Lume has been applied to the indices, bezel pip, and hour and minute hands. Alas, there’s none on the second hand lollipop. The application is even, though it’s not particularly bright or long lasting. I wondered if I should don my flame suit for posting about an Invicta but it does seem this has hit the spot. In 1991, the company was revived under American ownership and has been producing watches since. They’re not shy about flaunting their Swiss heritage, even incorporating the Swiss cross into their logo. Though they do produce watches in Switzerland, many of their watches are also produced in Asia. For the low price tag, it’s a solid watch, hence its inclusion on my recent dive watch roundup post. However, from reading and watching lots of content about it, I had myself hyped up thinking this could be the best Invicta ever. Having spent more time with it, I’m not sure it is. As a standalone watch in no context, it’s fine, but it doesn’t quite work as a vintage-looking homage to that iconic Submariner.

Invicta Pro Diver 1953 Review - Invicta’s Best Watch Is

One thing to appreciate about Invicta is their addition of a customized rotor. In their signature yellow, the rotor adds a degree of decoration to an otherwise plain movement. Admittedly, it’s a bit nicer than the bare steel rotors on some of Seiko’s own watches. Position 2 is referred to as a “ghost date” position and serves no purpose. Usually a cost-cutting measure, it is the result of using a date complication movement on a watch with no date window. Nice! As someone said earlier, just lose the font, the Invicta word itself doesn't bother me, just don't like the font used for it. But looks great value all the same. There’s no getting around it, Invicta gets a lot of flak on the internet. It’s the one brand everyone loves to hate. While there are several reasons behind this, most of them are subjective and strongly opinionated (I’ll spare you a lengthy discussion of aesthetics).Some folks out there couldn’t care less about the brand reputation of their watch, but I believe it’s worth learning about. In the world of watches, you’re buying the brand just as much as you’re buying the product itself.

Invicta Watch VINTAGE Pro Diver 31290 - Official Invicta Invicta Watch VINTAGE Pro Diver 31290 - Official Invicta

The lugs are brushed diagonally, while the sides of the case are brushed horizontally across. Like many others, I was relieved to see no “INVICTA” script engraved into the side of the case, which was the most common grievance with previous Pro Diver references.I've had an invicta in the past and it was nothing but exceptional to be honest, it was actually my first mechanical watch so kept it in my collection. Though, this is a concern specifically if you wear the watch on the bracelet. If you decide to swap it out for a NATO or other type of strap there’s ample space between the lugs for your fingers to grip. I personally like the look of a coyote brown NATO, as the color is spot on with the gilt accents. Lume The hands are perhaps the most attractive part of the dial. It’s always fun to see them glisten as you turn the watch in the light. The second hand is also quite unique to the 1953, as it features a lollipop that extends out to the edge of the dial. The unguarded crown is faithful to the Rolex and functionally is excellent. Not only does it have plenty of grippy serrations but is perfectly responsive and a pleasure to use during time adjustments and winding. Bracelet

Invicta 1953: Smarter by the Second? (Review) | WatchCrunch

It was just a suggestion, bearing in mind that they have introduced some new bezel colours etc that I really don’t like (sometimes it seems that Invicta just can’t help themselves)In traditional Submariner fashion, the stainless steel case takes on an exclusively brushed finish, except for the polished chamfered edges running the length of the lugs.

Invicta 1953 Pro Diver Review: A Diamond in the Rough? Invicta 1953 Pro Diver Review: A Diamond in the Rough?

While this may be deceptive, the ridiculous markup prices are easy to see though. Any sensible shopper can determine the true value of an item by comparing prices online. It's good to see that Invicta can make a nice watch when they want to. I own one, and from a VFM perspective, they are a decent product. It's one of the only non-Rolex date magnifiers I've seen that's actually decent. While the clasp is stamped and the bracelet endlinks are hollow, the bracelet is not terribly rattly and feels comfortable on the wrist. Given that it’s essentially got the same look as the Submariner, the 1953 is a fantastically versatile watch, debatably more so than the 8926OB. It’s got enough water resistance and a tough enough movement to be worn for years to come, yet is dressy enough for less casual events. Its standard lug widths also allow you to dress the 1953 up and down with NATO, rubber, and leather straps. Though, if you can look past the connotation Invicta carries, some of their watches are solid value propositions.C1 Morgan Aero 8, C60 Sunrise, C63 Sealander Lucerne blue LE, C65 Dartmouth, W11 Amelia (wife), C63 Sealander (son)