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Skin Dive Watches

rootbeer7
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Monvis on a vin
CPRwatch CPRwatch
My Savoy Aquamatic , I’ve tried searching the web a few times for some information about it , But pretty much drawn a blank & I won’t be testing either it with water or magnets . I never wear it & should let it go .
6371A3E6-97BE-44EE-BCDA-8AD788F53548.jpeg 32CA3409-31F4-4200-8606-643A4104C327.jpeg B3887644-03F9-4988-9383-43615B24BAF3.jpeg 8972E73C-8303-4A06-A351-856DD1B79993.jpeg
great looking piece. Let me know if it’s time to let it go!
 
rcs914
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I kid with the Invicta shame, it’s like making fun of your friend riding a moped- you just have to.
They make watches under their own name- they are not trying to deceive anyone. Some of their watches are in the style of other watches and they do have some original designs (although some of those designs- my god!!😲). Some of their vintage pieces are very nice watches (different company then) and they currently own Glycine- so they get major cred for that move. Several watch tinkerer I know started out tearing apart Invictas and doing sterile dial & hand mods- so a good starting point to learn the hobby for little money.

My biggest issue with the Invicta 8926 sub clones is the "INVICTA" engraved on the side of the case. Without that, they would be worth far more, especially as a mod platform. Has to be one of the few times when the maker spending additional money in manufacturing reduces the value of the product. But frankly I don't think that it is possible to get a better automatic watch for less - I mean right now you can pick up one on Amazon for $67. I legitimately don't know how you beat that considering it has an actual Seiko movement.

I bought one at a thrift store almost 15 years ago for $10 and it has run flawlessly with the Miyota movement, and kept very good time too. It looks like hell at this point, and I only ever wear it for doing yard work or something where I want a watch, but really don't care how banged up it gets. If they didn't have the INVICTA on the side I'm pretty sure I would have bought another one at some point.

But beyond this, Invicta produces some real dumpster fires. And I won't lie that Invicta owning Glycine has made me less interested in purchasing a Glycine, which is probably a shame.
 
JwRosenthal
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rcs914 rcs914
My biggest issue with the Invicta 8926 sub clones is the "INVICTA" engraved on the side of the case. Without that, they would be worth far more, especially as a mod platform. Has to be one of the few times when the maker spending additional money in manufacturing reduces the value of the product. But frankly I don't think that it is possible to get a better automatic watch for less - I mean right now you can pick up one on Amazon for $67. I legitimately don't know how you beat that considering it has an actual Seiko movement.

I bought one at a thrift store almost 15 years ago for $10 and it has run flawlessly with the Miyota movement, and kept very good time too. It looks like hell at this point, and I only ever wear it for doing yard work or something where I want a watch, but really don't care how banged up it gets. If they didn't have the INVICTA on the side I'm pretty sure I would have bought another one at some point.

But beyond this, Invicta produces some real dumpster fires. And I won't lie that Invicta owning Glycine has made me less interested in purchasing a Glycine, which is probably a shame.
My watch handy friend started tinkering on these- he ground the Invicta off the sides and rebrushed- then did sterile dials. Yes, it takes material off the case- but who cares with these! A decent case and good movement for less than the cost of dinner and you can play with them anyway you like without caring about loss of value.
But I will avoid any further talk of kit or mod watches as it raises the ire of some members- despite it being a big part of the hobby.
 
ghce
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I don't know about any of the crap quartz and fashion watches that Invicta spit out in vast volumes but I very much do like the traditional diver automatics that they make, so much so that I own 2 of them and I couldnt be happier with their looks, water durability and the high quality attention to detail thats gone into the design and construction. For the price you dont normally get this level of detail out of any manufacturer.

WP_20200117_17_55_48_Pro.jpg



And the monster 47mm diver
Edited:
 
WP_20200116_20_55_12_Pro.jpg
ghce
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Just today purchased another Vintage diver that certainly qualifies as a skin dive only watch ( and even then barely).

Had a full overhaul with new glass as well.

I havent yet had time to sought a stainless strap for it.

Bought from my watch makers personal collection, he has had it for 40 plus years and got it in Korea, you have to look hard to find any wear marks other than on the back but that could well be factory.

WP_20201111_11_45_15_Rich.jpg WP_20201111_11_45_34_Rich.jpg WP_20201111_11_45_52_Rich.jpg
 
8926ob
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ghce ghce
I don't know about any of the crap quartz and fashion watches that Invicta spit out in vast volumes but I very much do like the traditional diver automatics that they make, so much so that I own 2 of them and I couldnt be happier with their looks, water durability and the high quality attention to detail thats gone into the design and construction. For the price you dont normally get this level of detail out of any manufacturer.

WP_20200117_17_55_48_Pro.jpg



And the monster 47mm diver

so I just looked back at this thread and I just LOVE that the Invicta generated such lively debate!
About the Invicta branding all over the watch has anybody else noticed that Rolex apparently doesn't want you to ever forget that you're wearing a Rolex (hey guys! We can write Rolex like ten times on the edge of this here rehaut thingy!!).
I also noticed that BlancPain engraved their name on the side of the Fifty Fathoms...I wonder if anyone ever polished THAT off ?!?!
 
ghce
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Finally got a strap for my Orient a Seiko SK007, unbranded buckle.
Purchased another Orient King Diver from a collector in as new condition, both have seen a lot of time on my wrist since they arrived.
Due to their age I don't think they will see any skin diving time, that's what my Invictas are for!

WP_20210115_13_30_58_Rich.jpg WP_20210115_13_30_22_Rich.jpg WP_20210115_13_30_14_Rich.jpg
Edited:
 
Dsplash
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577
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794
Love those old divers!
Here is my latest, a nice glossy Le Phare with nice lume (probably radium considering it’s behavior to uv)
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Dsplash
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794
Interesting point, the numbers on the insert were originally filled with lume (some left that still glows)...With no protection, maybe I should try to check it with a Geiger counter? 😕
 
mzinski
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1,702
Just picked up my first skin diver over on WUS - a 35mm Majestime.

BF8D5DCC-79E7-4CDB-84E0-323C2BA1196E.jpeg F7E25277-52A1-48E1-A745-277F52204153.jpeg

Little rough around the edges but generally in good condition. Only wore for about an hour before I tore it apart, gave it a deep clean including the sludge that was once a gaskets, and serviced the movement. I think it cleaned up quite nicely!
AF2DAC59-28B6-4BB9-9C52-97B593994B81.jpeg
 
ghce
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mzinski mzinski
Just picked up my first skin diver over on WUS - a 35mm Majestime.

BF8D5DCC-79E7-4CDB-84E0-323C2BA1196E.jpeg F7E25277-52A1-48E1-A745-277F52204153.jpeg

Little rough around the edges but generally in good condition. Only wore for about an hour before I tore it apart, gave it a deep clean including the sludge that was once a gaskets, and serviced the movement. I think it cleaned up quite nicely!
AF2DAC59-28B6-4BB9-9C52-97B593994B81.jpeg


What a difference a day makes
 
Alruts
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130
baylor1-jpg.1714607

baylor2-jpg.1714608

baylor3-jpg.1714609
 
Anthony Lane
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376
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955
Now, I realize this is a trade secret, but I’m curious where you’re sourcing your skin divers. eBay? International dealers? Local? I’m finding that local watches are all but impossible in the Midwest, I guess we aren’t a marquee dive region! I do see a lot of watches coming out of Spain, Portugal, Italy and France—all dive Mecca’s. However, not so many on Australian eBay.
 
Syrte
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Anthony Lane Anthony Lane
Now, I realize this is a trade secret .

that’s exactly right 😒
 
Nupero
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817
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6,594
My Candino skin diver from late 60s. Great value, fun watch. And a red seconds hand. What more do you want?
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