Invicta Pro Diver and Rolex Submariner are well-known dive watches. But which one is better? This ultimate Invicta Pro Diver vs. Rolex Submariner comparison will help you discover.
Keep reading if you’re interested to know their design, function, quality, movements, and price differences.
TL;DR: Invicta Pro Diver vs. Rolex Submariner
Invicta Pro Diver
The Invicta Pro Diver is your ideal everyday timekeeper. It comes more affordable (under or around $200) than Rolex Submariner, yet blends peak performance, a fashionable state-of-the-art, and a sporty feel.
Furthermore, it is durable and has an iconic, clean look that you’ll mistake the watch for a Submariner at a distance. It also has a water resistance of up to 200m, while Submariner has 300m.
The Pro Diver has a more prominent crown guard and slimmer lugs than Rolex Submariner.
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- More affordable than Rolex
- High water resistance
- Quality build-up
Cons
- Weak lume
- Hard to turn the bezel
Rolex Submariner
This model is one of the most iconic timepieces of all time. One of its most significant selling points is its classic, timeless design. Rolex ensured to modernize of the legendary model while preserving its class.
Both the watch and the bracelet are durable and made of 904L steel. Additionally, it is corrosion-resistant and equipped with a “Glidelock”-clasp that allows wearers to shorten or lengthen the Rolex bracelet by a few centimeters (2mm increments) easily.
This feature feels perfect, and others enjoy its satisfying “click” sound.
However, the absolute highlight of this Rolex model is its diving bezel. It is of exceptional quality that gives excellent acoustic feedback. This unidirectional rotatable bezel lets the diver accurately monitor decompression tops and diving time.
Another aesthetic difference with Submariner that makes it stand out is the Cyclops magnifier on the date window. You can’t even see this feature in Rolex Sea-Dweller, except in the recent 43mm model.
Another plus feature of the Submariner series is they come in many more models. Others also use white gold, two-tone, yellow gold, and steel. They likewise have more color combinations.
Pros
- Fitted with the patented Glidelock Extension
- It comes with cyclops date magnifier
- Durable
- Offers 1000 feet or 300 meters of water resistance
- 70 hours of power reserve
- Well-finished
- Classic design
Cons
- Expensive
- The long waiting list to purchase at authorized dealers
In-Depth Comparison: Invicta Pro Diver vs. Rolex Submariner
Brand History
As with many watch enthusiasts, history and craftsmanship is essential to the value of their timepieces.
- Invicta Watch Group
Invicta was founded in 1837 in Switzerland but has now become an American-owned company. Its brand name is a Latin word that means “Invincible” in English. The company is dedicated to offering expertly built-watches that will be accessible to all.
For instance, the Pro Diver underwent several improvements and changes since its first release. The most recent feature added was the sapphire crystal glass and the chronograph movement.
Aside from the Pro Diver watches, the brand now has over 30 accomplished and distinct watch collections.
Some of the best Invicta watches worth considering are Invicta Speedway Steel Chronograph, Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 5053, Invicta Specialty 45mm Chronograph, and Invicta I-Force Specialty Chronograph.
- Rolex
Rolex is watchmaking’s most famous watch brand, a prestige earned by producing some of the most iconic timepieces in the world.
Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the Rolex brand, started very little. However, he had the extraordinary ability to work, home for the future, vision, and perseverance. Later, he invented the first waterproof, self-winding wristwatch.
The company later became a benchmark in prestige and quality in watchmaking. The Submariner was the first diving timepiece water-resistant to 100m. Through its eventful and long life, Submariner became a symbol of a milestone for a serious watch collection.
The development of Submariner began in 1953 when René-Paul Jeanneret, who was then on Rolex’s Board of Directors, came up with an idea. His idea was to produce a waterproof yet sporty everyday watch.
Rolex liked the idea, and in 1954, they announced the Submariner to the world. The first Sub was reference 6204, which debuted at the Basel watch fair. It did not have a date function, but with plenty of features.
Today, some of the best watches from this Swiss watchmaker include the Rolex Air-King, Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi,” Day-Date, Rolex Daytona, Oyster Perpetual 36, and Rolex Explorer 1016.
Design
There are striking and apparent similarities between the two watches.
Right off the bat, both have silver cases, bracelets, and a black dial and bezel. Each watch has a chain link style band, and both hands are almost identical.
However, the apparent difference is the logo. You can tell an Invicta Pro Diver by its signature logo at the top of the dial and vice versa for the Rolex watch. But one feature that stands out with Invicta is its exhibition-style case back, which is visible on the underside.
Overall, the design similarity of the two watches would make you think that the Pro Diver was manufactured to be a budget substitute for the Submariner. You won’t even know the difference from a distance.
Materials and Quality
Knowing which of the two watches is better depends on the materials used.
The strap and watch case of Pro Diver is made of stainless steel, which provides strong protection from corrosion and rust. It is also lightweight when worn compared to other precious metals.
On the other hand, the Submariner’s casing is made of 904L stainless steel. This high-purity steel with increased resistance reduces sulphuric acid. It also withstands exceptionally well to chlorides and stress corrosion cracking.
Moreover, the Submariner’s dial window is made of sapphire crystal. Apart from looking more luxurious aesthetically than mineral and acrylic crystals, it is scratch-resistant. This is why sapphire crystal is the first material of choice in high-quality timepieces to protect the dial.
Movement
Invita uses the NH35 movement. It is an automatic movement with incredible precision comparable to Seiko’s 4R35 caliber. This Invicta movement also has a high level of dependability, which is why several mechanical watches often use it.
Furthermore, this movement is reliable and accurate, staying within +40 seconds a week – close to Rolex.
Meanwhile, Rolex uses the in-house 3135 Caliber, the same Rolex movement used in the Submariner Ref. 116610. It is also one of Rolex’s foundation movements. A bidirectional motor also powers this movement and is a 31-jewel automatic.
Many industry professionals consider the Submariner movement one of the most accurate automatic movements created in the watch industry. Even better, Rolex continued to enhance its movement over the years.
Prices
Of course, this Invicta Pro Diver and Rolex Sub comparison wouldn’t be complete without knowing their price difference. You can find the Invicta Pro Diver for under $200 online, while the Rolex Submariner starts at around US$8,000.
Who is it Best for?
The Pro Diver is an excellent choice if you’re budget-conscious but still prefer a highly accurate and reliable watch. Meanwhile, the Submariner is best for people who value quality and are keen on details. They are also ideal for divers, watch collectors, celebrities, and famous personalities.
Both watches are best for the scuba diving market, the adventurous types, and the sports enthusiasts.
What Do People Say About it?
Amazon
Nathan from the US purchased the Invicta on Amazon. He reviewed, “As a hobbyist watchmaker, I would have a very difficult time building a similar watch anywhere near the budget I afforded this purchase; this is a great deal, in my opinion.”
Meanwhile, luxury brands like Rolex are not sold on Amazon as they are more prone to counterfeits when sold by illegitimate third-party sellers. Thus, I can’t find an Amazon review about the Submariner.
YouTube
Wonders of Watchdom shared, “How was the Pro Diver in the water?… The watch was just fine. I spent hours in the pool and had no issues with it whatsoever. It didn’t fog up in the slightest. Everything was perfect as it should be.”
On the other hand, Lume Shot owned the Submariner for five years. He reviewed, “It is a d*mn good watch, objectively speaking. It has everything you need with nothing in excess.”
A Reddit user shared that he’d always liked the mechanical engineering that went into mechanical timepieces and liked the appearance of the Submariner. But when he saw the Invicta Pro Diver for sale, he decided to buy it.
“I’m in love with the Pro Diver,” he captioned his title and attached the Invicta photo. “At this price, I’m more than happy to have this be my first automatic,” he said.
In a Reddit thread about the Rolex Submariner dive watch, one user congratulated another for buying his “dream watch” after working hard and wrote, “The Submariner was also my dream watch. I’ve purchased many other watches since acquiring mine, but the Sub is still the one I wear the most and will never part with. Honestly, it’s just perfect.”
The Verdict: Which One Should I Buy?
The Rolex Submariner is the better choice regarding materials and function. Even when the market is down, it will reign supreme when it comes to investable commodities.
Invicta watches are not better than Rolexes in any way. The Submariner and other Rolex watches have also set the foundation for other dive watches. So, it’s genuinely a head-turner and reliable timepiece.
However, just because the Submariner is better doesn’t mean the Invicta isn’t a formidable watch. It is sold at much lower, and the brand has earned a remarkable reputation in the watch industry.
Moreover, spending nearly 100 times the price of Invicta for a Rolex require you to truly value the craftsmanship and history that created the Rolex as it is today. Both diving watches offer excellent build quality and solid movement. You won’t go wrong with whatever choice you make.
Although, I would go for Invicta because it is such an awesome value for money and is suitable for everyday use. It runs exceptionally well and keeps accurate time.
If you like this article, please read our other reviews at EvesWatch.com.
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My name is Eve Acosta and I’m the person behind this site. Watches are what get me ticking ;).
No, but seriously, I just love watches, I have over 30 myself. It’s an obsession of mine, which is why my husband recommended me to put my hobby into some good use and build this site – so I did.
My passion for timepieces came from the fact that my parents own a small chain of shops selling timepieces. I’ve worked at the shop since I was 11 and fell in love with the merchandise.
