Invicta
  • January 17, 2022
  • Watch Gonzo
  • 0

INTRODUCTION: FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD FIRST KNOW ABOUT INVICTA WATCHES

InvictaThe present Invicta is not popular as a Swiss watch brand that way despite its Swiss Made label. Back in 1837 till the late 1980s, however; Invicta were under complete Swiss ownership; first at La Chaux-de-Fonds and then Bielle, both in Switzerland. But this is not to say that current Invicta-s don’t share any resemblance with the older ones; their current American owners are very particular about that. Beyond those emblematic, iterative and sometimes, over-the-top designs, there exist some, marked by fairly unrestrained luxury. This chunk from the present-day Invicta is indeed, made in Switzerland and is worthy every bit of the Swiss Made tag.

Starting it all over hasn’t been easy. Since 1991, Invicta is operating from Hollywood, Florida; their corporate headquarters. They were not a hot name for watch collectors and enthusiasts; Invicta hardly formed a part of their conversations. At best, they regarded them as a Swiss-made fashion watch; produced as mere accessories for consumers, offering nothing that is exotic or exquisite; nothing special, apart from a multitude of styles and designs. It’s primarily the aesthetic appeal, which is often bold and brash, much above the common man’s tolerance thresholds. They naturally draw attention, but do Invicta watches really deserve an attention?

TABLE OF CONTENT

MODERN INVICTA WATCHES: YOU MAY SEE BUT YOU CAN’T UN-SEE!

InvictaCurrent Invicta watches are a mix of smart proactive designs and heavy-built monstrosities – eclectic as they might be to some – but that aside, Invicta are worth for a couple reasons more.

Firstly, it’s their great reach; greater than many brands’ snobby collectors often hold as standards – they enjoy a more, significant presence! The wider world of watch shoppers is more familiar to Invicta than with Vianney Halter. More people nowadays being drawn to Invicta find they are exposed to what some would call a real watch experience!

It’s hard for opinionated aficionados to agree and nor am I enforcing my preferences upon them; neither advocating against who turn their respective noses up simply at names below four figures. We’re just trying to see how much of the brand’s history exists within its modern image. Or, what percentage of Raphael Picard is still present in their modern forms? Do they make good use of the technology which La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1873, lacked? What makes them the most polarizing watches on the planet and yet so popular?

InvictaThat perhaps might be just that people found a gateway to premium, higher-end watches through Invicta and discovered their interest in horology grew deeper, by many times. The high-gloss, heavy, loud, chunky looks make for excellent starting points for intricate and delicate stuff later.

Below we present an array of models, from different series and are as diverse as they can get; in all their grandeur and goodness. They cover an array extending from divers on one end to some very dressy ones; the sporty types gradually melding to elegant shapes, form and layout which, Invicta claims, are only FOR THE BRAVE!

S. no. Series Type Specs/Features Product page links
01. Invicta Akula Skeleton Automatic
  • Sports/Casual
  • Analog 3-hander.
  • Stainless Steel build
  • Automatic Caliber LG0806 Movement
  • Flame Fusion Crystal
  • Pull/Push Crown
  • See Through Case Back
  • Deployment Clasp
  • 100m WR
  • Case size(D/T):
  • 52mm/16mm
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02. Invicta S1 Rally Bolt Automatic
  • Dress/sports
  • Analog 3-hander
  • Gold Tone Stainless Steel Case w/Silicone Strap
  • Caliber NH38 Automatic Movement
  • Sapphire Crystal
  • Pull/Push Crown
  • See Through Case Back
  • Deployment Clasp
  • 100m WR
  • Case size(D/T):
  • 52mm/16mm
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03. Invicta Pro Diver Automatic
  • Diver/Sports
  • Stainless Steel Case w/Silicone Strap
  • 2-color rotating bezel
  • Caliber NH38 Automatic Movement
  • Sapphire Crystal
  • Pull/Push Crown
  • See Through Case Back
  • Buckle Clasp
  • 100M WR
  • Case size(D/T): 48mm/16mm
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04. Invicta S1 Rally Diablo Skeleton Dial Automatic
  • Dress
  • Casual
  • Rose Gold Stainless Steel Case w/Silicon & Carbon Fiber Strap
  • Caliber G2667Z automatic movement
  • Flame Fusion Crystal
  • See-through Case Back
  • Buckle Clasp
  • 100m WR
  • Case size(D/T): 53mm/15mm
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05. Invicta Reserve Venom Automatic
  • Dress
  • Casual
  • Stainless Steel Case & Bracelet
  • Caliber: JHLS32 Automatic Movement
  • Flame Fusion Crystal
  • Unidirectional Rotating Bezel
  • Screw Down Crown
  • See Through Case Back
  • Deployment Clasp 1000m WR
  • Case size(D/T): 52mm/22mm
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06. Invicta Hydromax Chronograph Quartz
  • Dress
  • Sports
  • Casual
  • Stainless Steel Case w/ Silicone Strap
  • Caliber: Ronda 5021.D Quartz Movement
  • Sapphire Crystal
  • Chronograph
  • Uni Directional Rotating Bezel
  • Screw Down Crown
  • Solid Case Back
  • Buckle Clasp
  • 200M Water Resistance
  • Case size(D/T):48mm/16mm
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07. Invicta Aviator Quartz Chronograph 100M
  • Pilots’
  • Swimmers’
  • Stainless Steel Case & Bracelet
  • Caliber VD56 Quartz Movement
  • Sapphire Crystal
  • Chronograph Function
  • 12/24 Hours Display
  • Uni-Directional Rotating Bezel
  • Pull/Push Crown
  • Solid Case Back
  • Deployment Clasp
  • 100M Water Resistance
  • Case size(D/T):50mm/15mm
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08. Invicta Sea Hunter Chronograph Diver’s Quartz
  • Divers’
  • Surfers’
  • Weekend-wear
  • Stainless Steel Case & Bracelet w/ Deployment Clasp
  • Caliber: Z60 Quartz Movement
  • Flame Fusion Crystal
  • 12/24 Hours Display
  • Chronograph Function
  • Pull/Push Crown
  • Screw-in Case Back
  • 200M WR
  • Case size(D/T):58mm/23mm
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09. Invicta Reserve Octane Quartz Chronograph
  • High-speed sportswear.
  • Street wear.
  • Stainless Steel Case & Bracelet w/ Deployment Clasp
  • Caliber 8040.N Quartz Movement
  • Sapphire Crystal
  • Chronograph Function
  • Unidirectional Rotating Bezel
  • Pull/Push Crown
  • Solid Case Back
  • 200M WR
  • Case size(D/T):56mm/18mm
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10. Invicta S1 Rally Quartz Chronograph
  • Dress
  • Sports
  • Stainless Steel Case
  • Leather Strap w/ Buckle Clasp
  • Caliber: VD54 Quartz Movement
  • Mineral Crystal
  • Chronograph Function
  • 12/24 Hours Display
  • Pull/Push Crown
  • Solid Case Back
  • 100M WR
  • Case size(D/T):46mm/14mm
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INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT DETAILS: WHAT’S BEHIND THE NAMES?

Invicta
  1. Invicta Akula Skeleton Automatic: The Akula is another prominent gem from Invicta’s Reserve Collection; a product that claims its position as a part of this line. It’s nothing other than an Invicta watch built with better quality materials with a great deal more care and loving than the usual Invicta receives. But first, to the name.

Akula is the Russian/Bulgarian/Ukrainian/other Slavic languages’ version of the English shark. You have the Akula-class submarine; a Russian submarine named Akula (1908) built for the Imperial Russian Navy and even, Russian pop singer and model Oksana Pochepa with stage name Akula! Now we go to something different.

In Tantric Shaktism and Shaivism there is a religious tradition called ‘Kula or ‘Kaula; a distinctive set of rituals and symbolisms that flourished in ancient India, primarily in the 1st millennium CE. It is connected with the worship of Shiva and Shakti.

The Akula Skeleton Automatic – as per Invicta’s inclinations, seems to refer to either of the first two. Still, there’s something pretty deep in its face. Or, an absence of it.

Invicta AkulaAt 52 mm, it leaves you no excuse for not being able to see time; however, you might need some time to adjust to the skeleton dial. The hands are broad and bright in the dark and its mechanical movement, accurate and well-finished.

The Flame-Fusion Crystal is nothing but synthetic sapphire made using the Flame-Fusion method of applying high heat and pressure to fuse various powdered minerals. The synthetic sapphire is equivalent to genuine sapphire in toughness and is as durable and its cost is significantly lesser.

The Akula is sporting in a very trendy style! This Invicta timepiece has a versatile design quotient that makes it achieve a perfect mix of classic and contemporary.

II. Invicta S1 Rally Bolt Automatic: Quite unique in its looks, the S1 Rally Bolt automatic is something you’ll either love or hate! The dark blue, gleaming black and shining gold make it stand out to grab a good deal of attention from guys with gasoline instead of their blood!

The S1 has a story. It’s the campaign for the S1 Rally model line from the British carmaker (Invicta Car Company) of the same name. The S1 was their cult, eight-cylinder model released at the IAA Mobility in 2002. Invicta watches decided to finance a part of the S1 Rally (sports version) while they went on to create watches for those in love with fast driving. An obtrusive, megalomaniacal style and extraordinary shape and finish makes this Invicta every bit controversial; an intended consequence. It’s been well-thought-out.

Even a decade after the Invicta Car Company was shut down, Invicta watches carry on the S1 spirit through the S1 Rally!

You may wear this thing while facing a baseball pitching machine. It accomplishes every bit whatever rough play you are out to unless hefty, glossy watches really cause you disdain. The watch feels very solid and snug on the wrist, ready to be used in a wide range of scenarios.

Invicta Pro Diver AutomaticIII. Invicta Pro Diver Automatic: It’s a low-cost option if you want something that looks and works like a lot of famous but very expensive diving watches around. It takes in the famous features of Rolex, Panerai, Seiko and Hamilton but shapes them in a different way. It offers a lot of value for your money, evident from its Seiko movement and a great built quality.movement

What’s even more surprising, the Pro Diver has come out of its homage epithet and has set up an identity of its own. Even with the Seiko NH35A movement which found way into countless watch models all over the world; those aside from its manufacturer.

Invicta S1 Rally IV. Invicta S1 Rally Diablo Skeleton Dial Automatic: The S1 Rally Diablo Skeleton dial is designed for those with a profound liking for a lot of flair with an extremely divisive colour scheme. So much, you’ll hear more often – “Wow, this looks awesome” – than – “Yikes, this looks complicated and big!” The rose gold/black coloration isn’t a traditional shade; extremely satisfying to the eyes amidst party scenes.

This isn’t a daily wear unless a banquet or fine dining is your everyday thing. Or, you are somehow associated with motorsports. However, it is totally up to personal preference and depends on what you’re looking for in a watch

V. Invicta Reserve Venom AutomaticV. Invicta Reserve Venom Automatic: Let’s look inside first. The Invicta Reserve Venom tucks in a JORD JHLS32 self-winding automatic mechanical movement, which is a dual balance wheel movement. This extra balance wheel and the second gear train is one of the horological perfections achieved in the horological world. The two balance wheels yield higher timekeeping accuracy, the kind you can’t expect at a price for which the Venom Reserve comes for.

The two balance wheels are visible through the cut-outs on the dial movementwhile the semi-circular slot at the top is a power reserve indicator. The case is thick – much thicker than the rest at its price range – and can handle any extra bit of beating. It has a gigantic crown, which facilitates a surer grip even under wet conditions. This isn’t a watch you’ll wear daily. Keep it winded well and bring it out when nothing less than a statement piece would do.

VI. Invicta Hydromax Chronograph Quartz: The Hydromax for sure won’t take you to the bottom of the Mariana Trench but it reflects rugged, practical mindset of its wearer. Not a very exceptional taste or a distinguished palette as a connoisseur (read snob) would recognise, but even them will discover the timeless pleasure of the Invicta Hydromax chronograph after a few days of wearing an using it. Specially developed for extensive use in water and moist environments, midst mud and dirt. It reinvents mid-level horological finery and represents a pinnacle in the category reached for the discerning aficionados. It helps you get the maximum out of your day. The Invicta Hydromax chronograph is unmistakable in its intents; ready to go everywhere you have planned. The stainless steel is thick and gleaming, its unidirectional bezel tough and eye-catching; a dial that gives you everything you want in a sports watch and all the lume your eyes can handle.

InvictaVII. Invicta Aviator Quartz Chronograph 100M: The Invicta Aviator marks your takeoff to the realm of real watches. It is ready to roll right out of the box! It carries designs and elements that honour aeronautical history. It brings the feel of a sensitive machine waiting to atop its pilot. Short trips or long journeys, Invicta Aviator is your first true instrument to wear on one irrespective of your vehicle.movement

You must remember it’s a pretty huge watch; heavily, solidly built. Its attractiveness is also the heft of the stainless steel that readily shows. The Flame-Fusion sapphire face remains scratch-free under normal urban and above-normal outdoor use. The water rating is more than what even SCUBA professionals might need usually, and the firm bezel confirms there will be no accidental alterations in its settings.

The chronograph tracks seconds in 1/5th second increments and starts at the press of the top pusher. The bottom pusher resets the central large hand measuring chronograph seconds.

It’s a quiet watch, not squeaking like many others at the press of the buttons.

InvictaVIII. Invicta Sea Hunter Chronograph Diver’s Quartz:

A dial with a very unusual coloration, the blue and green dial is enhanced by silver-tone hands above it and the black stainless steel (case and band) around. The Sea Hunter emerged as a part of the new and larger Pro Diver series. The sheer size is the very first thing you will notice and then, the dial; together setting a new trend in watch making. It comes really handy while used under water. The case construction keeps moisture, dirt and dust out and resists the entry of water until you cross the 650 feet mark underwater or an equivalent amount of pressure. Its ratcheted unidirectional bezel allows firm grips even when covered in mud, water or oil. The flame fusion crystal is another name for sapphire built by Invicta. The transparent case back reveals the presence of a miniature propeller underneath

 

IX. Invicta Reserve Octane Quartz Chronograph IX. Invicta Reserve Octane Quartz Chronograph:

Huge guys who hate small watches will love this one! It’s beautiful on big wrists; luscious on the largest-s! The Reserve Octane is an Invicta that evolved and reached an apex in watch technology; hand crafted with acute attention to details. An absolute stunner with a round stainless steel case and serrated, unidirectional rotating movementbezel, it gives out a tough impression with screw accents and a diver’s scale. The crown with the R is protected by sturdy guards and a polished bracelet brings it together. Apart from the regular hours, minutes and seconds, the watch has a 1/10th second chronograph and can count up to 10 hours at a stretch. The retrograde day at 12:00, big date at 6:00 within the small seconds subdial gives out a very strong presence.

Invicta X. Invicta S1 Rally Quartz Chronograph

A very, very sports-minded watch that puts up a very, very formal demeanour, it doesn’t shy away from that fact that it is meant for use with casual or semi-formal clothing and does not go with strict, formal dress codes. Despite the presence of multiple subdials, you won’t feel like there’s way too much going on over its face. You can quickly glance at it to get the time without squinched eye.

It functions just as well as any professional chronograph watch and is on-spot accurate, albeit it’s not meant for the harsh surroundings. In terms of water resistance, it claims to be able to handle 300ft and a little more of depth; however, the chronograph is not meant for underwater use. The crown and the pushers feel pretty sturdy and stick out well enough, whether to be able to adjust the time in a moment or catching it all in a sudden.

CONCLUSION: WE DELVE INTO AN INVICTANALYSIS

One of the things about Invicta is they never seem to lose their ability to arouse controversy.

But fact remains, just like the mega-brand Rolex, Invicta never tried their hands to get into the haut de gamme watch game; neither to put a competition against other Swiss brands. Invicta has always been involved in the creation of robust, mid- to big-sized, reliable watches made to considerably high quality standards; only in the recent past they ventured into the realms of haute horology but still couldn’t manage to put up the higher price tags.

Invicta has never made very high-complication watches; instead, they have gone for steady, incremental improvements to reliability, accuracy and sturdiness. So the question arises: How do they fare against the usual stalwarts of affordable horology like Seiko, Citizen and Orient? Invicta, like it was mentioned before, are more interested in creating watches that are smart and consciously designed with distinct aesthetic DNA rather than trying to compete with others. Their prime prowess is case design and architecture, which stands as the first line of defence against physical impacts and resulting shocks. This makes people willing to acquire Invicta watches all the more, for movements they make use of (details in F.A.Q. at the end) are also available in many other watches from renowned brands, including those from the manufacturers itself! Invicta is a hot choice for people who desire a timepiece with distinct aesthetics and a great design with a Swiss, Japanese and very well-built Chinese movements worth their salt. Invicta

Invicta has never made very high-complication watches; instead, they have gone for steady, incremental improvements to reliability, accuracy and sturdiness. So the question arises: How do they fare against the usual stalwarts of affordable horology like Seiko, Citizen and Orient? Invicta, like it was mentioned before, are more interested in creating watches that are smart and consciously designed with distinct aesthetic DNA rather than trying to compete with others. Their prime prowess is case design and architecture, which stands as the first line of defence against physical impacts and resulting shocks. This makes people willing to acquire Invicta watches all the more, for movements they make use of (details in F.A.Q. at the end) are also available in many other watches from renowned brands, including those from the manufacturers itself! Invicta is a hot choice for people who desire a timepiece with distinct aesthetics and a great design with a Swiss, Japanese and very well-built Chinese movements worth their salt. Invicta has never made very high-complication watches; instead, they have gone for steady, incremental improvements to reliability, accuracy and sturdiness. So the question arises: How do they fare against the usual stalwarts of affordable horology like Seiko, Citizen and Orient?

Invicta, like it was mentioned before, are more interested in creating watches that are smart and consciously designed with distinct aesthetic DNA rather than trying to compete with others. Their prime prowess is case design and architecture, which stands as the first line of defence against physical impacts and resulting shocks. This makes people willing to acquire Invicta watches all the more, for movements they make use of (details in F.A.Q. at the end) are also available in many other watches from renowned brands, including those from the manufacturers itself! Invicta is a hot choice for people who desire a timepiece with distinct aesthetics and a great design with a Swiss, Japanese and very well-built Chinese movements worth their salt.

Invicta

Invicta is a brand that became comfortable in its own skin not long back, starting with shedding the homage watch stigma from their Pro-Diver series watches. They were willing to make bolder design choices, leaving behind the bland, Submariner-like looks and a portfolio that wasn’t as consistent as it’s now.

Invicta, as a brand, we have to give the credits for. It is doing something so many other brands aren’t even trying! While some call theirs’ crazy case structures but you can’t deny they took chunkiness to its next level! Don’t want to buy an average $3000 watch? Invicta brings you Gladiators, SHAQs and S1 Rally for far lower prices albeit delivering the same! Or, almost the same.

By and large, most watches you’ll find in that price range are blatant derivatives of – in their every respect – brands with fictionalized traditions; Invicta’s watches are now scrappy iconoclasts following no other example.

Invicta were not brought down by the Swatch Group’s sudden intention to stop selling movements to other watch makers, thus charring the ‘originality’ of many of the micro brands currently in the market. Invicta continues to use the movements they have always, all respected names.

In terms of movement reliability, build and material quality, Invicta has incorporated real improvements to aesthetics and functionality both! They have become one of the respected and admired names in budget watch-making and their watches are worn and worn happily by many who are not particularly interested in keeping their watches sparkling right down to their bones.

conclusion5

The Invicta watches we discussed above come with classic good looks; are more or less versatile in their usage and pretty hardy too! They are made with a level of attention to detail and consistency in quality that is really admirable. The fact that they are no more just a homage brand is now really catching up to turn more number of enthusiasts to it; the casual rule of thumb here is a serious classification should not dissuade anyone from buying.

resting. Nobody thought that Invicta would.

F.A.Q.

Majority of Invicta watches are made in China and Japan using Seiko NH35A and VD54 movements and some in Switzerland using Swiss, Ronda Sellita SW200 or SW500 movements. Invicta maintains stringent QC standards for their Swiss, Japanese and Chinese manufacturing units alike and that makes the Invicta watches worth every penny. They are one of the best bangs you can get for small bucks.

They are outsourced by the Invicta Watch Group to these private manufacturers and are also traded under the name of Invicta Watch Company; owned (since 1991) by the Invicta Capital Management, LLC; a United States-based investment company.

There are two parts to it. The current one started in 1991, when Invicta Capital Management, LLC – a privately owned hedge fund sponsor – bought the Invicta brand that was founded in 1837, by Raphael Picard, at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The quartz movement revolution in the early 1970s made the Picard family transfer the ownership finally to Invicta Capital Management, LLC. People consider it an American watch company since it has headquarters in Florida. Interesting enough, they don’t manufacture their watches.

Despite Invicta’s Swiss heritage, not all their watches are completely Swiss. A substantial portion of their manufacturing, though, still occurs at Switzerland. Others originate in Asia.

Some people claim to have owned several Invicta watches over the year and all of them were good and reliable. On the other hand, you also hear a lot of horror stories. It all depends upon how trusted is the retailer you are buying it from.

Invicta makes watches that range from the cheapest side of affordable luxury to considerably expensive pieces; still, way lesser than upper-tier Swiss luxury watches.

Invicta makes a broad range of watches that are purpose-specific. The most abundant are Pro Divers; the Specialty collection, the Venom, the Reserve and the Speedway follow; for ladies’ the Angel and Objet d’ Art collection brings ome of the best dress models to ever endorse affordable luxury.

These are what you mostly come across in the Invicta models. The lists are not limited to the calibers mentioned.

Mechanical/Automatic

  • ETA 2650 (in Objet D’ Art collection)
  • ETA Valgranges Caliber A07.161
  • ETA Valgranges Caliber A07.171
  • ETA Valgranges Caliber A07.211
  • Sellita Caliber SW200
  • Miyota Caliber 821A
  • Seiko Caliber: NH35
  • Seiko Caliber: NH35A
  • Seiko Caliber: NH38
  • Seiko Caliber: NH38A
  • Seagull Caliber ST3600K
  • Seagull Caliber TY800 Tourbillon
  • Ronda Caliber 5030.D
  • Ronda Caliber 5040.B(gold plated)
  • Ronda Caliber 5050.E (gold plated)
  • Ronda Caliber 4120.B
  • Ronda Caliber 8040.N
  • Ronda Caliber 5040.D
  • Ronda Caliber 5050.B
  • ISA Caliber 9238/1970
  • Seiko VD54/ VD56

Invicta mechanical watches are reasonably accurate when factory-tuned; custom regulations bring upon further accuracy. Quartz, as it is, is far more accurate than mechanicals, not going beyond 5 to 8 seconds (mostly) a day both on lag or gain.

Invicta watches do not increase in value outside known and family circuits; they are not something you can usually sell later for a greater price. They look luxurious and are built well with quality materials and expert craftsmanship and are perhaps bit higher on the ladder among budget-friendly pieces.

Invicta uses stock movements built by well known watch companies with proven track records. The aesthetics cost more to develop; still, the comparatively lower prices for the movements help to cut the costs up to a great extent.

Not like a true, very high-end luxury watch; that goes without saying. It will have sentimental value, of course and you can pass yours down to junior as his first real watch.

Invicta targets anyone on a tight budget and looking for a durable, watch similar to luxury. Or, as the first entry to your newfound watch-collecting hobby!

All Invicta watches are built reasonably strong to withstand recreational outdoor sports; jerks, impacts and drops on a fairly regular basis. Every Invicta watch is the best in its price category.

Invicta, with its selection of materials, designs and movements and all put and fitted together with expert craftsmanship doesn’t let them break unless you make them do what they are not fit for.

Invicta creates reasonably reliable, functional and unique timepieces without sticking extreme figures to them. They are the perfect luxury watches for worry-free daily wear.

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