More Information
 On: 2006-10-30
Being a watch collector, I couldnt resist this one. The price was certainly right.
The watch comes in a bright Yellow box with a sort of cheesy holder that looks nice otherwise. There are several stories of how the bezel was changed from the notched type (old) to the wavy newer one, slightly different model, also of which the Invicta monogram on the lower part of the second hand, is replaced by a simple stem shape. There is very little difference in appearance and operation of both types. There is a card included, on which you can write in reference and other info, polishing cloth and rather oddly written instructions, whose authors primary language is probably not English.
This watch doesnt pretend to be a Rolex, it doesnt feel or look exactly like one. Yet, its appearance is attractive. The Japanese Myota 21 jewel movement is seen through the clear case back. Construction and overall quality of this time piece is decent. The case and bracelet finish are also very nice. The bracelet is every bit as nice as any of my contemporary and more expensive Swiss watches. The links are held by a very small pin which must be properly inserted or it will easily work its way out. The links are tapered and care must be given whilst shortening to fit them together properly. Words are clearly printed and sharply etched. The Invicta name is stamped on the left side of the case, rather nice. Im told both the case and bracelet are easily scratched and use around machinery or hard use is not a good idea.
How well does it run? Ok but could be more accurate. If it sits more than 24 hours with out winding, it is prone to stop but is easily started by gently shaking side to side or by unscrewing then pulling out the stem and winding it. This requires much care as the mechanism feels quite delicate. This is not a hacking watch (one which stops when the stem is pulled all the way out) so you cant sync it but that wont bother most people. Specifically, accuracy is acceptable but not as good as todays common, good quality quartz watches and what Id like to see in a good auto movement. It gains about 20 sec per 24 hours but I suspect that may stabilize after the movement wears in a bit. If not, I can adjust the speed calibration but please dont try this unless you are a trained jeweler/watchmaker and have a fresh case seal at the ready. You will very easily damage the movement and, at the very least, put it way out of calibration.
I would not want to do much tweaking with this movement as it is rather a bit fragile as are many of this type. The bezel feels very fragile and I wouldnt suggest pulling on it and the wearer should be careful not to bump it against any hard surface edge as it could might easily pull loose. It is uni-directional turning and feels loose out of the box so roughhousing might also unseat it.
The face looks very nice and the blue colour is quite radiant as is the bezel colour. The dial is easily read in the dark but illumination will fade a bit until it is recharged by a good light source.
Overall, the quality is perfectly alright, looks and performance are equally so, and satisfaction should be no less. It has been mentioned that these watches need to be serviced periodically, as per the directions but light use whilst keeping the seal intact should provide years of satisfaction. As with any time piece, you should only have it repaired or serviced by a qualified watch maker/jeweler.
It should be noted that this older style, with the notched bezel, may not be available much longer as the newer type are currently in production to replace it. Word has it that Rolex put pressure on Invicta to make the change but this cant be substantiated.
A final note, I am told the Swiss movement version of this watch, while good, is not really that much better than the Japanese Myota version. That may or may not be true. If you are a collector, the Invicta 8xxx series are a nice addition as are many of their other time pieces. You wont regret purchase of this nice time piece. Enjoy.
| |
