Invicta Pro Diver Buying Guide, How to Pick the Right Model
Serdar D.Watch EditorFor most buyers, the Invicta Pro Diver to start with is the 8928, a 40 mm two-tone automatic with the NH35A movement, a blue dial, 200 m water resistance and a price under $100. Go with the 29180 for a 42 mm case, the 3049 for 300 m, and the 8941 for a small wrist.
Key takeaways
- Choose size first, because the Pro Diver line in our catalog runs from a 25 mm women's model to 50 mm quartz chronographs.
- The NH35A automatics hack and can be hand-wound; the quartz models use PC32A, PC22A or VD53 movements.
- Similar-looking references differ in water resistance (100 m to 300 m) and crystal (mineral or sapphire), so check the exact reference.
- The 8928 (two-tone, 23k gold-plated and silver-tone steel) and 8928OB (23k gold-plated steel) share a 40 mm case, blue dial, NH35A movement and 200 m rating.
How to choose an Invicta Pro Diver
The Invicta Pro Diver is a big family, and many references look almost identical in photos. In our catalog it runs from a 25 mm women's quartz model to 50 mm quartz chronographs, with water resistance from 100 m to 300 m. The easiest way to choose is to go step by step: size, movement, crystal and water resistance, then finish.
Price bands in this guide come from Amazon US in October 2026. Prices change, so check the product cards for the current price.
Invicta was founded in 1837 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and Invicta Watch Group is now based in Florida. Every Pro Diver here follows the dive watch style, but the specs underneath vary a lot.
Start with size
Case diameter matters more than anything else in this line, because the jump from 40 mm to 47 mm or 50 mm is a big one. As a rough guide, 37 to 40 mm suits slim and average wrists, 42 to 43 mm works for average to larger wrists, and 47 to 50 mm is a statement size. Not sure where you fall? Our guide on how to size a watch explains how to measure.
Weight climbs with size. The 40 mm 8928 weighs 152 grams, the 47 mm 35719 weighs 194 grams, and the 50 mm 22338 tips the scales at 320 grams.
Automatic or quartz
The NH35A references are automatic watches: they wind from the motion of your wrist and need no battery. Made in Japan by Seiko Instruments, the NH35A can be hand-wound, and it hacks, meaning the seconds hand stops while you set the time. You'll find more self-winding options on our automatic watches page.
The quartz references use battery-powered Japanese movements: the PC32A in the 8932, the PC22A in the women's 8941 and the VD53 in the chronographs. A quartz watch keeps running while it sits in a drawer, and the VD53 adds a stopwatch function. You can compare more options on our chronograph page.
Check the exact reference for crystal and water resistance
Most Pro Divers here use mineral crystal. Only three list sapphire: the 3049, the 0077 and the 22338. Sapphire crystal resists scratches better than mineral glass. The listings for the 3049 and 22338 also mention a flame-fusion crystal, though, so confirm the details on the product page before you buy.
Water resistance also differs between references that look alike. The NH35A models and the 0077 are rated 200 m and the 3049 is rated 300 m, while the 48381, 22338 and 8941 are rated 100 m. The listings for the 100 m 48381 and 8941 say they're fine for swimming and snorkeling but not for diving. Our water resistance explainer covers what each rating means.
Crowns differ too. The NH35A listings mention a screw-down crown, while the 8932, 8941 and 22338 use a push/pull crown.
Steel, gold-tone or two-tone finish
The same 40 mm design comes in several finishes. The 8928 is two-tone, mixing 23k gold-plated and silver-tone stainless steel, with a blue top bezel ring. The 8928OB has a 23k gold-plated stainless steel case and bracelet. The 8929OB pairs a gold-tone case with a black dial and a coin-edge bezel. Elsewhere, the 29180 has a two-tone band, and the 3049 and 0077 have two-tone cases.
Gold plating can wear with daily use, so if one watch is going to be your everyday piece, plain steel is the lower-maintenance choice.
The 8928 and 8928OB explained
Shoppers often confuse the 8928 and the 8928OB, so here's how they compare. Both are 40 mm with the NH35A, a blue dial, 20 mm lug width, mineral crystal, a date and 200 m water resistance. Both use gold plating: the 8928 mixes 23k gold-plated and silver-tone stainless steel, while the 8928OB is listed as 23k gold-plated stainless steel throughout. Both sell for under $100. Our catalog lists the 8928 at 13 mm thick (its listing text says 14 mm) and the 8928OB at 12 mm.
Comparison table
| Model | Case | Movement | Water resistance | Crystal | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8928 | 40 mm two-tone steel | NH35A automatic | 200 m | Mineral | under $100 |
| 8928OB | 40 mm gold-plated steel | NH35A automatic | 200 m | Mineral | under $100 |
| 8929OB | 40 mm gold-tone steel | NH35A automatic | 200 m | Mineral | about $100 |
| 29180 | 42 mm steel | NH35A automatic | 200 m | Mineral | about $100 |
| 35719 | 47 mm steel | NH35A automatic | 200 m | Mineral | around $110 |
| 3046 | 47 mm steel | NH35A automatic | 200 m | Mineral | around $120 to $125 |
| 3049 | 47 mm steel | NH35A automatic | 300 m | Sapphire (listed) | around $120 |
| 8932 | 37 mm steel | PC32A quartz | 200 m | Mineral | around $60 to $65 |
| 48381 | 43 mm steel | VD53 quartz chronograph | 100 m | Mineral | around $80 |
| 0077 | 48 mm steel | VD53 quartz chronograph | 200 m | Synthetic sapphire | around $80 to $85 |
| 22338 | 50 mm steel | VD53 quartz chronograph | 100 m | Synthetic sapphire (listed) | about $100 |
| 8941 | 25 mm steel | PC22A quartz | 100 m | Mineral | around $60 |
Picks by buyer
First automatic diver around 40 mm
Invicta Pro Diver 8928, 40mm, Blue Dial, Silver and Gold Stainless Steel Bracelet
View productThe Pro Diver 8928 is our pick for a first automatic. You get a 40 mm steel case (13 mm thick per our catalog, 14 mm per the listing text), the NH35A, an exhibition case back, a screw-down crown and 200 m water resistance, all for under $100. To see how it stacks up against other brands, check out the best watches under $100.
A bigger automatic
Invicta Pro Diver 29180, 42mm, Black Dial, Silver Stainless Steel Bracelet
View productThe 42 mm Pro Diver 29180 is the step up in size, with a 22 mm lug width, a black dial, the NH35A and a 200 m rating for about $100. If you want something larger still, the green-dial 35719 measures 47 mm (around $110), as does the silver-dial Grand Diver 3046 with date (around $120 to $125).
A quartz chronograph
Invicta Pro Diver 48381, 43mm, Black Dial, Stainless Steel Bracelet
View productThe 48381 is our quartz chronograph pick: a 43 mm case just 11.4 mm thick, a VD53 movement and Arabic numerals for around $80. It's rated 100 m, so it isn't meant for diving. If you want 200 m and sapphire, go for the 48 mm, 17 mm-thick 0077. The 50 mm 22338 also lists sapphire but is rated 100 m, with a stationary bezel and a silicone strap.
A small wrist or women's size
Invicta Pro Diver INVICTA-8941, 25mm, Black Dial, Silver Stainless Steel Bracelet
View productThe 8941 is the smallest Pro Diver here: 25 mm across and 11 mm thick, with a 12 mm lug width, PC22A quartz and 100 m water resistance, for around $60. For a small men's wrist, the 8932 is 37 mm with PC32A quartz and 200 m water resistance at around $60 to $65.
Most water resistant
Invicta Pro Diver 3049, 47mm, Mother-of-Pearl Dial, Silver Stainless Steel Bracelet
View productThe 3049 is the only 300 m reference in our lineup, and it lists a sapphire crystal, a mother-of-pearl dial and a date in a 47 mm case for around $120. For options beyond Invicta, browse our diver watches or read the best dive watches under $500.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Case sizes | 25 mm to 50 mm |
| Movements | NH35A automatic, PC32A, PC22A and VD53 quartz |
| Water resistance | 100 m to 300 m |
| Crystals | Mineral on most, sapphire listed on 3049, 0077, 22338 |
| Lug widths | 12 mm to 26 mm |
| Price band on Amazon US, October 2026 | About $61 to $123 |
Pros
- Wide size range, from a 25 mm women's model to 50 mm chronographs.
- The NH35A automatics can be hand-wound and hack for precise time setting.
- Most references here are rated 200 m, and the 3049 is rated 300 m.
- Every reference here sells for about $125 or less on Amazon US.
Cons
- Most references use mineral crystal rather than sapphire.
- Similar-looking references differ in water resistance and crystal, so it's easy to pick the wrong one.
- Many references are 47 mm or larger, which is a lot of watch for slimmer wrists.
Verdict
For a first automatic diver, buy the 40 mm Invicta Pro Diver 8928 in two-tone steel and gold, or the 8928OB with the same blue dial and NH35A movement. Choose the 29180 for a 42 mm automatic, the 48381 for a quartz chronograph at a manageable 43 mm, and the 8941 or 8932 for smaller wrists. If water resistance is your priority, the 3049 is the only 300 m reference in our lineup.
Watches we recommend
Frequently asked questions
Is the Invicta Pro Diver 8928OB automatic?
Yes. The 8928OB uses the NH35A, a Japanese automatic movement that winds from wrist motion, can be wound by hand and hacks. It has a 40 mm 23k gold-plated stainless steel case, a blue dial, mineral crystal, a screw-down crown and 200 m water resistance.
What is the difference between the Invicta 8928 and 8928OB?
Both are 40 mm Pro Divers with the NH35A automatic movement, a blue dial, 20 mm lug width, a date, mineral crystal and 200 m water resistance. The 8928 combines 23k gold-plated and silver-tone stainless steel and is listed at 13 mm thick; the 8928OB is 23k gold-plated stainless steel throughout and listed at 12 mm.
Can you dive with an Invicta Pro Diver?
It depends on the reference. Listings for the 200 m 8929OB, 35719 and 0077 mention diving, and the 3049 is rated 300 m. The listings for the 100 m 48381 and 8941 say they're fine for swimming and snorkeling but not for diving, so check the exact reference.
Does the Invicta Pro Diver automatic have a sapphire crystal?
Most NH35A Pro Divers in our catalog use mineral crystal. The 3049 lists an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, but its listing text also mentions a flame-fusion crystal, so confirm on the product page. The 0077 quartz chronograph lists synthetic sapphire.
About the author
Serdar D.Watch Editor
View profileSerdar D. is the editor at BraveryWatch. He believes a good watch should be not just expensive but right. He gets deep into the details, then turns them into something that is genuinely a pleasure to read. He gives relaxed, useful advice through the eyes of someone who truly cares about watches.
