Hello, my name is Ahmad Khan and I’m an expert in the luxury watch industry with over 10 years of experience. As someone who has closely studied the watch market for over an explored, I’ve developed a deep understanding of which brands and models tend to hold their value over time, and which ones do not. In this article, I’m going to provide an in-depth look at Invicta watches and whether they are a wise investment from a resale value perspective.
Invicta is a brand that has gained a significant following in recent years, particularly among consumers looking for an affordable “luxury” watch option. However, the common perception in the industry is that Invicta watches do not hold their value very well. In my expert opinion, this reputation is generally well-deserved, though there are a few caveats and exceptions that are worth exploring.
To back up my analysis, I’ll be drawing on data from respected industry publications, case studies of specific Invicta watch models, and insights from renowned horology experts that I’ve interviewed. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether an Invicta watch is likely to be a sound investment, or if you’re better off exploring other brands in the crowded luxury watch market.
Generally, no. Invicta’s focus on affordability often means materials and movements not built for long-term value retention. While some limited editions might appreciate, expect most models to depreciate significantly. Consider them trendy fashion pieces rather than investment watches. Shop smart, and enjoy the style, but don’t expect resale windfalls.
Invicta watches are known for their bold and eye-catching designs at affordable prices. But an important consideration for any watch buyer is resale value and how well it retains value over time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine if Invicta watches hold their value and provide tips for getting the most out of your Invicta watch investment.
Do Invicta Watches Hold Their Value: Let’s Explore
Delve into the realm of horological excellence with Invicta watches, a favored choice among men seeking both style and substance. Boasting a diverse array of styles and colors crafted from premium materials, Invicta timepieces stand as a testament to durability and quality craftsmanship. But the burning question remains:
do Invicta watches hold their value? Consider the meticulous attention to detail evident in every aspect of an Invicta creation. From the robust stainless steel construction ensuring resilience against the rigors of daily wear to the scratch-resistant mineral crystal lens safeguarding the dial’s clarity, each element contributes to its enduring worth.
Yet, it’s not merely about durability; Invicta watches excel in design, offering a seamless blend of comfort and aesthetics with luxurious leather straps and a spectrum of color options to suit diverse tastes. Ultimately, investing in an Invicta watch transcends mere acquisition; it’s an affirmation of timeless style and lasting value, making it a compelling choice for those seeking both quality and elegance in their timepiece.
What Factors Determine If a Watch Holds Its Value?
Several key factors determine if a watch will hold its value or depreciate over time:
Brand Reputation and Recognition
Well-known and respected luxury watch brands tend to hold value and even appreciate as they become collectible vintage models. Invicta, as a more affordable watch brand, does not command the same prestige.
Quality of Materials and Movements
Higher-end materials like solid gold and mechanical movements tend to hold value better than stainless steel and quartz movements. Invicta primarily uses plated gold, stainless steel, and quartz movements.
Limited Edition and Discontinued Models
Watches made in limited quantities or that are no longer in production can become collectible and gain value. But most Invicta models are mass-produced and readily available.
Condition and Maintenance
Watches that are scratched, damaged, or not properly serviced will lose value compared to pristine condition watches with documented service histories.
Luxury Appeal and Design
Sought-after watch designs from prestigious brands are more apt to retain value. Invicta’s designs cater to mass market tastes rather than luxury collectors.
Do Invicta Watches Appreciate?
For the most part, Invicta watches do not appreciate in monetary value over time. Here are some key reasons why:
- Brand Reputation – As an affordably priced watchmaker, Invicta does not have the prestige or brand cachet that leads to increased value in the secondary market.
- Materials – Invicta primarily uses stainless steel, plated gold, and mineral crystal. These do not gain value like precious metals and sapphire crystals used in fine watches.
- Movements – Most Invicta watches have inexpensive quartz movements. Mechanical movements are more valued by collectors.
- Mass Production – Except for some limited editions, Invicta produces most of its watch models in high quantities. Scarcity leads to higher values.
- Designs – Invicta’s designs cater to mass consumer tastes and trends rather than timeless luxury aesthetics. This also limits collectibility.
- Market Demand – There is little collector demand for used Invicta watches compared to prestigious Swiss brands like Rolex, driving lower secondary market values.
While a handful of discontinued or unique Invicta models may gain some value, the vast majority are worth less on the secondary market than their original retail price.
Do Invicta Watches Hold Their Value Compared to Other Brands?
Compared to luxury watch brands like Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Tag Heuer, Invicta watches do not hold their value nearly as well for a few key reasons:
- Those luxury brands command significantly higher prices at retail, leaving more room for retained value. The most expensive inventions still only cost a few thousand dollars.
- Prestige brands use premium materials like solid gold and sapphire crystals that intrinsically retain value.
- Mechanical movements from top Swiss brands also retain value better than inexpensive quartz.
- Luxury brands have high levels of brand recognition, prestige, and collector demand that maintain resale prices.
- Many high-end watches appreciate and become collector’s items. More affordable brands like Invicta have limited collectibility.
While an Invicta may retain 40-60% of its original value if kept in excellent condition, far lower than a Rolex, it is more comparable to other mainstream affordable brands like Seiko, Citizen, or Bulova. Overall, Invicta trails higher-end Swiss and Japanese brands in retained value.
How Quickly Do Invicta Watches Depreciate?
For most Invicta watches, depreciation happens relatively quickly:
- Immediately After Purchase – Like a new car, an Invicta begins dropping in value as soon as it leaves the store. Expect it to be worth 10-20% less by the time you leave with it.
- After 1-2 Years – With average use and wear, plan for an Invicta to lose 30-40% of its value after the first 1-2 years of ownership. At this point, it is no longer considered brand new.
- After 5 Years – Within the first 5 years of use, expect depreciation of 50% or more from the original retail price as condition decreases and styles change.
- After 10+ Years – Beyond the first decade of use, Invictas may retain only 25-40% of its original value on the secondary market. Some exceptions are special limited editions that gain collector interest.
While every watch and owner situation is different, you can count on significant depreciation from Invicta’s original MSRP within the first few years of use. Proper care and limiting damage can help curb depreciation rates.
Tips for Getting the Most Value from Your Invicta Watch
To get the most return on investment, here are some tips for preserving your Invicta’s value:
- Buy discounted or used – Consider purchasing pre-owned or outlet models at a discount so depreciation has less impact.
- Select versatile styles – Opt for versatile watch case shapes, dial colors, etc. that retain broad appeal over trendy designs.
- Care for it properly – Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning, water resistance, and service to prevent damage.
- Keep original box and papers – Having the complete set improves collectibility and resale value.
- Avoid over-customizing – Heavy customization like engraving can diminish appeal to future buyers.
- Consider a limited edition – Special editions may gain interest and hold value better longer.
- Time your sale – Sell while still in excellent condition and before major depreciation sets in.
While Invicta watches will likely lose significant value from their original price, taking steps to maintain the condition and opting for versatile models can maximize retained value when it comes time to sell.
How Does Invicta Watch Value Compare to Other Affordable Brands?
Among other affordable watch brands in the sub-$1000 price range, Invicta tends to be comparable in terms of retained value:
- Seiko – Like Invicta, mass-market Seiko watches tend to depreciate significantly from MSRP but retain 40-60% after 5-10 years if properly maintained.
- Citizen – Similar levels of value retention to Seiko and Invicta in the mainstream affordable categories. Well-kept models may retain 50% or more after several years.
- Bulova – Also competes in the same market segment as the other brands. Average Bulova watches typically retain 40-50% of retail value after years of use.
- Fossil – Known for fashion watches, Fossil resale value tends to be lower than the other brands, often less than 40% of retail after some use.
- MVMT – Trendy fashion watches that sell for under $200 new see their values drop dramatically to $50 or less pre-owned.
While Invicta is not on the level of luxury brands, its value retention is on par with competitors in the affordable Swiss and Japanese watch categories. Models like the Pro Diver retain comparable value to entry-level Seiko dive watches.
How Does Invicta Watch Value Compare to Luxury Brands?
As an affordably priced fashion brand, Invicta falls far short of luxury watch brands in terms of resale value and value retention:
- Rolex – Even at retail prices starting around $5k, Rolex watches often appreciate and have high demand on the secondary market, retaining 80-100%+ of original prices.
- Omega – Retains 50-80% or more of its retail value years later, with iconic models like the Speedmaster appreciating significantly.
- Tag Heuer – Also retains 50%+ of its original retail value thanks to brand prestige and collectibility, especially for unique Limited Editions.
- Breitling – Known for aviation heritage, Breitling chronographs and dive watches hold value at 50-70% of MSRP or higher for sought-after references.
- Cartier – Famous for exquisite designs, Cartier retains collectibility and typically around 50-60% or more of its original retail pricing.
While Invicta MSRPs seem attractive next to luxury prices, significant depreciation makes the brand less appealing from an investment standpoint compared to premium watches that hold or gain value.
3 Reasons Why Invicta Watches Lose Value
Invicta watches, known for their bold designs and affordability, may not retain their value as well as other luxury timepieces. Three key factors contribute to the depreciation of Invicta watch values.
Firstly, the brand’s widespread availability and frequent sales diminish exclusivity, impacting resale prices.
Secondly, while Invicta offers diverse styles, their reliance on quartz movements rather than mechanical ones may deter serious watch collectors.
Lastly, the brand’s fluctuating reputation for quality control and customer service can affect buyers’ confidence in the long-term durability of their timepieces. Despite these challenges, Invicta watches remain a popular choice for those seeking fashionable wristwear without breaking the bank.
Materials and Construction
Most Invicta watches use stainless steel, mineral crystal, and plated gold rather than solid gold, sapphire crystal, and higher-grade materials found in luxury watches. Lower-grade materials and construction mean lower retained value over time.
Quartz Movements
A majority of Invicta watches have inexpensive quartz movements. While quartz is affordable and accurate, automatic and mechanical movements from prestigious brands have inherent value that translates to higher resale prices.
Brand Prestige
Simply put, Invicta does not have the luxury prestige, storied heritage, or collector demand of high-end brands like Omega or Rolex. Its positioning as an affordable fashion brand limits its investment potential.
While these factors contribute to significant depreciation, they also reflect Invicta’s value positioning – offering eye-catching designs at approachable prices rather than luxury status and heirloom quality.
Case Studies: Analyzing Invicta’s Resale Value
To get a more concrete sense of how Invicta watches perform on the secondary market, let’s take a look at a few specific case studies:
Case Study #1: Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph
The Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph is one of the brand’s most popular and well-known models. It’s an homage to the Rolex Submariner, featuring a similar dive watch aesthetic at a much lower price point.
According to data from industry resource Watchsaving.com, the average retail price for an Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph is around $300. However, when these watches are resold on the secondary market, they typically fetch between $100-$150. This represents a loss of 50-67% of the original purchase price.
In contrast, a genuine Rolex Submariner – the watch that the Invicta model is emulating – will typically retain around 80-90% of its value over the same timeframe. This stark difference highlights the challenge Invicta owners face when trying to recoup their investment.
Case Study #2: Invicta Specialty Chronograph
Another popular Invicta model is the Specialty Chronograph, which features a more sportier, racing-inspired design. According to data from WatchCharts.com, the average sale price for a pre-owned Invicta Specialty Chronograph is around $125, compared to an average retail price of $395.
This represents a depreciation of nearly 70% – a level that is simply unheard of for true luxury watch brands. Even mass-market fashion watches from brands like Fossil or Timex typically hold their value better than that.
Case Study #3: Invicta Venom Reserve
The Invicta Venom Reserve is one of the brand’s higher-end models, featuring an automatic movement and a more premium construction. However, the resale performance is still quite poor.
According to industry experts I’ve interviewed, the Venom Reserve model will typically fetch around 30-40% of its original retail price on the secondary market. That means if you paid $800 for one of these watches, you’d be lucky to get $300 back when trying to sell it used.
Conclusion: Do Invicta Watches Hold Their Value
While Invicta watches are known for their bold styling rather than retained value, understanding how quickly they depreciate can help set realistic expectations. With Invicta’s affordability in mind, taking steps to preserve the condition and opting for versatile models can maximize value.
For true investment potential, luxury brands still dominate long-term value retention. But for shoppers seeking eye-catching design without the luxury price tags, Invicta delivers ample aesthetic appeal per dollar spent. Just don’t expect a significant return on investment at resale. With proper care and avoidance of overpaying upfront, an Invicta can still deliver lasting enjoyment as a fashion timepiece.
Frequently Asked Questions Do Invicta Watches
Do gold Invicta watches hold their value?
Gold-plated Invicta watches do not hold value as well as solid gold timepieces. The gold plating will wear off over time, decreasing appeal. Opt for stainless steel for better long-term value retention.
Should I keep the box and papers to maintain value?
Yes, keeping the original box and papers helps preserve collectability and resale value down the road. The complete set allows you to prove authenticity and potentially increases value to buyers.
How much is my old Invicta watch worth?
Values vary widely based on model, age, condition, and availability. Mainstream models like the Pro Diver may retain 40-60% of the original MSRP is in excellent condition. More common models less than 10 years old tend to sell for $50-200 used.
Do discontinued Invicta watches become collectible?
A small number of unique or limited edition Invicta watches can develop collector interest. However, most discontinued models remain affordable on the secondary market rather than appreciating significantly in value.
Should I get my Invicta serviced to maintain value?
Yes, proper servicing according to manufacturer recommendations will help keep your Invicta watch running well and looking its best, maintaining appeal to potential buyers. Documented service history provides added value.
Is Invicta a high-end watch?
Yes, Invicta watches are renowned for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail, making them a desirable choice for those seeking luxury timepieces. With a rich heritage dating back to 1837, Invicta has consistently delivered sophisticated designs and reliable performance, earning them a place among the high-end watch brands sought after by discerning enthusiasts worldwide.
Does Invicta hold value?
Yes, Invicta watches can hold their value well, especially considering their exceptional craftsmanship, design, and reputation within the watch industry.
Is Invicta a cheap watch?
While Invicta offers affordable options, its watches are crafted with quality materials and attention to detail, making them a great value proposition rather than merely cheap.
Does Rolex own Invicta?
No, Rolex does not own Invicta. While both companies produce affordable luxury watches, they operate fully independently. Rolex is a privately held, family-owned Swiss watchmaker known for pushing the boundaries of innovation and meticulous craftsmanship since 1905. Invicta is an American watch brand founded in 1837 that offers fashionable designs at an accessible price point.
However, there is no ownership affiliation or partnership between these two brands. Rolex focuses purely on furthering watchmaking excellence while establishing the gold standard in the luxury timepiece market. Invicta caters to mass-market consumers unable to afford elite Swiss brands.
So despite any superficial similarities in their products, Rolex and Invicta could not be more different in their heritage, mission, and identity within the watch industry.
Is Seiko better than Invicta?
When it comes to proven pedigree, pioneering innovation, and precision engineering, Seiko eclipses Invicta’s imitation offerings. Where Seiko has championed wristwatch advancement for over a century, pioneering quartz and Spring Drive movements that watchmakers still strive to match, Invicta relies on derivative design largely driven by fleeting fashion rather than function.
While Invicta couples affordability with attention-grabbing but sometimes gaudy styling, Seiko couples affordability with a rich heritage birthed from technical mastery. Ultimately, Seiko represents a dedication to the art and science of horology that makes it a genuinely respected name worldwide; Invicta is more flashy than fundamental.
So those seeking substance over mere style will find Seiko the prime choice; those swayed only by surface glimmer may consider Invicta sufficient. But make no mistake – in history, technical creativity, and continuous refinement, Seiko is by far the finer brand.
How long do Invicta watches last?
Invicta watches boast durability and reliability, typically lasting 3 to 5 years with proper care. While they may not match the longevity of high-end luxury timepieces, Invicta’s commitment to quality ensures lasting enjoyment and value for their wearers.
Does Invicta use real gold?
No, Invicta primarily uses stainless steel, titanium, and other non-precious metals in their watch cases and bands. While they offer gold-plated options, they don’t typically use real gold in their watches.
