NOT SWISS MADE/SHORT BAND- Invicta #4342 Russian Diver

I wanted to write this review to inform future buyers of this item the Invicta Men's Russian Diver Collection Black Watch #4342 of two facts;



1) This watch is not "Swiss Made" as indicated in the pictures of the product that Amazon displays. When I actually received the watch it stated "Swiss Mvmt" on the dial and "Swiss Parts Movement" on the back of the watch case. This means that you are not getting a "100% Swiss Made and Assembled" watch. **Amazon needs to clarify this on the product page and change the pictures to resemble the actual watch that you will be getting.



2) The watch band is extremely short. I have an 8-8.25" wrist and was only able to attach the strap uncomfortably on the last hole. I researched alternative aftermarket 26mm straps and even contacted Invicta for a possible exchange/replacement. The aftermarket straps would only accommodate one set of springs per side without user modification while this watch actually has two springs per side (probably due to the size and weight of the case). Invicta Service was not able to offer a better solution. The customer service representative stated that the only other option they had to accommodate the two springs and thus not compromise the integrity of the watch was a leather band. However I would have to order it (they would not exchange/replace) and that it measured the same length as the original. **Amazon needs to clarify the actual watch band size instead of just stating "mens".



Some other thoughts about this item;



The watch I received was obviously an open box or return item as it was missing the standard Invicta polishing cloth that comes with all of their watches. It also had some missing protective plastic along one of the sides of the case and the plastic for the crystal had obviously been removed prior and replaced poorly.



Even with these issues this is a beautiful large watch and would be a great value at the lightning price of eighty dollars for someone with a much smaller wrist and less concern for where and how the watch was manufactured.



A well informed consumer is a satisfied consumer. Amazon please clarify these issues on the product page and maybe reconsider providing more consistent and accurate information on all of your watches.

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Invicta's overlooked dive watch

Purchasing the #8932 Invicta dive watch for a family member Christmas present - I've come away very much impressed. The 8932 apparently shares the case crystal mineral glass watchface screwdown crown and elegent lightweight stainless steel bracelet with it's more expensive automatic movement 8926 sibling. Matter of factly - it is hard to tell the difference between this watch and Invicta's $300+ 9937 Swiss ETA powered automatic diver without close inspection.



It is my humble opinion that Invicta is the leader of the affordable price dive watch market - including such giants as Seiko and Citizen - OK maybe even Casio. Invicta does not have the brand name awareness of the public and large commercial outlets to display their wonderful dive watches. Once you've purchased an Invicta Pro-Diver series watch - you will be a fan. The fit finish overall quality and design make this watch a model you should consider as a price range leader.



Case: The 316L brushed stainless steel case at 40mm (43mm with crown) once considered a large watch - is now an "average" size for dive watches. The stainless steel watchback might be annoying for those with nickel metal skin allergies - the mineral glass display or "exhibition" watch backs of the 8926 and 9937 being preferred by many divers. Mineral glass is not as scratch resistant as sapphire crystal as found in the 9937 - which can only be imprinted by diamond - but is "good enough" for average wear and certainly keeps the watch very affordable. A date "cyclops" or window is found at the 3 o'clock position. The watch is rated and tested to 200m (660 ft) - that which qualifies it as a "Professional Diver".



Bezel: The black bezel is a very scratch resistant uni-directional (120 clicks to the hour) scalloped edge (like the Omega Seamaster) diving tool. A "coin edge" (like the Rolex Submariner) bezel is preferred by many divers - being less slippery to manipulate when wet.



Bracelet: Invicta's ss bracelet - with polished center links - is an industry standard - best compared to a Rolex Oyster bracelet for the Submariner series. It utilizes a foldover deployment clasp without a wetsuit deployment clasp as found on more expensive dive watch bracelets. Held together by pins - it is important to throughly rinse the bracelet after immersion in salt water.



Movement: The 8932 uses a quartz "asian" sourced movement. These will normally keep time +/- 15 second per week and are actually much more accurate than the more expensive Invicta 8926 Citizen/Miyota 8215 - 21 jewel automatic movements that can be a minute or more off each week. The 9937 uses a Swiss ETA 2824-2 25 jewel automatic movement reflected in it's $300+ price tag...Watch battery life varies as per movement source and battery quality. Most batteries should last 3-5 years according to Invicta users I know.



Conclusion: I am a big fan of Invicta dive watches. For the money Invicta Pro-Diver series watches are an industry leader. Sourced among many different asian assemblers - the fit finish and quality may vary somewhat from batch to batch - but the overall reputation among watch collectors of the Invicta Pro-Diver series is very high!



Why not 5 stars? My personal preferences are automatic movement watches - not quartz. The stainless steel back can irritate the skin of allergic individuals. Mineral glass crystal - used to hold the price - is prone to scuffing and minor scratching. Sapphire is too expensive for this category of watch. As a diver - I prefer a "sawtooth" or "coin" edged bezel to the scalloped bezel currently offered by Invicta. The bracelet offers no wetsuit deployment clasp - a feature absent in all Invicta divers thru the 9937 series. Some or none of these should prevent you from considering this watch or it's 8926 fraternal twin as your next dive watch.



Amazon and it's sellers do a good job to deliver the Invicta goods. All models come with a one year warranty - Invicta offering a 5 year warranty extension for a modest fee. I am the owner of 7 Invicta dive and chronometer watches. You can learn more about Invicta and other affordable watches sold by Amazon at InvictaTalk.com.More detail ...