Invicta watches

[starbucksqueen]

Noticed that this is a very old thread but I'm currently searching for a watch and came across this brand in this forum. I don't think it's available in my country nor is it popular but I'm surprised to see that it's so affordable. Especially those diamond encrusted models that I'm currently eyeing. Can someone here tell me a little bit history and if this brand is really that popular in U.S?? How's the resale value? Why is it so cheap in ebay??? Are there fakes around? Anyone here owns the higher end with the diamond encrusted models?? Can tell me how you feel about the watch and its durability. Any info greatly appreciated! I'm almost into getting a Omega Constellation Automatic with diamond dial and bezel till I've come across this thread. TIA!!

Invicta was started in the 19th century in Switzerland. Their main thing is creating affordable watches that are fashionable. This company fell on hard times during the seventies and was limping along when it was purcahsed by an investment group about 15 years ago or so. They have a stronger presence in Latin America and part of pricing strategy is to promote them in the U.S. Many of the re-sellers on ebay must get them from ShopNBC, where it is possible to pick them up at very reasonable prices. Their quality runs the gamut. You can get really cheaply made ones or higher end Swiss Made pieces. Tourneau sells them and I have them in high end stores in New York City. But the adage "You get what you pay for applies." Don't expect a $150 dollar watch to be a Rolex or Tag. They are especially good for dive and sport watches and market for mid-range market.

I have a Swiss Made Invicta with 1.80 carats of diamonds and looks sort of like a Tag. A gorgeous watch for the price....but if you have the money, then by all means go for the Omega. I also have an Invicta with a Meteorite dial and .90 carats of G-H color diamonds a Swiss automatic movement and Cosc certfication.

 

[nativenydesigns]

I have several Invictas and so does my hubby and they are decent watches, my favorite style is the baby Lupah; all of ours came from ShopNBC.

 

[starbucksqueen]

This is the Diamond Speedway.

 

[slip]

This is the Diamond Speedway.

The watch really suits u!!

 

[slip]

Good or bad watches? Depends on your price point. I have had beautiful Swiss Made Invictas and el cheapos from Filenes. I have a dozen, I think. They tend to be sporty and trendy, I think. Really recommend the Reserve line. I have a Swiss automatic with Meteorite dial and COSC certification. It is one of my favorites, not cheap at all. I have lupahs and mechanicals and dive watches. I love my Invictas. You need to be aware of what you are buying. Most people here are only interested in very high end Rolex, Patek or Cartier, but let's face it, not everyone is in that price range, especially if you like nice bags, or are paying off student loans.

So far I"m keen on their diamond encrusted collection and noticed that they tend to be swiss made. So I reckon I'll get a reasonably made watch (with diamonds!!) at fairly reasonable price too.

 

[nanimomo]

Invicta watches are not bad..

They are definitely not as high end as rolex or cartier, but they are decent timepieces for their price.

I think Bulova, Invicta, Citizen pretty much fall into the same category.

 

[starbucksqueen]

Thanks, slip. I love the size of that watch and the bracelet fits really well. It The diamond Speedway is Swiss Made and has 1.8 carat of H-I diamonds, 10 ATM water resistant and a fantastic fit on the bracelet. I think I paid about $700 on sale. Originally, 899.

 

[clearstatic]

I've seen some of these at TJ Maxx

me too. they dont really fit what i am loooking for.
im more into higher end watchmakers like rolex, cartier, franck muller, etc.
they tend to be inspired from other watches, so they pretty much copy the design.
Thus, if i was in the market for a watch that was affordable, i would go get one right now.
mo' bang fo' yo' buck. lol.

 

[Watchfanatic]

Since Invicta hits alto of price points their quality moves along with them. I typically stick with the swiss made ones but have a few with the miyota automatic movement,if you stick with a retaill price of 300 or higher their watches rival the quality of watches costing 10x's as much and I would easily compare there pro diver to the submariner in the rolex line..Rolex makes a fine watch but your paying for the brand more than the watch. You can get a COSC Invicta diver for 600 to 800 dollars which is a fraction of the Rolex and same standards as far as accuracy but of course the Rolex will hold onto its value where the Invicta unless its some collectors limited edition will not hold as much of its original cost.Anything in there Reserve line is hand assembled and calibrated and entrirely swiss made.I would recomend the Akula,Sub Aqua Noma and the reserve prodivers as these are there best time pieces. The Lupah line is also very nice and they are releasing a new Reserve version of this sometime this summer.

 

[wired1]

Here are some things to consider with Invicta watches...

Most of them are homage pieces, meaning they are versions of designer, high end brands... The LUPAH is a Corum Bubble, the SPEEDWAY is a Rolex Daytona, and so on.

With the exception of a few recent AKULA's, they use single cut, SI1,2 diamonds that do not sparkle in all but the most perfect light.

I know EVERY watch in the line, have handled almost all of them in person, and belong to a board where it is the watch of choice.

People love them for being affordable versions of more expensive watches.

My advice is stay away from the diamond versions if you want reallllly sparkly watches. Cheap, high quality diamonds in watches is why RENATO exists. Those watches use E/VS full cut stones. WAY nice.

However, getting a COSC watch with a meteorite dial for $500 from Invicta is a RIDICULOUS value. Heck, the only other company to offer meteorite dials is ROLEX, and they chargs $3k JUST FOR THE DIAL.

So Invicta has it's place in the watch world. I don't begrudge them for anything, other than using meh' diamonds on the lower end pieces, when they would look nicer without any diamonds at all, if you know what I mean...

Invicta is a hit or miss proposition, IMO, and some models ROCK, while others do not.

If you have any questions, let me know. I know all the models, etc...

 

[chessmont]

I have a few Invicta "hommage" watches. I have a few Rolex as well - but I can't spring for a Daytona, either 2-tone or SS. So I have a plain SS and a two-tone w diamond bezel, just for fun. I also have the hommage to the Rolex 50th anniversary Sub, green bezel.

I also have one from years ago, that is two-tone SS and gold (forget the Karat), is somewhat similar-looking to a man's Yachtmaster.


I have never had any trouble with them. I have both quartz and automatic.

-wired, I love that meteorite dial, but found it impossible to read, had it, but gave it away (!) (well, IMO even Rolex Daytonas are hard to read - such 'busy' dials) Even the Rolex forum members thought this, lol, but bought them anyway

 

[DreamingBeauty]

I've only seen them on ShopNBC. They looked decent enough, I have no idea how the quality is though. A lot of things look better on TV than when they actually come in the mail, but not always. Those sales pitches are just so cheesy though, lol.

 

[Watchfanatic]

I've only seen them on ShopNBC. They looked decent enough, I have no idea how the quality is though. A lot of things look better on TV than when they actually come in the mail, but not always. Those sales pitches are just so cheesy though, lol.

If you stick with the models that have a 300.00+ retail the quality is very solid,excellent fit and finish and of course as you move up in the models it only improves.

 

[wired1]

Also, be advised of the fact that Invicta is known for the WORST customer service.

You can view their own forum and see that even the die hard fans rant and rave about how they never send their watches in for service, repair, etc...

Just an FYI, and YMMV of course.

I have purchased TWO high end Invictas and returned both for flaws. In one case, the watch was DOA and the other was a case of really poorly matched stones on the bezel. BOTH were RESERVE pieces with COSC certification and cost of $1300 on SALE via SNBC.

Apparently, and this is according to over 500+ Invicta fans on one site I frequent, the best value/quality is their Japanese Automatic GRAND DIVER model. SNBC routinely offers it for under $100 and it keeps excellent time while providing a great look.

 

[ggirl]

Thanks for all the info! I bought a baby lupah with alligator strap and MOP dial with a swiss movement years ago from SNBC and it is nice-no problems at all!