So far, Invicta Watches has announced the presentation of three novelties for the upcoming Baselworld 2012 event. They involve Zeus Bolt Chronograph, the timepiece with a chunky case and bracelet that are exceptionally complex to produce, the first models from the Artist Series of Russian Divers, as well as the programmable Spin-R watch winders.
We have already presented the initial timepieces from the Artist series that were created in a collaboration with the prestigious modern artists, Nick Gentry (Secret Key) and Erni Wales (Lace Twin, Leather Twin and Panda Suit), in one of our previous reports, so this time we shall concentrate on two other novelties.
Invicta Reserve Zeus Bolt Chronograph Watch
The first one of them is Reserve Zeus Bolt Chronograph timepiece that is fitted in an incredible intricate thick case (with the massive diameter of 51 mm) which was constructed with amazing attention to detail. It took about 18 months for the American brand just to develop the housing of the watch, dominated with twisted cable details which go through its bezel and also grace the three top rows of the bracelet. This case is constructed from 316L surgical grade stainless steel whose treatment requires very complicated and precise process in order to be finished. During the construction, steel gets stamped for at least seven times. Besides, it requires a two step procedure of heating and cooling which takes at least 30 days to complete. With all the steps for production taken in consideration, the final product is being crafted somewhere in the range of six to nine months, which demonstrates all the exclusiveness of the final product.
Hardened and Twisted Cables with Individual Plating
As we have already pointed out, the most notable detail on the very thick case are cables made in a shape of twisted wire that are individually plated for improved quality. The left side of the case includes three cables (which are made from the same material as the case), while the right side has two cables in order to provide sufficient space for the specially molded crown and chronograph pushers. An additional aesthetic appeal was achieved by the fact that one of the cables goes through its unidirectional bezel which has six markers.
Invicta Reserve Zeus Bolt Chronograph Watch
The cables are also used as a decoration and as a reinforcement for very thick 5-row and enormously wide (35 mm) bracelet that truly looks astonishing, as well as the whole timepiece. Besides, Zeus Bolt Chrono watch includes an interesting looking and unusual dial. At the outer part of it, we can notice a curved chapter ring that holds the dot-shaped hour and minute Tritnite-treated luminous markers. The dial of the watch is made with three mother-of-pearl chrono sub dials.
Invicta Reserve Zeus Bolt Chronograph Watch
Even though this novelty by Invicta has such an extraordinary and complex appearance, it seems that the style was the main preoccupation of the manufacturer, since it runs on Ronda 4050D quartz movement. One has to regret that the watchmaker have not decided to include a mechanical beat heart that would further enhance its attractiveness to watch enthusiasts, which was the case with, for example, Invicta’s tourbillon model that still has a very affordable price due to the inclusion of the cheaper Chinese-made mechanism. Still, it does involve quite an impressive overall look which can recommend it to all those who are inclined to the products from the brand.
Invicta Spin-R Watch Winder
As Invicta announced, Baselworld 2012 show will also be the place to show off its Spin-R product that is used to wind the watches with automatic movements. Its development also required an extensive period of time. This novelty includes both mechanical and electronic parts and is equipped with quite Japanese-made motors and as the manufacturer claims, the most ecological lithium batteries that are used in the industry. The watch-winder has a digital LCD controls that enable its functioning and adjusting the winding in both directions, with the ability to set turns per day in the range between 650 and 1800 turns per day, according to the user’s needs.
Baselworld 2012 Preview – Invicta Novelties review was published on Watchalyzer on February 9, 2012
The problem with Invicta watches is that you get an stunning design but a cheap $30 movement. Then, the used their famous “Flame- Fusion Crystal” (that no one knows what it is except for Invicta) instead of sapphire. After that, they overprice their Swiss timepieces, using the Swiss Made logo as a shield for their low quality watches.
Well said Wilfred, but could you pray tell which other “Swiss Made” Watch in your opinion / experience – offers similar or better qualities within the same price range or lesser as the “overpriced ” Invictas ? – Would be lovely to know . Awaiting your response eagerly .
wilfread luis has NO clue of the high quality of the Invictas!!! He must be a Timex or Casio man. This guy should read up on ths product prior to making comments.
Actually, Casio and Timex make their own movements, Invicta don’t. I will proudly were a Casio or Timex before an Invicta some watche else design.
The watch winder looks like a badged product from a Chinese manufacturer. Rolex watches need 650 turns per day alternating. No watch needs 1800 turns per day. You could use that program to boost a watch, but it would be twice what even the most power hungry watches need.
I don’t understand the bashing over the Invicta brand…
What is the difference between an Invicta using a ETA G10 at $30, and Tissot using the same movement..? Invicta sells their watches around $200, and Tissot at $700!
Oh!, And the cost for the movement is lesser for Tissot, because the Swatch group owns Tissot and ETA…
I remember a few years ago, I bought a Seiko on eBay at $50, a guy wrote me to buy the watch only a few days after… He wanted to replace the movement of an 18k solid gold watch…
Wow! You’re a very important person, you have a $10000 gold watch, with a $30 movement!!! LOL:)
Rajan:
My problem is not with tha price range of Invicta watches, but the quality itself. When I see “Swiss Made”, I expect top quality in the watch industry, beside the price of the timepiece. However, Invica Swiss Made watches lack of minimum quality control inspections. I’m telling you this because I actually used to love Invicta watches, In fact I own 29 of them including 21 Swiss Made (Sub-Aqua Noma III and IV, Venon, Sea- Hunters, Pro-Divers and other reserve watches). Last year I had to returned about seven new watches due to some quality control issues. In conclusion, I’m dome with Invica.
Well, I’m still don’t answer your question. Considering that the Reserve Zeus Bolt is selling around $500 with his $30 Ronda 5040d movement, probably you should aim for any Victorinox Swiss Army watches, The quartz ones sell for less than $400 and if you wanna go pro aim for the Air Boss, Ambassador or some nice vintage in the range of $300- $800, all of the with ETA, mechanical or mechanical automatic movement and REAL sapphire crystal.
Still not satisfy? Probably you should consider: Hamilton, Longines, Raymond Weil and Tissot. Out of Swiss-land: Seiko, Citizen, Orient and Nomos.