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There’s an undeniable magic that comes with wearing a traditional watch. Classic watches have been refined over hundreds of years and are still synonymous with a gentleman’s style, but good watches can be very expensive. Heritage brands like Rolex and Omega continue to charge thousands of dollars for their mechanical masterpieces, even for the lower-end models. But some shoppers have found their way to one Invicta dive watch that offers the look of luxury for less than 1% of the cost.
The Invicta Pro Diver Coin-Edge Automatic watch in black is one of Amazon’s most popular styles at just $79. It currently ranks among the 30 bestselling watches on the site after an astounding 29,500 five-star ratings since 2006. A very popular model, it’s available in more than 20 colors, with options to match any personality.
Invicta Pro Diver Coin-Edge Automatic Watch in Black/Stainless Steel, $79 on Amazon
This automatic watch is perfect for everyday wear. Made from a combination of alloy and stainless steel, it features a nicely sized 40mm case with black accents on the bezel and dial and glow-in-the-dark hour markers and hands. It also has an easily resizable stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp. A reliable mineral crystal clearly displays the time while protecting against scratches and drops. Inside, the watch uses an automatic 24-jewel movement from Japanese manufacturer TMI (Seiko) to keep the time turning as you wear it. You can even see it working thanks to the exposed caseback.
While certain aspects will never touch the quality of a luxury watch, shoppers say there are plenty of reasons to opt for one of these instead of similar models from higher-end brands.
“I have a decent Movado watch that was a college graduation gift that I love. The issue is every time it needs a new battery it’s $100 down the drain,” one shopper said. “After extensive research, I decided I don’t wear watches often enough (once a week sometimes less) to warrant spending another thousand dollars on a name…[This watch is] very solidly built, fit and finish are very good for the price. Internals are top-notch in this price range. I’ve gotten compliments on it immediately and it has been a conversation starter several times, which makes me feel a bit weird but it catches people’s attention. The clear back is a pretty interesting feature as well.”
Surprisingly, many watch collectors have tried this Invicta and have been pleased with how it holds up, even for a sub-$100 model. And though it’s widely noted to be inspired by the Rolex Submariner, many agree that it’s a worthy and affordable alternative.
“Yes, it’s a ripoff of the Rolex Submariner just like so many others, but it’s inexpensive and built like a tank,” one shopper noted. “Seiko NH35A movement—dead reliable, cheap to service if you even bother…It is a very well-made watch with a quality movement inside that you can beat the hell out of and not feel guilty about…I own Tissots, Omegas, Orients, etc., but those don’t get used when doing yard work or working on my cars. This does and manages to still look good when I have to run to the hardware store.”
If you’re looking for your next watch or even for the perfect gift for the dad in your life, the Invicta Pro Diver Coin-Edge Automatic watch is a supremely smart choice that many watch wearers have been happy with.