InvictaMen's 9094OB "Pro Diver" Stainless Steel Automatic Watch

I don't know about other watch fanatics, but I have "phases." I went through a military watch phase, a "rally"-style phase (in conjunction with "sporty" watches), and an aviator phase. I have mostly preferred chronographs. But I also like a clean face, and recently I started to go through a diver-style phase. I have always liked Seiko watches and recently stumbled on Seiko "mods" (modified) sports/diver watches. There's almost no cleaner face than a basic diver...analog, either automatic or quartz (battery-operated), with some typical feature such as screw-down crown for waterproofing the case. I invested in a few of those colorful Seiko mods (check the auction sites) and I love them, but I also realized I was itching for an automatic (not quartz) that was different enough from the Seikos to stand out (and maybe look somewhat more modern). All the modded Seikos usually come with dive-style black bands, which are fine, but I've swapped out most of them for NATOs -- I like the look, the color varieties, and the ease of switching. Since I have some Invictas in my collection, I checked for a low-cost diver -- and found this one. It uses the near-legendary Japanese NH35A automatic movement, it's bold like Invictas but at 40mm it's not overbearing. The face tends toward purple while the bezel is blue, and some reviewers don't like that, but I do. The unidirectional bezel is quite stiff and may need some silicone to loosen up. The screw-down crown can also be used to wind the watch (when it stops from lack of movement) and the winding mechanism is like butter. Holds a charge and as far as I can tell, accuracy too. The 3:00 o'clock date window has a magnifier. Not everyone likes that, but I find it adds character. Most of these divers are loosely based on the famed Rolex Submariner, I believe, and for quite a few thousand dollars less this one'll do the job and look pretty good on your wrist. I don't dive, so I won't be confirming its seaworthiness, but it has been resistant enough for me in daily use. The second hand has the "snowflake" tip, and the hour hand the "Mercedes." The minute hand is a long spear. The white motif is easy to read. The second hand also adds an Invicta eagle at the back end, and it doesn't bother me at all. The Invicta name is etched on one side of the case, but you have to be looking for it to spot it. I don't prefer metal bracelets (usually switch to leather or nylon - or neoprene - NATOs), but in this case I liked it and the solid clasp enough to keep it, for now. The clasp is also a bit stiff, but eventually loosens with use. Oh, and the screw back is transparent so you can see the movement and its bright yellow rotor, which isn't obvious to anyone unless you show them, but which is a nice feature to show off if they compliment the watch enough for you to want to let them in on it. Call it a conversation piece. Yes, Invictas have their detractors, and some of the larger models are too flashy or just too BIG...but this isn't one of those. It has character and presence, but it does not dwarf your wrist. It will look great on a sport band or a NATO, so feel free to rotate. Really, for well under $100, it's a swell addition to your collection, especially if you're into old-school movements (and this is a good one to have running things). Don't let the blue bezel and violet face bother you...it does depend somewhat on the kind of lighting, and there is a model with a more definitely blue face if you prefer. For the money, this is a perfect diver that doubles as a dress watch. Mine received a compliment on its very first day out...true story. If you want to swap the band, check out the nylon Art-Style brand with either black or silver buckles...at $9-12 each you can have several (22mm) to match your moods. A winner for budget collectors, like me.--W.D. Gagliani, author of THE JUDAS HIT

Purchased this as a gift for my boyfriend and he really loves it! The style and quality are both phenomenal, especially considering the price. This has a good weight to it, so it both feels and looks expensive. I would say this is easily comparable to a watch that would cost you hundreds at a department store. The silver band with the dark blue diver face looks very classy in person and he receives tons of compliments on it when we’re out. It has held up extremely well and seems pretty resistant to scratches. I was very impressed with the packaging too. It came with a yellow locking diver box that says Invicta on the top and has padded foam inside with a cutout for the watch. It also came with a more traditional yellow clamshell type watch box. This box feels like a leather material and has a very unique wavy texture on the top. This also came inside of a yellow gift box with Invicta embossed on the top! This made it so perfect to gift as well as gave him a good place to store the watch.

4years later, still looking and working perfectly! [last picture] Okay so this is my second indicts pro diver; coming from the quartz version and I’d have to say, I wish I bought the automatic instead. The coin edge dial is way better than the oyster edge. I have yet to try water resistance but some splashes here and there are totally fine.The movement is so beautiful and I think all automatics should have a class back. I think the yellow is a very nice touch as well.My only gripes are that the movement while a nice NH35a, the balance wheel doesn’t freely move as fluid as I’d prefer. It sorta stutters a bit. Maybe it’s due to design or just needs more lubrication. But still not complaining at this price point.Also, the bracelet is just cheap feeling. I love the two tone polish vs brushed but I think this definitely needs a butterfly clasp. Maybe invocation can offer that as an option to the pro diver models.Lastly, the case back might have minor gaps but I’m not sure if it’s hats my eyes tricking me or not.Overall, very nice timepiece, for the price point. Very classy and sporty. Goes well with anything.