diver. It's just a great alrounder to wear. (I don't know if it's real titanium, but I've trapped it, hit it and it's not even taken a dent, took a scratch, but not a dent.)
Invicta prodiver was my first automatic around 10 years ago and it's still going strong. It was definitely a first step into enjoying watches, albeit budget ones, I can't warrant £5000 for a watch even if I could afford it
I own this watch and I wear it daily and love it. This was a great video overall however, my favorite part was at 1:30 in where there was a 7.62mm ammo can behind an Invicta Pro Diver sitting on a Rolex book. 😂 And let’s get the “watch snobs” knickers in a twist! 🤘🏻👍🏻🤘🏻
The Invicta Pro Diver (together with the Urban Gentry channel!) was my personal gateway drug to the wonderful world of horology and watch collecting. ⌚😄
I own one. And at 90 Euro, sporting 200m water resistance, a reliable Japanese automatic movement and a really, really nice finishing and overall feel and quality, it's exactly what I want in an everyday utility watch. And yet it doesn't look cheap. But I am not going to shed a tear over it if it breaks. It does exactly what I expect from a tool for everyday use.
And I would like to remind everyone here that this is exactly what companies like Rolex, Omega et al used to produce their watches for in the era before the quartz crisis and you could buy them at reasonable prices, long before they artificially created the industry of luxury watches. Mind you, the Richard Mille watches are so prole, they look like they come from a chewing gum vending machine. Yet they come with a price tag of 150.000 and up. With a rubber strap. F*** that. I'll fncking pass on that. Enjoy, Kanye.
I own vintage watches, like a 1968 Omega Constellation automatic cal. 564 chronometer, but would I EVER buy a Rolex Submariner for xx thousands of dollars? Certainly not. My 54 year old Constellation still holds the time to +1 seconds per day, still meeting the requirements of a chronometer. In your face, Rolex. Beat that. I am interested in the art of watchmaking and timekeeping, not in the art of being a superficial bimbo showing off.
Another under rated diver is the Steeldive SD1953 on sale right now for ~$100 with a Seiko NH35 movement... (As I duck for cover 😂)
Nice video! I bought one of these about 22 years ago. It's the one before they put the Invicta emblem on the sweep hand. I found it in a drawer last week and gave it a few shakes. It started running and I haven't taken it off since. I get great pleasure looking at it as well as knowing I paid $59 over 20 years ago. A greeat purchase!
Just pulled my Invicta out of the box ...I've had it for a couple years and it is definitely worthy of more wrist time. For summer holiday and time in the water, my citizen pro master has been my "go to " watch...iso certified and still reasonably priced. BTW, I just purchased a new metal wristband for the citizen from Marc at Long Island Watch.
I just got one of his bands for my Citizen diver too!!!!--- Marc Rocks!
You convinced me. Keep an open mind and judge the Invicta ProDiver on its own standalone specs., you will be converted too. I've owned Omega, Fortis, and other Swiss makers. I like my Invicta. Nuff said.
Nico says its trash 🤣
Thank you for being so fair to the invicta pro driver. Well done.
Chap , well done..bravo.
I have worn my Invicta Pro Diver for 11 years. It is amazingly accurate, rugged and comfortable on my wrist. It’s my go to travel watch. I do own 2 Rolex Submariner watches, a GMT and 2 Datejusts…
So, watch snobs beware. Always love your analysis, Mate!
No sir. I owned one of these I’ve taken watches thinking it looked cool and all and the damn thing didn’t last 3 months. What a piece of sh@t. All ivictas are shit. Of course what do you expect to get for $200.00 from China? I brought a Rolex Explorer that year.
Invicta was my first automatic watch that wasn’t a fake watch. Grew up as a teenager and had a fake breitling which I still own but would never wear now as it feels wrong to wear it and not enjoyable as I learnt more and more about the horrors behind the people selling them. My invicta has been many places with me and on countless drinking sessions and it’s still ticking along well after 5 years.
The fact it annoys other people who wear watches of higher quality / higher status if you like shows that really they may not know enough about watches to understand why these cheap and good value watches are so good to wear and own. It’s not about impressing others it about enjoying it and beating it 🙂
What horrors? Are these stories or proof with linked articles with crimes and jail sentences? Please give me a valid reason not to buy a fake watch. I have a $250 fake rolex that is built incredibly better than my $450 tissot prx that people overhyped.
Hi TGV, great content as usual.
Invicta pro diver Swiss movement was my first automatic. I’ve own this watch for over tens years now and never missed a beat.
I put this watch through everything, swimming, contruction u name it.
It’s still part of my rotation.
I wonder if there is an automatic Seamaster Diver copy under 100$ out there and if so, is it as good as this?
I just bought my first Invicta watch. Heck, it's the first watch I've bought for myself as an adult. Thank you for introducing me to the hobby. I never thought it would be something I'd get into. I'm glad to have found a women's watch that isn't delicate or ornate or bejeweled!
15 years ago, a Pro Diver was my first automatic watch, a 2-tone blue dial with “Invicta Certified” diamonds. I’ve worn it in oceans and offices, dinners and drinks. It’s still water resistant and gets more compliments than most of my higher end watches. For
This was actually my first watch that got me into this “watch world”. I don’t use it anymore but I still have it in my drawer. I actually enjoyed wearing it ages ago. Nothing against homage watches. If it makes you happy why not
Yeah, I’m the same. I’ve drooled over the two tone submariner for as long as I can remember. So I bought the Invicta Pro Diver version, has to be more than a decade ago now, because it appeared to be the most blatant copy. That particular watch is at the bottom of a river now. But I replaced it and have 3 other Pro Divers in my collection. I still love the look of them, even with much nicer additions in recent years.
I have the same experience. Well said!
Orient is the best one now days
I've bought 2 of them. I modded them, installing a sapphire crystal and new hands and dial, and sanded the invicta branding off. I then gave them as gifts to friends. They absolutely love them.
Love to see a picture of these
I did something similar with the Swiss movement version, added sapphire crystal, high quality ceramic bezel and new stainless steel bracelet with no polish, what dial did you add to yours? What are the differences?
I have the gold plated version with back dial and it is my most worn piece!
I brought a Pro Diver years ago and it was my gateway into watch collecting. The only thing I didn't like about it was the Invicta carved into one side of the case.
Agree 100 per cent
I was doing a deep dive (pun intended) into your channels back catalogue and I realized that you used to own the same oris aquis that I do! There’s something about the blue dial and leaf style hands that the new ones cant replicate! Amazing content as always thank you for your hard work.
I got this watch as a present a few years ago as a birthday present in high school and I've been wearing it on and off now even into my first year of medical school. Gotten many compliments over the years and I can definitely attest to the overall ruggedness of the watch/the accuracy of the power reserve. Loved the perspective as always TGV :))
How about a video on the watches in Jaws?
Tarantino recently identified Jaws as the best film ever made. I'm watching it again to see how he came to that conclusion. It may or may not be the best film ever made, but it looks like Richard Dreyfuss is sporting a submariner and Roy Scheider might be wearing a plain looking Bulova or Hamilton on a black leather strap.
I'd like to hear what you think about the watches in Jaws, and how they fit in the time period of the film's production.
I just purchased this watch in a different colorway yesterday. Master of the Sea model with blue dial for $40 with the Seiko NH35 movement straight from Invicta. They no longer engrave "Invicta" on the side of the case either. Insane value. Great video as always.
What's the ref number?
Wow, $40? I believe my Batman bezel one was way more than that. Wait, it’s a Master of the Ocean, is that the same? Mine is technically a GMT.
I've been saying this from the beginning. The Invicta 9937 with the Selita SW200 movement is a great watch. What we have here is a bunch of elitist cowards that refuse to admit it.It was my introductory watch into the world of horology and because of it I gained an incredible education and have a serious appreciation of my luxury pieces. It's still my favorite beater and I still wear it years after my purchase. Hell! even more than my luxury pieces.
Considering the invicta is an homage watch, for around the same amount (and sometimes less) there are many alternatives that have sapphire, ceramic, seiko auto etc and are well made. Pagani Design, Parnis, Sugess, Steeldive etc etc....
exactly, I still don't understand why so many put this Invicta in the first place still. It is amazing looking watch, very lovely, but is far from the best in this class :)
Yeah I feel like this is more likely clickbait. Invicta is a meme at this point like Hublot
With Invicta you get a brand with heritage and history. None of the Chinese homage brands will give you that.
Pagani design please. Give me an fing break...
@@ellefsensbarmyarmy8491 heritage and history on a homage watch, right... :D
Ironically the same day you uploaded this marks two years since I bought the exact same Invicta Pro Diver after selling a apple watch that i barely used and didn't care for. I remember watching your original review that convinced me to buy it of off Amazon for $82 dollars at the time. Two years have pass and I love my Invicta Pro Diver I've worn it to work, events, vacations, diving & both safe & tuff conditions and the watch keeps on going. Since then the Invicta Pro Diver was my gateway in to the world of watches I've bought Seiko's, Orient's, G-Shocks & Casio's but to date the Invicta Pro Diver is my favorite watch that I've grown a sentimental attachment to it, thanks Urban Gentry for introducing me to the world of watches but most importantly ignoreing the negative watch snobbery reputation of Invicta Watches and fairly reviewing/holding a great solid affordable timepiece in extremely high regard.
I always thought the Pro Diver was emulating the 16610. Absolutely still a fantastic watch for $100, still better than Paganis and other homages, yes they may offer more specs, higher beat movements, etc, but this is the OG and still the watch that got so many people into the hobby in the first place. This watch is responsible for my finding my way into the Urban Gentry all those years ago, and for that I am grateful to it. Cheers, TGV you old thing!
I think the Pro Diver is a mix of the 16610 (color and case shape) with the nipple-dial markers and polished center links of the 16808 and the like - I'd prefer it being more 16610...
I have owned this watch for a year been swimming in it and it never failed me always kept time .⌚
I’ve owned the Pro Diver, the blue version for about 2-3 years now. And I have so many things I love about it! How classy and formal it is, and how functional it is! These few years of owning it have been a blast! It’s my most reliable automatic timepiece! Even beating my $325 automatic Fossil watch! That’s certainly saying something! It’s so reliable and it’s always there for me, if it breaks, I won’t buy a new one FB I’m gonna send it in for repair or something! I’ve grown to love this watch and I’ve bonded with it so much! I hope to pass this timepiece down to my children and grandchildren!!
For me it's the Orient Tristar Altair (or a number of Pagani Design copages)
I bought one on a lark for my collection and found it to be very well made and freakishly accurate. I'm talking + .5 spd. Always. I'm wearing it right now because of the kick I get out of checking the accuracy every day. I put a better oyster bracelet on it and voila, an excellent piece.
I just can't get past my dislike for the brand Invicta. Yes, they are good for the money but... Invicta, they're a laughing stock in the watch world.
My first Invicta was a Pro Diver 7042 (blue). I liked it so well I bought a black 7041.
I remember being leary about the side engraving, but in person it really isn't that obtrusive. In fact, I've grown to like it!
I've since bought a few more Invictas with no regrets as yet.
Invicta are not that bad have a pro diver myself and the grand diver . Love the pro diver , seems to be the right size and look for me whereas the grand diver is a little more substance , for want of a better word .Although they do make some hideous over size watches , Pimp watches as my other half calls them lol .If invicta toned it down a bit they could make a serious dent in the budget watch market . Great vid really look forward too your vids .
Just a passing word , but what do you think of Accurist watches , cheap as chips and some interesting watches in the mix as well .
This watch has a special place in my heart as the first mechanical watch i've owned. For a guy used to f91 casio, the 200 m WR, solid movement and a functional bezel covered all my needs with the desired durability.
Of all of your reviews I always find the most interesting is when you review an Invicta while I’ve got some neat ones,,, and the expensive swatch’s also, the invictas are my daily wear I work in the trades so I am extremely rough on my watches but I enjoy mechanical watches the Invicta reserve grand diver model 1017 has a Swiss movement is a larger 47 mm watch a lot of wrist time and I did pick up the Invicta titanium Pepsi I will usually change the strap and put a NATO strap on no matter where I go I will have someone comment on the watches for a lot of people anything more than 100 or $200 for a watch is a lot of money forget about 10,000 great channel love the info and detail you provide. But when I go out for dinner I will strap on the 116233 with factory diamond dial feel like 1 million bucks
TGV, thank you for another thoughtful video. The Pro Diver was my first mechanical watch and was quickly replaced by others in my collection. The Watch community has given the Pro Diver a bad rap but your contrarian perspective has changed my mind and the Pro Diver is now back in my watch rotation.
Thanks for the info. Because of your video, I'm Purchasing this watch for my 13-year-old son. It'll be his first!
What a great video! I got into the hobby of watches through Invicta. The brand allowed me to experience divers and other styles of watches at a reasonable cost and I began researching the various designs and origins. I also was able to learn what I liked and didn't like without going broke. I have since moved on from Invicta, but I respect the brand for the accessibility to the hobby it offers. And what they've done for Glycine should be lauded. Thank you for this, TGV.
The 1953 is well worth a look!
I love my Pro Diver. I am just a humble bus driver. My budget just doesn't have the big bucks. I have other lower price watches, but the pro Diver gets compliments. Tough watch too.
Timothy, there is no reason to feel down about being a Bus Driver You are a Very Important Individual in the Logistic Cycle of of millions of people You bear the responsibility of Transporting them every day & also ensuring their Safety People like you fall under the Essential Services Vertical which far more Important than the other Verticals many of us fall under Cheer Up & have a Great Life ahead May you be able to buy your "Dream Watch" very soon Chao & TC
WONDERFUL VIDEO. Thank you!
I got mine from Amazon for $53 earlier this year. I've since started assembling my own divers for fun and I certainly can't match that low price. The Seiko movements alone go for $30 to $46. My only complaint about the Pro Diver is that the bezel is hard to turn, but I'm working on it. ;)
Make sure the crown is screwed down fully and submerge it in water and turn the bezel about 20 times. It will fix it. I learned some of the pro divers had a little metal under the bezel making it difficult to turn. Mine was hard to rotate as well and this little trick fixed it perfectly.
Reminds me of old school gentry. Thank you for another entertaining video TGV
Would love to see a few ultra affordables compared to this. AliExpress brands. A Steeldive 1970 for example. Wayyy better than this Invicta for basically the same price.
And let's not.
forget san Martin!
Fake news they are not wayyyy better. I have them all
Thank you. Finally, a watch enthusiast that truly appreciates Invicta Pro Divers. This video helped illuminate that Invicta is truly a heritage brand. Pro diver has a great bezel action compared to other homages like glycine combat and steinhart. I get it. This is value for money. Thanks for making this video Urban Gentry!
You don't know how happy I am to see the Invicta Pro Diver on this channel!
My modest collection includes watches from Seiko, Citizen, Orient, Bulova, Raketa, and others. But I was given a gift of an Invicta Pro Diver recently, and I have to admit that it has probably become my second favorite watch in my collection! I call it the "Acme Little Giant" because there are so many things about it that make it such a fantastic value. It has a feature list that you'd normally expect to have a $500+ price tag!
I think of my Little Giant as the watch equivalent of a Golden Retriever - a comforting companion that's always ready to go wherever you go. Thank you, TGV, for shining a little light on a fantastic piece in my collection!
I'm not too sure about this one anymore... I got a steeldive SD1970 for $87 CAD. Sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel insert, great lume, solid end links, NH35.
I’d still be interested in seeing TGV get his hands on some other of the more reputable homage brands on AliExpress. Seestern’s Doxa, San Martin’s BB36 or Cronos’ Submariner are all amazing quality for the money. The green gilt BB36 of SM actually convinced me towards trying and preferring smaller watches over my previous divers (with a 7 inch wrist).
Now I own the black gilt Smiths Everest, which gave me a whole new appreciation for the Rolex Explorer. I even got a lovely little 34mm Seiko Dolce as a more formal watch.
Very pertinent comment; agree completely. I think these 'higher tier' Chinese brands are probably the only obvious gap in TUG content, and the 36mm San Martin is an excellent suggestion. In addition to opinions on the watch itself, I'd be interested in TGVs thoughts on where we're heading generally given the astonishing value of these Chinese watches - San Martin have obviously got ambitions; they wont wont to be an ali seller for ever...
Well, maybe...that yellow rotor has become something of maybe you'll get it, but maybe you'll get the stock TMI rotor (and sounds most likely one will end up with the stock rotor these days).
I respect the Pro Diver, and yes it is a great entry point into this awesome hobby, BUT spending 20-30 bucks more will get you into an Orient which is imo a better option. Thanks for highlighting affordable pieces! P.S. thanks for showcasing Dan Henry watches, I love my 1964 and I have you to blame errr thank for it.
Meh, I have a Orient Ray II and my (sugar) daddy has an Invicta. We usually exchange them when we know we won't be able to meet for a while and they feel mostly the same.
I’m glad you like your Dan Henry.I got horrible customer service from them and have a $300 watch I refuse to wear. I followed all the rules and they refused a return. Plus somehow they shipped out of Ukraine, the most corrupt country in the world.
u gotta find a better sugar daddy
Orient is twice more. Pro diver can be found for 60-80 (on amazon prime day it was available for 50). Cheapest Orient Ray doesnt go below 120 I beleive (at least I didnt see it) . However I think Orient looks better than pro-diver
It's hilarious to me, but there are Invicta Pro Diver owners who are snobbish about my quartz model! Yes, people are funny. Hugo is simply hilarious.
Okay TGV, i get it and agree with most points, but you don't have to be a watch snob to pass on Invicta. Yes, the pro-diver is a perfectly reasonable Sub homage but there are a ton of others available at the $100-or-abouts price that don't have the name Invicta on them. Like it or not, branding matters these days (to channel Hugo, your repeated call to forget the branding in this episode was a bit doth protest too much, daaarling). I can't wear one without thinking of the monstrosities Invicta also churns out and if that's snobbish, i plead guilty mlud but in my defence, Ali Express has better $100 divers i'd wear all day.
You're right, but the average "new watch person," isn't going to find a Pagani on Aliexpress. 👍
Pagani is way too big with odd lug width. No thanks. The only mechanical dive watch under 100$ that can compete against the pro diver is vostok amphibia tbh
Wristwatch check:
Don’t forget Jennifer Connelly is wearing a Rolex Explorer 1016 in Top Gun: Maverick ! 😎
LOL how ironic. Wrist check i have an INVICTA pro diver. Earlier generation but stile. My daughter back oh say 11 or 12 years ago bought me this watch for Christmas. Im sure she did not know it was not a high end watch. To her it was and she thought i would love it. I did and i still do. To this day and for always it will be one of my choice watches in my collection.
Largely because my daughter gave it to me?? Of course but like you said it has a quality timeless look. It Does. Mine is the silver face with the center a starburst pattern then smooth shinny finish below the roman numerals and hour markings black diver bezel, black rubber wrist band. The only thing i e had to do was change out the battery a couple of times ( speaking of which this generation had a cheap china battery from the factory....the watch shop stated it was not uncommon so i recommend anyone buying an INVICTA check the battery. Ifs its a cheap one go ahead and upgrade it) other then that it has worked and performed very well. Its comfortable on the wrist. I have received a lot of positive comments no negatives. Im looking at a Longines HydroConquest Automatic Green Dial Men's Watch L37814066, Automatic Movement, Stainless Steel Strap, 41 mm Case in Green
$1,275.00 as possibly my next Diver. But other then the strap at say $1,200.00 cheaper you can not go wrong on a budget with an invicta pro diver. Heck i think now they even have a very unique kind of sage green version. Sorry for being long winded. Love the channel and this video. Keep up the remarkable work. George🦎
Actually I got one and I love it, to say this I will say please review the Pitzmann watch from South Korea it uses a Swiss movement and yet one Korean brand out of the blue is using Swiss movements most likely ETA and Sellita watch movements especially Pitzmann a micro brand from South Korea as it has others to follow on using Swiss movements and assemble their watches in South Korea.
To say a Korean watch maker is using Swiss parts to make their watches all together to be built in South Korea with Swiss parts to compete with the Japanese.
I can wear my Rolex submariners out & possibly get some eyes & compliments. I wear either of my Invicta automatics, Gen 1 Grand Diver Combat Blackout or Pro Diver Stainless with black center link band, black bezel with yellow face. Eyes & compliments on them all day & night long…
I own acouple variations aka the quartz version and the auto grand diver and I always loved the fit and finish. Especially when I think of what a Submariner cost. And I agree, everyone's watch journey is different. Wear whatever you want, that's the beauty of it!
there are some chinese brands, like steel dive have watches that exceed the quality of invicta for that price or below, addiesdive, steeldive. what do you think of them?
Simply no. There is no point buying an inferior watch. You will always lust for the better version. It is a waste of raw material.
I could not agree less. Many of my favorites watches are "inferior", but so much fun I adore them. I would hate to have such a limited way of looking at watches, it would limit my enjoyment and learning about watches, but each to their own.
Thank you for watching,
Best regards,
TGV
I just bought this very morning the 45 mm titanium version of this watch 'cause it went a little cheaper than i ever saw it, so i pulled the trigger on it... It's going to be my first New out of the box automatic (I've got a Paul Jobin, Tissot and lastly a Poljot all of them vintage so they don't count as new)... My other Invicta was my first "Diver" it's the quartz versión of the one on the video, but i don't think it would stand 200 mts 'cause it doesn't have a Screw down crown... Anyway i still have to wait a couple of days to hold on my hands this Beauty on titanium (Titanium watches are my kryptonite i've got 5 already)
TGV - I purchased one of these based on your review. I have to say, I am VERY surprised by how great this watch is...shocked, in fact. I purchased the silicone strap version, which is nice a soft and just right. Again, a surprise! Thanks for the recommendation...I'm enjoying it.