Invicta and Seiko are both well known names among watch enthusiasts. Both of them are over a century old and have carved out unique identities for themselves.
Seiko is a Japanese watchmaker with a long and rich history of manufacturing top-quality watches and pioneering new technology in the industry. Seiko is credited with making the world’s first quartz movement watch, the Astron line, which is still in production today.
Invicta, on the other hand, is a US-owned watch company with Swiss origins committed to making fashionable watches available to the masses at affordable price tags. It is widely recognized for its models with bold designs and large, eye-catching watch cases.
To examine the distinctions between Invicta and Seiko, we will be taking key metrics like brand positioning, pricing, long-term value retention, design, and movements into account while comparing two popular entry-level models—the Seiko Series 5 SNK375K1 and Invicta 9094OBXL
Key Takeaways
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Seiko and Invicta are both well-established and reputable forces iin the watch space.
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Seiko prides itself on making top-quality watches with in-house components made under strict quality control and high standards.
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Invicta looks to provide the common man with quality timekeeping choices. Prioritizing fashion and aesthetics over long-term durability
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Weighing both companies on the scales of branding, pricing, value retention, durability, and movements, Seiko is the unchallenged victor of the two.
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The gap between the two of them is further widened by Seiko’s commitment to developing innovative technology, as seen with the Hardlex and Spring Drive features.
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Check out both our collections of Invicta and Seiko watches to make your pick today.
Invicta and Seiko: Head-to-Head
Before we proceed to a model-specific comparison, the table below provides a concise summary of the differences between Invicta and Seiko.
Features |
Seiko |
Invicta |
Price |
$200-$1,500 Higher-end collections cost a lot more, with Grand Seiko pieces going for well above $5,000 |
$50-$500 |
Brand Positioning |
Respected heritage known for strict quality control and innovations Caters to a wide audience. |
Caters to the needs of individuals looking for reliable, fashionable and budget-friendly watches |
Design |
Varies according to collection. Ranging from sporty and techy to classy and elegant |
Statement pieces with bold designs and large, eye-catching cases |
Movement |
In-house made Quartz, Automatic or Mechanical movements |
Quartz and Automatic movements |
Brand Positioning
Invicta and Seiko have carved out very distinct reputations for themselves over the years. Both of them have grown to develop brand stories that focus on different target audiences.
Seiko has attained widespread market influence by positioning itself as a versatile and innovative company that offers a wide range of timepieces, from affordable everyday watches to luxury, high-end models. Seiko has also developed a reputation for top-level engineering and adherence to iron-clad quality standards.
Invicta, on the other hand, has revolved its operations and marketing efforts around the core idea of bringing durable, reliable watches with luxury-like designs to the working man at budget-friendly prices.
Pricing
Overall, Seiko is the more expensive option. Although some watches from both of them may fall into the same price bracket, Seiko offers luxury models that far exceed Invicta's price range.
Seiko is a more expensive option that offers entry-level models, like the Seiko SNKK25 Men's 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Bracelet White Dial Watch, which has a modest price tag of $100.
Higher-end models like those in the Grand Seiko collection command price tags above $5000.
Invicta watches are the cheaper option between the two watches, with entry-level models like the Invicta Pro Diver Coin Edge Bezel Black Dial costing around $50.
More equipped models like the Invicta 5735 Men's Subaqua Venom Reserve Orange Dial Black IP Steel Black Rubber Strap Chronograph Dive Watch going for approximately $500.
Pricing Comparison: Seiko Series 5 SNK375K1 Vs. Invicta 9094OBXL
Seiko Series 5 SNK375K1 |
Invicta 9094OBXL |
|
Price |
$114.95 |
$98.80 |
Resale Value |
Could resell for between $70-$90 |
Could resell for around $50 |
Durability and Build Quality
Both Invicta and Seiko watches make watches that are guaranteed to serve for many years, but again, Seiko edges out the competition in terms of long-term durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Seiko watches are known for being top-quality and resilient in harsh conditions. Committed to in-house sourcing and development of component materials, Seiko is able to monitor the quality and craftsmanship that go into making its watches.
Brand-built materials like the Hardlex crystal offer Seiko watches long-term resistance to scratches.
With Invicta, on the other hand, although the company uses highly rated materials like stainless steel and mineral crystals, most of which are outsourced, long-term resistance to wear and tear is known to vary from model to model.
Durability Comparison: Seiko Series 5 SNK375K1 Vs. Invicta 9094OBXL
Seiko Series 5 SNK375K1 |
Invicta 9094OBXL |
|
Water Resistance Rating |
30 meters |
200 meters |
Crown Build |
Push/pull type |
Screw down crown with crown guards |
Watch Face Crystal |
Hardlex |
Mineral |
Case Material |
Stainless Steel |
Stainless Steel |
Band Material |
Stainless Steel |
Stainless Steel |
Design
Invicta and Seiko both make fashionable watches that are guaranteed to add unique touches to your outfit. However, these two brands are known to have different ideas when it comes to aesthetic appeal. The one you prefer based on this metric depends on your individual style.
Invicta is known for its bold, fashion-statement timepieces. It experiments with unconventional color schemes and uses large, oversized bezels and cases to turn heads and command attention.
This daring approach to fashion is showcased in the Invicta 8928OB Men's Coin Edge Bezel Automatic Pro Diver Blue Dial model.
Seiko, on the other hand, offers a wide range of watch designs. From sporty and techy models like the Seiko Men's Chronograph Watch—Core Quartz Grey and Khaki Dial Nylon Strap to classy and elegant models like the Seiko Men's Watch—Essentials Black Dial Grey Titanium Bracelet Quartz. Seiko pays close attention to the finishing details of its watches, making every model an eye-catching masterpiece.
Design Comparison: Seiko Series 5 SNK375K1 Vs. Invicta 9094OBXL
Seiko Series 5 SNK375K1 |
Invicta 9094OBXL |
|
Dial |
Silver-tone hands on a Black dial |
Silver-tone hands on a Blue dial with oversized dot hour markers |
Bezel |
Fixed Bezel |
Unidirectional rotating bezel |
Case Color |
Silver |
Silver |
Case Shape |
Round |
Round |
Movements
Both watches primarily utilize both quartz and automatic movements in their watches, but Seiko offers watches with far superior movements when compared to Invicta.
This is a result of Seiko’s commitment to using in-house-made movements in all its watches. The company uses properly sourced, high-grade materials to make every watch a horological masterpiece with high levels of precision and accuracy.
Invicta, on the other hand, is comfortable outsourcing their watch movements. Some Invicta models and collections even rely on Seiko movements to accurately keep time.
However, sourcing movements and watch components externally makes it difficult for Invicta to maintain a steady level of quality and performance across its collections.
Movement Comparison: Seiko Series 5 SNK375K1 Vs. Invicta 9094OBXL
Seiko Series 5 SNK375K1 |
Invicta 9094OBXL |
|
Movement |
Automatic |
Japanese Automatic manufactured by Seiko |
Features |
Automatic winding with day-date display |
Both automatic and manual winding with a date display |
Jewel |
21 jewels |
24 jewels |
Power Reserve |
Approximately 40 hours |
41 hours |
Accuracy |
-20/+40 seconds per day |
-20/+40 seconds per day |
Unique Brand Technology that Sets Seiko Above Invicta
We’ve already established Seiko as the better of the two, but there’s some more. Seiko has a longstanding tenet of developing and incorporating its own unique and innovative technological features into its watch models. Here are two technologies tailored to Seiko:
Hardlex
In an attempt to offer more scratch resistance than mineral crystal watches without the cost of sapphire crystal watches, Seiko was able to develop its own brand-specific crystal, the Hardlex.
This crystal offers better protection for the watch face than mineral crystals and more impact resistance than sapphire crystals at a fraction of the cost, carving out a name for itself in the struggle for cost-effective and durable watch materials.
Spring Drive Movement
After over 600 prototypes, Seiko was able to merge the accuracy of quartz movements and the lifespan of automatic movements into its own brand-specific Spring-Drive Movement.
This movement offers an incredible accuracy of ±1 second per day while eliminating the need for a battery source. It is powered by the wearer’s wrist motion and a mainspring.
This innovation is mostly used in very high-end Seiko lines like the Grand Seiko and Credor collections.
Top Options from Both Brands Available at MyGiftstop.com
Are you ready to make a purchase now that you can tell the difference between these two brands? The table below gives you a closer look at the best-selling Invicta and Seiko watches available in our store.
Watches |
Features |
Design |
Price |
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Movement |
Perks |
Dial |
Case shape |
Case Material |
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Seiko |
Seiko Unisex Watch - Series 5 Black Dial Silver Stainless Steel Bracelet | SNK375K1 |
Automatic |
Power reserve Date and Day Calendar |
Silver on Black |
Round |
Stainless Steel |
$114.95 |
Seiko Men's Watch - Series 5 Automatic Black Dial Silver Steel Bracelet | SNK063J5 |
Automatic |
Power reserve Date and Day Calendar |
Arabic numerals Silver on Black |
Round |
Stainless Steel |
$126.43 |
|
Seiko Men's Watch - Essentials Quartz White Dial Black Leather Strap | SWR049P1 |
Japanese Quartz |
- |
Roman Numerals Black on White |
Rectangular |
Stainless Steel |
$134.40 |
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Seiko Women's Watch - Essentials Yellow Gold Case Black Leather Strap | SWR054P1 |
Japanese Quartz |
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Roman Numerals Black on White |
Rectangular |
Gold plated Stainless Steel |
$132.94 |
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Seiko 5 Men's 21 Jewel Automatic Watch - Silver Dial Steel Bracelet | SNXS73J1 |
Automatic |
Power reserve Date and Day Calendar |
Silver on White |
Round |
Stainless Steel |
$131.30 |
|
Invicta |
Invicta Men's Stainless Steel Watch - Pro Diver Coin Edge Bezel Black Dial | 8932OB |
Japanese Quartz |
Date Calendar |
Silver on Black |
Round |
Stainless Steel |
$57.47 |
Invicta 30613 Men's Pro Diver Champagne Dial Bracelet Quartz Watch |
Japanese Quartz |
Date Calendar |
White on Champagne |
Round |
Plated Stainless Steel |
$61.65 |
|
Invicta Men's Stainless Steel Quartz Watch - Pro Diver Blue Dial Bracelet | 9204OB |
Japanese Quartz |
Date Calendar |
Silver on Blue |
Round |
Stainless Steel |
$65.00 |
|
Invicta Women's Interchangeable Leather Strap Watch - Baby Lupah MOP Dial | 5168 |
Swiss Quartz |
- |
Silver on Mother of Pearl |
Rectangular |
Stainless Steel |
$50.79 |
|
Invicta 30615 Men's Pro Diver Green Dial Bracelet Quartz Watch |
Japanese Quartz |
Date Calendar |
White on Green |
Round |
Plated Stainless Steel |
$51.95 |
Wrapping Up
It can be hard to make a choice between the two watches—Seiko and Invicta. Seiko is widely regarded as the better option of the two competitors.
They both have a good customer forum and response online, but Seiko edges out Invicta on the grounds of better recognition, long-term value retention, durability, and precision. Their commitment to in-house technological innovations completely settles the contest and cements them in the top spot.
Invicta is, however, still a brilliant choice if you are in the market for a bold, attention-demanding watch while on a budget restriction.