Invicta Pro-Diver Watch Review: Invicta 8926OB Automatic

The Invicta Pro-Diver watch model has become an iconic timepiece. Why? It has something to do with its unbeatable price point. A diver watch with 200 m water resistance, automatic movement made by Seiko, and a design inspired by the Rolex Submariner. And you can get it for less than $100. Intrigued? Then, check out our honest review of the famous Invicta Pro-Diver 8926OB automatic watch!

Invicta Pro-Diver watch – a comprehensive review

One of the best-priced automatic divers on the market, the Invicta Pro-Diver watch became one of the brand’s best-selling watch models. If you look up the model on Amazon right now, you’ll see that it has over 39K reviews. With an impressive average of 4.5 stars! So, naturally, we had to buy it and put it to the test. Read this comprehensive review if you’re still wondering if the Invicta Pro-Diver watch is for you.

No 1. Invicta Pro-Diver unboxing experience

In this article, we’ll unbox and review the Invicta Pro-Diver automatic watch, reference 8926OB, with a 40-mm case and a black dial and bezel. Though there are different color options available, this is by far the most successful model and the most iconic variation of the Invicta Pro-Diver.

So, let’s start our Invicta Pro-Diver watch review with the unboxing experience. After all, it’s one of the fun parts of purchasing a new watch. As you can see, the watch arrives in a joyful yellow box that reads Invicta / Invincible in details / Since 1837.

The box is surprisingly good quality for the price point. We’ve unboxed more expensive watches with boxes way lower in quality than this one. This is a nice box that you can actually keep for a long time and use it to store the watch.

If you’re interested to see the video unboxing of this watch, we also have a YouTube video available. So make sure to give it a watch.

As you can see from the get go, yellow seems to be the theme color when it comes to the unboxing experience. And not only is it present on the box, tag, and warranty card, but you’ll also see is somewhere on the watch. Keep reading to find out where.

No 2. The design

It’s no secret that the design of the Invicta Pro-Diver is inspired by the Rolex Submariner. That’s probably why so many people buy it in the first place. We have a 40-mm stainless steel case, a black dial and bezel, glow-in-the-dark hands and hour markers, and a date window with Cyclops lens. On the side of the 14-mm thick case, the word “Invicta” is engraved.

A stainless steel bracelet with brushed and polished surfaces completes the sporty look of the watch. The pressed pins allow you to easily adjust the bracelet to your wrist size.

That’s all you see on the wrist, but the back of the watch is perhaps even more exciting. The Invicta Pro-Diver automatic comes with a see-through back that allows you to take a peek at the inner-workings of the watch. Have a look below, and let us know what you think. We think the yellow rotor is a rather nice touch.

The rotor gives you some information about the movement (24 Jewels, NH35A), and also features a bit of branding. On the case back, you also have some details about the watch. Like the fact that it’s all stainless steel and 200 m water resistant, and the reference: 8926OB.

In this Invicta Pro-Diver watch review, we talk about the design features of the most popular variation of this watch. The one you can see in our photos. However, it’s important to know that the watch comes in multiple color schemes. Check out some of these variations below. Let us know in the comments which one’s your favorite!

No 3. Water resistance

One of the key features of the Invicta Pro-Diver watch is its 20 bar water resistance. After all, it’s a diver watch. It says so in the name. But is it really fit for diving?

Well, in addition to its 200 meter water resistance, the watch also comes with a screw-down crown (the automatic version, at least) and a screw-down back. As mentioned, the hands and hour markers are luminescent. Finally, the watch does come with a 120-click unidirectional rotating aluminum bezel that should do its job when it comes to diving. All things considered, at least in theory, the Invicta Pro-Diver automatic watch should be fit for diving.

We didn’t go as far as diving with it on the wrist. But if you did, let us know in the comments how it went! We’d love to hear about your experience.

No 4. The movement

The Invicta Pro-Diver automatic watch model encases an NH35A Japanese 24-jewel automatic movement with 21.600 BPH, made by Seiko. It’s a self-winding movement. That is to say, that by moving your wrist, you’ll power the movement. And keep the watch running.

If you stop wearing the watch for a while, you can hand wind the movement to have the watch running again and keeping time accurately. First time hand-winding a diver watch? Check out our video on how to hand-wind an Invicta Pro-Diver watch movement here.

Our feedback on the accuracy of the movement is that it meets expectations. If you wear the watch, it will keep time with precision, losing a few seconds at most. The watch has a 41-hour power reserve. So, if you only wear it during the day, it will get enough power to keep time overnight as well. There’s no need to wind it or set the time again in the morning.

The NH35A automatic movement is used by many other watch brands, even some that sell way more expensive watches. It’s generally known to be more than decent. So having it in a diver watch that’s under $100 is not bad at all. The open case back of the watch will give you the chance to have a little look at the movement inside.

Invicta Pro-Diver watch review

Now that we gave you an overview of the Invicta Pro Diver watch and its specs, let talk about some opinions on the watch. It wouldn’t be a review without our personal point of view on how it wears.

No 6. Invicta Pro-Diver watch pros

For the price point, the Invicta Pro-Diver automatic watch definitely exceeded our expectations. It has the iconic design inspired by the Rolex Submariner, which makes it look luxurious and sporty on the wrist. The 40-mm case is the perfect size for medium and large wrist sizes. You can adjust it to fit your wrist size using the 4 micro-adjustments, or by removing some of the bracelet links.

We have to mention the automatic movement, which proved to be very accurate. And we liked the yellow rotor that you can see through the case back. It ads a nice colorful touch that you’ll enjoy discovering when unboxing the watch.

The box is high quality and great for storing the watch. And we think that’s also pretty cool for a watch under $100.

We had the watch for almost 1 year, and didn’t experience any issues with it. It still keeps time with precision. It stood the test of heavy rain and beach days. We didn’t go diving with it, so we can’t speak for that. But remember to keep the crown screwed all the way in order to keep the water resistance of the watch.

For less than $100, the Invicta Pro-Diver is definitely the best automatic diver watch on the market. While most people either love or hate Invicta, the majority seem to agree that this watch model is one of their best. And the 39K+ reviews on Amazon show that as well.

No 7. Invicta Pro-Diver watch cons

One of the least pleasant parts of having an Invicta Pro-Diver on the wrist is that the watch is quite heavy. The stainless steel case and bracelet weight around 150 grams, which doesn’t sound like much. But for someone used to leather straps on watches, the Invicta Pro-Diver can seem quite heavy after a few hours of wear. The case also wears a bit thick on the wrist. I guess it’s a matter of preference.

A design feature that many people view as a con is that the word “Invicta” is engraved in quite a large font on the side of the case. But, if you wear a long sleeve, you can easily cover it, if it bothers you that much. For us, it wasn’t an issue, even if it’s not the most appealing design detail on the watch. After all, you have to own it. It is an Invicta watch that you bought. Others may love it or hate it.

Finally, the loom function on the numerals and hands is weaker than we expected it to be. Check out our video review, if you want to see it for yourself. If you plan on going diving with your Invicta Pro-Diver watch on the wrist, put it to the test before. Do the same with the rotating bezel. Some people had issues with it in the beginning.

Invicta Pro-Diver automatic watch review – Conclusion

All things considered, the Invicta Pro-Diver automatic watch is undoubtedly worth the hype. From the box, to the luxurious-looking design, to the 24-jewel Japanese automatic movement and diving capabilities, the watch does more than justice to its $100 price point. For those in search of an affordable sports watch, we’d certainly recommend the Invicta Pro-Diver.

If you’re looking to buy your first watch ever, the Invicta Pro-Diver is a quite a safe bet. You get a durable design that’s also quite elegant, you get an automatic movement by Seiko, and a water-resistant watch for less than $100.

Furthermore, you have the option to personalize your watch, by choosing from a multitude of color variations. Not a fan of automatic or mechanical movements? Good news. You can get the Invicta Pro-Diver with a quartz movement as well.

If you’re still here, thanks for sticking to the end. We also have a video unboxing and initial review of the Invicta Pro-diver. If you’re interested, check it out. And please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel, to help us create more free content for watch lovers just like you.

What about you? Got your Invicta Pro-Diver watch yet? Still thinking it over? Let us know in the comments!

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