The "Invincible" Blogger

Well, an enormous amount of water has passed under the bridge since my last blog post on Halloween of 2018. I figured enough time has passed that perhaps a few of you might have missed me so I’m gonna turn the key and see what happens.

 First, a declaration: “My name is Travis and I have hyperfixation.”

 All of you, my dear readers: “Hello, Travis.”

For my non-psychology majors, hyperfixation is a trait associated with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD. It refers to the rapid, intense, and often expensive (LOL!) immersion into a new topic (e.g. collecting watches or guitars), followed by a sudden shift once the initial dopamine rush fades. Anyone who knows me will immediately think, “Wow, you’re just now realizing this?” and for anyone who doesn’t know me, yes, I’m mentally ill.

I’ve had many “hyperfixative” phases if you will over the years, most recently, collecting watches. So, I figured what better way to blow the cobwebs off my blog than to post about my love of timepieces.

It started with an Apple watch a couple years ago. “How cool is this?!” I thought as I strapped the silver case and blue strap to my wrist. Now I can ignore all my text and email notifications TWICE…once on the watch and again on the phone. It wasn’t long before I grew tired of the constant pings and decided to browse Marketplace to see what kind of “real” watches were out there. That was my first mistake. When you suffer from hyperfixation, one Facebook search quickly becomes nightly Facebook searches, which become hourly searches, and the next thing I know, my phone is smoking like the brakes on a runaway semi!

Anyway, I found a cool replica of a Rolex Explorer II GMT (and I didn’t even know what a GMT was at the time) for $75 and I still wear it from time to time as my collection has blossomed from one to 14 pieces. Nearly all my collection consists of relatively inexpensive watches, and I’ve come to embrace this niche as dropping 10 grand on a Rolex Submariner is not likely to be approved by my CFO anytime soon.

The one that started it all.

This brings me to the real topic of today’s triumphant return to the blogosphere: My Invicta Pro Diver.

Invicta is a polarizing brand that stirs up a lot of shit amongst “watch aficionados” for many reasons you won’t care about. Suffice it to say, they make a watch that looks A LOT like a Rolex Submariner for 1% of the price. These are called “homage” watches as they look like uber-expensive famous pieces and that can cause a reaction among watch elitists known as “butthurt.” So, as a lover of the Rolex Submariner, I ordered one to see if it would scratch my “Sub” itch. Short answer: It absolutely did.

Prior to this, I’d bought a couple of “mod” watches: one that is built from different parts and made to look almost identical to its iconic counterpart. What I discovered is that, to me, these modified watches lacked their own identity and were a bit “soulless” if you will.

Enter the Invicta Pro Diver, which is unmistakably an homage to the Rolex Submariner, but walks unapologetically into the room like your quirky uncle who shows up at Thanksgiving dinner wearing a yellow blazer and white buckle loafers.

This watch has so many unique characteristics that create a strong and unique personality that, for me, strike the perfect balance between “homage” watch and an “I am what I am and I don’t give a fuck what you think” watch.

Invicta Pro Diver

First off, the name Invicta is Latin for “Invincible.” The logo is a set of wings with a Swiss cross in the middle. This logo is boldly placed just under 12 o’clock on the dial and as a counterbalance on the second hand. Some find it tacky; I find it boldly authentic.

Another thing I really love about the Pro Diver are the indices (the markers used instead of numbers.) Many dive watches today have large indices that are easy to read. Since 2003, Rolex has used oversized markers on their Submariners. Contrast this with Invicta’s small indices, reminiscent of the “five digit” Rolex Submariners from the 1990s. I absolutely LOVE the vintage look of these smaller markers.

Invicta Pro Diver next to a 2010 Rolex Submariner

Next, the bracelet (that’s proper “watch snob” terminology for the band) on the Pro Diver WAY exceeded my expectations! It feels quite substantial (but not heavy) on my wrist and has a polished texture that I feel myself rubbing throughout the day like a tiny stainless steel security blanket.

Perhaps the most polarizing feature is the engraving on the side of the case. I've seen many posts that decry this as outright graffiti on an otherwise nice watch. Me? I like it. There's no doubt about who just walked into the party, is there?

"Hello, my name is..."

 And lastly, the pièce de resistance: the yellow rotor. The Pro Diver is an automatic watch, meaning you never have to wind it as long as you wear it because a rotor moves as your arm moves and this motion continually winds the watch. On most dive watches, you never see the rotor because it’s inside the case. The Pro Diver has an “exhibition case back” that allows you to see the actual rotor and mechanism (or “movement” if you’re a watch snob.) Most companies use a silver rotor. Not Invicta. They stick a yellow rotor in this bitch; a boldly glowing beacon in a sterile stainless steel prison. Some may find it ridiculous; I think it’s the best part of the watch! Unfortunately, newer models have switched to the silver rotor, likely to cut costs, which is disappointing but makes finding an older model on eBay something special.

The Pro Diver's iconic yellow rotor!

Through all these unique features, this watch unabashedly proclaims itself as "INVICTA" in stark contrast to so many of the soulless mods and blatant copycats on the market...and I unabashedly love it.