Christmas Watch Delima. Help Appreciated

[jmr77]

Great forum here. This is my first post, and I am asking a lot for a newbie. I just posted this exact message in the Seamaster forum. Interested in this groups opinion as well.

I have been doing some research on a watch request for Christmas. I am struggling with the decision and thought I would ask for some opinions. Actually, to be clear I am making a selection for my Christmas list that my wife will then act on. She takes this stuff seriously and has told me to hurry and and decide or bubblegum machine watch it is! Feel free to speak up and be honest.

I have looked into several options but have come to believe that the watch I want is a used Bond edition Seamaster. I made this decision thinking that I might could accomplish this for less than $450. I am not finding that I can execute at that price. So assuming my research is correct that a used Seamaster from a reliable source prices closer to $650 and up, I am left with a couple of options.

1. Wait 6 months and act on a Seamaster when I can better accomodate the purchase price. We are CPAs and financial planners, and very strict about our budget.

2. Investigate an older Seamaster that is not a Bond edition. Maybe a 200m, black dial? Can these be found in the $300 +/- range? Reasonable compromise.

or

3. Move on an Invicta 9937 for Christmas. I came across you guys and John's review of the 9937 during my research. That is the style watch I am after and within the current Christmas budget.

Having never worn either I was hoping to find some reliable feedback. I am interested in the Invicta if it is a good watch but not interested if it is way off the mark compared to the Seamaster. I realize that the responses may be a bit garded since John is no doubt going to take a look at this and the responses as well. Fire away.

BTW - I am going to post this on the invicta site as well to keep eveyone here honest.

Thanks in advance.

[MikeS]

A piece of advice: The regret of not buying the watch you really want far out weighs the extra time to save to get what you really want!

I have been in your situation and regret not saving for what i really wanted and setteled just to have something!

[jmr77]

Great comments. I expected the Seamaster group to hold the line on the Omege, but I am more interested in opinions on the quality and perception of the Invicta vs. the Omega.

I am just not that familiar wiht the Invicta. I was encouraged by John's review, but wanted to understand if the watch feels good, looks good and is well perceived. My take on it is that the Invicta is several steps down the perception level? Do they hold their value pretty well? Would folks other than the Seamaster junkies think it is a knockoff or as suggested in some of the resonses here a nice looking dive style watch? Loaded question I know, but comments on these items are appreciated.

[JBHII]

jmr77 said:

Great comments. I expected the Seamaster group to hold the line on the Omege, but I am more interested in opinions on the quality and perception of the Invicta vs. the Omega.

I am just not that familiar wiht the Invicta. I was encouraged by John's review, but wanted to understand if the watch feels good, looks good and is well perceived. My take on it is that the Invicta is several steps down the perception level? Do they hold their value pretty well? Would folks other than the Seamaster junkies think it is a knockoff or as suggested in some of the resonses here a nice looking dive style watch? Loaded question I know, but comments on these items are appreciated.

See my comments in the Seamaster Forum.

John

[Pat McCarthy]

JMR - Let me add my "Welcome" to the others previously offered. You've found the best place on the web to get the answer to your dilemma.

Several of the folks you have received suggestions from own both Omega and Invicta watches - as do I.

I have to start out by saying that there is no comparison between my Omega Railmaster and any of my Invictas - including my 9938, which is the two-toned gold/ss brother to the 9937 -

Invicta 9938

But, notwithstanding that lack of comparison - and based upon the info you gave us - I heartily recommend your getting the Invicta 9937.

I have to agree with Gill - his response on the Seamaster Forum. The 9937/8/9 line of Swiss autos is extremely well done for the price asked. The Omega and Invicta are just two completely different kinds of watches which take two different approaches to the solution of telling time. This is not to say the Invicta is a bad watch. The two are just different.

Getting a 9937 now will serve to meet your desire for a nice watch - and will give you the ability to save up for a new Omega. It will also let you spend some time with us so you can learn more about all the great watches out there that are available. Who knows, you might change your mind on what your "dream watch" actually is. I did, and I'm glad I waited to get it - while wearing an extremely nice Invicta 9938 in the process.

Again, welcome! Let us know how this journey turns out.

[Ken]

I've never been a fan of either the Omega designs or any watch that is plated. In the higher end watches, I prefer Rolex or Breitling (and, of course, nothing in the quartz arena). I consider Invicta to be a low-end watch (not cheap and not bad, just low end). I would probably never get into spending over $200 on an Invicta, but I do love the ones I have (okay, you caught me. I do have 2 quartz watches - a classic Lupah and a 9402 - both under $100). I love my 8926, my 2310 S1 Diver and my 2276 Auto Military, BUT,

If I were looking for a mid to high end auto, I'd go for the new Breitling COLT Automatic.

JMHO

[Krypto]

Bought an Invicta 9937 2 years ago after I read John's review of the 8927. Awesome watch, wear it every day and it still looks great... the saphire crystal has no trace of wear, the quality is awesome for the price...
I am saving some $ for an Omega, the 2594.52 is calling my name...
I'd say buy Invicta and then save for Omega if you budget allows for an Invicta at this time.

[rkammer]

James Bond watches. Let me say that although the Invicta 9937 is a great watch for the money, If you had both watches in your collection right now, I'd gamble that the Omega would be the one you'd wear day in and day out. I've had my 9937 for about a year and my Omega for about 8 months and the Invicta seldom gets worn any more. That may be intangible but it's reality for me. Having said that, rather than deny yourself a nice watch for Christmas, why not look for a really good deal on the 9937 so that you can sell it later on when you've saved up enough cash to get the Omega? Like maybe a nice used one. If you buy it right, and take care of it, you'll probably be able to sell it for nearly as much as you paid. That way you don't lose when you upgrade to the Omega. And no matter what some will say, the Omega is definitely an upgrade. (If you think you might like a nice used 9937, check the Sales Corners out. Like maybe in a day or so ;D ) Good luck with your search and welcome to the forum.

[JBHII]

rkammer said:

James Bond watches. Let me say that although the Invicta 9937 is a great watch for the money, If you had both watches in your collection right now, I'd gamble that the Omega would be the one you'd wear day in and day out. I've had my 9937 for about a year and my Omega for about 8 months and the Invicta seldom gets worn any more. That may be intangible but it's reality for me. Having said that, rather than deny yourself a nice watch for Christmas, why not look for a really good deal on the 9937 so that you can sell it later on when you've saved up enough cash to get the Omega? Like maybe a nice used one. If you buy it right, and take care of it, you'll probably be able to sell it for nearly as much as you paid. That way you don't lose when you upgrade to the Omega. And no matter what some will say, the Omega is definitely an upgrade. (If you think you might like a nice used 9937, check the Sales Corners out. Like maybe in a day or so ;D ) Good luck with your search and welcome to the forum.

This is another good option - used 9937's (with original bezel) are hard to come by, but they pop up from time to time. You potentially could buy one and sell later for minimal loss.

John

[MikeS]

You really should focus on getting the watch you want and save for it!