Invicta VINTAGE Pro Diver 31290 Men's Automatic Watch - 40 mm

Product Information

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. 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 personally like the look of a coyote brown NATO, as the color is spot on with the gilt accents. Lume

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

As you can imagine, this design pairs well with many straps in various materials and colors. Anything from a rubber tropic strap to the original Sean Connery 007 strap look right at home on this watch. The spacing of the markers is off, meaning that while the 0 position is properly aligned, some of the other markers are off. This is most apparent when looking at the 15 and 45 minute markers. With the bezel in its default position, they’re a little off kilter. Dial Corners must be cut at this price point, but it’s no stretch to presume folks would pay a little more for upgraded specs. At the very least, a sapphire crystal upgrade would have been nice. 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.

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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. Unfortunately, I wasn’t quite so impressed by the watch itself. In fact, I think it’s a bit overhyped. Here’s why. I’m honestly a little puzzled about the intended target audience of this watch. The 1953 Submariner is a peculiar choice for an affordable homage watch at this price point.

Invicta on Chrono24 Invicta on Chrono24

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.

This is also a great choice if you’re just getting into watches. Borrowing its aesthetics from one of the most iconic and timeless designs in watch history, it’s a capable 200m diver. 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?

Invicta was established in 1837. Translating to “Invincible” in Latin, they were once a prolific watchmaking company. Devastated by the quartz crisis, Invicta was driven to bankruptcy in the 1980s. 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. 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. Not only did the looks excite me but the omission of the engraving down the side, which brought down the previous Pro Divers in my books. It’s a watch that shows Invicta is capable of pulling off restrained designs, and I hope to see more like it in the future.It received a strong positive reception from various outlets; many hyping it up as one of the most attractive affordable dive watches on the market. The videos and product shots appeared to support these claims, with a restrained and refined gilt dial that does look straight out of the 1950s. 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. I have a habit of every spring buying a beater diver to use for six months as we tend to do a lot of outdoor activity, travelling & adventuring with the kids, sports, water activity and so on, and then often flipping it when summer is over.