Invicta Men's Pro Diver Automatic Watch with Silicone Band, Black (Model 23678)

Aside from having a silicon strap instead of a stainless steel bracelet, this model is identical to the 8026O. It has a Seiko instruments NH35 automatic mechanical movement.For less than $100 US, I doubt you can find an alternative that has the same long list of highly desirable features:* Rock solid, consistently accurate mechanical movement with hacking and manual winding.* Unidirectional, 120 click, locking bezel* Screw down crown ( this improves water resistance)* Exhibition style case back that allows you to see the movement..*- Design based closely on the most influential watch design ever created (Rolex Sub). Invicta's Pro Diver is one of the most accurate (legal) homages. Invicta has no real intent to offer something originalThere are some significant downsides;- Whatever Invicta uses to provide glow-in-the-dark functionality for the dial markers and hands of the watch sucks. The lume is poor. It never brightens up very much, and fades away quickly. It would only cost a couple bucks to improve the lume. Poor lume is a constant complaint about the Pro Diver, so I don't understand why Invicta hasn't taken steps to improve their product in that area...- The bezel is thin, not easy to grip and the action is excessively stiff. Some people say it loosens up with frequent use. I can't say, I've never used the bezel on a Pro Diver very much, it works, but the ergonomics discourage me.I thnk sales would improve dramatically if Invicta were to substantially improve the lume & supply a good quality, true coin edge bezel for the Pro Diver (perhaps similar to the Tudor Black Bay), even if sale prices increased $10 or so..In terms of 'bang for the buck', the only comparable alternative would be a Seiko 5, which offers better build quality with original, very attractive design elements, and excellent lume. But the Seiko 5s will have the non-hacking, non-winding 7S26 movement. Maybe some would argue in favor of the a Russian made Vostok, which offers manual winding and automatic mechanical models. But none of them offer hacking, as far as I know. These are interesting watches, no doubt, but I don't find the designs particularly attractive (they look like old bottle-tops to me).Silicon band: It's nothing special, but I like the band. The simulated oyster bracelet pattern is nice, and the material of the band is flexible, soft & comfortable. The buckle is very basic, could be better, but at least it's signed. I can't say how well it will hold up over time.There are a lot of hostile, negative reviews of this watch, and 'where there is smoke there is probably fire'... Invicta can't possibly be spending more than $35-$40 to make these, so one can assume the level of post-production quality control is minimal. Warranty support is notoriously unsatisfactory. Though consistency has improved markedly over time, as Invicta has mastered the manufacturing process, if 'lady luck' in not in your corner when you make purchase, you could get a lemon. This isn't likely, however, and If you "get a good one", you will be thrilled with what you get for your $$. If not, and you have to deal directly with the manufacturer, you might want to avoid throwing good money after bad (and considerable aggravation) by just tossing the watch and moving on. Oh well!You can give yourself a hedge against negative scenarios by making sure to buy one of these offered with Amazon's Free Returns. When you receive it, remember that you are the quality control supervisor for your purchase: Wind up the watch and test it for accuracy, and perform other reasonable tests to make sure the crown works properly to adjust date and time, that the hands align properly, that there is no dust or debris inside the watch, etc. Return the watch if you find any defects or if time-keeping is poor.Many negative reviews comment that the watch's water resistance failed and the watch fogged up and stopped working after they went swimming with it (or otherwise submerged it in H2O). My understanding is that the watch is NOT ISO certified for the water resistance stated (200M) so I would suggest considering this more of a 'diver's style' watch, rather than a true dive watch. To be honest, a Seiko 5 is more likely to be reliably water resistant.Other criticisms of this watch relate to it's being such a close copy of the Rolex Sub. I've never had a Rolex, and would not consider buying one, even If I had that kind of money to toss around (I don't!). It's better to donate to a worthy cause, I would say. This watch may be a 'slavish copy', but I think credit should be given where it is due: it takes real ingenuity to manufacture something that can sell for $85 which is really fairly similar, in appearance and performance, to a watch that costs over 100x more.

*** Update on 03-14-22 ***This watch just continues to impress. The accuracy is incredible for a watch at this price point. I wind it every morning religiously and I can count on it losing 10 seconds every three days. That's pretty incredible, in my book, for an $85 watch.Additionally, I do NOT "coddle" this watch. I wear it almost every day; doing yard work, fixing my car, shoveling snow, walking the dog, etc. It has proven to be remarkably durable - hardly a scratch on it. I guess you could say it "takes a licking and keeps on ticking" Oh wait, that's another watch brand... :-)*********************************************************************************I’ve been wearing this watch for two weeks now; here are my observations so far.Accuracy: this is a very accurate watch. Mine has been losing about 5-10 seconds/day; perfectly acceptable for most people.General Appearance/Quality: Very good. Hands, indexes, and labels are neat, sharp, and easy to read. I’d prefer that the case was brushed and not polished but that’s a matter of personal preference. The brightness of the lume is only so-so. Some have criticized the alignment of the cyclops date magnifier. I find it to be perfectly fine. I especially like the feel of the crown/winding mechanism. The movement is hackable, which is nice.Band: EXCELLENT!! Soft, pliable rubber strap that’s comfortable and good looking. It’s shorter than most rubber straps I’ve had, so people with large wrists may need to replace it. (I happen to have skinny, girly-man wrists so it suits me too a “T”.)Water Resistance: Unknown. I haven’t gotten it wet yet.Value: EXTRAORDINARY!!! I seriously doubt you’ll find a better $85 watch anywhere.

Pro: Just the watch I wanted. The Watch it's self is just the right size to me. The band is tough yet soft, pliable. I have owned this watch since Christmas. I also own a Citizen Eco drive. They keep time within seconds of each other, constantly. I do not wear the Invicta at work due to the type of work I do. It is my precious right now, I want nothing to happen to it. My normal work watch is very scuffed up, scratched and metal worn. The Invicta and the Citizen are for dress, play or leisure. Stays wound and keeps time just as it should if worn normal. Here comes the Con.Con: Keeping it wound and adjusting the time. It is not really made to reset the time over and over. I know they make auto winders for such a watch and will get one soon. When not in use (not being worn), it will stop and need resetting or need adjusting when I'm wanting to put it on. The problem is the stem, It unscrews just fine, to adjust everything but getting the stem back in and then to screw it down to water tight position is one more pain. Takes me retry after retry. I fear I will strip it so that it will need repair if I have to do that to many more times. Can't say it's a poor design but it is a bit wonky to do, it has to be just right, just so, to screw down.Finally: This is one fine watch, and I'm very happy with it. Thank you, to my Wonderful Wife for this watch.