Invicta 8926 vs Rolex Submariner
The most popular diver watch is the Rolex Submariner, and every watch enthusiast should have one. Due to the success of the Rolex Submariner, other watch companies attempt to duplicate it by designing watches that are designed similar to it or are referred to as “Homages” by watch collectors. Comparing Invicta 8926 vs Rolex Submariner makes sense because both are diver watches, and from a design standpoint, they are very similar. However, there are also significant differences between the two, particularly when we consider their respective prices. Continue reading to find out more about the differences.
Design: Case & Dial
The stainless steel case of the Invicta 8926 measures 40mm, which is comparable to the case size of the vintage Submariner, particularly the earlier references before the super case styles. The Submariner is thin with a thickness of only 12mm, but the Invicta 8926 has a thickness of 14mm, a 2mm difference. Since Rolex uses OYSTERSTEEL, a steel alloy unique to the brand, you can tell the difference in the stainless steel’s quality. Oystersteel is a member of the 904L steel family, which has high corrosion resistance and a remarkable sheen when polished.
The unidirectional bezel on the Invicta 8926 is extremely similar to the Submariner bezel, but the edge of the bezel on the Invicta has a wavy appearance that is different from the Submariner. The bezel is usable and easy to utilize, in my opinion. If you love the classic Submariner design—as I do—then you will find it here because the lugs on the Invicta are narrow and curved, much like they were in the Submariner before the Maxi case, like ref. 14060M. Additionally, the screw-down crown has the Invicta log engraved on it, and the crown guards are there.
The Invicta 8926’s black dial shares many characteristics with the Submariner dial, including round hour indices that are smaller in size. The date window’s cyclops has a 1,5x magnification, which, in my opinion, is not very good and provides little to improve readability. The Invicta logo, which can be seen on the end of the Seconds hand, is another distinguishing feature. I would prefer it if the Invicta logo and name were smaller or less obvious because they are also highly noticeable on the dial. The dial is covered by a mineral crystal which is less expensive and less resilient than the sapphire crystal that is used on the Submariner.
Movement
The Seiko NH35A movement is what powers the Invicta. One of the most extensively used automatic movements in the world, the NH35A is readily accessible in many low-cost microbrand watches. Since Invicta is not known for in-house movements, this is hardly surprising. Under typical circumstances, the NH35A accuracy range is within -20 to +40 seconds every day. Of course, this movement cannot compare to the COSC-certified Rolex 3135/3235 in terms of quality, craftsmanship, and dependability. With an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds each day, Rolex claims the caliber 3235 is twice as accurate as a chronometer that has received formal certification.
One item to note The Invicta has a sapphire case-back that allows you to view the rotor, which is painted a bright yellow. Diver watches rarely include sapphire casebacks, with the notable exception of the Omega Seamaster, which makes use of one to display its amazing in-house movement, something you can’t say for Invicta. It’s possible that Invicta did this to make the watch more attractive to beginners or young users who were likely purchasing their first automatic diving watch.
Bracelet
The Invicta’s bracelet feels a little flimsy and is not of very good quality. Hollow links are used throughout the watch, including the end links. The clasp is brittle, cheap-feeling, and rattles. You can really tell the two watches’ quality differences at this point. Nothing on the market can possibly match the quality of the Rolex’s Oyster bracelet. However, when comparing products with such a wide price range, that is not particularly unusual. For this reason, I want to emphasize that even though the bracelet performs less well than the Rolex, it is still extremely comparable to other watches in that price range. If you are planning to keep this watch for a long time, I suggest that you look for a higher-quality after-market steel or rubber bracelet, which would be a wise investment.
Invicta 8926 vs Rolex Submariner: Price
The two watches are significantly different in price. If you search online, you can typically find The Invicta 8926 with a reasonable discount and for less than $90 USD. The Invicta watches are readily available; no waiting is required to obtain one. For the Rolex Submariner, it’s a different story because you can’t find it at your local authorized dealer, and if you don’t have a relationship with one, then plan on waiting for years. A Rolex Submariner is typically purchased on the secondary market, where older used models may be had for at least $9,000 USD and newer models for around $12,000.
The Invicta 8926 is my recommendation if you want to get an automatic diver watch that pays homage to the Rolex Submariner and costs less than $100 USD.
Check out other articles on the Invicta brand, and another comparison for Seiko SKX007 vs SKX009
