The Invicta Pro Diver is a bestselling budget automatic dive watch, often praised for offering substantial value with its classic Submariner-inspired styling, reliable movement, and approachable price point. In this article, the Invicta Pro Diver is thoroughly reviewed to help you evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
Many people find the Invicta Pro Diver to be a great value and are happy with their purchase, appreciating its resemblance to luxury brands and overall performance. While it has a passionate following and is seen as an entry into automatic watches for many, it also draws criticism for some quality trade-offs and design homage choices. For the price paid, the Invicta Pro Diver is often considered a smart buy for those entering the world of automatic watches.
Invicta Pro Diver Overview
The Invicta Pro Diver is available in several variants, with the most popular models featuring a 40mm stainless steel case, Seiko NH35A automatic movement, and 200m water resistance. The watch feels heavy and substantial on the wrist, which many people appreciate as a sign of quality. It includes a mineral crystal and a unidirectional diver’s bezel, with most models sharing the iconic look inspired by the Rolex Submariner. The finishing is surprisingly good for its price, and the packaging, though bold, is of higher quality than expected for an entry-level timepiece. Customer reviews from those who have bought the watch often confirm its reliability and value.
After considering all these features, it's easy to understand why the Invicta Pro Diver is so popular among entry-level collectors.
The History of Invicta Watches
Invicta is a brand with a storied legacy, tracing its roots all the way back to 1837. Over the decades, Invicta has built a reputation for crafting nice watches that combine style, quality, and affordability. The brand’s mission has always been to make dependable and accurate timepieces accessible to a wider audience, offering the look and feel of luxury watches without the hefty price tag. This approach has led many to compare Invicta to high-end brands like Rolex, especially when it comes to models like the Invicta Pro Diver, which delivers impressive water resistance and reliable performance at a fraction of the cost.
The Invicta Pro Diver stands out as one of the brand’s most iconic offerings, beloved by both new collectors and seasoned enthusiasts. Its blend of classic diver aesthetics, robust build, and accurate timekeeping makes it a great watch for those who want a quality piece without overspending. Invicta’s commitment to delivering value for money has earned it a loyal following, with many watch fans appreciating the brand’s ability to offer a nice watch that doesn’t compromise on dependability or style. Whether you’re looking for your first automatic or simply want a solid addition to your collection, Invicta’s long-standing dedication to quality and affordability makes the Pro Diver a smart choice.
Design and Build Quality
Invicta watches are celebrated for their sleek, functional designs that look great on the wrist and stand up to daily wear. The Pro Diver, in particular, showcases the brand’s attention to detail, with a sturdy stainless steel case and a secure clasp that ensures comfort and confidence throughout the day. The overall build quality is impressive for the price, with each watch crafted to be both durable and visually appealing.
One of the standout features of the Invicta Pro Diver is how user-friendly it is. The watch’s settings are straightforward, making it easy to adjust the time or date as needed. For those who enjoy watching review videos or exploring different features, the cancel function on the video modal window adds to the hassle-free experience, allowing users to quickly exit and continue exploring other content. Invicta’s use of quality materials and thoughtful design choices means you get a dependable, accurate watch that feels solid and looks sharp, whether you’re at the office or out on an adventure. The Pro Diver truly makes a statement as a great watch that balances style, comfort, and reliability.
Performance and Accuracy
When it comes to performance, Invicta watches—especially the Pro Diver—are known for their dependable and accurate timekeeping. The brand’s use of high-quality movements, such as the Japanese automatic found in many Pro Diver models, ensures that your watch keeps time reliably and functions smoothly day after day. This makes the Pro Diver a great choice for anyone who values precision, whether you’re timing a dive or just keeping track of your busy schedule.
The Pro Diver’s water resistance and unidirectional rotating bezel make it a practical tool for divers and outdoor enthusiasts, while its robust construction means it can handle the rigors of everyday life. Invicta provides clear instructions for adjusting the watch’s settings, so you can easily set the time and date to your preference. This focus on user-friendly design and reliable performance has helped cement Invicta’s reputation as a brand that delivers quality watches you can depend on. If you’re looking for a watch that offers both accuracy and durability, the Invicta Pro Diver is a smart investment that won’t let you down.
Pros
- Attractive price, usually under $100
- Reliable NH35A movement with hacking and hand-winding
- Surprisingly good finishing and packaging for the price
- Strong lume for a budget diver, rivaling entry-level Seiko models
- Comfortable on the wrist for most sizes; classic sizing
- Popular platform for watch modding
Cons
- Mineral crystal, not sapphire
- Hollow end links and stamped clasp can rattle over time
- Submariner homage design is divisive in enthusiast circles
- Bezel and bracelet finishing quality can be inconsistent at times
- Not recommended to trust the 200m water resistance for true diving activities
- Lume is average but not exceptional
- Occasional complaints about bezel durability and quality control
Invicta Pro Diver Collection Automatic Watch
- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14.1mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands. Band Length: 205mm
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight 155 grams
- Includes gift box, instructions, and 3 year limited manufacturer warranty; Invicta Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-327-7682 for questions (re: Additional links, band replacement, band adjustment, warranty questions, etc.)
Invicta Pro Diver Collection Chronograph Watch
- Gold tone stainless steel case 48mm diameter x 12.5mm thick; Blue dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- Japanese quartz movement, VD53 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR920SW battery included; Watch weight: 310 grams
- Gold tone stainless steel band, 215mm L x 26mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Flame Fusion crystal; Push/pull crown; Unidirectional stainless steel bezel with blue bezel ring; Functional Subdials: 60min, 60sec, 24 hour;200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
Invicta Pro Diver Collection Coin-Edge Automatic Watch
- Steel and gold-tone stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14mm thick; Exhibition case back; Blue dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 152 grams
- Steel and gold-tone stainless steel band, 210mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold-over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Unidirectional stainless steel coin edge bezel with blue top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
Invicta Pro Diver Quartz Watch
- Stainless steel case 43mm diameter x 12mm thick; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- Japanese quartz movement, PC32 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR626SW battery included; Watch weight: 170 grams
- Stainless steel band, 185mm L x 22mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold-over safety clasp
- Flame Fusion crystal; Screw down crown; Uni-directional stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 100 meter water resistant: Suitable for recreational surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and water sports. Not suitable for diving
Invicta Pro Diver Analog Display Quartz Silver Watch
- Magnified Date Window at 3:00; Luminous
- Green Dial with Silver Tone and Pale Green Hands and Hour Markers; Unidirectional Stainless Steel Bezel with Green Top Ring; Screw-Down Crown; Flame Fusion Crystal; Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet
- Quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 43mm
- Water Resistant 200m (660ft): In general, Suitable for Professional Marine Activity and Serious Surface Water Sports, but not Diving
FAQs
Is the Invicta Pro Diver really waterproof to 200 meters?
The watch is rated for 200m water resistance; it's fine for swimming and casual use if the crown is screwed down tight, but most owners do not recommend serious diving or relying heavily on that depth rating for professional underwater activities.
How do you set the time and date?
Unscrew the crown counterclockwise. Pull out the crown to the first position to set the date, and to the second position to set the time. Always screw the crown back down firmly to maintain water resistance.
What movement does it use?
Most models use the Seiko NH35A automatic movement, which is reliable and hackable (second hand stops when setting time), with hand-winding feature as well. Quartz variants exist but the NH35A automatic is the enthusiast’s favorite.
Can you change the bracelet?
Yes, the watch can be easily fitted with different straps or bracelets, though it’s a bit thick for most NATOs. The standard bracelet uses hollow end links and a stamped clasp; swapping to leather or rubber is popular.
Is it suitable for everyday wear?
The Pro Diver is known as a great “beater” watch for daily use. It’s comfortable, wears classically on most wrists, and has robust reliability, especially for the price.
Does the bezel work well?
Some users report stiff or hard-to-turn bezels, and there are occasional complaints about bezel springs failing over time (can be fixed with basic tools).
Is it a Rolex Submariner clone?
The design is deliberately inspired by the Submariner, but the Invicta Pro Diver stands as a budget-friendly homage with its own identity in the affordable watch segment.
Final Thoughts
The Invicta Pro Diver is considered one of the best value propositions for beginners or those seeking a robust daily beater automatic watch. Its classic style, low cost, and reliable movement earn praise, though long-term quality and brand reputation may not match higher-end alternatives. Many owners use these watches for everyday wear and as an introduction to mechanical watches, while modders appreciate the platform for easy customization.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly automatic dive watch, the Invicta Pro Diver stands out for its combination of classic looks, solid specs, and exceptional affordability. While it's not a luxury piece and its homage design isn’t for everyone, it offers a great entry for those new to watch collecting or seeking an attractive and practical daily watch. Expect some compromises on the bracelet and crystal, but enjoy a proven movement, solid water resistance for everyday use, and a design that captures the spirit of iconic diver aesthetics. Order today!
