A classic, by Invicta and Rolex

This automatic watch (no battery) is designed to mimic the look of a Rolex submariner watch. It is sometimes called an homage watch. Many companies do this, including THE BIG ONE, Seiko.

That aside, this is a value in automatic watches. What makes is automatic is the fact that there is a mechanical movement inside, that has a disc called a rotor. This rotor moves with the natural movement of your wrist, and winds the watches mainspring. The mainspring in equivalent to a battery, in that it stores energy to drive the watch parts and gears. Just by wearing the watch for a good part of one day will wind the mainspring enough to run the watch for close to two days.

Here are the features:

Case material: Polished and brushed solid stainless steel with 23Kt two-tone gold plating; see-through case back

Case dimensions: 40mm in diameter without the crown, 44mm with crown; 13mm in thickness

Weight: 5.4 oz

Movement: Japanese 21 Jewel Miyota Automatic

Bezel: Blue stainless steel unidirectional rotating bezel

Crystal type: Scratch resistant mineral crystal

Crown: Screw down crown

Water resistant: 200 meters tested (crown in)

Lug size: 20mm

Band type: Polished and brushed solid stainless steel with 23Kt two-tone gold plating bracelet with diver buckle and safety clasp

Band length: 8 3/4 inches including the watch, sizeable down to 6 inches

Additional features: Date display; Luminous hands and markers; Shock resistant

Let's examine a few of them, beginning with the movement.

Seiko has manufactured literally millions of these movements, and they are reliable, simple to fix, and bullet proof. They simply work for many years. Worst thing that may happen is that it may need lubrication at some time, probably not for more than 5 years, and then only if you see that the time keeping accuracy is slipping. A window on the back of the watch lets you enjoy seeing this movement working. You may also wind it by hand using the crown.

The crown is sealed against moisture and other contaminants by using a screw down feature. You push the crown towards the case, engaging threads that then allow you to screw it snugly into the case. That is one reason it is waterproof to 200 meters (660 ft).

This is not a working diver's watch, intended to be used by divers who regularly are underwater. It is simply too lightweight for that kind of duty. But, the swimming pool, the beach, even the shower won't phase this watch.

The metal bracelet is solid stainless and can be adjusted by most jewelers. It uses a simple push pin system to hold the links together. Removing a couple to shorten the length is easy. It is not designed with an extra diver's link to facilitate wearing it over a wet suit. It does have a strong safety catch however, and won't come apart when you open it to take it off.

I personally know of many people who love this watch, and have worn it or owned it for many years, myself included. I sometimes put mine on a cheap rubber Timex strap, and it really looks like a diver's watch. The plating has not scratched or worn off, and the bracelet still looks great. It has always been accurate, and reliable.

I consider it a terrific value in automatic watches, perhaps one of the best in the market.